Pathways to digital substations: a comparative case study
Keywords:
Digitalization, Digital substations, Substation technologies, Substation automation systemsAbstract
Electrical substations must keep their critical task of providing the power grid safe, reliable, protected, and manageable electricity flow within the context of increased digitalization in the power sector. On one hand, digital substation automation systems enable novel capabilities and functions, but on the other hand utilities must effectively manage such transformation while keeping their assets in operation. This paper presents an overview of how substations of different epochs are designed, operated and maintained in a practice-centered context of a Brazilian transmission utility. Drawing from a comparative case study based on a theoretical classification model, three high-voltage substations with different degrees of digitalization are analyzed regarding their automation system's design, features, lifetime upgrades, and future implications. The study shows that real-world conditions present challenges to operators and utilities retrofit existing substations in modernization efforts. There is a strong tendency to digitalize substation automation systems based on the IEC 61850, but the implementation of a process bus is still not widespread. Contrasting the cases with the academic literature reveals there are still areas that require further development to be competitively implemented by utilities, such as the usage of low-power instrument transformers, and that utilities must actively prepare to leverage the long-term benefits of those installations. Particularly in Brazil, extensive upcoming investment in such facilities are expected. As such, this study contributes to the understanding and discussion of the role of digital technologies in substations and their relationship to the professional practice of transmission utilities.
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