Case study: Replace substation wiring with rugged fiber communications

This paper describes the impact of new substation protection, control, and monitoring wiring techniques based on virtual wiring replacing traditional wiring. Special emphasis is given to the architectural implications of using digital communications between devices instead of traditional pairs of copper conductors to communicate status and measurements. Additional distinction is made regarding wiring reduction, yard construction, interoperability, and system testing. The paper also analyzes the influence of the latest best practice installation methods of pre-engineered solutions. Emphasis is placed on interoperability among generations of technology from one or more manufacturers and the physical benefits derived from the expanded use of fiber-optic network communication.