Enhanced power system control and management via intelligent substations

This paper explores the possibilities for a distributed control and management system, with major transmission substations performing tasks such as alarm processing, fault diagnosis and condition monitoring on a local basis; that is, accepting data from local and adjacent substations, processing this data, and sending concise and summarised messages to the control centre (with the potential for localised executive action in some instances). The advantages of such an arrangement are demonstrated, including: reduction in SCADA system load, especially during critical periods; increased local autonomy, thus facilitating substation automation; faster response times due to the distributed nature of the processing throughout the power system. Examples of ongoing research into the realisation of such a system are given, showing test results from packages already developed, using data provided by utilities and manufacturers. Problems with the implementation of such systems are covered, and ideas for the future solutions to these problems are suggested