Substation Automation Equipment

BPL Global^® provides substation automation equipment that connects hundreds of points in the substation back to the utility operations center and engineering groups. We have an integrated system for fast and simple automation of any intelligent electrical device (IED) that includes the DSM module, a protocol conversion device, the DSR-12, an Ethernet backbone for connectivity between substation and the utility’s control systems, and the HMI, a human machine interface. Our deep understanding of complex protective schemes and, at the same time, utility-specific SCADA requirements allows us to effectively disseminating data to the right departments – for the right applications. Substation automation improves electric service reliability while reducing operations and maintenance costs.

	HMI – Human Machine Interface The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is the window to the automation system. The heart of the HMI is the One-Line diagram which allows operation of any desired device and displays operational, real-time data. A variety of screens are available in the HMI from Annunciatior screens to Trending screens.
	DSR-12 – Ethernet Communications Backbone The Data Source Rack (DSR) is a rack based system that allows easy inclusion of up to 12 DSM’s (Data Source Module) at a time. The complete system contains multiple serial ports, embedded Ethernet capability and optional battery backed ram, disk-on-chip storage and clock/calendar support. This modular approach enables the user to configure as much processing power as required, with flexibility for future growth. Each DSR can support multiple IED’s. In some cases 50+ IED’s might be connected with fiber connections via external converters. The DSR 12 contains an embedded smart Ethernet switch, which serves as the backplane for communication between DSM’s, external Ethernet based IED’s, connections to remote SCADA systems and for cascading multiple DSR-12 racks together. Communication support for both serial and TCP/IP interface. Serial interface supports flexible RTS/CTS handshaking and RS422/485 interfacing.
	DSM – Protocol Conversion Device DSM devices are based on cost-effective Single Board Computers (SBC’s). They communicate via a peer to peer based protocol: S.P.R.I.T.E. – “Substation Protocol for Rapid and Interactive Transmission of Events”. The support applications developed for the DSM devices are not simply protocol converters. Each specific application is served by a special DSM application named the “Data Translation Service” (DTS). These might be used, for example, to convert out S.P.R.I.T.E. protocol to industry standard OPC, DNP, Modbus or whatever protocol is required by the end user service. Each DSM can handle multiple DTS ‘clients’ to receive data from and exercise control over the supported IED’s. Multiple endpoint applications such as a HMI or SCADA master can simultaneously interact with any element in the DSR system. Each DSM application includes embedded diagnostics, allowing for fast analysis of system problems and enabling the customer to become expert trouble-shooters if necessary. Diagnostic and test functions are supported by the software. Special status points can be configured to indicate the health and status of the various IED’s in the system, including whether the IED is responding or not. The result is a drastic reduction in support costs and time.