The term “digital substation” currently applies to substations using process bus technology. Process buses replace hard-wired connections with Ethernet communication.

Distributed intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) interconnected via a communication network based on IEC 61850 perform operation and control.

IEDs can measure and communicate variables such as current or voltage, or switching devices such as relays.

However, IEDs communicate digitally over serial or Ethernet networks for protection, measurement, metering, or monitoring.

Digital substations can use other communication methods, but IEC-61850 is the modern global communication protocol.

IEC 61850 is more than just a protocol, or even a set of protocols, it is a comprehensive standard that

It is a comprehensive standard that was designed from the ground up to operate on modern network technologies. It provides functionality not found in traditional communication protocols.

It provides interfaces to communication services and supports Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE), Sampled Measured Values (SMV), logging and other services.

These unique features of IEC 61850 help to significantly reduce the costs associated with power system design, installation, commissioning and operation.

Asset Performance Management (APM) Solution Collects Data from Digital Substations

The Asset Performance Management (APM) solution collects data from digital substations and combines data collection, integration, visualization, and analytics to

APM encompasses concepts such as condition monitoring, predictive forecasting, and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM).

Digital Substation APM collects data from the substation’s IED and combines this data with other relevant asset data.

Combining data collection with a deeper understanding of an asset’s operating characteristics can provide significant value to operations and maintenance personnel by supporting predictive methods.

Managing Grid Assets in the Digital Substation

So how can you control the grid in a way that improves reliability and keeps the cost of power low? With limited capital budgets, the

utilities must make choices related to long-term expenditures.

These choices include

 Considering all relevant factors, determining which projects minimize risk

 Determining which aging equipment assets can more cost-effectively reduce risk

 determining whether additional capital expenditures can be justified to regulators or other stakeholders.

Regulators or other stakeholders

 Determine the most efficient way to deploy resources during an outage

Process bus digital communication standards support interoperability between IEDs from different vendors and “digitize” modern substations.

When process bus devices are properly configured according to the IEC 61850 standard, they provide fast, reliable and secure communications that

to support device protection, remote monitoring and remote control. Process buses can also provide control centers with situational awareness based on accurate and timely measurement data from all corners of the grid.

control center situational awareness based on accurate and timely measurement data from all corners of the grid. By connecting the data to the APM application, the data enables coordination between transmission sections and between transmission and distribution operators.

Hitachi ABB Power Grid APM

New asset performance management capabilities that connect directly to digital substations are expected to support all three priorities for the grid: high reliability, low cost and compliance.

However, developing a viable APM solution for the grid requires both significant domain expertise for these types of assets, as well as an understanding of these assets as a system.

It also requires a thorough understanding of how these assets work together as a system. Mathematical models based on first principles.

Simulating asset behavior in conjunction with operational statistics is a key approach to creating digital twins. A digital twin refers to a dynamic digital replica of the actual physical asset

and how it interacts with the larger grid and operators.

A digital twin refers to a dynamic digital replica of an actual physical asset and how it interacts with the larger grid and the humans who operate and maintain it.

The digital twin can include the spatial geometry of the asset and its location in the grid, as well as thermodynamic and electrical behavior.

APM, when applied effectively, can reduce OPEX and CAPEX based on predictive and prescriptive analytics, resulting in operational cost savings and/or deferring capital investment requirements.

APM can also help utilities achieve compliance as outages are reduced.

As ARC learned, Hitachi ABB Power Grid’s APM solution is designed to provide asset health and performance insights that

to help prevent critical failures while optimizing asset lifecycle costs. The solution utilizes digital twin technology, integrating online data with existing historical data.

It can also connect from the substation to the cloud using state-of-the-art IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) connectivity technology, enabling utilities to leverage their online and offline data to

Drive a smarter, condition- and risk-based approach to asset management. By combining data collection, integration, visualization and analytics capabilities, the

utilities can gain new insights through a predictive, prescriptive and predictive view of their systems.

The solution complies with key industry standards such as ISO 55000 and PAS 55.

Hitachi ABB Power Grid APM helps utilities understand when faults are likely to occur and the consequences of those faults.

With this information, utilities are better able to achieve key objectives, including

 Cost-effectively manage asset health

 Effectively address identified risks

 Prioritizing repair and replacement decisions

 Implementing “what-if” analysis and contingency planning programs

Hitachi ABB Power Grid

Founded in 2020. Hitachi ABB Power Grid is a global technology leader with a history spanning nearly 250 years.

Headquartered in Switzerland, the company serves utility, industrial and infrastructure customers across the entire value chain.

With expertise in emerging areas such as renewable energy integration, energy storage, electrified mobility and smart cities, Hitachi ABB Power Grid is well-positioned to help companies around the world transition to a smart and distributed energy future.