Presentation: The Future of RTUs and Substation Data (Acquisition and) Integration (SDI

As technology improves, larger numbers of "smart" devices are installed in substations.  Often, the piece meal selection and installation of devices takes place with a vague concept that they can be integrated later or through a separate or proprietary network/communication media and/or software. Either approach is fragmented.  Fortunately, the internet provides for technology and standards in this exact area.  Organizations can use this technology at the substation level to obtain data, share it between corporate data systems and applications, provide increased security, and relatively easy access to data for corporate users in an open manner.  Further, since the technology is leveraged off of non-proprietary systems and third party hardware and software, interconnectivity and upgrades should be easier for the data "caretakers". Some of the key concepts are LINUX operating system, Ethernet based protocols, protocol routing functionality, the ability to wrap and transport proprietary protocols without having to interpret them, the use of XML and OPC to move data, web servers, power and flexibility to make up for deficiencies in "smart" devices, Process Book (simple graphical user interface that stores data that is easy for users to develop their own screens and applications and leverage of 3rd party software), Internet explorer (user comfort with this interface will allow faster acceptance of what is being provided), sharing data with any corporate computer system and reliably securing data that is so required with internet access, corporate or other private network access, etc.  This presentation describes TPWR's road to this point and plans to install 2 pilot systems by the end of this calendar year.