Inter-substation data communications for the revitalisation of network protection and control

In established cable distribution networks, it is rare that digital communication systems will have been installed. The revitalisation of these networks´ protection and control systems by the installation of a totally new digital communications media can be prohibitively expensive. The authors introduce research into the use of existing copper circuits for inter-substation digital data communications. Available circuits consist of either protection pilots used for unit relaying schemes or the energised power conductors themselves where pilots are not available