Role of SCADA in Distribution Management Systems - Research Paper Example

The Role off SCADA in Distribution Management Systems Affiliation Introduction The introduction of intelligent distribution equipment that are automated as well as distributed generation has provided insight into the importance of monitoring, analysing, optimizing, and controlling limited supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) values specifically from specific distribution devices. The same has provide light regarding the importance of piggybacking into transmission SCADA systems. SCADA refers to a system that operate with coded signals usually over communications channels in order to deliver remote equipment control. It works through the use of a single communication channel for every remote station. This paper entails an investigation of the role of SCADA in Distribution Management System (DMS) with regard to the way distribution companies are moving more and more to completely automate the supervision and control of substations. The Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) has been known to be highly advanced in the area. Generally, effective distribution network operations give way to better management of power flow throughout a given network as well as optimal sources and loads utilization. DMS system is essential is essential in ensuring effectiveness of distribution system operations through the enhancement of routine monitoring of networks, location of faults and their restoration, as well as facilitating the planning of network requirements besides establishing the foundation for future initiatives. Organizations with SCADA are definitely understood as having computerized systems that allows whatever is happening in other locations outside the organizations to be managed without having to be physically present. Only distributed communication/signal is used. In many case, the automated system signals the central management on anything wrong or regarding any changes in the distant projects being controlled from a centralized location. It does this by utilizing its capacity and technological capability to control a large number of devices simultaneously. Distribution Management Systems Most of the distribution systems and their respective utilities within organizations make use of information technology solutions through outage management systems (OMSs). The OMSs on the other hand use other systems such as Customer information System, Geographical Information System, and Interactive Voice Response Systems. OMSs make use of a network connectivity model or component of the existing distribution system. With the combination of the outage calls locations with the location knowledge of the control device on the network, the management uses a rule engine to sense the outage location (Boys, 2009). The distribution company in this case then charts out restoration activities and dispatches the responsible crew for the same purpose. In the case of scattered workstations, signals are distributed effectively, but a program like SCADA has to be utilized to help with the centralized control and monitoring. Fig. 1 below shows a typical DMS for a distribution company. Role of SCADA in DMSs SCADA operates only with coded signals specifically over communication channels. It does these operations with a core aim of providing the control of remote equipment. This happens with the use of one communication channel for every remote station (Boys, 2009). The control system is combined with a specified data acquisition system through adding coded signals use over the communication channels with the aim of acquiring information regarding the remote equipment status (Boys, 2009). This is specifically done to display or even to record functions. As an industrial control system, SCADA is part of computer based systems, but its systems are distinct from other industrial control systems. In this regard, it combines multiple sites as well as vast distances. It role in DMSs entails process such as industrial process, infrastructure processes, as well as facility-based processes. In the case of the industrial processes, SCADA helps manage data on production, manufacturing, refining, and power generation fabrication. The DMS processes could ran in various modes such as continuous, repetitive, batch, or discrete. The case of SCADA DMS role in infrastructure processes on the other hand could be private or public. Some key roles in this category include treatment and distribution of water, collection and treatment of waste, managing oil/gas pipelines, transmission and distribution of electrical power, as well as the management of data in civil defence siren systems alongside large communication systems. The role of SCADA in DMSs in the case of facility processes also could be in both the public and private sectors thereby managing data on buildings, airports, space stations, and ships (Boys, 2009). SCADA upholds effective management systems by involving a number of subsystems. The major subsystems include remote terminal units, signal to digital data, programmable logic controller, a telemetry system, and human machine interface among others. SCADA system uses the remote terminal unit to initiate connections to sensors and to convert the sensor signals into digital data. Through the remote terminal unit, telemetry hardware that can send digital data and receive it from the supervisory system is used. The remote terminal units have are known to have control capabilities that are fully embedded. Along with all other subunits, the remote terminal unit makes SCADA play a major role in distribution systems (Boys, 2009). SCADA is also found to be an essential tool in environments where electronic communication is used to monitor operational duties instead of using locally initiated monitoring. In this case, operators can position a specified valve for opening or closing through SCADA without having to leave the computer or control station. The SCADA system can as well switch a motor or even a pump on/off. It is also capable of facilitating hand operating status on motors or initiating an automatic mode. In the automatic mode, the computer can effectively communicate, through SCADA, with the equipment. Fig.2 below gives an insight into the basic structure of SCADA as it has been adopted by many distribution companies (Boys, 2009). Fig.2: The Schematic View of a SCADA in a DMS (George, 2011) From Fig.1 the DMS is designed with a combination of various applications for monitoring and controlling the entire distribution network in an efficient and reliable way. Distribution companies like the AADC have installed similar systems that act as decision support systems for assisting the control room as well as field operating personnel to monitor and control the automated distribution system. The key idea behind the movement to completely automate the supervision and control of substations by distribution companies is improve on service reliability and quality. Such distribution companies achieve this by reducing outage, minimizing the outage time, as well as ensuring acceptable voltage and frequency levels among others (George, 2011). SCADA adoption by Distribution Companies Many distribution companies/organizations have increasingly discovered and implemented SCADA in order to enhance the automation and control of their substations. Utility operators, municipalities, and water companies among other can today automate the monitoring, controlling, and synchronization of substations (Centre for Mechatronics and Hybrid Technology Research, 2014). In this regard, the use of SCADA systems allow for reliable measurements mainly from a number of scattered remote sites (Boys, 2009). AADC for instance has been an expert in the automation of its distribution services using SCADA. Through the company’s information system, SCADA make it easy for the company to facilitate its services, organize various tasks, and enhance customer satisfaction. As part of the automation efforts, AADC together with the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) have installed electronic meters, which have automatic meter reading (Lim, 2013). The company’s move to the use the new automated system benefits it through reducing the need for using the old generation plans. The automated distribution system ensures that the company works perfectly with respect to the prevailing demand for services. AADC through SCADA has adopted the use of internet technology. The move to this level has made it possible for the company, among other distribution companies, to minimize on infrastructure costs as well as boost the ease of integration and maintenance. The company’s SCADA system, just like in many other distribution companies, is capable of reporting states in near real-time. In this regard, making an quick move and responding immediately is guaranteed. The system can also make use of the horizontal scale in cloud environment for implementing control algorithms that are more complex than it is practically possible when implemented on the conventional programmable logic controllers (Fast Company & Inc., 2015). Conclusion SCADA systems have been very helpful to distribution companies. The system makes it possible for such companies to advance from substation operations to distribution operations. In the case of distribution operations, distribution companies are able to control their operations from a centralized location. In the case of AADC, SCADA has been useful in controlling and monitoring the company’s operations from areas. The system can only function effectively by combining both software and hardware components. In the discussion, the importance of SCADA and its role in distribution management systems of various companies within and outside the United Arab Emirate have been proved. The use of computer based systems has been found to be incorporated to facilitate sustainable development regarding the automation of service distribution networks to improve customer services as well as the network reliability. Other than sustainable development and improvement of customer service, the companies employing SCADA have realized several benefits such as minimized operation costs, improved efficiency, as well as enhance quality and quantity. References Boys, W. (2009). Back to Basics: SCADA. Automation TV: Control Global - Control Design. Centre for Mechatronics and Hybrid Technology Research. (2014). Supervisory Control and Data Acquistion (SCADA). Retrieved January 16, 2015, from http://cmht.mcmaster.ca/saskwater/scada.html Fast Company & Inc. (2015). How The "Internet Of Things" Is Turning Cities Into Living Organisms. Retrieved January 16, 2015, from http://www.fastcompany.com/biomimicry/how-the-internet-of-things-is-turning-cities-into-organisms/ George, A. M. (2011). Distribution Management System: DMS Solutioning . Retrieved January 16, 2015, from http://distributionmanagementsystem.blogspot.com/search/label/Distribution%20Automation Lim, V. (2013). Abu Dhabi’s smart metering pilot project. Retrieved January 16, 2015, from http://blogs.terrapinn.com/total-electricity/2013/03/28/abu-dhabis-smart-metering-pilot-project/ Scattolon, W. (2012). Monitoring landfills from afar with SCADA. Retrieved January 15, 2015, from https://haltonrecycles.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/monitoring-landfills-from-afar-with-scada/ Read More