Substation Automation Techniques and Future Trends

This article analyzes the automation techniques presently adopted for the control, monitoring and protection of the medium voltage substations in the Abu Dhabi Electricity Network. The innovations in information technology (IT) and high speed communications have changed the way we operate and maintain the substations. Clusters of multi-core cabling and multitude of cubicles are now replaced by state-of art electro magnetic interference (EMI) retardant fiber optic cabling, intelligent electronic devices (IED´s) and a few processor desks. This article elaborates on the function of intelligent electronic devices (IED´s) at the bay levels and how and what information is extracted from the field equipment. The role of front end controllers at the substation level forming the brain of the whole process is also described. There are also numbers of accessories forming the backbone of the station level communication and required for execution of remote control and monitoring from the Distribution Management Centre (DMC) located remotely from the substations. Despite the advances in computer systems, substation automation components supplied from different vendors are not fully compatible. Therefore it was needed to develop a standard for interoperability of various automation devices which has lead to the evolution of the IEC 61850 standard. Abu Dhabi Electricity Network has no hesitation in adopting the same by specifying only 61850 compliant products in future automated substations.