| |
| Trends |
| |
| Industry Trends and Requirements for Power Automation |
 |
Interoperability, reliability, and environmental suitability are three key issues that utilities must deal with.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Network Reliability and Availability |
| |
The key responsibility of power utilities is to offer uninterrupted and reliable electric power to the public, even under harsh environmental conditions. Power automation systems require integrated communications in order to manage the various processes. Interoperability, reliability, and environmental suitability are three key issues that utilities must deal with.
|
|
 |
| |
| Integration and interoperability in communications |
A major challenge in the development of power automation systems is coordinating between the vast array of standards and proprietary protocols for device and system communication. Various control devices, such as protection relays, controllers, switchgears, and RTUs, still use different legacy protocols. Automation systems need to integrate all of these devices, even though they may be using different protocols. IEC 61850 was developed as a standard substation communication protocol, defining all aspects of device communication for better extensibility and interoperability based on Ethernet technology.
|
| Reliable communications for non-stop operation |
| Another challenge faced by system integrators is creating a communication network reliable enough for power automation. Data communication between systems must be capable of being optimized and prioritized. Advancements in communication technologies in recent years have resulted in power networks becoming more reliable, efficient, and safe. Ethernet protocols such as QoS, TOS/DiffServ, and GMRP have been widely adopted in recent years, helping to ensure that networks are deterministic. |
| Suitability for harsh substation environments |
| Harsh environmental conditions can pose a threat to non-stop operation for power automation systems. Substations may transmit and distribute electric power over a vast territory and are often located outdoors in extreme temperature conditions. In addition, high-voltage operation generates strong electromagnetic interference that can affect the stability of data communication. |
| |
|
|
| Moxa's Integrated Communications for Power Automation |
| |
| As a leading, world-class manufacturer of industrial-grade device networking technology, Moxa offers complete communication network solutions that satisfy the strict, many-fold requirements of power automation. For ultimate reliability and interoperability in substation communication, Moxa has introduced IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 compliant Ethernet switches, industrial embedded computers as IEC 61850 protocol conversion gateways, and secure terminal servers for connecting legacy devices. |
|
 |
| |
| IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 compliance |
| IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 specify high standards for EMI immunity and error-free communication for network equipment used in substations. Moxa offers Ethernet switches that are designed for substations, fully compliant with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 requirements, and capable of protecting against various environmental threats. |
| Better integration with legacy protocols |
| With IEC 61850-compliant software, Moxa’s terminal servers and embedded computers can serve as protocol conversion gateways to help substations seamlessly integrate devices that run proprietary protocols. |
| Advanced redundancy |
| To ensure reliability at the highest level, Moxa’s Ethernet switches and serial device servers support a network ring topology with network recovery within 20 milliseconds. Dual power inputs supporting universal VAC/VDC are also featured, and secure terminal servers are available with dual fiber optic LAN ports. |
| Enhanced determinism for data transmission |
| A massive amount of data is transmitted over utility-wide communication networks, and fiber optic gigabit Ethernet is being used as a future-proof solution for high-bandwidth real-time communication. Ethernet solutions from Moxa provide high-performance gigabit operation and enhanced traffic management protocols such as QoS, TOS/DiffServ, IGMP snooping, and GMRP, for more deterministic data transmission. |
| Well-suited for harsh environments |
| Superior EMI/RFI shielding and fiber optic media allows Moxa device networking products to transmit data over long distances while minimizing the electronic interference experienced in high-voltage environments. In addition, wide temperature operation is available for substations that experience particularly harsh environmental conditions. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
©2008 Moxa Inc. All rights reserved. |
|
|
