Integration of non-UCA devices into UCA networks [substation automation]

Microprocessor-based devices have radically changed how modern substations are designed, operated and maintained. Substation integration is a means to maximize the benefits of these multi-functional devices. These IEDs do not necessarily have the capabilities to interoperate with each other. The goal of the UCA2 effort is to address the issue of interoperability of different vendor IEDs in substation integration projects. There is now a growing list of vendors that can supply UCA2 compliant products. There is nevertheless a very large number of legacy devices that will be in-service for a long time that need to be integrated into UCA2 based systems as well as new and future devices that will not directly support UCA2 due to costs and complexity constraints. This is a summary paper for a panel session to discuss the integration of legacy devices into a UCA2 based network by using a gateway. It will provide a very basic overview of the UCA2 effort. The presentation will include examples of modeling legacy devices using a UCA2 gateway. Advantages and disadvantages to using a gateway will also be discussed.