Fitting wireless networks into substation automation applications

BY ADAM GUGLIELMO, ABB Tropos Wireless Communication Systems

As with all Smart Grid applications, two-way communication is foundational to substation automation. To enable monitoring and control, substation computers, as well as computers located in utility operation centers, must exchange information with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) throughout the substation yard. For new substations, both wired and wireless communications are options because the incremental cost of trenching to run cabling from the station house to IEDs in the yard is minimal. Construction equipment is already onsite and the grounding and surface of the yard has not yet been finalized.