Implementation and field experience of a national energy control system

A description is given of the National Control System of Electricidade de Portugal, a two-tier scheme which comprises nine control centers and 60 remote terminal units. This system became operational in 1988. Experience in the energy management system industry shows that projects of this nature have certain requirements in several areas for a smooth completion. These areas include specification of the system, design and application of the purchased product, and the procurement of the system. The authors review the way in which these requirements were addressed in the National Control System Project. Further, the potential areas for functional expansion of the system, the associated technology, and the ease of expansion due to the open nature of the system are discussed.<>