Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

 An RTU is an electronic device that transmits real-time data to a distributed

control system.
 RTUs in smart grids are used with SCADA for data collection.
 The RTUs are connected to field electrical equipment, such as sensors, which
send signals to the RTUs.
 The basic function of the RTU is to convert the sensor signals into digital signals
and then send the encoded digital data to the control center. At the same time,
they also communicate control commands to the field equipment.
 The analysts forecast the Global RTU in Smart Grid market will grow at a CAGR of
4.1 percent over the period 2013-2018.
 The Global RTU in Smart Grid market can be divided on the basis of application
into three segments: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.
Volt/var control in distribution networks

Therefore in the present case, the reactive power coming from the supplier is reduced. This change is
detected by the substation remote terminal units (RTUs). They measure real and reactive power at the
substation end of the feeder. The var dispatch processor applies the rules for capacitor switching and sends a
signal to the capacitor bank controller, which, in turn deenergizes the capacitor bank by switching the
capacitor switch to the “off” position.

Such application of SCADA system provides self-monitoring, operator override capability, and some
improvement in efficiency. The objectives of SCADA voltage control are:

1. Maintaining acceptable voltage at all locations under all load conditions;

2. Operating at as low voltage as possible to reduce power consumption (i.e., CVR is assumed)
 Supervisory control and data acquisition
 SCADA systems have two-way data and voice communication between the master and the remote
stations. Modems at the sending and receiving ends modulate and demodulate the information
respectively.
 Digital codes are used for this information exchange with various error detection schemes assuring
the correct data are received.
 The remote terminal unit (RTU) properly codes remote station information into digital form for the
transmission via modem and converts the signals received from the master station into the proper
form for each piece of remote equipment.

Substation controllers
 It is predicted that remote terminal units (RTUs) will not only provide station telemetry and control to the
master station, but also will deliver other primary functions, such as system protection,, local operation,
graphical user interface (GUI), and data gathering/concentration from other subsystems.
 Therefore, the future RTUs will evolve into a class of devices that perform multiple substation control,
protection, and operation functions. Besides these functions, the substation controller also develops and
processes data required by the SCADA master as well as processes control commands and messages
received from the SCADA master.
 The substation controller will provide a gateway function to process and transmit data from the
substation to the WAN and is basically a computer system designed to operate in a substation
environment.

Advanced developments for integrated substation automation

 Open system is a computer system that embodies supplier-independent standards, such that
software can be applied on many different platforms and can interoperate with other applications on
local and remote systems.
 An SA project prior to the 1990s typically involved three major functional areas: SCADA; station
control, metering, and display; protection. In recent years, the utility industry begun using IEDs in
their systems. These IEDs provided additional functions and features including self-check and
diagnostics, communication interfaces, the ability to store historical data, and integrated remote
terminal unit’s (RTU) input/output.
 The IED also enabled elimination of redundant equipment, since multiple functions were integrated
into a single piece of equipment. For instance, when interfaced to the potential transformers and
current transformers of an individual circuit, the IED could simultaneously handle protection,
metering, and remote control.

Advanced developments for integrated substation automation

 As more and more traditional SA functions become integrated into a single piece of equipment, the
definition of IED expands. Now, any microprocessor-based device with a communications port and
 including protection relays, meters, RTUs, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), load survey and
operator meters, digital fault recorders, revenue meters, and power equipment controllers of various
types may be called an IED.
 The IEDs can, therefore, be considered as the first level of automation integration. Additional savings
can be obtained by connecting all IEDs into a single integrated substation control system.
 The use of a fully integrated control system can lead to further streamlining of redundant equipment,
as well as reduced costs of wiring, communications, maintenance, and operation, improved power
quality and reliability.

Intelligent electronic device


Protective relay is an example of an Intelligent Electronic Device
 An Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) is a term used in the electric power industry to
describe microprocessor-based controllers of power system equipment, such as circuit
breakers, transformers and capacitor banks.

Description
 IEDs receive data from sensors and power equipment, and can issue control commands, such as
tripping circuit breakers if they sense voltage, current, or frequency anomalies, or raise/lower voltage
levels in order to maintain the desired level. Common types of IEDs include protective relaying
devices, On Load Tap Changer controllers, circuit breaker controllers, capacitor bank switches,
recloser controllers, voltage regulators etc. This is generally controlled by a setting file. The testing of
setting files is typically one of the most time consuming roles of a protection tester.
 Digital protective relays are primarily IEDs, using a microprocessor to perform several protective,
control and similar functions. A typical IED can contain around 5-12 protection functions, 5-8 control
functions controlling separate devices, an auto-reclose function, self monitoring function,
communication functions etc. Hence, they are aptly named as Intelligent Electronic Devices.
  Some recent IEDs are designed to support the IEC61850 standard for substation automation, which
provides interoperability and advanced communications capabilities.

Phasor measurement unit

Using a PMU, it is simple to detect abnormal waveform shapes. A waveform shape described mathematically is called a phasor.

A phasor measurement unit (PMU) is a device which measures the electrical waves on an electricity grid using a
common time source for synchronization. Time synchronization allows synchronized real-time measurements of
multiple remote measurement points on the grid. The resulting measurement is known as a  synchrophasor.
PMUs are considered to be one of the most important measuring devices in the future of power systems.  A PMU
can be a dedicated device, or the PMU function can be incorporated into a protective relay or other device.