SCADA SYSTEMS

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

WHAT IS SCADA?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
are used for controlling, monitoring, and analyzing industrial
devices and processes. The system consists of both software
and hardware components and enables remote and on-site
gathering of data from the industrial equipment. In that way, it
allows companies to remotely manage industrial sites because
the company can access the equipment’s data and control them
without being on site.
For electrical engineering students, understanding SCADA
systems is vital because SCADA is extensively used in power
generation, transmission, distribution, and grid
management. This discussion covers on the components,
functionality, and SCADA's role in electrical system in
terms of monitoring and control.
WHAT IS A SCADA USED FOR?

This is an industrial control system (ICS) used to monitor and

control infrastructure and processes in industries such as power
generation, water treatment, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
SCADA is essential for large-scale systems where real-time
monitoring and control are critical.
WHAT IS A SCADA USED FOR?
In these industries, SCADA systems provide valuable information
to key stakeholders. They can use the system to improve the
performance of the industrial plants, keep track of the plants’
efficiency and lessen errors and downtime through messages
received from the system.
In today’s industrial advanced world, SCADA systems are
essential for operating industrial plants more efficiently, as they
are much easier and faster in collecting essential data. This
allows for better allocating of resources in many businesses.
A SCADA system connects to many different types of equipment.
It monitors and controls everything from weather sensors and
pumps to power production and motors, depending on what
kind of data is needed.
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
A SCADA system consists of four main system components.
Combined, they ensure that data is transmitted from the
equipment that needs to be monitored and controlled (sensors,
motors, etc.) to an interface where the data can be analyzed and
used for reporting.
The connecting link in the SCADA design are the Programable
Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Remote Terminal Units (RTUs).
These are microcomputers that interact with both the equipment
(also called field devices) on the one hand, and HMIs, which are
Human Machine Interfaces, on the other hand. HMIs are also
referred to as graphical user interfaces.
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
As the illustration shows, the PLCs and RTUs works as local
collection points that send and translates data to the remote or
on-site HMI and send back control commands to the field devices.
The human operators access the data through the HMI, which
can either be cloud-based or based on own servers. The
software interprets and displays the data in an easy-to-
understand matter, so operators quickly and simply can analyze
and react to alarms.
Some SCADA systems also include options for automatic
control actions and an automatic reporting engine for easy-
made reports.
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
The birth of the SCADA
o To understand the origins of SCADA, we must understand the
problems industrial organizations are trying to solve. Before the
concept of SCADA was introduced in the mid-20th century,
many manufacturing floors, industrial plants, and remote sites
relied on personnel to manually control and monitor equipment
via push buttons and analog dials.
o As industrial floors and remote sites began to scale out in
size, solutions were needed to control equipment over long
distances. Industrial organizations started to utilize relays and
timers to provide some level of supervisory control without
having to send people to remote locations to interact with each
device.
The birth of the SCADA
o While relays and timers solved many problems by providing
limited automation functionality, more issues began to arise as
organizations continued to scale out. Relays and timers were
difficult to reconfigure and fault-find, and the control panels took
up racks upon racks of space. A more efficient and fully
automated system of control and monitoring was needed.
o In the early 1950s, computers were first developed and used for
industrial control purposes. Supervisory control began to become
popular among the major utilities, oil and gas pipelines, and
other industrial markets at that time. In the 1960s, telemetry was
established for monitoring, which allowed for automated
communications to transmit measurements and other data from
remotes sites to monitoring equipment.
The birth of the SCADA

o The term “SCADA” was coined in the

early 1970s, and the rise of
microprocessors and PLCs during that
decade increased enterprises’ ability to
monitor and control automated
processes more than ever before.
The evolution of the SCADA
o The first iteration of SCADA started off with mainframe
computers. Networks as we know them today were not available,
and each SCADA system stood on its own. These systems were
what would now be referred to as monolithic SCADA systems.
o In the 80s and 90s, the SCADA field continued to evolve thanks to
smaller computer systems, Local Area Networking (LAN)
technology, and PC-based HMI software. SCADA systems soon
were able to be connected to other similar systems. Many of the
LAN protocols used in these systems were proprietary, which
gave vendors control over optimizing data transfer.
Unfortunately, these systems were incapable of communicating
with systems from other vendors. These systems were called
distributed SCADA systems.
The evolution of the SCADA
o In the 1990s and early 2000s, building upon the distributed
system model, SCADA adopted an incremental change by
embracing an open system architecture and communications
protocols that were not vendor-specific. This iteration of SCADA,
called a networked SCADA system, took advantage of
communications technologies such as Ethernet. Networked
SCADA systems allowed systems from other vendors to
communicate with each other, alleviating the limitations imposed
by older SCADA systems, allowing organizations to connect more
devices to the network.
The evolution of the SCADA
o While SCADA systems have undergone substantial evolutionary
changes, many industrial organizations continue to struggle with
industrial data access at the enterprise level. By the late 1990s
to the early 2000s, a technological boom occurred, and personal
computing and IT technologies accelerated in development.
Structured query language (SQL) databases became the
standard for IT databases but were not adopted by SCADA
developers. This resulted in a rift between the fields of controls
and IT, and SCADA technology became antiquated over time.
The evolution of the SCADA
o Traditional SCADA systems still use proprietary technology to
handle data. Whether it is a data historian, a data connector, or
other means of data transfer, the solution is messy and incredibly
expensive. Modern SCADA systems aim to solve this problem by
leveraging the best of controls and IT technology.
The modern SCADA Systems
o Modern SCADA systems allow real-time data from the plant floor
to be accessed from anywhere in the world. This access to real-
time information allows governments, businesses, and individuals
to make data-driven decisions about how to improve their
processes. Without SCADA software, it would be extremely
difficult if not impossible to gather sufficient data for consistently
well-informed decisions.
o Also, most modern SCADA designer applications have rapid
application development (RAD) capabilities that allow users to
design applications relatively easily, even if they don't have
extensive knowledge of software development.
The modern SCADA Systems
o The introduction of modern IT standards and practices, such as
SQL and web-based applications, into SCADA software has
greatly improved the efficiency, security, productivity, and
reliability of SCADA systems.
o SCADA software that utilizes the power of SQL databases
provides huge advantages over antiquated SCADA software. One
big advantage of using SQL databases with a SCADA system is
that it makes it easier to integrate into existing MES and ERP
systems, allowing data to flow seamlessly through an entire
organization.
o Historical data from a SCADA system can also be logged in a SQL
database, which allows for easier data analysis through data
trending.
The modern SCADA Systems
The modern SCADA Systems
SCADA Software
o Citect SCADA – Schneider Electric
o InTouch – Wonderware
o Experion SCADA – Honeywell
o iFIX – General Electric
o Ignition – Inductive Automation
o SIMATIC WinCC V7 – Siemens
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
SCADA and PLCs can easily be confused when you’re first
learning about control engineering. You will often hear the terms
“PLC” and “SCADA” used within the same breath. Although they
are related, they are distinctly different from one another.
A PLC is a “Programmable Logic Controller”. This is
essentially a ruggedized mini-computer that sits out in the field
within a panel, with a bunch of inputs and outputs leading from
devices in the field into the PLC. The PLC will monitor the state of
these inputs (e.g., the speed of a motor) and, depending on the
program inside, programmatically output various signals to
control these field devices (e.g., stop the motor).
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
SCADA systems sit “on top” of programmable logic controllers.
PLCs are almost always part of a SCADA network and form an
interface between the field and SCADA. The data that is logged
and stored in a SCADA system is typically acquired through
communication with the PLC. The PLC will continue to execute its
program, reading inputs and writing outputs.
The SCADA system is used to keep a log of the historical state of
these inputs and outputs, which can be used for data analysis or
auditing. Programmable logic controllers have a limited capacity
for long-term data storage.
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
Although SCADA systems can be programmed to control certain
aspects of the field, this is usually an unwanted situation. Ideally,
your PLC would run autonomously, able to programmatically
handle any situation it encounters. Due to the complexity of the
real world, this is often not the case. In these cases, operator
input is required for the correct functioning of these semi-
autonomous systems.
Hence, the level of “control” on the SCADA screen (i.e., HMI
software) that the operator interacts with is generally much less
than the control executed by a PLC. Anything that can be easily
programmed into logic (e.g., IF the flow rate exceeds 100 metres
per second, STOP the pump) will be programmed into the PLC.
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
So, SCADA systems are primarily used for monitoring and data
acquisition, with control capabilities used under irregular or
complex circumstances. SCADA allows operators (and control
systems engineers) to see an overview of the plant from a
distance, giving them the ability to respond to any abnormal
states. It should be noted that a SCADA system technically
includes PLCs, which SCADA will communicate with.
A PLC sits in the field and will read field inputs (e.g., conveyor
belt has stopped) and write outputs (e.g., start conveyor belt)
depending on how it is programmed. A PLC forms part of a
SCADA network, asynchronously receiving and executing certain
commands from SCADA (e.g., operator commands to stop the
pump), as well as being read by a SCADA network as a source of
data.
Components of SCADA System
A SCADA system consists of several critical components that work
together to collect data, process it, and provide control
mechanisms. The four main components are:
a) Field Instrumentation (Sensors and Actuators)
b) Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
c) Communication Infrastructure
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Components of SCADA System
a) Field Instrumentation (Sensors and Actuators)
Sensors are used to measure physical parameters such as
voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and flow in the
system.
Actuators such as relays, valves, and switches interact with
the system to perform control actions based on commands
from the SCADA system.
Example in Electrical Systems:
Sensors monitor voltage levels, current flow, and power output in substations.
Actuators may open or close circuit breakers or adjust transformer tap settings
to control power flow.
Components of SCADA System
b) Remote Terminal Units or Programmable Logic
Controllers
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs):

 RTUs are field devices that collect data from sensors and send
control signals to actuators. They are positioned near the
process being monitored and are connected to sensors and
actuators through wired or wireless communication.

 RTUs are designed to handle a harsh environment, operate

remotely, and have minimal maintenance requirements.
Components of SCADA System
b) Remote Terminal Units or Programmable Logic Controllers
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs):

 PLCs are industrial computers used to automate control

processes. They are more commonly used in discrete
manufacturing processes but are also found in SCADA systems.

 PLCs are more powerful and flexible than RTUs, capable of

executing complex control algorithms.
Components of SCADA System
b) Remote Terminal Units or Programmable Logic
Controllers

Example in Electrical Systems:

RTUs in a substation gather data like power factor, voltage, current, and switch
status, then transmit this data to the central SCADA system.
PLCs can automate operations like starting/stopping power generators or
switching power between different grids.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure
 The communication network is the backbone of the SCADA
system, enabling data transmission between RTUs or PLCs
and the central control station.
SCADA communication protocols are designed for real-time data
exchange with minimal latency. Common protocols include:
 Modbus: Used for communication between RTUs and central
systems.
 DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3): Widely used in
electrical utilities.
 IEC 61850: A communication standard for substation
automation in power systems.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure

The communication infrastructure can use:

 Wired networks: Ethernet, fiber optics.
 Wireless networks: Radio, cellular, microwave, or satellite
communications.

Example in Electrical Systems:

In power grids, communication networks transmit real-time data between
substations and the central control center using protocols like DNP3 or IEC
61850.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure
 DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3) is a
communication protocol used primarily in utilities such as
electricity, water, and oil and gas industries for SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. DNP3 is
designed for the reliable transmission of data between
master stations (such as control centers) and remote terminal
units (RTUs) or intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) located in
the field.
 It has become a widely accepted standard for communication
in electric power systems, specifically in substation
automation and grid monitoring, due to its ability to work
efficiently in environments where communication channels
may have long delays or interference.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure
 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850
is an international standard for the design and
communication of automation systems in electrical
substations. It is widely used in substation automation and
smart grid applications, offering a unified, standardized
approach to data communication and control in electric
power systems. Unlike traditional protocols (like DNP3 and
Modbus), IEC 61850 focuses on real-time communication and
provides powerful tools for interoperability among devices
from different manufacturers.
Components of SCADA System
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA Software
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

 The HMI is the user interface that provides operators with

visualizations of the system’s status and allows interaction
with the control system.
 Operators can monitor key performance indicators, issue
control commands, set alarm thresholds, and track trends
over time using graphical interfaces.
Components of SCADA System
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA Software
SCADA Software

 SCADA software runs on a central server and manages data

collection, storage, analysis, and visualization.
 It integrates with databases, logging systems, and event-
handling mechanisms to ensure operators can access
historical data, detect trends, and respond to alarms
efficiently.
Components of SCADA System
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA Software

Example in Electrical Systems:

The HMI displays real-time data from electrical substations, including voltage
levels, power flow, and circuit breaker status. Operators can take action, such as
shedding loads or rerouting power, directly from the HMI.
What kind of data does a SCADA
system collect?
A SCADA system can collect any type of data from plant
equipment, such as temperature, pressure, and speed data,
as long as there is a connection to the equipment. Data from the
equipment is the raw data that the PLCs or RTUs then translate
into comprehensible information for human operators to act
upon.
What is very useful is that a SCADA system typically collects
both live and historical data. Live data is often used for
maintenance purposes as well as real-time tracking. On the other
hand, historical data is often used for reporting and to improve
plants’ performance.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down
into several key tasks:
a) Real-Time Data Acquisition
 SCADA systems continuously collect data from sensors,
meters, and transducers distributed across the network.
These data streams are processed and transmitted to the
central control system, allowing operators to monitor the
system in real time.

Electrical System Example:

Monitoring real-time load flow data in a power grid and adjusting supply to meet
demand.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down
into several key tasks:
b) Data Logging and Historical Data Analysis
 SCADA systems store historical data for future analysis. This
data is used for generating reports, trend analysis, and
performance optimization.

Electrical System Example:

Data logging of transformer loading, voltage profiles, and system losses over
time helps in determining peak demand periods and equipment health.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down
into several key tasks:
c) Alarm Management
 SCADA systems continuously monitor the system for any
abnormal conditions or faults. If a predefined threshold is
exceeded, the system generates alarms to alert operators.

Electrical System Example:

If the voltage drops below a specified limit, the SCADA system triggers an
alarm, prompting operators to take corrective actions to avoid outages.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down
into several key tasks:
d) Remote Control
 One of SCADA's main functions is to remotely control field
devices, such as circuit breakers, transformers, and switches,
from the central control room. This eliminates the need for
manual intervention and reduces response time.

Electrical System Example:

Remote opening or closing of circuit breakers in substations to reconfigure
power flows during fault conditions or grid maintenance.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down
into several key tasks:
e) Supervisory Control
 SCADA systems enable supervisory control of large-scale
systems. Operators can monitor different aspects of the
system and make strategic decisions to optimize
performance.

Electrical System Example:

Controlling voltage regulators to stabilize voltage levels across different parts of
the power grid.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down
into several key tasks:
f) Security Management
 SCADA systems play a role in ensuring cybersecurity and
physical security in industrial environments. Security
mechanisms, such as firewalls, encryption, and user access
control, are integrated to prevent unauthorized access or
attacks on critical infrastructure.

Electrical System Example:

Implementing security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to the control
of high-voltage substations or grid management systems.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
SCADA is essential for the operation of power generation,
transmission, and distribution networks, enabling utilities to
improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain grid stability.
Here’s how SCADA is specifically applied to electrical system
monitoring and control:
1. Power Generation
2. Power Transmission
3. Power Distribution
4. Fault Detection and Isolation
5. Load Management
6. Integration with Smart Grids
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
1. Power Generation
 SCADA systems control power generation plants, including
coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy sources
such as solar and wind.
 Real-time monitoring ensures that the generators are
operating within set parameters (e.g., frequency, voltage).
 Load forecasting data from SCADA helps to optimize the
operation of generation units and manage load dispatch
efficiently.

Example: In a power plant, SCADA controls turbine speed, generator excitation,

and fuel flow based on real-time demand and system conditions.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
2. Power Transmission
 SCADA systems monitor high-voltage transmission lines to
ensure efficient and stable power flow between generation
plants and distribution networks.
 Data such as line voltage, current, power factor, and line
losses are monitored, and corrective actions (e.g., switching
lines, balancing loads) are taken when anomalies are
detected.

Example: If a fault occurs on a transmission line, SCADA can isolate the faulty
section by automatically opening circuit breakers, rerouting power, and
preventing further system damage.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
3. Power Distribution
 SCADA is extensively used in substation automation and
distribution networks to manage power flow and control
equipment like transformers, reclosers, and capacitors.
 Distribution management includes real-time load
management, voltage control, fault detection, and
restoration.

Example: SCADA detects an overload condition in a feeder line and

automatically shifts the load to a parallel line to prevent outages.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
4. Fault Detection and Isolation
 One of the critical roles of SCADA in electrical systems is the
detection and isolation of faults. SCADA monitors circuit
breaker status, relay actions, and fault currents in real-time.
 In case of a fault, SCADA systems initiate automatic switching
operations to isolate the affected portion of the grid,
preventing the fault from spreading and minimizing service
interruptions.

Example: During a short-circuit fault, SCADA isolates the faulted section by

triggering the opening of associated breakers and re-routing power through
unaffected lines.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
5. Load Management
 SCADA plays a role in demand-side management and load
balancing. It helps utilities maintain a balance between power
supply and demand by adjusting load schedules and
managing peak loads.

Example: In a scenario of excess demand, SCADA can initiate load shedding to

prioritize essential services while reducing supply to non-critical loads, ensuring
system stability.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
6. Integration with Smart Grids
 In modern electrical systems, SCADA is integrated with smart
grid technologies, allowing for improved grid automation,
demand response, and renewable energy integration.
 SCADA helps manage distributed energy resources (DERs)
like solar panels and wind turbines by controlling their
connection to the grid and ensuring that their power output
matches grid requirements.

Example: SCADA manages the connection of rooftop solar panels to the grid
and dynamically adjusts the contribution of these resources to stabilize the grid
during fluctuations in solar irradiance.
SCADA Applications
o Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
o Manufacturing Units
o Mass transit and Railway Traction
o Water, Waste-Water Utilities and Sewage
o Buildings, Facilities, and Environments
o Water Security: The Role of the SCADA System
o Thermal Power Plants
o Forestry, Pulp and Paper Industry
Why are SCADA systems used in
the renewable energy sector?
SCADA systems are today used at any wind power plant as they
allow for remote monitoring and control of the wind turbines. As
wind power plants or wind farms have grown in size, it is no longer
possible or favorable to visit every wind turbine to collect data for
monitoring and control purposes.
Why are SCADA systems used in
the renewable energy sector?
Offshore wind parks are also on the rise these years, which means
remote access to the wind turbines becomes even more crucial.
With a SCADA system, a lot of tasks can be performed without
even visiting the wind turbine.

Other renewable power plants such as solar PV (Photovoltaic) or

hydropower plants also rely on SCADA systems to gain remote
access and control. These plants are often placed in remote areas,
where it is both difficult and costly to bring personnel on site.
Why are SCADA systems used in
the renewable energy sector?
Another reason why SCADA systems are so essential in the
renewable energy sector is that SCADA systems enable monitoring
and control of the power production and power production loss.
The demand for electricity from renewable power plants is growing
day by day as the industry moves away from harnessing energy
from fossil fuels to more green alternatives.
The renewable plant owners are thus looking to optimize their
power production as much as possible. Detecting any errors or
under-performance quickly and effectively can be a way to reduce
downtime of, e.g., wind turbines and optimize the overall
performance of the power plant. Controlling the power output is
also an effective way to comply with grid regulations and optimize
the plant’s performance.
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