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INTRODUCTION

SCADA is an acronym that stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA
refers to a system that collects data from various sensors at a factory, plant or in other remote
locations and then sends this data to a central computer which then manages and controls the data

These days sophisticated working environment has become a need of the hour. Analysis of
the following problem would make the need more specific. For example: Central Railways cover
a large and extensive area and efficient operation of such large network is must. Consider that
circuit breaker near remote place has tripped and the supply has been cutoff. The power supply
has to be restored as early as possible so that the route is cleared for the other trains and the smooth
flow of trains is possible.
Hence the question of centralized monitoring and control arises. If the person back in
control room knows the position of circuit breakers and could control it from there itself, the power
is restored quickly and hence disruption of train route is avoided. To achieve this control data is to
be acquired precisely and accurately. Thus the above problem shows us that there is need of
centralized control and monitoring system, which in this age is achieved by using the SCADA
system.
Automation eliminates human errors, while achieving better productivity and optimum
utilization of resources with lesser requirement of time. 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.
There are many parts of a working SCADA system. A SCADA system usually includes
signal hardware (input and output), controllers, networks, user interface (HMI), communications
equipment and software. All together, the term SCADA refers to the entire central system. The
central system usually monitors data from various sensors that are either in close proximity or off
site (sometimes miles away).
There are many parts of a working SCADA system. A SCADA system usually includes
signal hardware (input and output), controllers, networks, user interface (HMI), communications

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equipment and software. All together, the term SCADA refers to the entire central system. The
central system usually monitors data from various sensors that are either in close proximity or off
site (sometimes miles away).

1.1 What is SCADA and its need?

SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION –we more frequently call it

as SCADA. As the name implies SCADA system supervises, acquires and control data received
from a distant data source from the control center. SCADA system is located in the control center
and is operated in the scanning mode, communicating between the CONTROL CENTER and the
REMOTE STATION by means of two-way communication channels. Such a supervisory control
and data acquisition system is intended to facilitate the work of operator by acquiring and
compiling information as well as locating, identifying and reporting faults. On the basis of
information received, the operator makes necessary decisions via the control system he can then
perform different control operations in power stations or influence the processing of the
information acquired. The main task of a modern day power system is to ensure quality and reliable
power at an economic rate. Hence the system is to be updated at a very fast rate (real time
mode/management), which helps to control the complex system effectively without any loss of
time.
1.2 Where is SCADA Used?

You can use SCADA to manage any kind of equipment. Typically, SCADA systems are
used to automate complex industrial processes where human control is impractical — systems
where there are more control factors, and more fast-moving control factors, than human beings
can comfortably manage.
Around the world, SCADA systems control:

 Electric power generation, transmission and distribution: Electric utilities use SCADA
systems to detect current flow and line voltage, to monitor the operation of circuit breakers,
and to take sections of the power grid online or offline.

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 Water and sewage: State and municipal water utilities use SCADA to monitor and
regulate water flow, reservoir levels, pipe pressure and other factors.

 Buildings, facilities and environments: Facility managers use SCADA to control HVAC,
refrigeration units, lighting and entry systems.

 Manufacturing: SCADA systems manage parts inventories for just-in-time

manufacturing, regulate industrial automation and robots, and monitor process and quality
control.

 Mass transit: Transit authorities use SCADA to regulate electricity to subways, trams and
trolley buses; to automate traffic signals for rail systems; to track and locate trains and
buses; and to control railroad crossing gates.

 Traffic signals: SCADA regulates traffic lights, controls traffic flow and detects out-of-
order signals.

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 2.FUNCTIONS OF SCADA

DATA ACQUSITION- Furnishes status information & measurands data to operator

CONTROL - Allows the operator to control the devices e.g. ckt breakers, Xmer, tap changer etc
from a remote centralised location.
DATA PROCESSING - Includes data quality & integrity check, limit check, analog value
processing etc.
TAGGING - Operator identifies any specific device & subjects to specific operating restrictions
to prevent from unauthorized operation
ALARMS - Alerts the operator of unplanned events & undesirable operating conditions in the
order their severity & criticality
LOGGING- Logs all operator entries, alarms &selected entries
TRENDING- Plots measurements on selected scale to give information on the trends e.g. one
minute, one hour etc.
HISTORICAL REPORTING - To save & analyze the historical data for reporting, typically for a
period of 2 or more years & to archive.

2.1 What’s the Value of SCADA to You?

Maybe you work in one of the fields I listed; maybe you don’t. But think about your operations
and all the parameters that affect your bottom-line results:

 Does your equipment need an uninterrupted power supply and/or a controlled temperature
and humidity environment?
 Do you need to know — in real time — the status of many different components and
devices in a large complex system?
 Do you need to measure how changing inputs affect the output of your operations?
 What equipment do you need to control, in real time, from a distance?
 Where are you lacking accurate, real-time data about key processes that affect your
operations?

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2.2 Real-Time Monitoring and Control Increases Efficiency and Maximizes
Profitability

Ask yourself enough questions like that, and I’m sure you can see where you can apply a
SCADA system in your operations. But I’m equally sure you’re asking “So what?” What you
really want to know is what kind of real-world results can you expect from using SCADA.
Here are few of the things you can do with the information and control capabilities you get from a
SCADA system:

 Access quantitative measurements of important processes, both immediately and over time
 Detect and correct problems as soon as they begin
 Measure trends over time
 Discover and eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies
 Control larger and more complex processes with a smaller, less specialized staff.

A SCADA system gives you the power to fine-tune your knowledge of your systems. You can
place sensors and controls at every critical point in your managed process (and as SCADA
technology improves, you can put sensors in more and more places). As you monitor more things,
you have a more detailed view of your operations — and most important, it’s all in real time.
So even for very complex manufacturing processes, large electrical plants, etc., you can have an
eagle-eye view of every event while it’s happening — and that means you have a knowledge base
from which to correct errors and improve efficiency. With SCADA, you can do more, at less cost,
providing a direct increase in profitability.

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 3.FUNCTIONAL UNITS OF SCADA

Following equipment perform the above functions;

1. Data collection equipment.

2. Data transmission / telemetric equipment.
3. Remote terminal unit.
4. Data loggers.
5. Data presentation equipment.

The figure shown below represents the simplest SCADA configuration employing single
computer;

Display and control

console
Auxiliary memory

Prog. I/O
equipment C.P.U.

Communication interface

RTU RTU RTU

Fig 3.1: Simple SCADA system with single computer

Computer receives data from RTUs via the communication interface. Operators control
base of one or more CRT terminals for display. With this, terminal it is possible to execute
supervisory control commands and request the display of data in alpha numerical formats arranged
by geographical location and of type.
The programming input/output is used for modifying the supervisory software. In the basic
SCADA system, all the programs and the data is stored in the main memory. The more
sophisticated version of SCADA has additional auxiliary memories in the form of magnetic disc
units.

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3.1 TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION CHANNELS BETWEEN THE MASTER
CONTROL CENTRE AND REMOTE CONTROL CENTRE:

Analog Data

Station Check
Trip- Close
Lower-Raise A/D Converter
Data Display Close- Open
Stop - Start

M M
Alaram Annunciator Master Section o o Remote Station Pulse Counter
d d
e e
m m

Analog Data Binary Data

Indication Counted Data
Binary Data
Alarams & Status
Indication

Special Functions Indication

Control & Control
Indication
SCADA
Fig 3.2: Two way communication

Traditionally, the SCADA systems were used for scanning mode, providing data regarding
generating stations, generating units, transformer sub-stations etc. Traditional hard wired SCADA

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systems were arranged to perform several functions to supplement Automatic Control and
Protection Systems.
Now a day’s protective relays, control relays and control systems are used for automatic
control of generating stations and transmission systems along with SCADA. Only initiating
devices may be different or omitted with fully automatic SCADA control. For example, tap
changing may be initiated either by the sub-section control room operator or by the automatic
voltage control relays connected in the protection panel of the transformer.
Controls systems were arranged to keep the values of controlled quantities within target
limits. Protection equipment were arranged for sounding alarms and for tripping circuit-breakers.
With the recent revolution in microprocessor technology, the size, performance and cost of digital
automation systems have become acceptable in commercial installation. SCADA provides
integrated approach to power system protection, operation control and monitoring, automatically
with least intervention of the control room operator.
The microprocessors located in the master station, generating stations, transmission sub-
stations and distribution sub-stations provide control and protection decisions locally where the
data is located. The action is reported to the operator "by exception". The operator retains the
option of taking intervening action of overriding or initiating of his own. All these microprocessor
based systems are connected through the GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM. The functions and
architecture of SCADA system is selected in accordance with the functional requirements and size
of the power system.

3.2 What to Look for in a SCADA RTU

Your SCADA RTUs need to communicate with all your on-site equipment and survive under
the harsh conditions of an industrial environment. Here’s a checklist of things you should expect
from a quality RTU:

 Sufficient capacity to support the equipment at your site … but not more capacity than
you actually will use. At every site, you want an RTU that can support your expected
growth over a reasonable period of time, but it’s simply wasteful to spend your budget on
excess capacity that you won’t use.

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  Rugged construction and ability to withstand extremes of temperature and humidity.
You know how punishing on equipment your sites can be. Keep in mind that your SCADA
system needs to be the most reliable element in your facility.

 Secure, redundant power supply. You need your SCADA system up and working 24/7,
no excuses. Your RTU should support battery power and, ideally, two power inputs.

 Redundant communication ports. Network connectivity is as important to SCADA

operations as a power supply. A secondary serial port or internal modem will keep your
RTU online even if the LAN fails. Plus, RTUs with multiple communication ports easily
support a LAN migration strategy.

 Nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) for storing software and/or firmware. NVRAM retains
data even when power is lost. New firmware can be easily downloaded to NVRAM storage,
often over LAN — so you can keep your RTUs’ capabilities up to date without excessive
site visits.

 Intelligent control. As I noted above, sophisticated SCADA remotes can control local
systems by themselves according to programmed responses to sensor inputs. This isn’t
necessary for every application, but it does come in handy for some users.

 Real-time clock for accurate date/time stamping of reports.

 Watchdog timer to ensure that the RTU restarts after a power failure.

3.3 What to Look for in a SCADA Master?

Your SCADA master should display information in the most useful ways to human operators
and intelligently regulated your managed systems. Here’s a checklist of SCADA master must-
haves:

 Flexible, programmable response to sensor inputs. Look for a system that provides easy
tools for programming soft alarms (reports of complex events that track combinations of
sensor inputs and date/time statements) and soft controls (programmed control responses
to sensor inputs).
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  24/7, automatic pager and email notification. There’s no need to pay personnel to watch
a board 24 hours a day. If equipment needs human attention, the SCADA master can
automatically page or email directly to repair technicians.

 Detailed information display. You want a system that displays reports in plain English,
with a complete description of what activity is happening and how you can manage it.

 Nuisance alarm filtering. Nuisance alarms desensitize your staff to alarm reports, and
they start to believe that all alarms are nonessential alarms. Eventually they stop responding
even to critical alarms. Look for a SCADA master that includes tools to filter out nuisance
alarms.

 Expansion capability. A SCADA system is a longterm investment that will last for as long
as 10 to 15 years. So you need to make sure it will support your future growth for up to 15
years.

 Redundant, geodiverse backup. The best SCADA systems support multiple backup
masters, in separate locations.. If the primary SCADA master fails, a second master on the
network automatically takes over, with no interruption of monitoring and control functions.

 Support for multiple protocols and equipment types. Early SCADA systems were built
on closed, proprietary protocols. Single-vendor solutions aren’t a great idea — vendors
sometimes drop support for their products or even just go out of business. Support for
multiple open protocols safeguards your SCADA system against unplanned obsolescence.

The SCADA RTU is a (hopefully) small ruggedized computer which provides intelligence in
the field, and allows the central SCADA master to communicate with the field instruments. It is a
standalone data acquisition and control unit. Its function is to control process equipment at the
remote site, acquire data from the equipment, and transfer the data back to the central SCADA
system.
There are two basic types of RTU - the "single board RTU" which is compact, and contains all
I/O on a single board, and the "modular RTU" which has a separate CPU module, and can have

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other modules added, normally by plugging into a common "backplane" (a bit like a PC
motherboard and plug in peripheral cards).
A typical single board RTU.
The single board RTU normally has fixed I/O e.g. 16 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, 8
analogue inputs, and say 4 analogue outputs. It is normally not possible to expand its capability.
The modular RTU is designed to be expanded by adding additional modules. Typical modules may
be a 8 analog in module, a 8 digital out module. Some specialized modules such as a GPS time
stamp module may be available.

3.4 Hardware functionality in an RTU

The SCADA RTU is a small ruggedized computer. It has the following hardware features:

 CPU and volatile memory.

 Nonvolatile memory for storing programs and data.
 Communications capability either through serial port(s) or sometimes with an on board
modem.
 Secure Power supply (with battery backup).
 Watchdog timer (to ensure the RTU restarts if something fails).
 Electrical protection against "spikes".
 I/O interfaces to DI/DO/AI/AO's.

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 Real time clock.

Fig 3.4: Software functionality in an RTU.

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 4.HEIRARCHICAL STRUCTURE OF SCADA

National Control Centre

Regional control centre Regional control centre

Regional control centre

State Board control centre State Board control centre State Board control centre

Fig 4.1: Heirarchical structure

4.1 STATE ESTIMATION:

The prime interest of the power system managers is the economic way of operating the grid,
which is economic load dispatch. For economic operation of grid we must fulfill the following
criteria’s:
 Optimize the low cost/unit generation and minimize the high cost generation
 Optimal loading of all EHV lines within permissible limits
 Cost evaluation of generation on penalty factor base
It is the foremost duty of the load dispatcher to run the grid in steady state which is normal and
healthy state of the grid through which easy monitoring and security of the grid is achieved. This
evaluation is only possible with specialized software packages which need the real time data

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 5.FEATURES OF SCADA

Tracker Option:
This feature provides collection and storage of variety pertaining to the serialized items
such as time stamps, quality measurements, temperature, humidity, pressure, sub- assembly part
number etc. through various automated sensors and readers like bar code readers, radio frequency
tags, and mechanical tag based system. This information is used for over viewing the flow of
serialized items and the location of materials through the system which helps in isolating the
defective items from the perfect ones. For example boxes or containers over a specified weight
limit may be routed to different storage area
Simulator option:
SCADA system contains in it the simulator option, which allows the operator to have a
hand-on experience in dealing with the day-to-day problem occurring in the plant by creating the
environs similar to that of the main process. The operators can be trained in this artificial fault
environment, which helps in understanding the plant operation in better version.
Data import/export function:
This feature allows the transfer of all the point configuration data via a ‘comma separated
variable’ file. Points are the representation of actual field parameters; these are the variables in
which the actual incoming data is stored. Similarly point configuration can be sent to other SCADA
system for their use over there. This is made possible through data import/export facility. Data
management is possible using MS EXCEL, MS ACCESS etc.
Flexibility:
This feature provides tools by which an existing system could be tailored according to the
changes taking place. Thus the user can mound the system according to the demands thus making
it more flexible.
Forecasting:
Forecasting is the ability to predict future state of the system by studying previously
collected data. Forecasting feature of SCADA system allows the operator to visualize the state of
the system well in advance, hence the operator has enough time to manage the system properly.
This feature of SCADA finds a huge application in Energy Management System.

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Job Management:
Using SCADA all the tasks can be properly sequenced and executed to allow the most
efficient task scheduling for proper utilization of man and machinery of plant. Thus ensuring the
most optimum utilization of the resources. And hence, the conformance to international standards
of safety and security of the plant and personnel is also ensured.

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 6.SECURITY OF SYSTEM OFFERED BY SCADA

In the age of automated systems, security, reliability and availability of data is top priority
of any computer based automated system. Small loss of data in such system can cause havoc and
may bring a system to a standstill.
SCADA ensures a high degree of security. 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. The
system shall by all means remain in the state of normal operation by means of fast acting control
systems following a contingency and without having a system to go into an emergency state.
Continuous monitoring of security and appropriate corrective action for improving security is
called security control. System security analysis is generally broken down into following three
functions:
 System monitoring: SCADA provides up to date information regarding the condition of the
processes.
 Contingency analysis: Sometimes abnormalities give the operator very less time to react.
SCADA System provides contingency analysis, which consists of action 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 corrective action in
the event of contingency in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the process.

Basic operation:

The RTU will operate scanning its inputs, normally at a fairly fast rate. It may do some
processing such as change of state processing, time stamping of changes, and storage of the data
awaiting polling from the SCADA master. Some RTU's have the ability to initiate reporting to the
SCADA master, although more common is the situation where the SCADA master polls the RTU's
asking for changes. The RTU may do some alarm processing. When polled by the SCADA master,
the RTU must respond to the request, which may be as simple as "give me all your data", to a
complex control function to be executed.

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Small vs. Large

RTU's are specialty devices manufactured often by small suppliers in batches of as little as
one hundred. They are made for niche markets, and at the smaller end can be subject to intense
cost pressures. Therefore not all RTU's support all functionality. Larger RTU's may be capable of
processing hundreds of inputs, and even controlling smaller "sub RTU's". These are obviously
more expensive. The processing power of an RTU ranges from small 8 bit processors with minimal
memory to larger sophisticated RTU's capable of time stamping data to millisecond accuracy.
Some types (sizes) of RTU's are as follows:

 Tiny stand-alone systems that run off batteries for an entire year or more. These systems
log data into EPROM or FLASH ROM and download data when physically accessed by
an operator. Often these systems use single chip processors with minimal memory and
might not be able to handle a sophisticated communications protocol.

 Small stand-alone systems that can power up periodically and apply power to sensors (or
radios) to measure and/or report. Usually run off batteries that are maintained by solar
energy. The batteries are large enough to maintain operation for at least 4 months during
the darkness of the winter in the far northern hemisphere. These systems generally have
enough capability for a much more complex communications scheme.

 Medium systems. Dedicated single board industrial computers, including IBM-PC or

compatible computers either in desk-top enclosures or industrial configurations such as
VME, MultiBus, STD bus, PC104 etc.

 Large systems. Complete Plant control with all the bells and whistles. These are usually
in Distributed Control systems in Plants, etc. and often communicate over high speed
LANS. Timing may be very critical.

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Standards

As indicated RTU's are specialty devices. There has been a lack of standards, especially in the
communications area, and generally RTU's from one supplier cannot be mixed with RTU's from
another supplier. An industry has grown up developing protocol converters and emulators.
Recently some standards have begun to emerge for RTU's. Some standards are

 DNPs and IEC870 for communications

 IEC1131-3 for programming RTU's.

PLC's vs. RTU's

A PLC (programmable logic controller) is a small industrial computer which originally

replaced relay logic. It had inputs and outputs similar to those an RTU has. It contained a program
which executed a loop, scanning the inputs and taking actions based on these inputs. Originally
the PLC had no communications capability, but they began to be used in situations where
communications was a desirable feature. So communications modules were developed for PLC's,
supporting Ethernet (for use in distributed control systems) and the Modbus communications
protocol for use over dedicated (wire) links. As time goes on we will see PLC's support more
sophisticated communications protocols.
RTU's have always been used in situations where the communications are more difficult, and the
RTU's strength was its ability to handle difficult communications. RTU's originally had poor
programmability in comparison to PLC's. As time has gone on, the programmability of the RTU
has increased.
We are seeing the merging of RTU's and PLC's, but it will be a long time (if ever) before the
distinction disappears.

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 7. SPECIFICATIONS OF SCADA

 Temperature ratings for your application e.g. -10 to 65 degree cent.

 Relative humidity 0 to 95% noncondensing.
 Dust, vibration, rain, salt and fog protection.
 Electrical noise immunity.
 Physical size - make sure it will fit in your site.
 Power consumption.
 I/O capability and capacity. Always allow some spare (say 10-20%). Don't ask for AO if
you don't need it. Look at the accuracy of analogs, and the type of signal digitals are
expecting. e.g. 0-5v, etc.
 Programmability and configurability (Look at IEC1131-3 for programmability.
 Diagnostics - local and remote.
 Communications capability including support for radio, PSTN, landline, microwave,
satellite, X.25. Remember use of PSTN implies the RTU will timestamp and store the
data while it is not connected, and that the SCADA master can dial up, accept this
backlog of data, and backfill its database with this historical data (including trend files).
Also consider how alarms are to be handled with PSTN.
 Communications protocols. Consider standard protocols such as DNP3, IEC870, and
MMS instead of proprietary protocols.
 Supported functionality - e.g. time stamping, memory capacity to store data in the event
of loss of communications, ability to do calculations.
 Look at support for peer to peer communications including store and forward capability if
communications are difficult (esp. radio).
 Look at data rates supported (1200 baud FSK, or 9600 baud data radio).
 You may require additional serial ports especially to interface with PLC's.
 Your SCADA master must support all of the RTU functionality especially time stamping
of analog data, and the communications protocols.
 Ensure if you want time stamped data, the RTU can time stamp to the required accuracy.
The standard in the electricity industry appears to be 1 millisecond accuracy and this is
not achievable without fast processors and an accurate time signal e.g. from GPS.

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 Maximum addressability (e.g. max of 255 RTU's).
 Clear local indication of diagnostics.
 Compatibility checks of software configuration vs. actual hardware
 Log kept of all errors. Remote access to these logs.
 Software filtering of analog input channels.

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 8. WIRELESS SCADA

Wireless media can also be a communication medium for the master unit and the remote unit.
Systems using this type of media are termed "wireless SCADA systems." A few examples of
wireless media are explained below.

 Spread Spectrum Radio - The frequency band for this is 900 MHz to 5.8GHz and is free
for general pubic use. Spread spectrum radio modems are used to ensure efficient network
communication.
 Microwave Radio - In this case signals are transmitted at high frequencies using parabolic
dishes installed on towers or on the tops of buildings. However, one disadvantage of this
communication is that transmission may get interrupted due to misalignment and/or
atmospheric conditions.
 VHF/UHF Radio - This is an electromagnetic transmission with frequencies of 175MHz-
450MGz-900MHz. Special antennas are required to receive these signals.

8.1 Benefits of a Wireless SCADA system

A perfectly designed wireless SCADA system offers the following benefits:

 Monitors in real time

 Minimizes the operational costs
 Provides direct information of system performance
 Improves system efficiency and performance
 Increases equipment life
 Reduces labor costs required for troubleshooting or servicing the equipment
 Automated report generation reduces errors in calculations and interpretations
 Uses advanced technologies

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 9. ADVANTAGES OF SCADA SYSTEM
 Flexible
 Simple
 Reliable
 Efficient with fewer work forces
 Security
 Self-checking
 Readability, Portable and cost efficient
 The SCADA systems can be applied in the following areas -Inside power plant, on power
plant, Industrial establishment. Load dispatch center, Railways
.

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