SCADA SYSTEMS

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

WHAT IS SCADA?
➢Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are
used for controlling, monitoring, and analyzing industrial devices and
processes. The system consists of both software and hardware
components and enables remote and on-site gathering of data from
the industrial equipment. In that way, it allows companies to remotely
manage industrial sites because the company can access the
equipment’s data and control them without being on site.
➢For electrical engineering students, understanding SCADA systems
is vital because SCADA is extensively used in power generation,
transmission, distribution, and grid management. This discussion
covers on the components, functionality, and SCADA's role in
electrical system in terms of monitoring and control.
WHAT IS A SCADA USED FOR?

This is an industrial control system (ICS) used to monitor and

control infrastructure and processes in industries such as power
generation, water treatment, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
SCADA is essential for large-scale systems where real-time
monitoring and control are critical.
WHAT IS A SCADA USED FOR?
➢In these industries, SCADA systems provide valuable information to
key stakeholders. They can use the system to improve the performance
of the industrial plants, keep track of the plants’ efficiency and lessen
errors and downtime through messages received from the system.
➢In today’s industrial advanced world, SCADA systems are essential for
operating industrial plants more efficiently, as they are much easier
and faster in collecting essential data. This allows for better allocating
of resources in many businesses.
➢A SCADA system connects to many different types of equipment. It
monitors and controls everything from weather sensors and pumps to
power production and motors, depending on what kind of data is
needed.
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
➢A SCADA system consists of four main system components.
Combined, they ensure that data is transmitted from the equipment
that needs to be monitored and controlled (sensors, motors, etc.) to an
interface where the data can be analyzed and used for reporting.
➢The connecting link in the SCADA design are the Programable Logic
Controllers (PLCs) or Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). These are
microcomputers that interact with both the equipment (also called field
devices) on the one hand, and HMIs, which are Human Machine
Interfaces, on the other hand. HMIs are also referred to as graphical
user interfaces.
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
➢As the illustration shows, the PLCs and RTUs works as local
collection points that send and translates data to the remote or on-
site HMI and send back control commands to the field devices.
➢The human operators access the data through the HMI, which can
either be cloud-based or based on own servers. The software
interprets and displays the data in an easy-to-understand matter, so
operators quickly and simply can analyze and react to alarms.
➢Some SCADA systems also include options for automatic control
actions and an automatic reporting engine for easy-made reports.
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
HOW DOES A SCADA WORK?
The birth of the SCADA
o To understand the origins of SCADA, we must understand the
problems industrial organizations are trying to solve. Before the
concept of SCADA was introduced in the mid-20th century, many
manufacturing floors, industrial plants, and remote sites relied on
personnel to manually control and monitor equipment via push buttons
and analog dials.
o As industrial floors and remote sites began to scale out in size,
solutions were needed to control equipment over long distances.
Industrial organizations started to utilize relays and timers to provide
some level of supervisory control without having to send people to
remote locations to interact with each device.
The birth of the SCADA
o While relays and timers solved many problems by providing limited
automation functionality, more issues began to arise as organizations
continued to scale out. Relays and timers were difficult to reconfigure
and fault-find, and the control panels took up racks upon racks of
space. A more efficient and fully automated system of control and
monitoring was needed.
o In the early 1950s, computers were first developed and used for
industrial control purposes. Supervisory control began to become
popular among the major utilities, oil and gas pipelines, and other
industrial markets at that time. In the 1960s, telemetry was
established for monitoring, which allowed for automated
communications to transmit measurements and other data from
remotes sites to monitoring equipment.
The birth of the SCADA

o The term “SCADA” was coined in the early

1970s, and the rise of microprocessors and
PLCs during that decade increased
enterprises’ ability to monitor and control
automated processes more than ever before.
The evolution of the SCADA
o The first iteration of SCADA started off with mainframe computers.
Networks as we know them today were not available, and each SCADA
system stood on its own. These systems were what would now be
referred to as monolithic SCADA systems.
o In the 80s and 90s, the SCADA field continued to evolve thanks to
smaller computer systems, Local Area Networking (LAN) technology,
and PC-based HMI software. SCADA systems soon were able to be
connected to other similar systems. Many of the LAN protocols used in
these systems were proprietary, which gave vendors control over
optimizing data transfer. Unfortunately, these systems were incapable
of communicating with systems from other vendors. These systems
were called distributed SCADA systems.
The evolution of the SCADA
o In the 1990s and early 2000s, building upon the distributed system
model, SCADA adopted an incremental change by embracing an open
system architecture and communications protocols that were not
vendor-specific. This iteration of SCADA, called a networked SCADA
system, took advantage of communications technologies such as
Ethernet. Networked SCADA systems allowed systems from other
vendors to communicate with each other, alleviating the limitations
imposed by older SCADA systems, allowing organizations to connect
more devices to the network.
The evolution of the SCADA
o While SCADA systems have undergone substantial evolutionary
changes, many industrial organizations continue to struggle with
industrial data access at the enterprise level. By the late 1990s to the
early 2000s, a technological boom occurred, and personal computing
and IT technologies accelerated in development. Structured query
language (SQL) databases became the standard for IT databases but
were not adopted by SCADA developers. This resulted in a rift between
the fields of controls and IT, and SCADA technology became antiquated
over time.
The evolution of the SCADA
o Traditional SCADA systems still use proprietary technology to handle
data. Whether it is a data historian, a data connector, or other means
of data transfer, the solution is messy and incredibly expensive.
Modern SCADA systems aim to solve this problem by leveraging the
best of controls and IT technology.
The modern SCADA Systems
o Modern SCADA systems allow real-time data from the plant floor to be
accessed from anywhere in the world. This access to real-time
information allows governments, businesses, and individuals to make
data-driven decisions about how to improve their processes. Without
SCADA software, it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to
gather sufficient data for consistently well-informed decisions.
o Also, most modern SCADA designer applications have rapid
application development (RAD) capabilities that allow users to
design applications relatively easily, even if they don't have extensive
knowledge of software development.
The modern SCADA Systems
o The introduction of modern IT standards and practices, such as SQL
and web-based applications, into SCADA software has greatly
improved the efficiency, security, productivity, and reliability of
SCADA systems.
o SCADA software that utilizes the power of SQL databases provides
huge advantages over antiquated SCADA software. One big advantage
of using SQL databases with a SCADA system is that it makes it easier
to integrate into existing MES and ERP systems, allowing data to flow
seamlessly through an entire organization.
o Historical data from a SCADA system can also be logged in a SQL
database, which allows for easier data analysis through data trending.
The modern SCADA Systems
The modern SCADA Systems
SCADA Software
o Citect SCADA – Schneider Electric
o InTouch – Wonderware
o Experion SCADA – Honeywell
o iFIX – General Electric
o Ignition – Inductive Automation
o SIMATIC WinCC V7 – Siemens
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
➢SCADA and PLCs can easily be confused when you’re first learning
about control engineering. You will often hear the terms “PLC” and
“SCADA” used within the same breath. Although they are related, they
are distinctly different from one another.
➢A PLC is a “Programmable Logic Controller”. This is essentially a
ruggedized mini-computer that sits out in the field within a panel, with
a bunch of inputs and outputs leading from devices in the field into the
PLC. The PLC will monitor the state of these inputs (e.g., the speed of a
motor) and, depending on the program inside, programmatically output
various signals to control these field devices (e.g., stop the motor).
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
➢SCADA systems sit “on top” of programmable logic controllers. PLCs
are almost always part of a SCADA network and form an interface
between the field and SCADA. The data that is logged and stored in a
SCADA system is typically acquired through communication with the
PLC. The PLC will continue to execute its program, reading inputs and
writing outputs.
➢The SCADA system is used to keep a log of the historical state of these
inputs and outputs, which can be used for data analysis or auditing.
Programmable logic controllers have a limited capacity for long-term
data storage.
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
➢Although SCADA systems can be programmed to control certain
aspects of the field, this is usually an unwanted situation. Ideally, your
PLC would run autonomously, able to programmatically handle any
situation it encounters. Due to the complexity of the real world, this is
often not the case. In these cases, operator input is required for the
correct functioning of these semi-autonomous systems.
➢Hence, the level of “control” on the SCADA screen (i.e., HMI software)
that the operator interacts with is generally much less than the control
executed by a PLC. Anything that can be easily programmed into logic
(e.g., IF the flow rate exceeds 100 metres per second, STOP the pump)
will be programmed into the PLC.
Difference Between
PLC and SCADA
➢So, SCADA systems are primarily used for monitoring and data
acquisition, with control capabilities used under irregular or complex
circumstances. SCADA allows operators (and control systems
engineers) to see an overview of the plant from a distance, giving them
the ability to respond to any abnormal states. It should be noted that a
SCADA system technically includes PLCs, which SCADA will
communicate with.
➢A PLC sits in the field and will read field inputs (e.g., conveyor belt has
stopped) and write outputs (e.g., start conveyor belt) depending on how
it is programmed. A PLC forms part of a SCADA network,
asynchronously receiving and executing certain commands from
SCADA (e.g., operator commands to stop the pump), as well as being
read by a SCADA network as a source of data.
Components of SCADA System
A SCADA system consists of several critical components that work
together to collect data, process it, and provide control mechanisms. The
four main components are:
a) Field Instrumentation (Sensors and Actuators)
b) Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
c) Communication Infrastructure
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Components of SCADA System
a) Field Instrumentation (Sensors and Actuators)
➢Sensors are used to measure physical parameters such as
voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and flow in the system.
➢Actuators such as relays, valves, and switches interact with the
system to perform control actions based on commands from the
SCADA system.
Example in Electrical Systems:
Sensors monitor voltage levels, current flow, and power output in substations.
Actuators may open or close circuit breakers or adjust transformer tap settings to
control power flow.
Components of SCADA System
b) Remote Terminal Units or Programmable Logic Controllers
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs):

➢ RTUs are field devices that collect data from sensors and send
control signals to actuators. They are positioned near the process
being monitored and are connected to sensors and actuators
through wired or wireless communication.

➢ RTUs are designed to handle a harsh environment, operate

remotely, and have minimal maintenance requirements.
Components of SCADA System
b) Remote Terminal Units or Programmable Logic Controllers
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs):

➢ PLCs are industrial computers used to automate control processes.

They are more commonly used in discrete manufacturing processes
but are also found in SCADA systems.

➢ PLCs are more powerful and flexible than RTUs, capable of

executing complex control algorithms.
Components of SCADA System
b) Remote Terminal Units or Programmable Logic Controllers

Example in Electrical Systems:

RTUs in a substation gather data like power factor, voltage, current, and switch status,
then transmit this data to the central SCADA system.
PLCs can automate operations like starting/stopping power generators or switching
power between different grids.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure
➢ The communication network is the backbone of the SCADA system,
enabling data transmission between RTUs or PLCs and the
central control station.
SCADA communication protocols are designed for real-time data
exchange with minimal latency. Common protocols include:
➢ Modbus: Used for communication between RTUs and central
systems.
➢ DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3): Widely used in
electrical utilities.
➢ IEC 61850: A communication standard for substation automation
in power systems.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure

The communication infrastructure can use:

➢ Wired networks: Ethernet, fiber optics.
➢ Wireless networks: Radio, cellular, microwave, or satellite
communications.

Example in Electrical Systems:

In power grids, communication networks transmit real-time data between substations
and the central control center using protocols like DNP3 or IEC 61850.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure
➢ DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3) is a communication
protocol used primarily in utilities such as electricity, water, and oil
and gas industries for SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition) systems. DNP3 is designed for the reliable
transmission of data between master stations (such as control
centers) and remote terminal units (RTUs) or intelligent electronic
devices (IEDs) located in the field.
➢ It has become a widely accepted standard for communication in
electric power systems, specifically in substation automation and
grid monitoring, due to its ability to work efficiently in
environments where communication channels may have long
delays or interference.
Components of SCADA System
c) Communication Infrastructure
➢ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 is an
international standard for the design and communication of
automation systems in electrical substations. It is widely used in
substation automation and smart grid applications, offering a
unified, standardized approach to data communication and control
in electric power systems. Unlike traditional protocols (like DNP3
and Modbus), IEC 61850 focuses on real-time communication and
provides powerful tools for interoperability among devices from
different manufacturers.
Components of SCADA System
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA Software
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

➢ The HMI is the user interface that provides operators with

visualizations of the system’s status and allows interaction with
the control system.
➢ Operators can monitor key performance indicators, issue control
commands, set alarm thresholds, and track trends over time using
graphical interfaces.
Components of SCADA System
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA Software
SCADA Software

➢ SCADA software runs on a central server and manages data

collection, storage, analysis, and visualization.
➢ It integrates with databases, logging systems, and event-handling
mechanisms to ensure operators can access historical data, detect
trends, and respond to alarms efficiently.
Components of SCADA System
d) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA Software

Example in Electrical Systems:

The HMI displays real-time data from electrical substations, including voltage levels,
power flow, and circuit breaker status. Operators can take action, such as shedding
loads or rerouting power, directly from the HMI.
What kind of data does a SCADA
system collect?
➢A SCADA system can collect any type of data from plant equipment,
such as temperature, pressure, and speed data, as long as there is a
connection to the equipment. Data from the equipment is the raw data
that the PLCs or RTUs then translate into comprehensible information
for human operators to act upon.
➢What is very useful is that a SCADA system typically collects both
live and historical data. Live data is often used for maintenance
purposes as well as real-time tracking. On the other hand, historical
data is often used for reporting and to improve plants’ performance.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down into
several key tasks:
a) Real-Time Data Acquisition
➢ SCADA systems continuously collect data from sensors, meters, and
transducers distributed across the network. These data streams are
processed and transmitted to the central control system, allowing
operators to monitor the system in real time.

Electrical System Example:

Monitoring real-time load flow data in a power grid and adjusting supply to meet
demand.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down into
several key tasks:
b) Data Logging and Historical Data Analysis
➢ SCADA systems store historical data for future analysis. This data
is used for generating reports, trend analysis, and performance
optimization.

Electrical System Example:

Data logging of transformer loading, voltage profiles, and system losses over time helps
in determining peak demand periods and equipment health.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down into
several key tasks:
c) Alarm Management
➢ SCADA systems continuously monitor the system for any abnormal
conditions or faults. If a predefined threshold is exceeded, the
system generates alarms to alert operators.

Electrical System Example:

If the voltage drops below a specified limit, the SCADA system triggers an alarm,
prompting operators to take corrective actions to avoid outages.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down into
several key tasks:
d) Remote Control
➢ One of SCADA's main functions is to remotely control field devices,
such as circuit breakers, transformers, and switches, from the
central control room. This eliminates the need for manual
intervention and reduces response time.

Electrical System Example:

Remote opening or closing of circuit breakers in substations to reconfigure power flows
during fault conditions or grid maintenance.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down into
several key tasks:
e) Supervisory Control
➢ SCADA systems enable supervisory control of large-scale systems.
Operators can monitor different aspects of the system and make
strategic decisions to optimize performance.

Electrical System Example:

Controlling voltage regulators to stabilize voltage levels across different parts of the
power grid.
Functionality of SCADA System
The functionality of SCADA systems can be broken down into
several key tasks:
f) Security Management
➢ SCADA systems play a role in ensuring cybersecurity and physical
security in industrial environments. Security mechanisms, such as
firewalls, encryption, and user access control, are integrated to
prevent unauthorized access or attacks on critical infrastructure.

Electrical System Example:

Implementing security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to the control of high-
voltage substations or grid management systems.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
SCADA is essential for the operation of power generation, transmission,
and distribution networks, enabling utilities to improve efficiency, reduce
downtime, and maintain grid stability. Here’s how SCADA is specifically
applied to electrical system monitoring and control:
1. Power Generation
2. Power Transmission
3. Power Distribution
4. Fault Detection and Isolation
5. Load Management
6. Integration with Smart Grids
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
1. Power Generation
➢ SCADA systems control power generation plants, including coal,
nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy sources such as solar
and wind.
➢ Real-time monitoring ensures that the generators are operating
within set parameters (e.g., frequency, voltage).
➢ Load forecasting data from SCADA helps to optimize the operation
of generation units and manage load dispatch efficiently.

Example: In a power plant, SCADA controls turbine speed, generator excitation, and
fuel flow based on real-time demand and system conditions.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
2. Power Transmission
➢ SCADA systems monitor high-voltage transmission lines to ensure
efficient and stable power flow between generation plants and
distribution networks.
➢ Data such as line voltage, current, power factor, and line losses are
monitored, and corrective actions (e.g., switching lines, balancing
loads) are taken when anomalies are detected.

Example: If a fault occurs on a transmission line, SCADA can isolate the faulty section
by automatically opening circuit breakers, rerouting power, and preventing further
system damage.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
3. Power Distribution
➢ SCADA is extensively used in substation automation and
distribution networks to manage power flow and control equipment
like transformers, reclosers, and capacitors.
➢ Distribution management includes real-time load management,
voltage control, fault detection, and restoration.

Example: SCADA detects an overload condition in a feeder line and automatically

shifts the load to a parallel line to prevent outages.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
4. Fault Detection and Isolation
➢ One of the critical roles of SCADA in electrical systems is the
detection and isolation of faults. SCADA monitors circuit breaker
status, relay actions, and fault currents in real-time.
➢ In case of a fault, SCADA systems initiate automatic switching
operations to isolate the affected portion of the grid, preventing the
fault from spreading and minimizing service interruptions.

Example: During a short-circuit fault, SCADA isolates the faulted section by triggering
the opening of associated breakers and re-routing power through unaffected lines.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
5. Load Management
➢ SCADA plays a role in demand-side management and load
balancing. It helps utilities maintain a balance between power
supply and demand by adjusting load schedules and managing
peak loads.

Example: In a scenario of excess demand, SCADA can initiate load shedding to

prioritize essential services while reducing supply to non-critical loads, ensuring system
stability.
SCADA for Electrical System
Monitoring and Control
6. Integration with Smart Grids
➢ In modern electrical systems, SCADA is integrated with smart grid
technologies, allowing for improved grid automation, demand
response, and renewable energy integration.
➢ SCADA helps manage distributed energy resources (DERs) like
solar panels and wind turbines by controlling their connection to
the grid and ensuring that their power output matches grid
requirements.

Example: SCADA manages the connection of rooftop solar panels to the grid and
dynamically adjusts the contribution of these resources to stabilize the grid during
fluctuations in solar irradiance.
SCADA Applications
o Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
o Manufacturing Units
o Mass transit and Railway Traction
o Water, Waste-Water Utilities and Sewage
o Buildings, Facilities, and Environments
o Water Security: The Role of the SCADA System
o Thermal Power Plants
o Forestry, Pulp and Paper Industry
Why are SCADA systems used in
the renewable energy sector?
SCADA systems are today used at any wind power plant as they allow
for remote monitoring and control of the wind turbines. As wind power
plants or wind farms have grown in size, it is no longer possible or
favorable to visit every wind turbine to collect data for monitoring and
control purposes.
Why are SCADA systems used in
the renewable energy sector?
Offshore wind parks are also on the rise these years, which means
remote access to the wind turbines becomes even more crucial. With a
SCADA system, a lot of tasks can be performed without even visiting the
wind turbine.

Other renewable power plants such as solar PV (Photovoltaic) or

hydropower plants also rely on SCADA systems to gain remote access
and control. These plants are often placed in remote areas, where it is
both difficult and costly to bring personnel on site.
Why are SCADA systems used in
the renewable energy sector?
Another reason why SCADA systems are so essential in the renewable
energy sector is that SCADA systems enable monitoring and control of
the power production and power production loss. The demand for
electricity from renewable power plants is growing day by day as the
industry moves away from harnessing energy from fossil fuels to more
green alternatives.
The renewable plant owners are thus looking to optimize their power
production as much as possible. Detecting any errors or under-
performance quickly and effectively can be a way to reduce downtime of,
e.g., wind turbines and optimize the overall performance of the power
plant. Controlling the power output is also an effective way to comply
with grid regulations and optimize the plant’s performance.
THANK YOU!
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