Experience of integrated operation of SCADA/EMS system at national level — A case study

Indian power system is one of the largest Power System Networks in the world. It has installed capacity of about 245 GW. Indian power system has complex transmission network and many cross border connections. It is monitored by a multilevel integrated SCADA/EMS installed at many control centers dispersed all over India. SCADA/EMS of National control center is integrated with SCADA/EMS systems of five regional control centers. SCADA/EMS systems of regional control centers in turn are integrated with SCADA/EMS systems lower 32 state control center. National control center was established in 2009. Purpose of national control center is to watch inter-regional and international transfer of power for best utilizing the generating resources by balancing deficit/surplus, diversity in peaking times and seasonal variations in demand of different regions. SCADA/EMS system of NLDC and regional control centers has different manufacturers. Integrated operation of SCADA system of NLDC has been a unique experience and has imparted many learning to the system operator and SCADA engineers at NLDC. This paper is an attempt to consolidate these experiences and learning.