Data integration and information exchange for enhanced control and protection of power systems

One issue that did not get adequate attention regarding control and protection of power systems in the past is the data integration and information exchange. The traditional approaches assume that each function such as protection, control, monitoring, and maintenance are supported by a separate infrastructure of recording instruments and/or controllers for obtaining and processing data. With introduction of the new computer-based equipment for control and protection in the mid eighties, the integration of data and information exchange were possible, but not explored. This paper indicates what are the improvements and benefits that can be obtained by integrating the data and exchanging information among control and protection as well as system-wide monitoring and control functions.