SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is a highly advanced control system which enables real-time monitoring, remote operation, and data acquisition of embedded generation sources. Essential Energy enables through the use of SCADA in the operation of embedded generators safely within network constraints and dynamic response to grid conditions.

Embedded generation refers to small- and medium-sized power-generating plants such as solar farms, windmills, and cogeneration on the distribution grid directly instead of the central transmission grid. They provide energy locally with minimal transmission loss and grid reliability.

SCADA Requirements for Embedded Generation

In order to integrate embedded generators efficiently, Essential Energy needs specific SCADA requirements based on the size of the generator and voltage level. SCADA is needed for embedded generators with a rating of more than 1.5 MVA, those at and above 22 kV, and those requiring active network management in an effort to prevent overloading and stability.

SCADA on Essential Energy must be able to capture actual-time values of the important operating parameters such as power generation, voltage, and current. Remote monitoring and control allow Essential Energy operators to control the generation level, trip units when necessary, and inject stability into the network. Alarm handling monitors and informs operators of potential faults or network abnormality. Historical data logging records historical information for performance monitoring and for control.

Key Points for Integration with SCADA

Embedded Essential Energy generators must provide precise points of data to its SCADA system, such as megawatts and megavolt-amperes reactive of three-phase power output, voltage and current per phase, circuit breaker and disconnect switch status, and fault and event logs for diagnostic and enhancing operation procedures. The points of data allow real-time decision-making with which Essential Energy can provide grid reliability and optimal benefits from distributed energy resources.

Communication Infrastructure for SCADA

Good and efficient communication infrastructure is very important to the successful integration of SCADA. Secure fast data exchange between the NOC and the embedded generator’s SCADA system is necessary, as required by Essential Energy. The communications link must offer secure VPN or private networks exclusively for the purpose of preventing illegal use, microwave or fiber optic links to offer minimum latency, and redundant communications links to facilitate uninterrupted data exchange in the event of link loss. Essential Energy’s communications infrastructure offers embedded remote generation control to reduce on-site activity and improve network performance.

Commissioning and Compliance Process

Essential Energy has a satisfactory commissioning and compliance procedure before an embedded generator is put into service to ascertain SCADA and communications systems network compliance.

Its SCADA system will be subjected to rigorous testing to ascertain accuracy and timely data transportation, remote commanding of control commands, and operation of alarms and fault logs. The sponsors will provide documentation details of SCADA installation, communications network diagrams, and certificates of compliance to verify adherence to the levels of Essential Energy. After completion of all the tests successfully, the final approval from Essential Energy verifies the embedded generator for powering and linking on the distribution system.

Financial and Technical Considerations

SCADA integration in an embedded generation scheme is technically and financially conceived. Technical aspects involve SCADA system complexity, communication network requirements, and protection systems such as automatic disconnection schemes for fault conditions. Early technical participation of Essential Energy is advised by Essential Energy to enable proponents to be aware of the process and cost of SCADA integration.

Best Practices for SCADA Implementation

In order to simplify the integration process, embedded generation supporters have to initiate contact with Essential Energy at the planning stage in a way that SCADA requirements are met ahead of time. The use of industry standard communication protocols such as DNP3 or IEC 61850 allows for smooth interfacing with existing systems already installed within Essential Energy. Redundancy planning in the guise of backup power sources and secondary communications links minimizes downtime. Training of operations staff in operating SCADA systems decreases response time to malfunctions or abnormal operating conditions.