A Functionally Integrated Architecture for Online Monitoring and Real-time Diagnostics and Management of Substation Assets as a Tool for Optimized Maintenance Management

摘要

As utilities focus more and more on system optimization, seeking to reduce global cost of ownershipand exploring assets as close as possible to their technical limits, O&M Support Systems (OMSS) arebecoming a relevant if not critical requirement. In this context authors propose the adoption of a stepby-step, but integrated approach to the introduction of innovative solutions to monitor, supervise,analyse, diagnose and manage primary and secondary assets.A reference model is introduced as a foundation for OMSS solutions, covering the complete valuechain, from sensors through monitoring up to analyses, diagnostic and management. User roles,corresponding requirements and use cases as well implementation maturity levels are identified.Since no single architecture can be applied to every utility and system, due to different strategies andasset base, any solution must be carefully designed, avoiding excessive complexity and makingextensive use of international standards. A reference technical architecture from process to operation ispresented and critical topics highlighted.Digital Substation Automation Systems (SAS) play an important role in monitoring primary assets anddelivering data to be processed by higher-level tools. Implemented technology in current systems istypically not sufficient to fully cover expected needs for monitoring primary assets, for whichdevelopment of new capabilities is unavoidable in case of comprehensive monitoring. Depending onasset and system architecture such capabilities may be integrated in the existing Intelligent ElectronicDevices (IED) or new devices be introduced. Current SAS architectures are considered together withexpected evolution in light of latest IEC 61850 editions and related standards. Considerationsregarding automated fault and disturbance analysis and expert systems are included together withlifetime management of secondary assets, including engineering, monitoring, remote access and cybersecurity.As a cross-cutting tool, the implementation of an OMSS solution is also a relevant organizationalprocess. As such, interaction between all stakeholders must be ensured by top management during allphases, from design through implementation and operation, as key factors for maximizing the benefitof such systems. Another key success factor, IEC 61850 standardization, is discussed with focus ongaps and industry adoption.The industry is now reaching a new step in automation where the utility is now looking at technologyto proactively prevent failures and at automating the engineering and maintenance processesthemselves.