Innovations in control center design

The history of computer-based control centers for power system operation has been marked by important innovations in the design and implementation of hardware and software functions. The author highlights the significance of these innovations with respect to their impact on the functionality of power system control centers. The author starts out with a brief explanation of the concept of functionality as the primary criterion for the design and performance of a control center. The author points out that in the development of a control center the utility as well as the supplier should be open to new ideas and to new techniques which could improve functionality. Examples are presented of innovations which have been successfully placed in service in control centers. Innovations which are currently being introduced are identified. Recommendations are offered for innovations which would improve energy management system design