Potential of Massively Deployed Sensors Applications in Substation Engineering

Sensors, in general, and overall sensor technology have traditionally had a very limited application in substations engineering. With the advent of the modern communications systems, SCADA systems have the potential of transmitting more data. Enormous potential exists to deliver more real time information and data that may increase the security of large substations, switching stations and of the power grid, and give advance warning of incipient problems which may be developing in substation equipment. This paper surveys the major types of available sensors and possible applications on how these may be deployed in the modern, SCADA monitored substations.