TOPIC

Supervisory Control and data acquisition

System

AUTHORS
S. Satish Reddy
P.Srikanth
Guru Nanak Engineering College,
Ibrahimpatnam, RR District – 501 506.
satish_reddy2916@yahoo.com
ph# 55297739
B.Leela Krishana
St.Mary’s College Of Engineering,
Deshmukhi.
 Abstract

Today is the age of automation and centralized control of processes, where the emphasis
is more and more towards coalescing of techniques to form a unified entity that can
support itself without much intervention from external agents. With innovative and
creative bent of mind, man comes out with solution for every problem. SCADA is a
revolutionary development in automatic monitoring and control of processes that has
replaced the classical methods of controlling the distribution systems, generation of
electricity, customer information system, engineering analysis etc. It is observed that the
complexities of large inter connected Power Systems has been simplified and the
conventional methods of Power System operation are replaced by an user friendly Man -
Machine interface. This has reduced the labor involved as well as the expenditure of
operating the Power System by proper Energy Management System. . The advantages of
the SCADA system has been very vividly highlighted which forces the modern Power
Systems to opt for SCADA.
Introduction
SCADA is a revolutionary development in automatic monitoring and control of
processes. SCADA’s powerful tools are being increasingly used for centralized control of
remote processes to optimize operation of really complex systems such as automation of
energy distribution systems, generation of electricity, customer information system and
engineering analysis.

Why we need SCADA?

The main task of a modern day power system is to ensure quality and reliable power at an
economic rate. To fulfill this requirement the controlling authority must have an up-to-
date accurate and reliable information of important power stations and EHV sub-stations
under control. Previously information was collected over telephones, tele-metering
devices receivers and log sheets were manually filled, followed by preparation of
operation schedules and then suitable control actions were carried out. Much time was
wasted in first three activities leaving very little time to take corrective decisions.
 SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

Supervisory control is nothing but the ability to exercise control over a specific
device, and to confirm its performance in accordance with the directed action. Let us
define a supervisory control system as a collection of equipment that will provide an
operator at a remote location with enough information to determine the status of a unit
and to cause actions or operations to take place at that facility without being physically
present.

Contemporary SCADA systems exhibit predominantly open-loop control

characteristics and utilize predominantly long distance communications, although some
elements of closed-loop control may also be present. SCADA systems generally cover
larger geographic areas, and rely on a variety of communications systems that are
normally less reliable than a LAN. Closed loop control in this situation is less desirable.
It is used to monitor and control plant or equipment.

Main Functions of SCADA are….

• DATA ACQUISITION
• SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND MONITORING
• ALARMS
• INFORMATION STORAGE AND REPORTS
• DATA PROCESSING
• SECURITY ANALYSIS

DATA ACQUISITION

The primary function of SCADA system is to automatically collect data from the
field using various types of sensors. The data is acquired by means of Current
Transformers, Potential Transformers, Transducers and various other methods.
 There are two basic modes of capture of input data. These are:

• Scheduled Capture, whereby the local units are polled on a regular basis
and all input data are transferred.s

• Change of state capture, whereby only input data which have changed are
transferred.
SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND MONITORING

One of the main functions of SCADA system is to allow the entire process to be
monitored and controlled with graphical user interface. The operator can interact and
supervise a process from the operator console. The continuous monitoring can also
ensure that the system retains its smooth operation by taking protective action. It is up to
the individual specifications set, that decides how much the SCADA controls and
monitors.

ALARMS

All the data scanned by the Central monitoring station is processed so that the
system detects the abnormal conditions and if present alerts the operator in the form of
audio-visual indication thereby calling for the intervention.

INFORMATION STORAGE AND REPORTS

Record-keeping has always been an important task in the operation of electric

systems. Accurate records are necessary to satisfy legal and governmental requirements,
for accounting purpose, for support and forecasting of future system operations, and for
engineering planning purposes.

DATA PROCESSING

Data Processing means a conversion of data from raw form into the form that is useful for
calculation and presentation. Data Processing is responsible for converting Analog values
from raw data to engineering units. It is also responsible for converting digital status
points to a system convention of device states (0-closed, 1-open).
SECURITY ANALYSIS

The system security of any process may be defined as the ability of the system to operate
in normal state even with the occurrence of specified contingencies. System security
analysis is generally broken down into following three functions:

• System monitoring: SCADA provides up to date information regarding the

condition of the process.

• Contingency analysis: Sometimes abnormalities give the operator very

less time to react. SCADA system provides contingency analysis, which consists of
actions to be taken by the operator in advance. Thus it allows the system to operate
defensively.

• Corrective action analysis: It allows the operator to take appropriate

operating action in the event of contingency in order to ensure the smooth functioning
of the process.

Features of SCADA are…

• SIMULATION OPTION
• DATA IMPORT/EXPORT OPTION
• FLEXIBILITY
• FORECASTING
• JOB MANAGEMENT

SIMULATION OPTION

SCADA system contains the simulator option which allows the operator to have a
hand-on experience in dealing with the day to day problems occurring in the plant by
creating the environs similar to that of the main process The operators are trained in this
environment which depicts the same behavior of the plant and helps them, in
understanding the plant operation in better version. The simulation method included in
SCADA allows the testing of new control sequences before they are taken into operation.

DATA IMPORT/EXPORT OPTION

In case of future expansion of the existing SCADA system or for acquiring data
from another SCADA database the import feature allows the transfer of all the point
configuration data via a ‘comma separated variable’ files.

Management of such data is possible using applications such as Microsoft excel

Microsoft access, a text editor, or a database report writer.

FLEXIBILITY

For optimization of any pre-existing system it is very important to possess tools

by which an existing system could be tailored according to the changes taking place.
SCADA has a unique feature which allows the user to mould the system according to the
demands thus making it more flexible. This ensures the plant optimization. Also while
installing a new SCADA system these tools can help in properly meeting the
requirements of the process.

FORECASTING

Forecasting is the ability to predict the future state of a system by studying the
previously collected data. Forecasting feature of SCADA systems allows the operator to
visualize the state of the system well in advance, hence the operator has enough time to
manage the system properly.

JOB MANAGEMENT

The SCADA system can be programmed to do all the functions in the

plant in a proper order. Also the tasks can be properly sequenced and executed to allow
the most efficient task scheduling for proper utilization of man and machinery of the
plant. Thus ensuring the most optimum utilization of the resources. Through proper job
management and thus the conformance to international standards the safety and security
of the plant and the personnel is also ensured.
 WHERE ARE WE HEADING ….

SCADA has found its importance in numerous industrial applications. But its
application related to power industry, especially cutting down transmission and
distribution failures, is of utmost importance.

As for MSEB, the main objectives of the reform measures, which it has taken
up recently, are: reducing T&D losses from 39 per cent to 27 per cent in three years
and again to 16 per cent after three years; quality control of power, assigning
responsibility for energy accounting at various levels; To achieve this landmark,
computerizing the operations; and putting in place a system to collate figures and
information accurately; reducing expenditure, especially by redeploying manpower,
are essential.

Bibliography

1. “STANDARD HADBOOK FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING”

Donald G. Fink and H. waynebeaty
McGraw Hill book company,.

2. “ ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION”

A.S. Pabla
Tata McGraw Hill Publication company LTD, New Delhi.

3. “ THE ROLE OF INTERFACES IN SUPERVISORY SYSTEM”

James W. Evans and Wayne R. Block.