Unmanned digital electrical substations are playing an increasingly prominent role in power grids worldwide. Ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the communication element of the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is a decisive factor in the successful automation of substations.
The challenge
EVNSPC is a power grid operator located in southern Vietnam. EVNSPC needed to implement an automation solution that would enable high-value, efficient and reliable substation operations.
Substations must feature a communication system that allows them to transmit information to other substations as well as to external bodies such as control centres or dispatch centres.
As substations can be considered critical infrastructure, the communication system must be rigorous enough to guarantee high network availability. It must be equipped with redundancy features, and be able to prevent downtime.
The solution
The solution is a cost-effective network architecture with simplified network connections. This involved connecting each individual intelligent electrical device (IED) to an Ethernet switch. This meant that each switch needed a high density of ports.
In response to the global movement toward standardised IED communications, the system was built on the basis of the international standards IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613.
System description
The project implementation featured the EKI-9226G-20FOI: IEC61850-3 20G SFP + 6GE managed ethernet switch.
Each of the substation devices was integrated into the communication environment of the SCADA system. This included remote terminal units (RTUs), bay control units (BCUs), protection relays, multifunction meters, time servers and other devices. These connections were realised through the Advantech EKI-9226G managed ethernet switches, which are IEC 61850-3 / IEEE 1613 certified for substation and high voltage environments.
These switches are designed to withstand the harsh environments found in substations and to be resistant to electromagnetic interference. They can also connect with a wide range of peripheral equipment. Individual IEDs in the substation were connected to a switch using fibre and copper lines. The connections from multiple switches converge on one switch in a control bay, which is responsible for connecting to a human machine interface (HMI), gateway or other terminal equipment such as printers.
It can also connect to a router and firewall, which would then permit external connections such as to a control centre or dispatch centre. The system offers redundancy by having individual switches connect to each other in addition to the switch in the control bay. This is achieved using Advantech’s proprietary X-Ring Pro system, which allows the system to recover from failed connections.
The EKI-9226G provides steady and continuous connections for collected data to be sent to control computers.
System diagram
The advantages of the managed ethernet switch
The Advantech EKI-9226G managed ethernet switch is ideal for this system because it features a high port density and great flexibility. The switch is equipped with 20 gigabit SFP ports as well as 6 gigabit RJ-45 ports.
The EKI-9226G works with a redundant power supply at a suitable voltage range for substations: 90–264V AC / 88–370V DC or 48V DC.
The EKI-9226G has a wide temperature tolerance, being able to operate in -40°C to 85°C environments. It is also resistant to interference from the electromagnetic radiation that is common in substation environments.
The EKI-9226G uses the X-Ring Pro system for redundancy, offering a network topology that can recover from port failures in under 20ms.
Installation and configuration is quick, easy and flexible.
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Article courtesy of Advantech.
