Remote Terminal Unit Developed for Distribution Automation System (DAS) Using MPLAB Software

Abstract

Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a standalone data acquisition and control unit which monitors and controls an equipment at a remote location from the central station that utilizes Distribution Automation System (DAS). The RTU acquires information such as measured values, signal, meter readings and it transmits command or instruction, sets points, controls variables and monitors function time. In the present Distribution Automation System (DAS), the distribution field of automation allows the utilities to implement a flexible control of distribution system to enhance efficiency, reliability, and quality of electric service. The implementation of distribution automation system is highlighted based on two factors; benefit and area of distribution automation system implementation. The hardware design uses PIC16F877A microcontroller to control all the functions of RTU. The types of fault detected are undervoltage and overcurrent. The design consists of MPLAB software development using C programming and hardware assembly. RTU is also designed to communicate with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and resulting in RTU’s ability to detect undervoltage and overcurrent fault.