Supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, is a software and hardware system designed to efficiently control industrial processes. It includes sensors to collect information, conversion units such as programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, and remote terminal units (RTUs) for data acquisition and conversion, and a human-machine interface for operators to view data and manage processes. Electrical engineers and operators use SCADA for power generation, transmission, and distribution.
In generating stations, the SCADA system maintains optimal operation and reliability. It works alongside PLCs to provide operators with supervisory control, including monitoring, controlling, and protecting equipment in generation plants. For instance, it enables continuous monitoring of electrical machine performance and health, allowing operators to control safety equipment, such as protective relays and circuit breakers, from both on-site and remote locations.
The SCADA system facilitates real-time data monitoring and analysis for efficient decision-making in power transmission. It eliminates errors in circuit model parameters, which measure and analyze aspects such as the power flow and electrical characteristics in transmission lines. Moreover, the system enables essential functions, such as power rerouting during maintenance, service restoration after addressing transmission problems, and voltage management.
The SCADA system also enhances power distribution by automating processes, reducing manual labor, and minimizing costs and disruptions. It provides real-time monitoring and control of the distribution network, enabling prompt fault detection and location identification for corrective actions. Additionally, it improves power supply quality and facilitates load balance, such as optimizing power distribution across the network for efficiency.
