Key Points on SCADA Systems for Tomorrow’s Test
1. SCADA Overview
SCADA Defini on: A type of applica on for acquiring and controlling data from systems. It
monitors machinery or processes using sensors and control outputs.
Components:
o Process/System to be monitored.
o Network of Devices for communica on (using sensors).
2. Applica ons of SCADA
Electric Power: Monitors current flow, line voltage, circuit breakers, and power grid
opera ons.
Water and Sewage: Controls water flow, pressure, and reservoir levels.
Manufacturing: Regulates inventory, automa on, robots, and quality control.
Buildings/Facili es: Manages HVAC, ligh ng, and security systems.
3. SCADA Func ons
Data Acquisi on: Captures real- me data (voltage, current) from the system and sends
alarms when anomalies occur.
Networked Data Communica on: Connects remote devices to the central system.
Data Presenta on: Visualizes data for operators to monitor.
Control: Allows remote opera on of the system based on acquired data.
4. SCADA System Components
Component Func on
Sensors Collect data from the system (analog/ digital)
RTUs (Remote Telemetry Local collec on points, gather sensor data and send control
Units) commands
Central system, monitors and controls the network, interfaces with
SCADA Master Units
operators
Communica on Network Links RTUs to the central master units for data transfer
5. Evalua ng SCADA Systems
RTUs Must-Haves:
o Ruggedness (temperature/humidity resistance).
o Non-vola le memory (NVRAM) to store data.
o Secure power supply.
SCADA Master Requirements:
o Flexible sensor responses.
o Detailed data display and system expansion capability.
6. SCADA Energy Management System (EMS)
Automa c Genera on Control (AGC): Adjusts power genera on for op mal economics and
reliability.
Power Flow Analysis: Assesses system lines and transformers, helping in planning and
opera onal decisions.
7. Advanced SCADA So ware Tools
State Es ma on: Collects and analyzes power system data to predict future states.
Con ngency Analysis: Performs "what-if" scenarios to assess worst-case situa ons.
Transmission Stability Analysis: Monitors real- me condi ons to avoid instability in the
system.
Dynamic Security Assessment: Reports poten al overloads or voltage viola ons.
8. Emergency Load Shedding
Func on: EMS can automa cally drop loads during power declines, preven ng system
collapse and managing rolling blackouts.
9. SCADA in Operator Training
Simulator: Provides real- me experience for operators without affec ng the actual system,
enhancing training efficiency.
SCADA Systems: Key Points with Prac cal Examples
1. SCADA Overview
Defini on: A supervisory control and data acquisi on system is a type of applica on that
acquires and controls data from systems. It monitors machinery or processes using sensors
and control outputs.
Example: A water treatment plant uses SCADA to monitor water levels, pH levels, and
chemical dosages. The system can automa cally adjust chemical feed rates to maintain water
quality standards.
2. Applica ons of SCADA
Power Grid: SCADA systems monitor voltage levels, current flow, and circuit breaker status
on a power grid. They can automa cally isolate faulty equipment to prevent widespread
outages.
Manufacturing: In a manufacturing plant, SCADA systems can monitor produc on rates,
machine performance, and quality control data. They can also control robo c arms and other
automated equipment.
3. SCADA Func ons
Data Acquisi on: A water treatment plant SCADA system can collect data on water flow
rates, pH levels, and chemical dosages. If the pH level falls outside of the acceptable range,
the system can send an alert to the operator.
Control: A manufacturing plant SCADA system can automa cally adjust the speed of a
conveyor belt based on the produc on rate of the upstream machine.
4. SCADA System Components
Sensors: Temperature sensors in a building can monitor the temperature in different rooms
and send data to the SCADA system.
RTUs: RTUs in a power substa on can collect data from various sensors and send it to the
central SCADA system.
SCADA Master Units: The central SCADA system at a water treatment plant can monitor data
from mul ple RTUs and control pumps and valves.
5. Evalua ng SCADA Systems
RTUs: RTUs used in outdoor environments should be ruggedized to withstand harsh weather
condi ons.
SCADA Master Units: SCADA master units should have a user-friendly interface that allows
operators to easily monitor and control the system.
6. SCADA Energy Management System (EMS)
Automa c Genera on Control: An EMS can automa cally adjust the output of power plants
to match the demand for electricity.
Power Flow Analysis: An EMS can analyze the flow of power through a power grid to iden fy
poten al bo lenecks and conges on.
7. Advanced SCADA So ware Tools
State Es ma on: An EMS can use state es ma on to es mate the current state of the
power grid based on measurements from sensors.
Con ngency Analysis: An EMS can perform con ngency analysis to evaluate the impact of
poten al faults or disturbances on the power grid.
8. Emergency Load Shedding
Func on: An EMS can automa cally shed load during periods of high demand or system
emergencies to prevent widespread outages.
9. SCADA in Operator Training
Simulator: SCADA simulators can provide operators with a realis c training environment
without affec ng the actual system.
Prac cal Examples:
Smart Grid: SCADA systems are essen al for the opera on of smart grids, which integrate
renewable energy sources, energy storage, and demand-side management.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): SCADA systems are a key component of IIoT applica ons,
which connect industrial machines and devices to the internet.
Autonomous Vehicles: SCADA systems can be used to monitor and control traffic flow in
autonomous vehicle systems.
