- Smart Grid - Home
- Smart Grid Introduction
- What is an Electric Grid?
- Electric Grid Evolution
- What is a Smart Grid?
- Smart Grid - Functions
- Smart Grid - Characteristics
- Smart Grid - Advantages
- Smart Grid - Components
- Smart Grid - Challenges
- Smart Grid Technologies
- Smart Energy Resources
- Power System Automation
- Smart Substations
- Substation Automation
- Smart Grid - Feeder Automation
- Energy Management System
- Smart Grid - FACTS
- HVDC Transmission
- Wide Area Monitoring
- SCADA in Smart Grid
- Smart Grid - DMS
- Smart Grid - OMS
- Volt/VAR Control
- Smart Grid - FMSR
- Smart Grid - HEDT
- Phase Shifting Transformers
- Smart Grid - PHEV
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure
- Smart Meters - Introduction
- Smart Meters - AMI
- Smart Meters - AMIS
- Communication Architecture
- Drivers & Benefits
- Phasor Measurement Unit
- Intelligent Electronic Devices
- Power Quality Management
- Power Quality in Smart Grid
- Power Quality Issues
- Power Quality Monitoring Techniques
- Power Quality Conditioners
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Power Quality Audit
- Smart Grid Communication
- Smart Grid Communication
- Communication Network
- Communication Technologies
- Broadband Over Power Line
- Internet Protocols
- Web Services in Smart Grid
- Cloud Computing
- Multi Agent System Technology
- IP Based Protocols
- Cyber Security
SCADA in Smart Grid
Due to the increasing demand of electricity and technical complexity of the electric grid, we need to integrate many advanced technologies into the grid. This technology empowered electric grid is referred to as smart grid.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is one of the key technologies used in a smart grid. The main functions of SCADA system are to monitor, manage, and optimize the operations of the smart grid which is essential for improving its efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
Read this chapter to learn about SCADA and its importance in smart grid technology.
What is SCADA?
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. It is a computer-based hardware and software system used for collecting and analyzing grid data in real-time.
SCADA is the most popular control system used in a variety of industries to control the processes locally or from a remote location. In smart grids, SCADA is employed for monitoring the power grid in real-time and control the operations from a distant place. Grid operators interact with the grid equipment to control their operations through a human-machine interface (HMI) software. It also provides facilities to record the events in the form of log files for analysis purposes.
A typical SCADA interface in a smart grids control room is depicted in the following image.
Application Areas of SCADA
In smart grid, the application areas of SCADA can be categorized into the following three groups −
- Small SCADA System − This system has a limited number of functions and is used in distribution networks and industrial electrical networks.
- Medium-Size SCADA System − This SCADA system can perform all functions of distribution and sub-transmission networks and selected functions of generation system.
- Large-Sized SCADA System − This SCADA system can perform major sophisticated functions in transmission networks and generation systems.
Components of SCADA System
A typical SCADA system which is employed in smart grids is a combination of hardware and software components. The block diagram of a typical SCADA system used in smart grid is depicted in the following figure.
Each component of the SCADA system is described below −
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
It is also referred to as Man-Machine Interface (MMI). It is a communication medium between the human operators and the control system. The HMI is basically a screen through which the entire system can be monitored and controlled.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
Remote terminal unit or RTU is a microprocessor-based electronic device which is used in the SCADA system to collect data from the grid and transfer this data to a master station using a suitable communication link like fiber optic or microwaves, etc.
RTU basically acts as an interfacing medium between physical system components like sensors and the communication network. In other words, it connects all the remote sensors to the SCADA control system.
It allows grid operators to perform various important functions like remote meter reading, load controlling, information display for consumers, and more.
SCADA Master Station
In SCADA, a SCADA master station is nothing but a high-performance computer used for providing a user interface so that users can perform searching and storage of grid data. It allows users for accessing the server database, accepting the data, and displaying the stored data.
Peripherals
These are the devices connected across the entire grid for real-time monitoring, control, and communication of data. Peripherals of SCADA includes sensors, transducers, receiver modem, routers, etc.
Communication System
It is one of the core components in a SCADA system, as it provides a link between RTUs and SCADA master station for data transfer, supervisory control, and data acquisition.
All these are some major components of a SCADA system used in smart grids. All the above-described components can interact with each other through a LAN network to perform all the time critical functions.
Importance of SCADA in Smart Grid
SCADA system is one of the key components of a smart grid. It is essentially provided in a smart grid for the following purposes −
- To continuously monitor the grid in real-time for detecting potential issues.
- To control and operate the grid components from a remote location.
- To collect the data about grid operations for improving its performance.
- To predict the potential issues to prevent power outages and hence improve the reliability of the system.
- To automate the grid operations and reduce the losses to improve the grid efficiency.
Functions of SCADA in Smart Grid
In a smart grid, SCADA system is used to perform the following important functions −
- Data collection from the sensors and monitoring devices connected across the entire grid.
- Transmission of collected grid data to the SCADA master station.
- Storage and analysis of the grid data to get insights about its performance and conditions.
- Remote monitoring and control of grid operations.
- Detect and notify the grid operators about any fault or abnormality in the grid.
- Make log files of grid operation and generate the reports.
Working of SCADA System
As we already discussed different components of SCADA system and their functions. The detailed working of SCADA system in smart grid is explained here −
Stage 1 − The different sensors and monitoring devices connected across the grid collects the real-time data from the grid.
Stage 2 − Remote terminal units (RTUs) transmit this collected data to the SCADA master station using a communication link like optical fiber.
Stage 3 − The SCADA system analyzes the data to evaluate the system conditions and displays the reports at the HMI screen.
Stage 4 − If there are any issues in the grid, the control room operators send commands back to the RTUs to perform a specific function like switching, adjustment of line parameters, speed regulation of generators, or any other depending on the need.
This is how a SCADA system operates in a smart grid to perform real-time monitoring and control of the grid operations.
Advantages of SCADA System
The use of SCADA system in smart grids results the following major benefits −
- It improves the monitoring and control of the grid operations.
- It enhances the reliability and efficiency of the grid operations.
- It provides high-speed data processing capabilities that allow for faster decision making against issues.
- It enables grid operators to manage and control the entire grid from a remote location.
- It also makes the integration of new technologies and expansion of the grid easier.
Disadvantages of SCADA System
The potential down sides of the SCADA system in smart grid can be as follows −
- The implementation of SCADA in smart grid requires a high initial investment.
- The development, installation, and integration of SCADA system into the smart grid is a technology intensive task.
- For operation and maintenance of the SCADA system requires highly skilled personnel.
- Due to dependence on communication technologies, the SCADA system is vulnerable to cyber-security issues.
Conclusion
SCADA system is an important tool for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the smart grid. It is used in smart grid for real-time monitoring, remote control, automation of grid operations, and data analysis purposes. All these functions are very crucial for managing the modern electric grid.
Now, its time to move to the next chapter and learn about the Distribution Management System (DMS) in Smart Grid.