Substation automation and control in distribution networks

In 1982/83, the national entity responsible for the production, transport and distribution of electric power, Electricidade de Portugal, EDP/EP, undertook a programme of studies which led to a standard definition of a telecontrol and automation system for substations in the electric power distribution network. The authors describe: the purposes of the study programme and the related projects; typical distribution substation structures; fundamental concepts included in the software and hardware development; conception of the distribution substations equipped with the new telecontrol and automation systems; projects developed by Portuguese industry; and system performance in real operation conditions. The results of the development, which confirm the advantages initially expected, are described