Unlocking the benefits of non-operational data for the maintenance and management of critical substation assets

Many utilities implement substation intelligent electronic device (IED) integration and automation projects. In most cases, the focus is on acquiring real-time operational data for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), automation, protection and control applications. However, non-operational data such as fault records, waveform captures, breaker contact wearing, and transformer conditions is also invaluable data for power system operators and utility engineers. Access to the non-operational data is generally not available from the SCADA system. It usually requires access through IED maintenance ports using native IED vendor software. This paper examines the benefits of using non-operational data in the operation, maintenance and management of substation equipment. It also explores the approaches of integrating non-operational data into substation automation projects. By combining real-time operational data and more productive use of non-operational data, utilities can maximize return on investment in substation automation projects and capital assets.