Influence of imminent future techs in power substations (trends, IoT design, cyber security)

Digital substation & coming challenges

Advancement in technology is not something unheard of and metaphorically, it has this unique tendency of replicating the pattern of biological evolution. The design and operation of power substations follow similar footsteps, with drastic changes in technology over the last decade. With this influx bound to continue perpetually, we need to update ourselves with the prerequisites so that we won’t be left behind.

Quite possibly, some of the current tech marvels could be deemed obsolete by the end of this decade, and the pilot projects that are a mere concept now can take over as the universal solution. This article primarily focuses on some of those trending and imminent advancements in power substation design and operation.

While some have already started showing glimpses of their prowess via real-world applications, some are under advanced development phases to make them universally applicable anytime soon.

Table of Contents:

1. IoT in substation design and operation
   1. Making it easier and safe in process level
   2. IoT for protection coupling
2. Impact of grid modernization in power substations
   1. Solid state transformers
   2. HVDC transmission lines
3. Cyber-security in power substations
   1. Framework for implementation
   2. Counter measures

1. IoT in substation design and operation

Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept and combination of protocols that enable digitally connected objects or equipment to interact with each other through the web. A modern digital power substation is the perfect platform for reaping the benefits of IoT connectivity because of its already existing vast network of IEDs, sensors, and actuators.

The whole concept of data acquisition from sensors, analyzing the data, deciding, and implementing it can be channelized via a central server or cloud-based applications. The implementation follows three major functional blocks- Enhance better connectivity, data acquisition, and analysis via common cloud space.

The ultimate objective would be to realize a fully automated and intelligent substation where the equipment can be protected, monitored, and controlled remotely, only via authorized access. This makes the system very reliable and safe while keeping the overall cost within a viable limit.

SCADA is a form of IoT application area in power substations that allows centralized control and monitoring of multiple data points and devices from a remotely located server.

Figure 1 – IoT in power substations

The above block diagram illustrates how a design engineer visualizes the application of IoT in smart substation control and monitoring. The concept allows the operator at a remote location to acquire sufficient information regarding the actuating and monitoring parameters to take appropriate actions.

The system can incorporate algorithms to archive the real-time data and upload it to a cloud-based server to allow perennial data analysis, which, in turn, helps immensely to implement the autonomy and intelligent features. Central access control is another critical feature that IoT makes very easy and secure to implement.

For instance, all the breakers, isolators, transformer tap changers, etc. can be monitored in real-time and controlled by a single person from a remote location using pre-defined authentications.