Smart grids, the increasing conversion in the power transmission market to renewable energies, and the interconnection and modernization of existing grid infrastructures need suitable substation automation systems. Substation Automation System (SAS) provides protection, control, automation, monitoring, and communication functions as part of a comprehensive substation control and monitoring solution.

Our TRIPS specialists offer complete support for your energy and plant automation – from planning and configuration to commissioning, testing, and support. With power transmission and distribution systems tailored to your requirements, you will have continuous monitoring and control of the plant and benefit from many more advantages.

We plan your SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) so that you can control your energy supply or plants across locations and use real-time data to monitor and document your processes and archive the data for subsequent processing and evaluation. Due to our extensive partnerships, we can always put together the right combination of PLCs and RTUs for you across manufacturers.

All advantages:

  • Risk minimization and an effective and safe operating environment
  • Monitoring and reporting of electrical values and faults
  • real-time monitoring and optimization of energy consumption thanks to automatic load shedding systems
  • visual display of the HMI systems allows monitoring of the current status of the substation and its field -> remote monitoring
  • error and result storage in a dedicated database
  • setting and monitoring of current and historical trend graphs through appropriate timelines
  • Implementation of effective communication protocols to minimize transmission time between automation devices and the whole system
  • Continuous redundancy of the station control system

For each individual project, we check the requirements and discuss the best practicable solution with the customer. Depending on the requirements, we have the possibility, for example, to use the following models for programming and parameterization:

  • IEDs (BCU, Protection Relays) to use different manufacturers such as Siemens SIPROTEC, Reyrolle or from ABB Relion (Relion 615, 630, 650, 670 Series), Schneider Easergy MiCOM, SEL, Woodward, Alstom, and GE
  • Station controllers, station control systems (Power Automation System) and gateways such as SICAM AK, TM, and A8000 series RTUs or SICAM PAS
  • HMI solutions such as SICAM SCC or SICAM 230

We will guide you through all phases of your plant automation with our TRIPS Engineers. From design and planning through configuration, commissioning and testing to permanent support, we handle complete projects or individual steps.

Design and Planning:

  • Requirement analysis of Substation Automation System
  • Communication Diagrams
  • Selection of SAS devices
  • Equipment and material list
  • Signal, IP, Communication Mapping list preparation

Configuration:

  • Programming and parameterization of IEDs (BCU, Relays, PQM etc.)
  • Programming and parameterization of RTU, Gateway, Controller
  • HMI screen, event and alarm list configuration
  • Archive and reporting configuration for HMI
  • Data Integration
  • Developing Automation Solutions. (Load shedding, Interlock, Protection selectivity)

Commissioning and Testing:

  • Internal tests at TRIPS FAT area
  • Factory Acceptance Test
  • Commissioning and Site Acceptance Test
  • Handover to end Customer
  • As-Built documentation

Support:

  • Extension or modernization projects
  • Troubleshooting
  • Field support
  • E-mail and call support
  • Training

Contact us

Do you have an individual inquiry or general questions on the subject? Send us an email to anfragen@trips-group.com or fill out the form. Our experts will be glad to help you and find the perfect solution for you!

How does SCADA’s higher-level monitoring and data acquisition work?

In the classic automation pyramid, the HMI (Human Machine Interface) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are located between the control level with the real-time capable PLCs (Programmable Logic Controller) and the MES and ERP systems above. In this interface, they serve as a link between automation, i.e. field level, and IT.

They enable the user/operator to master complex processes quickly and safely. In addition, the system simultaneously collects a wide variety of data and accepts orders from other higher-level systems. This is done either as a machine-oriented HMI for a single machine or as a higher-level SCADA system for complete plants.

The SCADA system running distributed in the network can be connected to any number of PLCs and has different clients for different tasks, which can also be installed in different locations or even be mobile. The image of the classic control station, which is connected to several substations on a higher level and no longer necessarily provides detailed information on the process in the machine, but rather higher-level information for assessing and influencing production, also fits here.

In the course of Industry 4.0, various KPIs are also recorded at the plant, which can be used, for example, to control energy management or generally open up new business areas. This also increasingly dissolves the classic hierarchy of the automation pyramid, even if the pure task is still the same or much more extensive and complex. In particular, the question of networking, openness through standardized interfaces, communication protocols (e.g. OPC UA, MQTT, …), and the possibility of providing necessary data and intervention options everywhere are all the most important for the future.

What is the difference between SCADA and HMI?

In theory, there is a clear distinction between the two terms. In reality and applications, it is not possible to draw a clear line between the SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and the more machine-oriented HMI (Human Machine Interface).

In the industrial environment of plant automation, HMIs (Human Machine Interface) are usually stationary operator consoles/panels or mobile terminals that show the user/machine operator the machine status with a software interface. In addition, they offer various assistance and operating options.

In contrast, SCADA refers to the recording and processing of data as well as higher-level representation of production. However, the smooth transition means that various SCADA functions can be found on individual HMI screens mounted directly on the machine.