How new technologies can improve monitoring and control
BY LOURENCO TEODORO, InduSoft
Substations are a critical component for maintaining electrical supply and load control in low voltage, medium voltage and high voltage electrical distribution networks. In order to ensure the proper functioning of substations and related equipment such as line-mounted switches and capacitors, most utilities use SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems to automate monitoring and control.
New sites typically implement a SCADA...
A closer look at animal-caused outages at substations BY BILL REICHARD, TransGard Systems Every year, squirrels, raccoons, snakes, and other climbing animals cause substation outages across North America. According to a 2010 University of Minnesota study, the resulting estimated cost to electric...
Power has weaved its way into nearly every intrinsic detail of our lives. It has become an afterthought during the course of the day and indeed, it is a staple in our way of life.In July of 2019, in the heart of the nation’s capital, a Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) substation in...
Switching gears in the underground BY PETR RUDENKO AND PETER GLAUBITZ, Siemens As demand for energy continues to rise, an increased number of locations around the world require suitable energy solutions that fulfill unique demands. Cities are growing, and so is the demand for power. Urban areas...
The power industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by grid modernization, renewable integration, and increasing demands for resilience and efficiency. At the heart of this evolution lies the smart substation—a next-generation facility equipped with advanced sensors, digital...
From Hardwiring to Data Networking The modernization of substations is as much a communications revolution as a protection one. For decades, copper conductors carried analog signals from instrument transformers to relays and controls. Each new circuit meant more wiring, more panels, and more room...
Reliable and secure communication infrastructure is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the modern power grid. As utilities transition to digital substations, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs), and deploy real-time monitoring systems, the need for robust, scalable grid...
The power industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by grid modernization, renewable integration, and increasing demands for resilience and efficiency. At the heart of this evolution lies the smart substation—a next-generation facility equipped with advanced sensors, digital...
The IEC 61850 protocol has become the global standard for substation automation, enabling high-speed communication, interoperability, and streamlined integration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). It plays a foundational role in transforming traditional substations into digital substations...
A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues...
In the rapidly evolving landscape of power grid management, digital twin technology is emerging as a game-changer for substations. By creating virtual replicas of physical assets, digital twins bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, enabling enhanced operational efficiency and...
