Substation Monitoring System

The client operates a vast transmission network comprising 419 substations with varying voltage ratings from 66kV to 400kV. The total installed capacity exceeds 50,000 MVA, reaching over 75,000 MVA when including ISTS substations. However, with the emergence of advanced technologies, the substations needed a major technical upgrade to enhance their operational efficiency and capabilities.

The client partnered with Ampcome to build substation monitoring systems that would help them efficiently manage the grid. Our team leveraged cutting-edge technology to boost the capabilities of the client's extensive power transmission infrastructure.

This case study explores Ampcome's journey in developing and implementing a substation monitoring system for over 400 substations.

Project Overview

Prior to the project, the client had a real-time telemetry system for only 219 substations. The rest substations lacked advanced technologies for monitoring and efficiently carrying out daily operations. This had a negative impact on the client, restricting them from achieving their goals.

Ampcome stepped up to take this huge responsibility and build a robust and reliable substation monitoring system laced with advanced technologies to facilitate real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, risk management, and performance optimizations. Our efforts transformed the client's power transmission infrastructure with elite functions that empower the present and future.

Objectives & Challenges

The main objective was to extend the benefits of real-time monitoring, analysis, and digitalization to the remaining substations.

Our team went through multiple rounds of meetings, discussions, and planning to create a development roadmap aligned with the customer's needs and expectations.

We clearly outlined the project's objectives and the potential challenges we may face along the way. Based on this, we built our development strategy which helped our team deliver exemplary solutions for the client.

The project’s objectives were to:

• Provide continuous operational data in real-time to improve decision-making and meet KPIs.

• Enhance operational efficiency through proactive asset monitoring and timely information dissemination.

• Develop a digital infrastructure for substations and associated offices.

• Utilize historical data for predictive analysis, risk mitigation, and performance optimization.

• Create a unified tool for operations planning and expansion with real-time digitization and analysis.

The potential challenges to accomplish these objectives were:

• Lack of centralized data repository for comprehensive monitoring of substations.

• Absence of data standards and formats across different systems.

• Lack of central monitoring system for over 150 substations.

• Inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to manual data recording and lack of real-time data.

Solution Implemented

We devised a solution to develop an IOT-based substation with the following functionalities:

• Data aggregation, storage, and dissemination.

• Real-time network diagrams, status updates, GIS mapping, and KPI visualization.

• Single Line Diagram (SLD) representation and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of substations.

• Role-based multi-dimensional drill-down dashboards for in-depth analysis and decision support.

• Customizable alarms, alerts, and event monitoring for proactive management.

• Secure and remote access over the web and mobile platforms.

Technology Implemented

We built the system on a modern data stack with a Timeseries Database, specifically TimescaleDB, for efficient handling of time-series data. For Data orchestration, the team used a modern tool called Dagster whereas Kafka was used for real-time messaging. Visualization was powered by Grafana, providing an intuitive interface for monitoring and analysis.

Outcomes

Our substation monitoring system helped the client achieve:

• Precise digitization coupled with a consolidated dashboard for thorough analysis and monitoring.

• Increased operational efficiency leads to minimized asset loss through enhanced monitoring and predictive analytics.

• Immediate access to real-time data for improved decision support and adherence to regulatory compliance.

• Unified and streamlined capabilities for operations planning and network expansion.

Conclusion

Our Substation Monitoring System project stands as a testament to the power of digital transformation in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of critical infrastructure. Through Ampcome’s innovative solutions, the client has significantly uplifted the operational capabilities of the extensive substation network, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient power transmission system.