IP communication for substation automation, distribution automation, and other utility applications - A business case

Internet protocol (IP) has naturally found its way beyond the IT industry. For the utility industry, applications such as substation automation, distribution automation, and others, require communications. An important consideration is the diversity of various applications and the demands each places on an underlying communication network. In the past, substation or distribution automation has depended on proprietary communications. However, IP based communication solutions are non-proprietary and capable of supporting multiple applications simultaneously over the same network. IP technology advancements coupled with increased acceptance of IP have reduced costs to where it may be possible to demonstrate a clear business case for migrating to IP. This paper presents various IP technologies suitable for substation and distribution automation applications. It also provides perspectives on evaluating the benefits and presents a business case analysis. The business case includes tables and graphs to illustrate the case for migrating to IP.