Measures to improve the dependability of automated power grid process control equipment

Abstract

Automated control equipment is being progressively integrated into the power grid. Automated process control in the electric power industry involves the ability to control the position of electrical switching devices, monitor their current status, as well as display numeric data on currents, voltages, etc. Disruptions in the automated operations control facilities (AOCF) cause defects in power systems and grid equipment. AOCF failures impair condition monitoring of power grids and operation of switching devices. Due to the impossibility of real-time remote management of power supply installations, the power provider is unable to guarantee continuous power supply. The article analyzes the AOCF equipment currently in operation as part of distributed systems at power substations, looks into the advantages and drawbacks of specific facilities, suggests methods to increase the dependability of equipment operation in the context of a 35-110 kV distributed power supply network. An AOCF equipment certification procedure is proposed. It is also suggested to provide process control documentation for power supply facilities that contain operator process control facilities (OPCF). The documentation is to be stored in maintenance areas as hard copies and at the IT portal as scans. The availability of the documentation at power supply facilities increases labor productivity of engineering personnel that perform operational checks and accident recovery activities. Apart from the mandatory set of substation documents (for the operational, maintenance and RPEA personnel), it is suggested to equip substations with OPCF equipment diagrams. This optimization minimizes time expenditures and errors made during maintenance and repair activities on automated supervisory and process equipment at power supply facilities. That enables remote management of systems operation recovery (power supply, resetting of sensors, controllers, data collection and communication devices, etc.). The efficiency of operational checks by engineering personnel is increased. The absence of emergencies ensures uninterrupted power supply to all categories of consumers and thus increases the overall investment potential of the power supply industry. Therefore, the fail-safe operation of equipment is an obvious factor of Russian technology development as well as complies with the Rosseti regulations regarding the common engineering policy in the integrated power grid.