APPLICATION OF SCADA IN

ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM

NETWORK
Getachew Biru (Dr.-Ing.)
Assoc. Professor
Outline
1. Introduction
2. SCADA Functions
3. SCADA System
Introduction
• The SCADA stands for Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition.
Introduction
• SCADA is an important part of the Smart Grid
• SCADA system is used to control geographically
distributed processes, which are often scattered
over thousands of kilometers and where
centralized data acquisition and control is
necessary to perform system operation.
Introduction
• SCADA is a means of controlling from remote
location by using communication technology.
• It is used to collect data and control processes
at the supervisory level.
• To monitor and control the automation system,
the SCADA collects data from the system and
issue commands accordingly.
Introduction
• By using sensors (discrete or analog) and
control relays, the SCADA collects information
about processes and control individual
equipment.
• The system is supervised by a SCADA master
station which collects data from monitoring
devices and issues controls accordingly (either
automatically or at the request of human
operators).
SCADA Functions
The functions of SCADA are discussed below.
• Data Acquisition: Since SCADA system
monitors a large unit or network having
various equipments, it collects information
from hundreds or thousands of sensors (Wide
area monitoring).
SCADA System and its Functions

• Data Communication: In supervisory control, it

is required to monitor multiple systems from a
central location, so a communication network is
required to transport all the data collected from
sensors.
SCADA Functions

• Supervision: Computer analyze, monitor the

conditions and status of the power system
using this acquired data.
SCADA Functions
• Data Presentation: The data presentation or
display in SCADA system is mostly in visual or
audio form.
• A SCADA system interacts with human
operators through work station computers.
• The master station continuously monitors all
sensors and alerts the operator by visual
display or sound.
SCADA Functions
• Control: Control refers to sending command
messages to a device to operate the power-system
devices.
• Field personnel can also control devices using front-
panel push buttons or a laptop computer.
 12

SCADA System
Can be broken down into 3 categories
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Remote Terminal Units
(RTUs), (IEDs)
• Communications Network
• Control Center
SCADA System

MTU: Master Terminal Unit HMI: Human Machine Interface

RTU: Remote Terminal Unit PLC: Programmable Logic Controller
Field data interface devices: Including RTU and PLC, et al.
A typical SCADA architecture 13
SCADA System
The SCADA system comprises of,
Sensors:
• These are sensors, which can detect continuous
changes in a voltage or current input.
• Some sensors are used to track fluid levels in tanks,
voltage levels in batteries, temperature and other
factors that can be measured in a continuous range of
input.
• Other sensors measure simple events that can be
detected by on-off switch, called a discrete or digital
input. Discrete inputs are used to measure simple
states like whether the equipment is on or off.
SCADA System
The SCADA system comprises of,
• Remote terminal units (RTU): These are small
computerized units deployed in the field at
specific sites and locations. It serves as local
collection points for gathering information from
sensors and delivering commands to control
relays.
SCADA Components
• RTU (remote terminal unit): data acquisition
units located at remote stations
SCADA Components
• An RTU is a control
device typically
installed in a remote
location as part of a
large system.
• The RTU processes
the data and
transmits it to the
central control
system through a
communication link.
 SCADA System
IED (intelligent
electronic devices)
smart sensors/actuators
with intelligence to
acquire data, process it,
and communicate.

IEDs are equipped with advanced computing capabilities, communication

interfaces, and signal-processing algorithms that allow them to perform
complex tasks and make decisions in real-time. They can be used for
functions such as fault detection and isolation, voltage regulation, load
shedding, and data acquisition.
SCADA System

Communications network: It connects the SCADA

master station to the RTU.
Various communication
technologies used:

• Ethernet
• Telephone Line
• Optical Fiber
• Radio/Wireless
• Satellite
SCADA System
• Master Terminal Unit: A server that hosts the
control software that communicates with lower-
level control devices, such as RTUs and
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), over an
ICS network.
• The Master Terminal Unit (MTU) collects and
processes the data from RTU or PLC inputs and
outputs, while the PLC or RTU controls field
devices or a local process.
• In a SCADA system, this is often called a SCADA
server, MTU, or supervisory controller.
SCADA System and its Functions
• HMI (Human Machine Interface): HMI
graphical user interface presents acquired
data from Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) and
Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs).
• It provide visualisation and interaction with
engineers.
 22

Questions

1. Explain basic functions and components of a SCADA.

2. Describe how SCDA can be implemented in the
distribution system, located in your area.
Reference
1. C. Bayliss: Transmission and Distribution of Electrical Engineering
2. A.T. Starr: Generation, Transmission and Utilization of Electrical Power
3. P. I. Freeman: Electric Power Transmission & Distribution
4. Yih-Fang Huang, An Introduction to Smart Electric Power Grid, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE
DAME
5. IRENA, OFF-GRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: STATUS AND
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES, 2015.
6. Xing Wu et al, Research on Microgrid and its Application in China, Energy and Power
Engineering, 171-176, 2013.
7. Karina Garbesi et al, Catalog of DC Appliances and Power Systems , Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720. 2011.