EDS to automate medium-voltage distribution network in the country

Elektrodistribucija Srbije is introducing modern equipment for the construction of new ones and the reconstruction of the existing 10.04 kV substations throughout the country, EDS announced.

According to the statement, the integration of Smart RMU blocks into the existing SCADA system, along with the expansion and upgrade of the existing telecommunications system, will enable remote control and transmission of all signals from the Smart RMU to the Dispatch Center and vice versa. An important link in the implementation of the medium-voltage distribution network automation project, in addition to the installation of Smart RMU facilities, is the construction and upgrade of a radio system at the energy facility that is integrated into a common monitoring and management system.

– EDS’s expert services have selected and recognized locations where it is important to install Smart RMU instead of the existing switchgear blocks that did not have the ability to be remotely monitored and controlled. Now we have a situation where we can solve all this remotely, using the SCADA system. The time for fault localization and their elimination has been significantly reduced. This equipment ensures better management of the power system, better quality electricity delivery, reduces the number of power outages and the duration of the outages, if any. These are the main benefits for consumers, but also for the distribution system because user satisfaction comes first – says Sasa Stefanovic, Chief Maintenance Engineer.

In addition to the Maintenance Sector, which is the carrier of the entire project, the Telecommunications Sector and the SCADA and Process Techniques Sector within the ICT Center are participating in the implementation. A special part of this project is the installation of a telecommunications radio system. The contract is being implemented in 13 branches at DP Kraljevo, Kragujevac and Nis. Each Smart RMU is equipped with a remote control unit (RTU), which is the “heart” of the smart system, because it collects data from the plant and communicates with the SCADA system.

– The remote control unit collects various process information from the plant related to voltage, current, conductor temperature, equipment status, alarms and other things. It processes them and forwards them to the SCADA system in real time. Within the Smart RMU facility, or remote station, a protection and control module is integrated that enables automatic detection and isolation of network faults – explained Vladica Vucicevic, Director of the SCADA and Process Engineering Sector at the ICT Center.

In the event of a disturbance detection, Vucicevic added, the system generates a command to turn off the appropriate switch, while simultaneously sending an alarm signal to the dispatch center. In this way, dispatchers receive timely and precise information about the location and type of disturbance, which enables a quick and efficient response, including preventive measures.

The radio system integration procedure includes a site visit, collection of technical parameters, preparation of the Main Telecommunications and Preliminary Design, as well as checking the availability of radio signals and the possibility of transmission to the DC. Next, a permit from Ratel, installation of telecommunications equipment and its connection to the remote station. Finally, functional testing of all signals, commands and communication with the SCADA system.

According to Stefanovic, the complete installation of equipment and commissioning of the system has been completed in the Krusevac and Jagodina branches. Equipment installation is also underway in other parts, but somewhat more intensive work is taking place on the territory of DP Nis in the Leskovac, Nis, Vranje and Prokuplje branches. The full completion of this significant project is expected by the end of October.

Elektrodistribucija Srbije d.o.o. Beograd

Elektrodistribucija Srbije

EDS

Saša Stefanović

Vladica Vučićević

automation of medium voltage distribution network in the country