7th International R & D Conference Development and Management of Water and

Energy Resources 4-6 February 2009, Bhubaneswar (Orissa), India

NEW STRATEGIES FOR SUBSTATION

AUTOMATION
P.D. DEWANGAN, AND A.S. THOKE
National Institute of Technology Raipur, India

Abstract: The customer demand for electrical energy with adequate reliability
and quality and the growing cost of investment required for distribution of energy
have driven the utilities in the developing countries to go for automated
distribution systems.The advent of IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) and
advances in communication technologies have promised a cost effective
automated control and operation of distribution automation systems[1].
Substation automation in comparison with a remote terminal unit (RTU) concept
means decentralization of computer capacity ,which shall be used e.g.,for
intelligent automatic power restoration procedures after faults and for powerful
decentralized processing of service and for environment related data.[2]. In a
modern substation automation system, IEDs provide an infrastructure to collect,
to process and to transmit data and information,which are utilized for cost
effective condition monitoring,monitoring of circuit breakers,power
transformers,instrument transformers etc.
Computers have been applied to the control of electrical networks for many years,
and examples of them being applied to substation automation/control were in use
in the early 1970s. Over last one decade or so, continuing cost pressures on
utilities and advances in computing power and software have led to the
application of computers to substation automation on a much wider basis.This
paper highlights the current technology and moden practices in the field of
substation automation.Various substation automation topologies and
functionalities have been discussed at length.Communication protocols and
formats both for MV and EHV system have been suggested.
Keywords: Substation automation, Computer system topology, communication
protocols, substation automation functionality.
1.

INTRODUCTION

Substation automation is the integration of smart electrical equipments (e.g., circuit breakers,
transformers, relays, etc.) that has the ability to monitor their functionality. For example,
circuitbreakers, are able to measure their contact resistance and acknowledge proper
maintenance diagnostics.Automated systems of microprocessor based relays, circuitbreakers,
transformers,and motor operated air switches that are monitored by a graphical interface unit
that can be remotely accessed[3].

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1.1

P.D. Dewangan et al.

Topology and Functionality

The topology of a substation is the architecture of the computer system used[4].The

functionality of such a system is the compete set of functions that can be implemnted in the
control system. All computer control systems utilize one of two basic topologies:
1.

centralized

2.

distributed

The basic concepts of each are illustrated in figure 1 and figure 2.Early examples of
substation automation used the centralized substation concept due to limitations in
technology, both of processor power and communication techniques.Modern practice is to
use a distributed architecture,in that a number of IEDs-such as microprocessor based relaysmay be linked via a multidrop serial link to a local processor.The local processor may control
number of bays in a substation. The local processor are,in turn connected to a Human
Machine Interface(HMI) and possibly also to a local or remote SCADA system for overall
network monitoring/control.

Fig. 1 Centralized topology

Fig. 2 Distributed topology

1.1.1 System Elements

The main system elements in a substation automation system are:
1.
IEDs, implementing a specific function or functions on a circuit or bus bar in a
substation.An IED could be microprocessor based protection relay , device. interface unit to
older relays or control,etc.
2.
Bay Module: This device will normally contain all of the software required for the
control and interlocking of a single bay (feeder,etc.) in the substation, and sufficient I/O to
interface to all of the required devices required for measurement/protection/control of the
bay.The I/O may include digital and analogue I/O(for interfacing to discrete devices such as
CB close/trip circuits,isolator motors,non-microprocessor based protection relays) and
communication links(serial or parallel as required) to IEDs.
3.
Human Machine Interface (HMI): This the principal user interface and would
normally take the form of a computer.The familiar desk top PC is commonly used, but
specialized computers are also possible, while unmanned substations may dispence with a

New strategies for substation automation

permanently installed HMI and rely on operations/maintenance staff bringing a portable

computer equipped with the appropriate software with them when attendance is required.
4.
A communication bus or buses, linking the various devices.In a new substation, all of
the elements of the automation system will normally use the same bus to obtain cost
effectiveness.Where a substation automation system is being retrofitted to an existing
substation, it may be necessary to use existing communication buses to communicate with
same existing device. This can lead to a multiplicity of communications buses within the
automation system.
5.
A link to a remote SCADA system: This may be provided by a dedicated interface
unit, be part of the HMI computer or part of an IED. It perhaps may not be provided at all .It
may only occur during a staged development of an automation scheme at a time when the
bay operations are being automated but the substation is still manned, prior to implementing
remote control capability.
1.1.2 System Requirements
A substation automation scheme will normally be required to possess the following features:
1.

control of all substation equipments from a central point.

2.

monitoring of all substation electrical equipments from a central print.

3.

interface to remote SCADA system.

4.

control of electrical equipments in a bay locally.

5.

monitoring of electrical equipments on a bay locally.

6.

status monitoring of all connected substation automation.

7.

system database management.

8.

energy management.

9.

condition monitoring of substation electrical equipment (switchgear, transformer,

relay LEDs)

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 will depend on
the size and criticality of the substation to the operator and normal manning status
(manned /unmanned). Many of the functions may be executed from a remote location (e.g.,
system control centre) in addition to the substation itself.
The selection of the complete set of functions required for a particular application is
essentially the responsibility of the end-user. Due to modular, building block approach to
software design, it is relatively easy to add funtionality at a latter stage. This often occurs
through changing operators needs and/or electrical network development. Compatibility of
the underlying database of network data must be addressed to ensure that historical data can
be still accessed.

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2.

P.D. Dewangan et al.

HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION

To form a substation automation system, the various elements described above must be
assembled into some form of topology. Three major hardware topologies can be identified as
being commonly used, as follows:
2.1

HMI-based Topology

This takes the form of figure-3 .The software to implement the automation functions resides
in the HMI computer and this has direct links to IEDs using one or more communications
protocols.The link to a remote SCADA system is normally also provided in the HMI
computer.
For this topology, a power full HMI computer is clearly required if large numbers of
IEDs are to be accommodated. In practice, costs usually dictate the use of a standard PC and
hence there will be limitations on substation size that it can be applied to because of a
reslting limit to the number of IEDs that can be connected. The other important issue is one
of reliability and availability.
There is only one main computer that can control the substation and therefore only
local manual control will be possible if the computer fails for any reason. Such a topology is
therefore only suited to small MV substations where the consequences of computer failure
are acceptable (requiring a visit from repair crew to remedy).

New strategies for substation automation

Fig. 3 HMI-based hardware topology

2.2

Fig. 4 RTU-based topology

RTU-based Topology

This topology is an enhancement of the HMI topology and is shown in figure-4. A

microprocessor-based RTU is used to host the automation software, freeing the HMI
computer for operator interface duties only. The HMI computer usually takes the form of a
standard PC, or for not normally-manned substations, visiting personnel can use portable PC.
The RTU-is purpose designed and can house one or more power full microprocessors.
A greater number of I/O points can be accommodated than in the HMI topology, while the
possibility exists of hosting a wider variety of communication protocols for LEDs and the
remote SCADA connection. Bay modules are not required, the associated software for
interlocking and control sequences is part of the RTU software.
2.3

Decentralized Topology

In it, each bay of the substation is controlled by a bay module, which houses the control and
interlocking software, interfaces to the various LEDs required as part of the control and
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 the commissions / testing and fault finding
purposed. The amount of data from the various substation I/O points dictates that a separate

P.D. Dewangan et al.

SCADA interface (RTU or gate way), is provided, while it is possible to have more than on
HMI computer, the primary one being dedicated to operations and others for engineering use.
Optionally, a remote HMI computer may be made available via a separate link as shown in
figure-5

Fig. 5 Decentralized topology

The connection between the various bay modules and the HMI computer is of two
types
1.

Star arrangement ; which is a least cost solution but it has two drawbacks, Firstly, a
break in the link will result in loss of remote control of the bay affected, only local
control via a local HMI computer connected to bay is possible.

Secondly, the number of communication ports available on the HMI computer will
limit the number of bay modules. (Figure-6)

Fig. 6 Star connection of bay modules

Fig. 7 Ring connection of bay modules

New strategies for substation automation

3.

RING ARRANGEMENT

In it, bay modules, HMI computer and SCADA gateway are connected in a ring as shown in
figure-7 by using a communication architecture such as found in a LAN network.Each device
is able to talk to any other device on the ring without any message conflicts, A single break in
the ring doesnt result in loss of any facilities. The detection of ring breakage and reconfiguration required can be made automatically. Thus the availability and fault tolerance of
the network is improved. The cost of such a topology is lesser than that of the other
solutions, so this topology is reserved for situation where the highest reliability and
availability is required-e.g.,.HV and EHV transmission substations.
4.

Communication Protocols and Formats

Manufactures of devices are often tempted to utilize a proprietary protocol, for no better
reason sometimes than to encourage the sole use of their devices. Users, of course. have the
opposite interest: they would like every manufacturer to use the same protocol so that they
have the best choice. In practice, protocols have evolved over time, and some protocols are
more appropriate to some communication requirements than other . The protocol used is also
linked to the format used, since the no of conductors required may depend upon the format
used.
There are two basic formats in use for data communications:
1.

Serial format involves sending the data one bit at a time along the communication
channel.

2.

Parallel format involves sending several bits simultaneously, and requires more wires
than serial communication but can transmit a given amount of data faster.

In practice, parallel communication is limited to common over a few metres, and

hence the majority of common use serial format.There are a number of popular serial
common protocols in common use in the substation automation field.

RS232C Protocol

The RS232C protocol being limited to communication between two devices, is not useful in
substation automation control schemes. However.,it is regularly encountered in remote
communication applications, such as those between a small substation and a control centre
using modems to transfer the data over a telephone line.

RS485 Protocol

This protocol is much more useful for substation automation scheme. This is because, many
devices can be attached to one data channel, the maximum distance over which
communications can take place is quite large, and the maximum bit rate is quite high. It only
requires a simple twisted pair connection, with all devices daisy-channel on the link as
shown in figure-8. The main draw back is that it is a half-duplex system, so that
communication use a kind of question and answer techniques known as polling, where

P.D. Dewangan et al.

device connected to the communication channel may need to flag alarm conditions, this
dictates continual polling of all devices connected to the communication channel.

Fig. 8 Daisy-chain` connection of RS485 devices

IEC 60870-5 Protocols

The two commonly used protocols are IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-103. IEC
60870-5-101 is used for communication between devices over long distance, such as
between a substation and a central control room (CCR). Modems, can be used, and there is
no practical limitation of the distance been devices.
IEC60870-5-103 specifics a communication Protocol between a master station and
protection devices (e.g. protection relay). Either fibreoptic transmission or an RS485 link can
be used. Communication is on master/slave basis, in which the master station continually
polls the slaves (relay) to determine if any information is ready to be sent by the slaves.
3.1

Network Protocols

A substation automation scheme may extend over a wide area, and hence suitable
protocols are needed for this situation. The most common protocols in use conform to the
ISO 7-layer model of a network. The ISO 7- layer model is shown in figure-9. It represents a
communication system as a number of layers, each layer having a specific function. This
approach ensures modularity, and hence assists in ensuring that products from different
vendors that comply with the standard will work together.

New strategies for substation automation

There are a number of network protocols that are compliant with the OSI model, such
as TCP/IP, Mudbug, DNP.
Select appropriate service
for application
Provides code conversion,
data reformatting
Co-ordinates iteraction between end
application prcesses
Provides for end-to-end data
integrity and quality of service
Switches and routes information
Transfer unit of information to other end
of physical link
Transmits bits stream to medium

Application
presentation
Session
Transport
Network
Data link
Physical

Fig. 9 ISO 7-layer interconnection model

3.1.1 Utility communications architecture protocol

A recent protocol, the Utility commns Architecture V2.0 (UCA v2.0), seeks to over come
these handicaps by adopting an object oriented approach to the data held in a measurement/
control device, plus an internationally recognized protocol (ISO 9506) in the application
layer. Devices are not interchangeable, in the sense that a device from one manufacturer can
not be removed and replaced by a device of similar functionality from another vender. Rather
this protocol ensures interoperability; that is the ability for devices from different suppliers of
different functionality to communicate successfully, with each other. This standard has an
IEC equivalent, IEC 61850[5].To begin with IEC 61850 covers only the field of substation
automation, but will gradually be extended to cover the same fields as UCA v2.0.
3.2

Languages

A communications language is the interpretation of the data contained in a message. The

communication language normally forms part of the overall communications protocol. While
a number of communication. standards attempt to specify the language used, there is often
flexitrlity provided leading to manufacturer-specific implementations. However the trend as
exemplified by the UCA v2.0/IEC 61850 protocol, is to define the language very precisely at
a high level, and require such details to be included as a part of each message so that the
recipient can interpret the message without the need for any translator software.
4.

SUBSTATION AUTOMATION FUNCTIONALITY

The hardware implementation provides the physical means to implement the functionality of
the substation automation scheme. The software provided in the various devices is used to
implement the functionality required.

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P.D. Dewangan et al.

Table 1 Typical substation functionality

Functional area

Functionality

Interlocking

CBs

Isolators

Tripping sequences

CB failure

Intertripping

Switching sequences

Automatic
transformer
changeover

Automatic busbar
changeover

Restorationof
Suppy following
fault

Load management

Load shedding

Load restoration

Generator dispatch

Transformer
supervision

OLTC control

Load management

Energy monitoring

Import/export control

Energy
management

Switchgear
monitoring

AIS monitoring

GIS monitoring

Equipment status

Relay status

CB status

Isolator status

Parameter setting

Relays

Transformers

Switching
sequences

IED configuration

HMI functionality

Access control
Trend curves
Interface to SCADA

One-line views
Hamonic analysis
Alarm processing

System views
Remote access
512

Event logging
Disturbance analysis

Contactors
Simultaneous trip

Power
control

Network
re-cofiguration

factor

Table 1 illustrates the functionality that may be provided in a large system.

The issuing of commands to switching devices in the system has to be carefully
structured, in order to prevent commands that would cause a hazard from being issued. A
hierarchial structure is commonly used is shown in figure-10, beginning with the requirement
for an operator wishing to issue a command to switching device to log-in to the system using
a password. Then next step is to structure the issuing of commands on an
issue/confirm/execute basis figure-11, so that the operator is given an opportunity to check
that the command entered is correct prior to execution. The final step in the hierarchy is
implemented in software at the bay level and is actioned after the operator confirms that the
switching action is to be executed. At this stage, prior to execution, the operation is checked
against :

Fig. 10 Hierachial command structure

Fig. 11 Device selection/operation

New strategies for substation automation

1.
2.

devices looked out (i.e. prevented from operation)

Interlocking of devices/switching sequences.

5.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

11

Software tool exist that assist in configuration a modern substation or network automation
system. The extent to which the task is automated will vary, but all requires as a minimum
the details of the network to be controlled, extending to the individual device level (CB,
isolator, disconnector, etc.). Software tools will check the data for consistency, prior to
creation of :
1.

The required equipment that forms the automation scheme, together with the required
inter connections.

2.

The databases for each individual device.

The data as per the use mode of it, can be divided into

Process --- CB/isolator position, interlocking equation, values of current/voltage.

System --- number of bay computers, hardware configuration of each bay

computer, automated sequences.

Graphical--- the links between each minute display and data to be displayed.

Operator --- security access levers, alarm texts, etc.

External constraints--- data addresses for external data bases access.

Once all the data has been defined, the configuration tools can define the hardware
configuration to provide the required functions at least cost, and the data required for
implementation of the automation scheme.
6.

EXAMPLES OF SUBSTATION AUTOMATION

A significant advantage to an asset-owner of using a substation automation system is the

space-savings that result .Space costs money, and hence minimization of space enables new
substation to occupy a smaller physical space. Alternately, expansion of an existing
substation can be undertaken making use of currently spare bays. But where there is a
problem in tightly packed relay rooms in accommodating the extra equipment.
A common need is to update an existing substation, presently based on electro
mechanical or electronic relays, with model devices. Figure-12 illustrates how trannstion to
use of a substation automation system may be managed.

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P.D. Dewangan et al.

1. Current situation

2. RTU Renovation

3.Progressive decentralization protection integration

4. Full decentralisation

Fig. 12 Upgrade path for an existing substation

6.1

Utility Substation Automation Project

This project concerns a 400-KV/220-KV PGCIL-Bhatapara substation.The substation

consists of 400-KV line,2*400/220 transformers.Each of the 400-KV and 220-KV busbars is
of coventional double-bus configuration,with bus couplers connecting the main and reserve
busbars.Each 400-KV bus is split into 4 sections,with bus section CBs linking the
sections.Similarly,the 220-KV busbars are split into 3 sections .A substation automation
system has been installed to provide local and remote control and monitoring of the
switchgear at all voltage levels.Control is exercised directly from the Bay Modules.Relays
form different manufacturers communicate with the same Bay Modules using the IEC
60870-5-103 protocol.Communication from the station to the Bay Modules is by Power line
carrier communication[6]. Time synchronization uses a GPS interface to the station.Remote
control/monitoring facilities are provided, from a remote control room.
7.

CONCLUSION

In the increasing competitive arena there is significant pressure on power providers for
greater system reliability and improvement of customer satisfaction,while similar emphasis is
placed on cost reduction.Therefore, utilities must examine automation solution alternatives to
support corporate business strategies that focus on improving service reliability and reducing
cost of operation and maintenance.Substation automation with decentralized computer
capacity be used for intelligent automatic power restoration procedures after faults and for

New strategies for substation automation

13

decentralized processing of service and environment condition related data.Due to advent of

new and higher levels of digital technologies into substation automation in terms of
numerical protection devices and control systems,engineers are facing data overload.Today
the challenge is to automatically convert data to knowledge, which frees manpower to
implement corrective or preventive maintenance.
REFERENCES
1.

Proceeding of Workshop on Distribution Automation and Load Management,28-31

January,1998,power and energy division,Engg.staff College of India,Hyderabad.

2.

Volkar Lohmann Integrated sub station automation enable new strategies for power
T&D,ABB power automation Ltd.

3.

S.bricker,Turan Gonen L.Rubin,Substation Automation Technologies and Advantages,IEEE

Computer Applications in Power,Jan 1997.

4.

Network Protection &Automation Guide, ABB power automation Ltd.

5.

Lars andersson,Klaus- Peter Brand,The Benefits of Coming Standards IEC61850 for

Communication in Substations,Southern Africa Power System Conference 2000,in
Johannesburg/South Africa.

6.

Donald J Marihart,Communications Technology Guidelines for EMS/ SCADA Systems,IEEE

Transaction on Power Delivery ,Vol.16,No.2,April 2001

7.

I.D.Kim Y.K.Beak S.K. Kim S.I.Lim N.S.Yoon K.R.Cho Development of substation integrated
protection and control system:design & practical application ,Session 1998 CIGRE

BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF THE AUTHORS

P.D. Dewangan was born on 10-5-1968 in India.He graduated in Electrical Engg. in 1990 from then
Govt.Engg.College, Raipur. He obtained his M.Tech. degree in Integrated Power Systems in 2000 at
VRCE,Nagpur.Currently working with National Institute of Technology,Raipur,India as a Reader in Electrical
Engg.Department.His major area of interest is power system automation.
A.S. Thoke was born on 20-2-1950 in India.He did his BE (Electrical), M.Tech.(Power System), Ph.D.(Electrical
Engg.) in 1972,1978,and 2005 respectively.He has a teaching and research experience of 35 years.Currently he is
professor in electrical engg. at N.I.T. Raipur. Dr. Thoke is a member of IEEE and other professional bodies. His
current area of interest is in application of Artificial Intelligence to power system.