The Substation Automation System

The Substation Automation System (SAS)
The substation automation system (SAS) is characterized by its ability to

replace manual operator operations with automated functions, as implied by its
name. Automated operations are essential for ensuring the safe and
dependable functioning of electric power transmission and distribution. The
functions encompassed in this list include, but are not restricted to, monitoring,
data collecting, protection, control, and remote access communications.
Pr
actical guide to smart substation automation in electric energy distribution (photo credit: Warna
RS Sdn. Bhd.)
Previously, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) were only used as intermediaries

between the electric power switchgear at the process level in substations and
the network management system of utilities for long-range surveillance
purposes (see Figure 1 below).
These units are equipped with several inputs and outputs that serve as
communication interfaces to the remote network control centers. Both
the Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and the Network Control Center (NCC)
combined to create the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System
(SCADA), as shown in Figure 1.
There are several specific functions of the substation automation system

worth mentioning:
1. Voltage transformation control (Load Tap Changer Control)
2. Equipment protection for buses, lines, feeders, transformers,
generators, and other equipment.
3. Implementing automated interlocks and switchgear switching
mechanisms,
4. Transmitting monitoring data to the control center,
5. Resolving power system faults either locally or remotely,
6. Establishing communication with other substations (intra) and regional
control centers.
The substation automation system plays a crucial role in providing essential

information to the central system at the utility level (business). Conversely,
the SAS receives updated control data from the control centers in order to
maintain the regular operation of the power system.
For instance, numerous functions in SAS are synchronized to automatically
recover from equipment failure or short-circuit failures. These functions utilize
several devices, with their responsibilities divided between primary equipment
(such as circuit breakers, transformers, instrument transformers, etc.) and
secondary equipment (such as protective relays, merging units, intelligent
electronic devices).
Figure 1 – The substation Automation System, an architecture of classical

SCADA systems
Fi
gure 1 – The substation Automation System, an architecture of classical SCADA systems
Therefore, the cabling and wire connections between these devices and
equipment become intricate, resulting in significant efforts and extended time
when performing maintenance, repair, extension, or modification operations.
Efforts have been made to reduce the quantity of cabling and wiring by
implementing serial communication networks at various levels of the substation
hierarchy. These endeavors indicated exclusive solutions that are created by
providers of substation equipment.
Major corporations, a non-profit group consisting of suppliers of substation
equipment and utility users like the Utility Communication Architecture (UCA),
are actively enhancing substation communications. They are doing so by
actively participating in the development of international standards to enhance
functional compatibility and proposing architectures that offer greater network
bandwidth.
The objective is to improve the reliability of communication between

substations, both within and between them.
Today, protective relays have evolved into intelligent electronic devices (IEDs),
which are programmable electronic devices designed for protection and control,
and equipped with at least one communication port. An intelligent electronic
device (IED) is an electronic device that utilizes a microprocessor and
incorporates components such as input, output, memory, storage media,
and a communication network interface. This device has the ability to
perform multiple functions simultaneously, taking advantage of its
computational power. IEDs contain embedded logic programs that execute
several electric power functions, including reactive power calculation, primary
equipment monitoring, and protection trip initiation.
In general, IEDs facilitate the flow of information that can be collected and
stored either locally or remotely for the purpose of thorough analysis and
logging. This data assists utilities in improving reliability and facilitating asset
management initiatives, including as predictive maintenance, extending the
lifespan of assets, and advanced planning.
Communication architecture of Substation Automation Systems
SAS The substation automation hierarchical architecture is classified by

technological implementations. The substation automation system consists of
three levels: the station level, the bay level, and the process level (as shown in
Figure 2). These levels can be utilized to achieve various functionality. In terms
of technical specifications, the dimensions of a substation automation system
(SAS) will be greater in extra high voltage transmission substations compared
to high voltage distribution substations.
In modern substations, the bay level is a common feature, although in the early
days of SAS, the concept of bay level was not acknowledged.
In essence, the substation automation system adheres to the fundamental

principles of control system design. It involves the interconnection of
sensors, control logic, and actuators to maintain the system or equipment
under control (EUC) in a stable state, as determined by established criteria.
Usually, the sensors gauge exceedingly large current and voltage magnitudes.
Current and voltage transformers (CTs/VTs) are used to convert large amounts
of current and voltage into standardized values that are then sent to relay
inputs. The scaled figures typically correspond to 5A (1A in Europe) for the
current and 120 Volts for the voltage.
In simple words, protective relays or modern intelligent electronic

devices execute the protective logic.
Figure 2 – The structure of a Substation Automation System representing

station, bay and process levels
Fi
gure 2 – The structure of a Substation Automation System representing station, bay and process
levels
These devices detect and measure electrical current and voltage levels to
calculate certain values that are monitored by the protective logic, such as the
electrical current in two distinct sides of an Extra High Voltage (EHV)/High
Voltage (HV) transformer. When a parameter exceeds a specified value (pickup
setting), the protective logic will respond based on a predetermined sequence
of steps or a programmed control algorithm.
Typically, a trip signal is transmitted to the corresponding circuit breaker to

disconnect a line or bus when a problem is present.

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The Substation Automation System (SAS)

The substation automation system (SAS) is characterized by its ability to

Previously, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) were only used as intermediaries

There are several specific functions of the substation automation system

The substation automation system plays a crucial role in providing essential

Figure 1 – The substation Automation System, an architecture of classical

The objective is to improve the reliability of communication between

Communication architecture of Substation Automation Systems

SAS The substation automation hierarchical architecture is classified by

In essence, the substation automation system adheres to the fundamental

In simple words, protective relays or modern intelligent electronic

Figure 2 – The structure of a Substation Automation System representing

Typically, a trip signal is transmitted to the corresponding circuit breaker to

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