Introdução ao Sistema de Automação de Subestação

Summary

This video provides an insightful introduction to substation automation, explaining the essential systems and equipment used for monitoring, controlling, and coordinating substation operations. It outlines the three primary levels of automation—process, bay, and station—and describes the roles of key devices such as remote terminal units (RTUs), protection relays, and communication gateways. The video also highlights the importance of supervisory control software and the connection between local and remote control centers. With a focus on functionality and communication protocols, the video also introduces Tronic, a leading provider in substation protection and automation technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Substation automation encompasses systems and equipment that enable monitoring, control, and coordination of substation devices, including transformers and circuit breakers.
• 😀 Substations can be part of various energy systems, including electrical utilities, large industries, or renewable energy sources like solar and wind power plants.
• 😀 Substation automation is typically structured in three levels: Process Level, Bay Level, and Station Level, each with specific functions and equipment.
• 😀 The Process Level involves equipment like transformers and switchgear, which manage power distribution within the substation.
• 😀 The Bay Level is focused on control and protection equipment, including protection relays, voltage regulators, and tap changers.
• 😀 The Station Level includes central control systems and management software, where operators can monitor and control the entire substation remotely.
• 😀 Communication gateways (such as RTUs) enable data exchange between the substation and remote control centers, allowing for centralized monitoring and operation.
• 😀 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) serve as intermediate devices that convert commands from the central control system to operational commands for substation equipment.
• 😀 Automation systems in substations rely on various communication protocols, allowing for flexible and efficient data transmission between different components.
• 😀 The software used for substation control can operate locally, remotely, or at a central control location, enabling real-time monitoring and management of substation functions.
• 😀 Tronic, an Italian company specializing in protection and automation systems for electrical networks, is a key player in substation automation, offering hardware and software solutions.

Q & A

What is the general purpose of substation automation?

Substation automation refers to the systems and equipment used for monitoring, controlling, and coordinating the equipment within a substation, including circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear. It enables better operation and maintenance of substations, including control and communication with remote centers.

What are the three levels of substation automation?

Substation automation is typically structured into three levels: the process level, the bay level, and the station level. The process level deals with field equipment like circuit breakers and transformers, the bay level handles protection and control relays, and the station level includes management systems like control computers and communication gateways.

What equipment is typically found at the process level in substation automation?

At the process level, equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and other field devices (like disconnectors) are found. These devices are responsible for the physical operation of the substation.

What is the role of bay-level equipment in substation automation?

Bay-level equipment, such as protection relays and control devices (e.g., tap regulators, voltage regulators), is responsible for controlling and protecting the electrical equipment within each bay of the substation. It ensures the correct operation and safety of these devices.

How does the station level contribute to substation automation?

The station level includes computers and software for monitoring and controlling the entire substation. Operators use these systems to issue commands, such as opening or closing circuit breakers, and to monitor the status of the equipment remotely or locally.

What is the function of communication gateways (or 'gateways') in substation automation?

Gateways in substation automation serve to facilitate communication between the substation and remote control centers. They convert data from field equipment into appropriate communication protocols and transmit it to central management systems or remote operators.

What types of data are typically transmitted by gateways in a substation?

Gateways transmit various types of data, including equipment status (such as whether circuit breakers are open or closed), voltage and current measurements, and other operational parameters such as power values and fault conditions.

What are RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) used for in substation automation?

RTUs are microprocessor-based devices used to monitor and control field equipment at the substation. They collect data from the field equipment and communicate this to higher-level systems like control centers, where operators can make decisions and issue commands.

What is the difference between an RTU and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTP)?

An RTU is typically used to collect data and transmit it to a control center, while an RTP (Remote Terminal Processor) can have more advanced capabilities, such as executing local control functions, processing commands, and supporting complex operations. It sits at an intermediate level between the field equipment and the control center.

How does substation automation improve the efficiency of electrical networks?

Substation automation improves efficiency by allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the substation's equipment. It reduces the need for manual intervention, speeds up fault detection and response, and enhances the reliability of the electrical network by ensuring proper coordination of devices.

What is the role of software in substation automation?

Software in substation automation allows operators to supervise and control equipment. It includes functionalities such as managing alarm systems, issuing commands to operate equipment, generating reports, and providing a graphical interface for operators to visualize and interact with the substation’s systems.

What are the primary functions of a substation control center?

A substation control center is responsible for overseeing the operation of the substation, monitoring equipment status, and issuing commands (such as switching operations) to ensure the substation operates safely and efficiently. It coordinates with other control centers to manage the broader electrical grid.

What is the significance of Tronic as mentioned in the video?

Tronic is an Italian company specializing in automation and protection systems for electrical networks. It provides equipment and solutions for substation automation, including relays and control systems, and is a key player in the industry.