Industrial power system automation: Synergistic benefits of integrating protection, instrumentation and control

Advances in microprocessor technology have resulted in greater performance at decreasing cost. This technology is being successfully applied to protection, instrumentation, and control of industrial power systems. Integrating these functions through data communications results in a synergism, such that the collective benefits exceed those which are achievable individually. The authors explore the various ways in which industrial power users may benefit through reduced energy costs, more efficient utilization of power distribution equipment, and improved power system reliability. It is anticipated that users will use these examples as catalysts for discovering additional innovative applications.<>