As technology continues to develop rapidly, businesses search for innovative ways to streamline processes and increase efficiency. Furthermore, energy conservation remains a hot topic as society seeks to reduce environmental risk and improve economic security. SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) offers companies an opportunity to streamline energy efficiency. But how?
If a system is unmonitored, electrical power networks can be tough to maintain and have clear visibility operating in real-time. However, monitoring a system while failing to provide the most relevant metrics to its stakeholders can be even worse.
SCADA software is a technological tool that has seen widespread adoption, thanks to its ease of implementation and overall system visibility. The system allows businesses greater control and oversight over various processes involved in day-to-day operations across diverse industries.
The electrical power SCADA arena possesses numerous potentialities concerning power management. So, here are ten facts about Electrical Power SCADA to help break it down.
10 Facts About Electrical Power SCADA
1.System Visualization
SCADA Systems capture data from devices, meters, or sensors. All components of the system are dependent on the communications network. SCADA systems are configured with serial or Ethernet-connected devices to the system head end in any location where a remote customer terminal resides.
2. Custom User Interface
User interfaces are customizable, providing real-time feedback of energy consumption (kWh), power (kW), and power quality (CBEMA)
3. Custom Comprehensive Reporting
Custom Comprehensive Reporting compiles reports representing all available defined registers of the downstream devices. These reports often include trends, time of use, consumption, and power quality.
Through the user interface allows access to configured report subscriptions, automatically executed and saved regularly. Moreover, pre-configured reports saved to a virtual share allow users quick access to view, print, or download reports without waiting.
4. Real-time Alarm and Event Notifications
No system works correctly 100% of the time. Therefore, options are available for alarm and event notifications caused by voltage sag/swells, over/under voltage, current conditions, and general communications status’. These modules help determine a sequence of events on the electrical distribution system when many protective device actions happen concisely.
5. Real-time Status Indication
Visiting every meter can be a daunting task for larger or dispersed systems. Systems based on real-time data have thousands of components and sensors designed to ensure that different facility parts are functioning properly. However, this is easily accommodated with the status indication as a pictorial representation of the specific meter front.
6. Systems Visualize Harmonic Distortion
In some systems, harmonic distortion may negatively impact your system health significantly. Resonances can cause severe harm or reduce the life of a piece of equipment (especially where motor drives are present). Further, the configuration option allows for better system health and prevention.
7. Billing Simplification
EPMS offers the option to see your bill before your electric utility provides an unparalleled address to consumption. EPMS calculates the cost of the electric utility using a simple average cost per kilowatt-hour. So, see what power hogs your system has before they reflect in your bill.
8. Historical Recording (Database)
If performance is your primary focus, having historical records is imperative. Adding external databases guarantees users a look back in time at their system. Make planning easy and pinpoint potential equipment failure due to overuse.
9. Control Options
Administer control functions for safety and maintenance. Controlling a system properly provides positive benefits. In addition to reducing arc flash hazards, they make equipment operators safer. A quick response to unsafe conditions can also prevent equipment damage. For example, if breakers or switches’ local/ remote operations need monitoring or have a status indication, you will find the relief here.
10. Improve Security
Configuring accounts to accommodate different users to allow or limit access to the right people keeps systems more secure. Don’t underestimate the value of password protection.
APT Can Help
We work with customers to provide them value-adding information to make the system they use the most beneficial, providing the metrics that improve operating efficiency, safety, and maintenance schedule.
Further, APT has 25 year plus history of installing and configuring custom Energy Management Systems focused primarily on Power Quality. Our Energy Power Management systems are based on the Schneider Power Monitoring Expert platform and associated metering devices. Some systems may additionally include integrated third-party devices. Above all, APT strive to ensure customers get the best solution to match their needs.
Looking for more information?
Whether you consider an EPMS system or an existing system, it never hurts to have more information. Let us help. You may benefit by adding, modifying, or upgrading features. You aren’t in this alone. APT is here to help. Contact to an APT representative today to discuss your system’s needs.
Donald Flowers II, Field Service Engineer APT