SCADA in Power System: Important points of SCADA

In the present day, computer control is one of the most cost-effective methods for increasing the reliability, efficient operation, intelligent control, and protection of a power system network. With enhanced data collection capabilities, the SCADA system plays an important role in power system operation. Typically, SCADA on the distribution side does more than only acquire data by automating the complete distribution network and enabling remote monitoring, coordination, control, and operation of distribution components, similar to the Smart Grid System.

Before we go into distribution automation using SCADA, let's first define SCADA, how it works, and what it does in the distribution system.

What is SCADA?

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, or simply SCADA, is one of the approaches available for data gathering, monitoring, and control systems that span wide geographic areas. SCADA systems are mainly used to implement monitoring and control systems for equipment or facilities in a variety of industries, including power plants, oil and gas refining, water and waste management, telecommunications, and so on. In this system, measurements are taken at the field or process level at a plant using a number of remote terminal devices, and the data is then sent to the SCADA central host computer, allowing more complete process or manufacturing information to be delivered remotely. This system shows the incoming data on a number of operator screens and sends control commands to the remote terminal units in the process plant.

Components of Typical SCADA Systems

Remote Terminal Units(RTUs)
The RTU is the key element in a SCADA system that communicates directly with the different sensors, meters, and actuators associated with a control system. These RTUs are nothing beyond real-time programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that are responsible for properly converting remote station information to digital form for modem to transmit data and also converts the received signals from master unit in order to control the process equipment through actuators and switchboxes.

Master Terminal Units(MTUs)
A central host server or server is called Master Terminal Unit, commonly known as SCADA center. It interfaces with several RTUs by reading and writing data during scheduled scanning. It also handles control, alarming, and networking with other nodes.

Communication System
The communication network connects central host computer servers, field data interface devices, and control units. The means of communication can be cable, radio, telephone, satellite, or any combination of these.

Operator workstations
These are computer terminals that run standard HMI (Human Machine Interface) software and are networked to a central host computer. These workstations serve as operator terminals, requesting and sending information to the host client computer to monitor and control distant field parameters.

Functions of SCADA System

In simple terms, the SCADA system is a collection of hardware and software components that enable production units execute specified activities. Some of the key functions include.

• Monitor and collect data in real-time.
• To engage with field devices and control stations using the Human Machine Interface (HMI).
• To archive system events in a log file.
  
• To control industrial operations electronically.
• Information Storage and Reports

Advantages of SCADA in power system 

1. By recognition of faults the equipment damage can be avoided.

2. The distribution network is continuously monitored and controlled from remote places.

3. Reduces labor costs by removing the manual operation of distribution systems.

4. Reduce outage time by implementing system-wide monitoring and initiating alarms to handle problems easily.

5. Improves service continuity by momentarily restoring service after the incidence of faults.

6. Automatically enhances the voltage profile through power factor correction and VAR control

7. Provides various viewpoints on historical data.

Reduces labor costs by lowering the manpower needed for meter readings.

SCADA Software

As previously said, SCADA software plays an important part in the whole process analysis. Several large manufacturing enterprises work exclusively with SCADA software. Several factors must be considered before SCADA software has been selected and implemented.

• Software lifetime: Because you will be investing a significant amount of money in software, it is always best to ensure that the program will last for 5 to 10 years.

• Historian software: The term historian refers to software that saves data with timestamps for future reference. So, your software should be capable of handling and logging field data.

• SCADA technology: As we all know, technology keeps improving to fulfill our requirements. When you use technology, it doesn't mean that you constantly have to employ the latest technology that comes out in the market. Rather, you should choose a technology that will remain reliable and secure for a long period.

• Alarm management: Almost every SCADA system includes an alarming capability that comes with software development. The configuration of the alarm is essential. Alarm systems are classified into two types: system-defined alarms (controlled by the system) and user-defined alarms (managed by the user).

• Request for information: It is a business concept that specifies information about vendors and providers. If you buy software from a specific provider, he or she should be able to provide technical support as needed.

Let's look at software developed by major players in the industry.

InTouch, Wanderware
InTouch, one of the largest SCADA suppliers on the market, comes from Wonderware, which is currently owned by Schneider Electric. Wonderware is relatively new on the market, however it is rapidly gaining popularity. The Wonderware system platform is a SCADA system with various "plug-and-play" components that are modular and very adaptable. If you choose this SCADA software, you can easily customize it to meet your needs due to its versatility. The advantage of In Touch is that it employs open communication standards and is compatible with the majority of PLC systems.

Citect SCADA, Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric produced a compact, adaptable, and dependable SCADA software. Vijeo Citect (version 7.10) is their most recent product release. Citect SCADA is still one of the most extensively used SCADA technologies, and you must learn about this platform as a SCADA developer. It has actually become one of Wonderware's SCADA alternatives.

Experion SCADA, Honeywell
Honeywell is widely utilized in PLC systems (especially in the United States). They are also an important brand in the SCADA sector, offering a software platform for developing SCADA and HMI software systems. We can utilize their software as a standalone SCADA scheme or in conjunction with Honeywell's PLC platform (for example, the C200 and C300 platforms) and RTUs such as the Control Edge RTU.

iFIX, General Electric
General Electric (GE) is one of the world's leading industrial companies and a major player in the SCADA market. IFIX is one of their software solutions, and it is an extremely adaptable SCADA system. The advantage of adopting iFIX is its ability to create displays rapidly with HTML5. Another reason is the numerous drivers that let you to create networked and distributed systems, allowing you to connect and share data with most modern PLCs. GE also manufactures its own branded PLCs, although a GE SCADA system does not require these PLCs to function properly.

Ignition, Inductive Automation
Ignition is a SCADA system that fully utilizes the current IoT architecture. Ignition from Induction Automation is an excellent choice if you want a system that is up to date on all Industry 4.0 standards and procedures. 

SIMATIC WinCC V7, Siemens
Siemens' SCADA system, known as "WinCC," has been around for many years. Siemens is a major players in the PLC and SCADA industries, and many organizations use their platform. Siemens is a large corporation that has evolved its PLC and SCADA platforms over the years to incorporate contemporary technologies.

SCADA Applications

SCADA has made extensive use of properties such as adaptability, dependability, and scalability in the automation of challenging systems. There are numerous real-world examples where SCADA has been demonstrated effective in offering surveillance and control alternatives across a wide range of industries, from energy production to agricultural systems. SCADA is widely utilized in a variety of applications, including chemical, gas, water, communications, and power systems.

Manufacturing Units
SCADA systems are used to regulate industrial automation and robots while also monitoring processes and quality control.

Water, Waste Water, and Sewage system
State and municipal water utilities employ SCADA to monitor and manage water flow, tank levels, pipe pressure, and other variables.

Mass transportation and railway traction

Transit officials utilize SCADA to regulate electricity for subways, trams, and trolley buses; automate railway traffic signals; monitor and identify trains and buses; and control railway crossing doors.

Buildings, Facilities, and Environment

Facility managers utilize SCADA to control HVAC, cooling, lighting, and entry facilities.

Forestry, Pulp, and Paper Industries

SCADA systems are widely used in the forestry, pulp, and paper sectors. SCADA has numerous applications in the industry, including automation and process control, energy management, drive control, power protection, enclosure systems, and safety.

SCADA in Power System

Electrical utilities use SCADA systems to detect current flow and line voltage, monitor circuit breaker operation (for example, a vacuum circuit breaker or an SF6 circuit breaker), and control areas of the power grid either on or off.

The majority of operational checks at thermal power stations are automated. However, manual action may be required at times. The plant is thus designed with monitoring and alarm systems that notify plant operators when specific operational parameters change significantly from their standard range. The demand for better dependability and effectiveness in thermal power plants is getting higher. 

The power plant must be inspected and tracked on an ongoing basis after periodic intervals. When human personnel measure at several stages, there is a possibility of error. Automation is necessary to increase power plant reliability and overall efficiency. Automation is established through the use of PLC and SCADA, which reduces human errors. The SCADA system is used to supervise a whole process.