Case Study

Scope:

Design, engineering, supply, and commissioning of a Substation Automation System for the remote operation of a 33kV unmanned containerized substation.

Background:

Ideally, the power distribution to cater to commercial, residential, and industrial needs requires the construction of conventional substations. However, this approach calls for substantial investments in infrastructure (Capital Expenditure – CapEx) and manpower (Operational Expenditure – OpEx). Skilled personnel were needed for operation, monitoring, and maintenance, thereby contributing to overall operational costs.

Amidst the growing demands of power in urban areas and the obligation to optimize space, the power industry is witnessing a shift towards innovative containerized unmanned substations.

We collaborated with the State utility company to develop a substation automation system for remotely monitoring and controlling a 33kV containerized substation. This enabled monitoring and control from the primary 110kV substation, helping to streamline operations and proactively respond to anomalies remotely.

System Description:

Our system featured redundant Schneider Electric C264 RTUs integrating with Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and MFMs. Additionally, we implemented EcoStruxure™ Power SCADA for remote monitoring and control.

Our Approach:

We established hardwired connections between the RTU’s DI, DO, and AI cards and the existing feeder panel within the 33kV GIS containerized substation. Additionally, network connections were set up to IED devices via a 24-port managed industrial Ethernet switch over IEC 61850. Data gathered by the RTU installed in the 33kV Containerized substation were transmitted via fiber optic medium to the SCADA system located at the 110kV substation.

Both the RTU controller and SCADA server were designed to constantly monitor the essential input signals linked to, promptly raising alarms in the event of abnormalities. They also facilitated remote operation of feeders and breakers offering an operator interface for seamless operation and monitoring via dedicated workstations.

The design and manufacturing specifications followed industrial standards for communication. RTUs at the containerized substation acquired data from MFMs over Modbus protocol and IEDs through IEC 61850 protocol. Communication was established between the RTU and SCADA Central station 12.5kms away through FO. The RTU panel also interfaced with the Load Dispatch Center through IEC 60870-5-104.

The SCADA station included real time data in the form of SLDs with Data Historian, On/Off Status of Breakers, Alarms and Trends.

Result

• The containerized solution reduced space requirements and minimized the need for onsite manpower, leading to cost savings for the customer.
• Industrial-standard communication protocols facilitated seamless data acquisition from IEDs and Metering Systems, ensuring effective communication between the RTU, SCADA central station and Load Dispatch Center.
• Remotely operate the unmanned containerized substation from nearby 110 kV Substation.