Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:14 Page 422

• 24 • Substation Control
and Automation

Introduction 24.1

Topology and functionality 24.2

Hardware implementation 24.3

Communication protocols 24.4

Substation automation functionality 24.5

System configuration and testing 24.6

Examples of substation automation 24.7

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• 24 • Substation Control
and Automation

24.1 INTRODUCTION
The sometimes complex interlocking and sequence
control requirements that are to be found in a
substation of any significant size lend themselves
naturally to the application of automation. These
requirements can be readily expressed in mathematical
logic (truth tables, boolean algebra, etc.) and this branch
of mathematics is well-suited to the application of
computers and associated software. Hence, computers
have been applied to the control of electrical networks
for many years, and examples of them being applied to
substation control/automation were in use in the early
1970’s. The first applications were naturally in the bulk
power transmission field, as a natural extension of a
trend to centralised control rooms for such systems. The
large capital investment in such systems and the
consequences of major system disruption made the cost
of such schemes justifiable. In the last ten years or so,
continuing cost pressures on Utilities and advances in
computing power and software have led to the
application of computers to substation control/
automation on a much wider basis.
This Chapter outlines the current technology and
provides examples of modern practice in the field.

24.2 TOPOLOGY AND FUNCTIONALITY

The topology of a substation control system is the
architecture of the computer system used. The
functionality of such a system is the complete set of
functions that can be implemented in the control system
– but note that a particular substation may only utilise
a subset of the functionality possible.
All computer control systems utilise one of two basic
topologies:
a. centralised
b. distributed
and the basic concepts of each are illustrated in Figure

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24.1. Early examples of substation automation used the I/O may include digital and analogue I/O (for
centralised concept, due to limitations in technology, interfacing to discrete devices such as CB close/trip
both of processor power and communication techniques. circuits, isolator motors, non-microprocessor based
Latest examples use a distributed architecture, in that a protection relays) and communications links (serial
number of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED’s) – such as or parallel as required) to IED’s
microprocessor based relays – may be linked via a
c. Human Machine Interface (HMI). This is the
multidrop serial link to a local processor. The local
principal user interface and would normally take
processor may control one or more bays in a substation.
the form of a computer. The familiar desktop PC is
All of the local processors are, in turn, connected to a
commonly used, but specialised computers are also
Human Machine Interface (or HMI), and possibly also to
possible, while normally unmanned substations
a local or remote SCADA system for overall network
may dispense with a permanently installed HMI
monitoring/control.
and rely on operations/maintenance staff bringing
a portable computer equipped with the appropriate
software with them when attendance is required.
It is usual to also provide one or more printers
Control Centre
linked to the HMI in order to provide hard-copy
records of various kinds (Sequence of Events
recorder, alarm list, etc.)
d. A communications bus or busses, linking the
Substation Control and Automation

various devices. In a new substation, all of the

elements of the automation system will normally
Outstations
use the same bus, or at most two busses,
(a) Centralised topology
to obtain cost-effectiveness. Where a substation
automation system is being retrofitted to an
Outstation
Control
existing substation, it may be necessary to use
Control
centre Outstation existing communications busses to communicate
centre with some existing devices. This can lead to a
multiplicity of communications busses within the
Control
Outstation centre automation system
Outstation
Outstation e. A link to a remote SCADA system. This may be
provided by a dedicated interface unit, be part of
Outstation the HMI computer or part of an IED. It perhaps
(b) Distributed topology may not be provided at all – though since one of
the benefits of substation automation is the
Figure 24.1: Basic substation automation capability of remote control/ monitoring, this
system topologies
would be highly unusual. It may only occur during
a staged development of an automation scheme at
a time when the bay operations are being
• 24 • 24.2.1 System Elements automated but the substation is still manned, prior
to implementing remote control capability
The main system elements in a substation control system
are:
a. IED’s, implementing a specific function or 24.2.3 System Requirements
functions on a circuit or busbar in a substation. A substation control/automation scheme will normally
The most common example of an IED is a be required to possess the following features:
microprocessor based protection relay, but it could
a. control of all substation electrical equipment from
also be a microprocessor based measurement
a central point
device, interface unit to older relays or control, etc.
b. monitoring of all substation electrical equipment
b. Bay Module (or controller). This device will
from a central point
normally contain all of the software required for
the control and interlocking of a single bay (feeder, c. interface to remote SCADA system
etc.) in the substation, and sufficient I/O to
d. control of electrical equipment in a bay locally
interface to all of the required devices required for
measurement/protection/control of the bay. The e. monitoring of electrical equipment in a bay locally

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f. status monitoring of all connected substation control will be possible if the computer fails for any
automation equipment reason. Such a topology is therefore only suited to small
MV substations where the consequences of computer
g. system database management
failure (requiring a visit from a repair crew to remedy)
h. energy management are acceptable. Bay Modules are not used, the software
i. condition monitoring of substation electrical for control and interlocking of each substation bay runs
equipment (switchgear, transformers, relays, IED’s) as part of the HMI computer software.

The system may be required to be fault-tolerant,

implying that redundancy in devices and communication
paths is provided. The extent of fault-tolerance provided SCADA
Master clock
(GPS, radio) Remote HMI
will depend on the size and criticality of the substation interface
to the operator, and the normal manning status
HMI
(manned/ unmanned). Many of the functions may be Internet
executed from a remote location (e.g. a System Control Station bus
Telecontrol or
bus interface
or PSTN
Centre) in addition to the substation itself.
Bus interface Bus interface I/O, devices
Certain of the above functions will be required even in CT, VT

the most elementary application. However, the selection Legacy bus IED's
of the complete set of functions required for a particular
application is essentially the responsibility of the end-

Substation Control and Automation

user (Utility, etc.). Due to a modular, ‘building block’ Computer
IED's
approach to software design, it is relatively easy to add
functionality at a later stage. This often occurs through The HMI, telecontrol interface, and the bus interface could be:
changing operators’ needs and/or electrical network • separate equipment
• integrated into the same PC
development. Compatibility of the underlying database
of network data must be addressed to ensure that
historical data can still be accessed. Figure 24.2: HMI-based hardware topology

24.3.2 RTU-based Topology

24.3 HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION This topology is an enhancement of the HMI topology
and is shown in Figure 24.3. A microprocessor-based
To form a substation control system, the various
RTU is used to host the automation software, freeing the
elements described above must be assembled into some
HMI computer for operator interface duties only. The
form of topology. Three major hardware topologies can
HMI computer can therefore be less powerful and usually
be identified as being commonly used, as follows:
takes the form of a standard PC, or for not-normally-
manned substations, visiting personnel can use a
portable PC.
24.3.1 HMI-based Topology
This takes the form of Figure 24.2. The software to
implement the control/automation functions resides in SCADA
interface • 24 •
the HMI computer and this has direct links to IED’s using HMI
Internet
one or more communications protocols. The link to a or PSTN
remote SCADA system is normally also provided in the Telecontrol or
bus interface
HMI computer, though a separate interface unit may be RTU
provided to offload some of the processor requirements Bus interface
from the HMI computer, especially if a proprietary
communications protocol to the SCADA system is used. Legacy bus
Master clock
(GPS, radio)
For this topology, a powerful HMI computer is clearly IED's
required if large numbers of IED’s are to be
accommodated. In practice, costs usually dictate the use
of a standard PC, and hence there will be limitations on I/O, devices
CT, VT
substation size that it can be applied to because of a
The RTU, telecontrol interface and the bus interface could be:
resulting limit to the number of IED’s that can be • separate equipment
connected. The other important issue is one of reliability • integrated into the same computer

and availability – there is only one computer that can

control the substation and therefore only local manual Figure 24.3: RTU-based topology

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The RTU is purpose designed and can house one or more

powerful microprocessors. A greater number of I/O HMI
computer
points can be accommodated than in the HMI topology,
while the possibility exists of hosting a wider variety of
communication protocols for IED’s and the remote
SCADA connection. Bay Modules are not required, the
associated software for interlocking and control Bay Bay
sequences is part of the RTU software. Modules Modules
Bay Bay
Modules Modules

24.3.3 Decentralised Topology (a) Star connection of bay modules

This topology is illustrated in Figure 24.4. In it, each bay HMI

of the substation is controlled by a Bay Module, which computer

houses the control and interlocking software, interfaces

to the various IED’s required as part of the control and Bay Bay
Modules Modules
protection for the bay, and an interface to the HMI. It is
possible to use an HMI computer to take local control of
an individual bay for commissioning/testing and fault
finding purposes. The amount of data from the various
substation I/O points dictates that a separate SCADA
Substation Control and Automation

Bay Bay
interface unit is provided (often called an RTU or Modules Modules
Gateway), while it is possible to have more than one HMI
computer, the primary one being dedicated to operations (b) Ring connection of Bay Modules

and others for engineering use. Optionally, a remote HMI Figure 24.5: Methods of hardware
computer may be made available via a separate link. It interconnection
is always desirable in such schemes to separate the real-
time operations function from engineering tasks, which
do not have the same time-critical importance. Of course, it is possible to overcome the first problem by
duplicating links and running the links in physically
SCADA separate routes. However, this makes the I/O port
Master clock Remote HMI
interface (GPS, radio) problem worse, while additional design effort is required
HMI in ensuring cable route diversity.
Internet
or PSTN An alternative is to connect the Bay Modules, HMI
Telecontrol or Computer
bus interface Station bus computer and SCADA gateway in a ring, as shown in
Bus interface Bay Module Computer Figure 24.5(b). By using a communication architecture
such as found in a LAN network, each device is able to
The Bay Module and bus IED's
talk to any other device on the ring without any message
interface could be: conflicts. A single break in the ring does not result in
Legacy • separate equipments
loss of any facilities. The detection of ring breakage and
• 24 • bus • integrated into
the Bay Module re-configuration required can be made automatically.
Thus, the availability and fault tolerance of the network
I/O, devices is improved. Multiple rings emanating from the HMI
CT, VT computer can be used if the number of devices exceeds
Figure 24.4: Decentralised topology the limit for a single ring. It can be easier to install on a
step-by-step basis for retrofit applications, but of course,
The connection between the various Bay Modules and all these advantages have a downside. The cost of such
the HMI computer is of some interest. Simplest is the a topology is higher than that of the other solutions, so
star arrangement of Figure 24.5(a). This is the least-cost this topology is reserved for situations where the highest
solution but suffers from two disadvantages. Firstly, a reliability and availability is required - i.e. HV and EHV
break in the link will result in loss of remote control of transmission substations.
the bay affected; only local control via a local HMI Redundancy can also be provided at the individual device
computer connected to the bay is then possible. level. Relays and other IED’s may be duplicated, though
Secondly, the number of communication ports available this would not be usual unless required for other reasons
on the HMI computer will limit the number of Bay (e.g. EHV transmission lines may be required to have
Modules. duplicate main protections – this is not strictly speaking

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duplication of individual devices - which would require A significant problem to be overcome in the
each individual main protection to have two identical implementation of communication links is the possibility
relays voting on a ‘1 out of 2’ basis). It is usual to have of electromagnetic interference. The low voltage levels
more than one operators’ HMI, either for operational that are used on most types of communication link may
reasons or for fault-tolerance. The system computer may be prone to interference as a result. Careful design of
be duplicated on a ‘hot-standby’ or ‘dual-redundant’ the interfaces between the devices used and the
basis, or tasks may be normally shared between two or communication bus, involving the use of opto-couplers
more system computers with each of them having the and protocol converters, is required to minimise the risk.
capability of taking over the functions of one of the Care over the arrangement of the communication cables
others in the event of a failure. is also required. It may also help to use a communication
protocol that incorporates a means of error
The total I/O count in a major substation will become
detection/correction. While it may not be possible to
large and it must be ensured that the computer hardware
correct all errors, detection offers the opportunity to
and communication links have sufficient performance to
request re-transmission of the message, and also for
ensure prompt processing of incoming data. Overload in
statistics to be gathered on error rates on various parts
this area can lead to one or more of the following:
of the system. An unusually high error rate on a part of
a. undue delay in updating the system status the communication system can be flagged to
diagrams/events log/alarm log in response to an maintenance crews for investigation.
incident
b. corruption of system database, so that the

Substation Control and Automation

24.4 COMMUNICATION METHODS
information presented to the operator is not an
accurate representation of the state of the actual Digital communication between items of hardware is
electrical system divided into three elements:
a. the protocol, consisting of the hardware, such as
c. system lockup
connectors, connector pin functions, and signal
As I/O at the bay level, both digital and analogue will levels
typically be handled by intelligent relays or specialised b. the format, consisting of the control of the flow of
IED’s, it is therefore important to ensure that these data
devices have sufficient I/O capacity. If additional IED’s c. the language, or how the information in the data
have to be provided solely for ensuring adequate I/O flow is organised
capacity, cost and space requirements will increase. Each of these areas is covered so that an appreciation of
There will also be an increase in the number of the complexities of digital communications is
communication links required. understood.
A practical specification for system response times is
given in Table 24.1. Table 24.2 gives a typical
24.4.1 Communication Protocols and Formats
specification for the maximum I/O capacities of a
substation automation system. Anyone trying to connect up the various elements of a
Hi-Fi system if they have purchased them from different
manufacturers will be aware of the number of different
protocols in use. The situation is the same in the
• 24 •
Signal Type Response Time to/from HMI industrial field. Manufacturers of devices are often
Digital Input 1s
tempted to utilise a proprietary protocol, for no better
Analogue Input 1s
reason sometimes than to encourage the sole use of their
Digital Output 0.75s
Disturbance Record File 3s
devices. Users, of course, have the opposite interest;
they would like every manufacturer to use the same
Table 24.1: Practical system response times for
a substation automation scheme protocol so that they have the widest choice. In practice,
protocols have evolved over time, and some protocols are
more appropriate to some communication requirements
than others. The protocol used is also linked to the
I/O Type Capacity
Digital Input 8196
format used, since the number of conductors required
Digital Output 2048 may depend on the format used.
Analogue Input 2048 There are two basic formats in use for data
Analogue Output 512
communications:
Table 24.2: Typical I/O capacities for a substation
automation system a. serial
b. parallel

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Serial format involves sending the data one bit at a time Thus devices can be located throughout a substation
along the communication channel. Parallel format without causing communications problems and significant
involves sending several bits simultaneously. Clearly, amounts of data can be transmitted rapidly. The main
parallel communication requires more wires than serial drawback is that it is a half-duplex system, so that
communication (a disadvantage) but can transmit a communications use a kind of question and answer
given amount of data faster. In practice, parallel technique known as ‘polling’. The equipment that needs
communication is limited to communication over a few the data (e.g. a substation computer or bay controller) must
metres, and hence the majority of communications use ask each device in turn for the data requested and then
serial format. There are a number of popular serial wait for the response prior to moving on to the next device.
communication protocols in common use in the
substation automation field.
24.4.1.1 RS232C Protocol Master
station
The RS232C protocol allows for full duplex
communications between two devices. The basic IED IED IED IED

specification is given in Table 24.3. The hardware

specification can vary – nine conductors are the minimum
required for a full implementation, while a 25 pin Terminating
resistor
connector is commonly encountered. If flow control of IED IED
data is not required, only three signals are required (data
Substation Control and Automation

transmit/receive and ground). Being limited to

Figure 24.6: ‘Daisy-chain’ connection
communication between two devices, this protocol is not of RS485 devices
useful in substation automation schemes. However, it is
described, because it is regularly encountered in remote
communication applications, such as those between a Where devices connected to the communications
small substation and a control centre using modems to channel may need to flag alarm conditions, this dictates
transfer the data over a telephone line. continual polling of all devices connected to the
communications channel. If more than 31 devices need
Max. number of transmitters 1 to be connected, more than one RS485 communications
Max. number of receivers 1
link can be provided.
Connection type 25 core shielded 24.4.1.3 IEC 60870-5 Protocols
Mode of operation DC coupling
Maximum distance of transmission 15m The two commonly used protocols are IEC 60870-5-101
Maximum data rate 20kbit/s and IEC 60870-5-103.
Transmitter voltage 5V min, 15V max
IEC 60870-5-101 is used for communications between
Receiver sensitivity 3V
devices over long distances. A typical application would
Driver slew rate 30V/µsec
Table 24.3: RS232C specification
be communications between a substation and a Central
Control Room (CCR). A bit serial communication
technique is used, and transmission speeds of up to
• 24 • 24.4.1.2 RS485 Protocol 64kbit/s are possible, depending on the transmission
This protocol is detailed in Table 24.4, and is much more protocol selected from those specified in the standard.
useful for substation automation schemes. This is Modems can be used, and hence there is no practical
because, many devices can be attached to one data limitation of the distance between devices.
channel, the maximum distance over which IEC60870-5-103 specifies a communication protocol
communications can take place is quite large, and the between a master station and protection devices (e.g.
maximum bit rate is quite high. It only requires a simple protection relays). The standard is based on, and is a
twisted pair connection, with all devices ‘daisy-chained’ superset of, the German VDEW communication protocol.
on the link, as shown in Figure 24.6. Either fibre optic transmission or an RS485 link can be
Max. number of transmitters 32
used, and transmission speeds are either 9600kbit/s or
19200kbit/s. Maximum transmission distance is 1000m
Max. number of receivers 32
using fibre-optic transmission . Communication is on a
Connection type Shielded Twisted Pair
‘master/slave’ basis, in which the master station
Mode of operation Differential
Maximum distance of transmission 1200m
continually polls the slaves (relays) to determine if any
Maximum data rate 10Mbit/s information is ready to be sent by the slaves. While some
Transmitter voltage 1.5V min messages are defined by the standard, these are of
Receiver sensitivity 300mV
Table 24.4: RS485 specification

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limited functionality. In addition, the standard allows the OSI Layer Telephone Call Analogy
use of manufacturer-specific ‘private’ messages. These Conversion of voice into electrical signals. Defines type
permit much greater functionality, but at the same time Physical of connector, no. of pins, signal levels, etc. Optical fibres
hinder interoperability of equipment from different and wires that make up the physical telephone network

manufacturers because there is no need for the format of Message transmission, error control and conferencing facilities.
Words not clearly received are requested to be re-transmitted,
such messages to be made public. This is arguably the Data Link
using agreed procedures. For conferencing, defines how control
greatest drawback of the standard, since extensive use of passes from one person to the next.
‘private’ messages by manufacturers of devices essentially Call routing, by specifying the method of allocating telephone
numbers and provision of dialling facilities. Includes operator
turns the standard into several proprietary ones. Network facilities for routing to extensions. If the message is from several
sheets of paper, ensures that all sheets have been received and are
in the correct order.
Monitors transmission quality and implements procedures if quality
24.4.2 Network Protocols is unaceptable - e.g. requests both parties to hang up and one
Transport to re-dial. Also provides a mechanism to ensure that the correct
So far, the protocols described are useful for persons are communicating, and searches for them
implementing communications over a relatively (e.g. uses telephone directory) if not.
restricted geographical area. A substation automation Provides facilities for automatically making calls at pre-defined times,
and ensures that the correct persons are present when the call
scheme may extend over a very wide area, and hence is made. A session may be interrupted and re-established later,
Session
suitable protocols are needed for this situation. The using the same or a different network/transport connection.
most common protocols in use conform to the ISO 7- As calls are half-duplex, provides flow control procedures -
e.g one person says 'over' to invite the other to speak.
layer model of a network. This model is internationally Removes language difficulties by ensuring that the same language
recognised as the standard for the requirements for

Substation Control and Automation

Presentation is spoken by both parties, or provides translation facilities.
communications between data processing systems. Also provides encryption facilities for confidential calls.
Specifies the format in which a message will be sent when used
24.4.2.1 ISO 7-layer model Application in a specific application- e.g. if the application is to convey
information about meetings attended by a person, will define
The ISO 7-layer model is shown in Figure 24.7. It the format used for the place, time, and purpose of the meeting.
represents a communications system as a number of Table 24.5: OSI 7-layer model – Telephone call analogy
layers, each layer having a specific function. This
approach ensures modularity, and hence assists in
ensuring that products from different vendors that The same data item may be stored at different addresses
comply with the standard will work together. The within different devices, and hence re-programming of
functions of each layer are best described by making an the client that receives the information is necessary
analogy with a telephone call, as given in Table 24.5. when one device is replaced by a different one, even if
the functionality is unchanged. It can easily be seen how
a substation equipped with a variety of devices from
Application
different manufacturers and maybe using different
Selects appropriate service for application
protocols for communication makes the problem of
Provides code conversion, data reformatting Presentation applying an automation system very difficult and
expensive. The major cost in such cases is developing the
Co-ordinates interaction between end Session software translation routines for protocol conversion and
application processes
building of the required database specifying where each
Provides for end-to-end data integrity and
quality of service
Transport item of data to be acquired is held. • 24 •
Switches and routes information
24.4.2.2 Utility Communications Architecture protocol
Network
A recent protocol, the Utility Communications
Transfers unit of information to other end of
physical link
Data Link Architecture v2.0 (UCA v2.0), seeks to overcome these
handicaps by adopting an object-oriented approach to
Transmits bit stream to medium Physical the data held in a measurement/control device, plus an
internationally recognised protocol (ISO 9506) in the
Figure 24.7: OSI 7-layer interconnection application layer. Data objects and services available
model within a device follow a specified naming system. The
client can extract a description of the data objects that
There are a number of network protocols that are a device can supply, and services that it can perform, so
compliant with the OSI model, such as TCP/IP, Modbus, that it is easier to program the client. Scaling factors
DNP. This does not mean that the devices using different and units for data items are built into the
protocols are interchangeable, or even that devices using self-description, so that the effort required
the same protocol are interchangeable. during commissioning is reduced. Devices are not
interchangeable, in the sense that a device from one

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manufacturer cannot be removed and replaced by a protocol, is to define the language very precisely at a
device of similar functionality from another vendor. high level, and require such details to be included as a
Rather, this protocol ensures interoperability; that is the part of each message so that the recipient can interpret
ability for devices from different suppliers and of the message without the need for any translator
different functionality to communicate successfully with software.
each other. The transport protocol has been separated
from the application protocol, so problems with register
addresses, etc. no longer exist. All that has to be 24.5 SUBSTATION AUTOMATION FUNCTIONALITY
addressed is the transport protocols used, and clients will The hardware implementation provides the physical
normally be able to communicate with devices using one means to implement the functionality of the substation
of a number of common transport protocols. This automation scheme. The software provided in the
standard has an IEC equivalent, IEC 61850. To begin various devices is used to implement the functionality
with, IEC 61850 covers only the field of substation required. The software may be quite simple or extremely
automation, but will gradually be extended to cover the complex – Table 24.6 illustrates the functionality that
same fields as UCA v2.0. Manufacturers are increasingly may be provided in a large scheme.
moving away from protocols with a proprietary element
in them to UCA v2.0/IEC 61850. It is likely that within a The description of the electrical network and the
short time, most protection and control devices will use characteristics of the various devices associated with the
one or other of these standards for communications. network are held within the computer as a database or
One important reason guiding this change is that these set of databases. Within each database, data is
Substation Control and Automation

standards permit the use of the XML language for organised into tables, usually on a ‘per device’ basis that
exchange of data between databases. As the reflects the important characteristics of the device and
information stored in an automation system or control its interrelationship with other devices on the network.
centre comprises a series of databases, information Electrical system configuration changes require
exchange is therefore facilitated. modification of the database using an appropriate
software tool supplied by the automation system vendor.
The tool is normally a high level, user-friendly interface,
24.4.3 Languages so that modifications to the one-line can be drawn
directly on-screen, with ‘pick-and–place’ facilities for
A communications language is the interpretation of the
relays, IED’s, etc. This work would normally be done
data contained in a message. The communications
offline on the Engineers’ workstation, if available, or as a
language normally forms part of the overall
background task on the control computer if not. Careful
communications protocol. Obviously, it is necessary for
and extensive checking of the data is required, both
both transmitter and recipient of the message to use the
before and after entry into the database, to ensure that
same language. While a number of communications
no errors have been made. Full testing on the new
standards attempt to specify the language used, there is
configuration using a simulator is recommended prior to
often flexibility provided, leading to manufacturer-
use of the new database on the main control computer
specific implementations. A popular work-around is for
to ensure that there is minimal possibility of errors.
a number of organisations to agree common standards
and set up a certifying body to check for compliance The software is written as a set of well-proven, standard
• 24 • against these standards. Thus, equipment that complies modules, so there is little or no need for new modules to
becomes to large degree, interoperable. However, the be written and tested for a particular substation. The
latest trend, as exemplified by the UCA v2.0/IEC 61850 required data for the calculations performed by the

Functional area Functionality

Interlocking CB's Isolators Contactors
Tripping sequences CB failure Intertripping Simultaneous trips
Switching sequences Automatic transformer changeover Automatic busbar changeover Restoration of supply following fault Network re-configuration
Load management Load shedding Load restoration Generator despatch
Transformer supervision OLTC control Load management
Energy monitoring Import/export control Energy management Power factor control
Switchgear monitoring AIS monitoring GIS monitoring
Equipment status Relay status CB status Isolator status
Parameter setting Relays Transformers Switching sequences IED configuration
Access control One-line views System views Event logging
HMI functionality Trend curves Harmonic analysis Remote access Disturbance analysis
Interface to SCADA Alarm processing 512
Table 24.6: Typical substation automation functionality

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software is held in the network database. This means executed. At this stage, prior to execution, the operation
that adding functionality later is not difficult, so long as is checked against:
the database design has considered this possibility.
a. devices locked out (i.e. prevented from operation)
There may be problems if the electrical system
configuration is altered or additional functionality added b. interlocking of devices/switching sequences
in reading historical data prior to the change. Training of to ensure that the command issued is safe to carry out.
operations personnel will inevitably be required in The action is cancelled and operator informed if it is not
operation of the system, configuration management and safe to proceed, otherwise the action is carried out and
automation system maintenance. Automation system the operator informed when it is complete.
suppliers will be able to provide configuration
management and system maintenance services under In a number of systems, some routine switching
contract if required, often with defined cost schedules operations (e.g. transfer of a feeder from one busbar to
and response times so financial management of the the other in a double-bus substation) are automated in
automation scheme once installed is well-defined. software. The operator need only request the ‘bus-
transfer’ action to be carried out on a particular feeder,
The issuing of commands to switching devices in the and the software is able to work out the correct
system has to be carefully structured, in order to prevent switching sequence required. This minimises the
commands that would cause a hazard from being issued. possibility of operator error, but at the expense of some
A hierarchical structure is commonly used as shown in extra complexity in the software and more extensive
Figure 24.8, beginning with the requirement for an checking at the factory test stage. However, since
operator wishing to issue a command to switching

Substation Control and Automation

software is modular in nature, substation electrical
devices to log-in to the system using a password. topology is restricted to a small number of
configurations and such sequences are very common, the
Operator/
authorised Password software development is essentially a one-off activity for
person
any particular substation control system. The
Senior
authorised Password development cost can be spread over the sale of a
person
number of such systems, and hence the cost to any
Select user Engineer Password List of available
functions individual user is small compared with the potential
System benefits.
engineer Password

Administrator Password
24.5.1 Future Developments

Figure 24.8: Hierarchical command structure

The functionality of a substation automation system is
still evolving, with new applications being steadily
added. Expansion of the functionality of such systems is
Different levels of authority, allowing for restrictions on proceeding in many areas, but two main areas currently
the type and/or location of switching commands capable are attracting significant interest. These are condition
of being issued by a particular operator may be monitoring and web-access.
implemented at this stage. The next level in the
hierarchy is to structure the issuing of commands on an Condition monitoring packages are already implemented
in automation systems for switchgear, while stand-alone • 24 •
‘issue/confirm/execute’ basis (Figure 24.9), so that the
operator is given an opportunity to check that the packages are available for transformers (Chapter 16).
command entered is correct prior to execution. Under development are similar packages for generators,
CT’s, VT’s, and batteries. It can be expected that all of
these facilities will be offered as part of a comprehensive
Interlocking
condition monitoring package in substation automation
schemes in the near future. The advantage for the user
List of
Device available Action
select
Action Action
execute
is that the condition monitoring package can then form
select actions confirm
a component of the Asset Management policy, in order
to determine the schedule for maintenance and
Cancel
replacement, plus the acquisition of statistics on failure
rates. These can then be used in conjunction with
Figure 24.9: Device selection/operation manufacturers to enhance the design to improve
availability.
The final level in the hierarchy is implemented in
software at the bay level and is actioned after the There has already been discussion on the various
operator confirms that the switching action is to be communication techniques available. Use of the Internet

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:18 Page 432

communication techniques for communications to/from and the data to be displayed

a substation offers a cheap, well-proven, widely
d. operator – security access levels, alarm texts, etc.
accessible route for this function. It also enables access
to the data from a broader community, which may be e. external constraints – data addresses for external
useful in some circumstances. However, great emphasis database access
must be placed on the use of secure Internet Once all the data has been defined, the configurator
communications techniques, such as those used in the tools can define the hardware configuration to provide
financial sphere, as the opportunity for unauthorised the required functions at least cost, and the data
malicious access leading to major incidents or loss of required for implementation of the automation scheme.
confidential data is much greater. As cost is the main
driver, it can be expected that automation systems using
such communications techniques will appear in the 24.6.2 System Testing
future, using secure communications techniques, and
The degree of testing to be carried will be defined by the
that users will have to become more aware of the threats
customer and encapsulated in a specification for system
involved in order to apply suitable countermeasures.
testing. It is normal for testing of the complete
functionality of the scheme to be required prior to
24.6 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION AND TESTING despatch from the manufacturer. The larger and more
complex the automation scheme, the more important for
These tasks, along with project management, are the most all parties that such testing is carried out. It is accepted
time consuming tasks in the process of realising a control and
Substation Control and Automation

wisdom that the earlier problems are discovered, the

monitoring system for an electrical network. The strategies cheaper and quicker it is to fix them. Remediation of
available for dealing with these problems vary between problems on-site during commissioning is the most
manufacturers, but typical approaches are as follows. expensive and time-consuming activity. Manual testing
of a network automation scheme is only practical for
small networks, due to the cost of testing. Simulation
24.6.1 System Configuration
tools are necessary for all other automation schemes.
Software tools exist that assist in configuring a modern These tools fall into two categories:
substation or network automation system. The extent to
a. simulator tools that re-create the network to be
which the task is automated will vary, but all require as a
controlled by the automation system.
minimum the details of the network to be controlled,
extending to the individual device level (circuit breaker, b. test management tools
isolator, disconnector, etc.). Where communication to an
existing SCADA system is required, data on the logical
addresses expected by the SCADA system and devices 24.6.2.1 Simulator tools
controlled remotely from the SCADA system will also be Simulator tools are dedicated to the network being
part of the data input. Use can also be made of existing tested. They will normally be provided with a simulation
databases that cover pre-defined network configurations – language that the test team can use to play scenarios,
for example the interlocking equations for a substation bay. and hence determine how the automation system will
• 24 • Software tools will check the data for consistency, prior react to various stimuli.
to creation of: Process simulator tools may be hardware and/or software
a. the required equipment that forms the automation based and emulate the response of the various devices to
scheme, together with the required be controlled (CB’s/isolators/VT’s/protection relays, etc).
interconnections They must be capable of closely following the dynamic
response of such devices under multiple and cascade fault
b. the databases for each individual device conditions. Specific tools and libraries are developed as
The data will be divided into domains, according to the required, including the use of complex software such as
use made of the data: EMTP for simulation of the response to impulse-type
phenomena and the dynamic response of protection
a. process – CB/isolator position, interlocking
algorithms. They may simulate the response of equipment
equation, values of current/voltage
within the control span of the automation equipment, or
b. system – number of bay computers, hardware that of equipment outside of the span of control, in order
configuration of each bay computer, automated that the response of the automation system can be tested.
sequences
Communications simulator tools are used both to load
c. graphical – the links between each mimic display the internal communications network within the

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:18 Page 433

automation system to ensure that all devices are The control of personnel working in the system test area
communicating correctly and that performance of the is also of importance, to ensure tests are unbiased. To
overall automation system is within specification during meet this objective, test team personnel are normally
periods of high communications traffic. These simulators independent of those of the design team. If incremental
are standardised and a single simulator may be able to testing is used, it is sound practice that the final
emulate several items of equipment. External integration test team is also independent of the test
communications simulators test the communications with team(s) that carried out the incremental tests.
an external system, such as a remote control centre. These
will normally be customer-specific, but some standard
simulators may be possible if a standard communications 24.7 EXAMPLES OF SUBSTATION AUTOMATION
protocol such as IEC 60870-5-101 is used. A significant advantage to an asset-owner of using a
substation automation system is the space-savings that
result. Space costs money, and hence minimisation of
24.6.3 Test Strategy
space enables new substations to occupy a smaller
The strategy adopted for the testing of the automation physical space. Alternatively, expansion of an existing
system must naturally satisfy client requirements, and substation can be undertaken making use of currently
generally follow one of two approaches: spare bays, but where there is a problem in tightly packed
relay rooms in accommodating the extra equipment.
a. a single test is carried out when all equipment for
the scheme has been assembled, A common need is to update an existing substation,

Substation Control and Automation

presently based on electromechanical or electronic
b. incremental tests are carried out as the automation
relays, with modern devices. Figure 24.10 illustrates how
system is built up, with simulator used to represent
the transition to use of a substation automation system
missing equipment.
may be managed – of course, there are other possibilities
The former solution is quickest and cheapest, but can depending on the priority assigned by the asset-owner.
give rise to problems where it is not easy to locate
problems down to the device level. It is therefore used Wall mimic
RTU Sequence of events
principally when an upgrade to an existing system is
being carried out. Control
room
It is usual for all of the functionality to be tested, Marshalling cabinets
including that specified for normal conditions and .......... ..........
specified levels of degradation within the automation
Protection 1
system. This leads to a large number of tests being Protection 1

required. Over 500 separate tests may be required for an

Protection 2 Protection 2
automation system of average size in order to Cubicles
demonstrate compliance with the specification. Auxiliary Auxiliary
relaying relaying

3 cubicles/bay
24.6.4 Management of System Tests (a): Current situation

The large number of tests required to demonstrate the • 24 •

compliance of an automation system with specification Wall mimic
makes manual techniques for management of the tests New RTU Sequence of events

cumbersome and time consuming. The end result is Control

increased cost and timescale. Moreover, each test may room

result in a large amount of data to be analysed. The Marshalling cabinets

results of the analysis need to be presented in an easily .......... ..........
understood form and stored for some time. If changes
Protection 1 Protection 1
are made to software for any reason over the lifetime of
the equipment, the different versions must be stored, Cubicles
Protection 2 Protection 2
together with a record of what the changes between
versions were, and why they were made. The Auxiliary Auxiliary
management of this becomes very complex, and relaying relaying

software tools are normally used to address the issues of 3 cubicles/bay

test schedules, test result presentation, software version (b): Step 1: RTU Renovation (HW obsolescence & new SCADA protocol)
control, and configuration management.
Figure 24.10: Upgrade path for an existing substation

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:18 Page 434

Substation control
was installed, using an ALSTOM PSCN3020 substation
New RTU New SOE HMI automation system. The simplified 33/11kV one-line
diagram is shown in Figure 24.11. Total generation
Control
room
capacity amounts to over 170MW. Not shown on the
Marshalling cabinets diagram is an extensive LV network and a number of
.......... .......... 3.3kV switchboards feeding motors.
Protection 1 Protection 1

Cubicles 132kV network

Protection 2 Protection 2

Auxiliary Auxiliary
relaying relaying

3 cubicles/bay
(c): Step 2: SOE Renovation and wall mimic change

33kV
Substation control
New RTU New SOE HMI

Control
room
Marshalling cabinets
Substation Control and Automation

.......... ..........
11kV
Bay computer Protection 1

Protection 1 Cubicles Protection 2

Auxiliary
Protection 2
relaying 11kV
2 cubicles/bay
(d): Step 3: Progressive decentralisation and protection integration

Substation control 11kV

HMI
Figure 24.11: HV Single-line diagram: industrial
Control system substation automation example
room

.......... ..........
The system has two features that make it unusual from
Bay computer Bay computer a control point of view. Firstly, the generation within the
system is distributed, and this results in the possibility of
Protection 1 Cubicles Protection 1 several island networks being created in the event of a
• 24 • major electrical incident, each of which are to be run
Protection 2 Protection 2 independently until such time as paralleling of the
2 cubicles/bay islands becomes possible. Secondly, the grid system is
(e): Step 4: Full decentralisation weak, so that import has to be limited to a maximum of
40MW, even under transient disturbances such as the
Figure 24.10 (cont): Upgrade path for an existing simultaneous loss of two generators, each of over 30MW
substation
capacity.
As a result of these requirements, the standard software
Examples of automation systems on order or installed are was enhanced to allow simultaneous control of up to 3
given in the following sections. autonomous islands within the overall network, each
island having the full range of control facilities including
circuit/device switching, active/reactive power control of
24.7.1 Industrial Network Automation Project
generators, voltage and frequency control of each island
A large industrial network was significantly expanded and load shedding. Due to the restrictions on grid
due to the addition of extra processing facilities. As part import, a fast load shedding algorithm was developed, as
of the expansion, a new substation automation system studies indicated that conventional under-frequency

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:19 Page 435

load shedding did not provide the required performance. the main and reserve busbars. Each 345kV bus is split
The fast load shedding scheme involves continuous into 4 sections, with bus section CB’s linking the
calculation of the amount of load to be shed in the event sections. Similarly, the 138kV busbars are split into 3
of loss of one or more generators and/or the grid sections. The 20kV busbar is also of double bus
connection, and determination of which loads should be configuration. An ALSTOM PSCN3020 substation
shed, based on operator-set priorities and actual power automation system has been installed to provide local
consumption. In the event of generation loss, load that and remote control and monitoring of the switchgear at
is at least equal to the amount of lost generation is all voltage levels. For the 138kV and 20kV busbars,
disconnected immediately, after which a conventional monitoring is provided by MiCOM M301 Measurement
under-frequency/grid import load shedding strategy is Centres, communicating with BM9100 or BM9200 Bay
invoked to cater for any further generation/load Modules using K-Bus proprietary communications link.
imbalance occurring. Control is exercised directly from the Bay Modules.
Protection relays are generally from ALSTOM’s K-series
The substation automation configuration is shown in
and EPAC range, also communicating with the Bay
Figure 24.12, while a sample operator display captured
Modulus using K-Bus. However, line differential and
during system testing is shown in Figure 24.13.
transformer differential relays are from another
manufacturer, and communicate with the same Bay
Modules using the IEC 60870-5-103 protocol, thus
illustrating the use of Bay Modules to provide more than
one communications protocol. For the 345kV busbars,

Substation Control and Automation

existing electromechanical-type relays were in use, and
monitoring of these is by use of contacts on the relays
wired back to the Bay Modules.
Communication from the Master Station to the Bay
Modules is by a dual-redundant fibre-optic ring (EFI.P).
Time synchronisation uses a GPS interface to the Master
Station. Remote control/monitoring facilities are
provided, both from a Remote Control Room and a
Figure 24.12: System architecture: industrial system remote Network Control Centre. The latter uses the
substation automation example
DNP3.0 protocol, so that the complete scheme uses 4
different communication protocols.
Figure 24.14 illustrates the system architecture, while
Figures 24.15/16 show part of the 345kV and 138kV
busbars respectively.

24.7.3 Substation Control for an Electrified Railway

A high-speed (auto-transformer fed) railway has a route
length of 500km. A total of 8 traction supply substations • 24 •
and 41 auto-transformer substations are required to
provide traction power and auxiliary supplies to the rail
line.
All of the forty-nine substations are interconnected by
means of an Ethernet OPC fibre-optic network, forming
the communications spine of the system. Each
Figure 24.13: Sample operator display: industrial
system substation automation example substation has a proprietary EFI.P fibre-optic ring
(3.5Mbit/s) that interconnects the Bay Modules with the
communications spine and local operator workstations.
24.7.2 Utility Substation Automation Project The ring is composed of dual fibre-optic cables in a single
sheath, thus providing two communications channels.
This project concerns a 345/138/20kV substation. The Figure 24.17 illustrates the network involved.
substation consists of two 345kV lines, 2 x 345/138kV
transformers and 2 x 345/20kV/20kV transformers. Each
of the 345kV and 138kV busbars is of conventional
double-bus configuration, with bus couplers connecting

Network Protection & Automation Guide • 435 •

Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:19 Page 436

Local control room

Modem Modem
EOP-2
EOP-1 Hot stand by Gateway

Remote control room

HUB
Network
control
GPS Data acquisition centre

es: Cambuci 1 & 2

2 X BM9100

345kV Line: Cabo Norte 1 & 2 345/138kV Transformers: K-bus

Lado de Alta
4 X BM9100 MiCOM EPAC
M301 relays K-series relays
K-bus
Substation Control and Automation

345/138kV Earthing transformers

MiCOM K-bus
2 X BM9200
M301 MiCOM M301
345/138kV Transformers
345/20/20kV Transformers
2 X BM9100 K-bus

MiCOM
IEC 60870-5-103 M301 K-series relays
K-bus
Relay PQ741 345kV: Bus section 1
MiCOM
1 X BM9100
M301
345/138kV Transformers: Lado de Baixa
345kV: Bus section 1 EFI.P Dual redundant 2 X BM9100
1 X BM9100 Fibre optic ring
K-bus

K-bus MiCOM
M301 K-series relays
345kV: Bus section 2 MiCOM 345kV: Bus coupler
1 X BM9100 M301 K-series relays 2 X BM9100
138kV Lines: Wilson 1 & 2
2 X BM9100

345kV: Reactor 1 K-bus

• 24 • 1 X BM9100
K-bus MiCOM
M301 K-series relays
K-bus MiCOM EPAC
M301 relays K-series
20kV Busbar
MiCOM relays
2 X BM9100
M301
345kV: Bus coupler
138kV Lines:
1 X BM9100
Ipiranga 1 & 2
2 X BM9100 K-bus
138kV Bus section 2
1 X BM9100
K-bus MiCOM
M301
MiCOM K-bus
M301
MiCOM EPAC K-bus
M301 relays K-series relays
MiCOM
M301 K-series relays

Figure 24.14: System architecture: Utility substation automation project

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:19 Page 437

345kV Busbar

(Future) Line: Cabo Norte 1 Line: Cabo Norte 2

Transformer 1
345/88/138kV

Section 2D Section 2C
Section D 345KV Section C
Section 1D Section 1C

Earthing transformers

Reactor 1

Transformer 1 Transformer 2

Substation Control and Automation

345/20/20kV 345/20/20kV

1B 1A 2B 2A

Figure 24.15: Single line diagram: Utility substation 345kV busbar (part)

Transformer 2
Transformer 3 138kV Busbar
345/88/138kV
345/88/138kV (future)
• 24 •

Section 3A Section 3B
Section 4A Section A Section B 138kV Section 4B

138kV Line: 138kV Line: 138kV Line: 138kV Line 138kV Line: Ipiranga 1
Mariana 2 Brigadeiro 2 Ipiranga 2 Wilson 2 (future)
(future) (future) (future)

Earthing transformer 2

Figure 24.16: Single line diagram: Utility substation 138kV busbar (part)

Network Protection & Automation Guide • 437 •

 •
Substation Control and Automation

24 •
Chap24 exe

Traction Substations
8 off Maintenance Control Centre
20/06/02

x3

P139
Dual redundant OPC server
ming line Printer
15:19

xxx
SCADA
Maintenance Workstation:
BM9200 Auxiliary transformer
n Parameter settings and
xxx
disturbance analysis
BM9200 Printer
BM9200
Page 438

EFI.P
BM9200 Buss P921
ring
BM9200

BM9200 Bus see Dual redundant PC:

P921 inter-substation automation
BM9200
xxx
55kV line b c filter
e
P438 BM9200 Gateway T103/OPC

Track feeder isolators

l
Portable PC for site maintenance staff
Catenary/feeder BM9200

• 438 •
Ethernet Network

IIntermediate
termediate Autotransformer
Autotra sformer
Final Autotransformer
Substations
Substation
34 off
7 off
44-55 per tractio
traction substation
substatio
GPS OPC server
Intermediate Autotransformer GPS PC
Substation Traction
x
xxx
OPC server GPS GPS otransformer
Traction autotransformer PC OPC server OPC server P632
PC PC Auxiliary
xxx Traction
P632 transformer
xxx P632 transformer Auxiliary
action transformer
Traction autotransformer BM9200
Auxiliary
P632 ransformer
BM9200 BM9200
transformer
BM9200 BM9200 Traction
BM9200 Auxiliary
P632 EFI.P P P632
ring
ring BM9200 Bus section
mer
Track catenary/feeder BM9200 BM9200

Track catenary/feeder BM9200

Harmonic filter
Track catenary/feeder
Isolators for track
catenary/feeder BM920 BM9200
Isolators for track
catenary/feeder
BM9200 BM9100

Network Protection & Automation Guide

Figure 24.17 – Substation automation scheme – High-speed railway line
Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:19 Page 439

The substation automation scheme used is the ALSTOM length of 500km is large for a substation automation
PSCN3020. Traction substations have an incoming scheme and illustrates the geographical span now
supply at either 225kV or 400kV, transformed down to possible. Figure 24.18 shows the topology of the
± 27.5kV for traction and lower voltages for auxiliary substation automation equipment at a traction
supplies. Redundancy in control and supervision is substation, while Figures 24.19-21 show the different
provided through the operator at each substation being levels of detail available to a substation controller via the
able to view and control those substations immediately HMI. Operator functions include control and monitoring
adjacent as well. There is an overall Control Centre to of the substations, remote setting of all relays and
monitor the complete system, using a Gateway on the automatic retrieval of disturbance recordings from relays
Ethernet spine. Approximately 500 Bay Modules are for remote analysis. Data is refreshed at approximately
used, providing control and measurement facilities and 1 second intervals. A notable automation feature is the
also acting as interfaces to the protection relays. automatic reconfiguration of the power distribution
network during faults or other outages to maintain
The significant aspect of this application is the distance
continuity of traction power supplies.
over which the automation scheme is applied using a
standard substation automation scheme. The overall

Substation Control and Automation

• 24 •

Figure 24.18: Configuration of a traction substation

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:19 Page 440

Substation Control and Automation

Figure 24.19: Overview of traction power supplies

• 24 •

Figure 24.20: Autotransformer one-line diagram

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Chap24 exe 20/06/02 15:19 Page 441

Substation Control and Automation

Figure 24.21: Incoming supplies at a traction substation

• 24 •

Network Protection & Automation Guide • 441 •