SCADA & DATA ACQUISITION FEATURE
Power networks switch on to data T
Instant data management from Raima is enabling smart grids to maximise power distribution efficiency
here are multiple pressures on the power supply network. Customers are
consuming ever more electricity, and the pressure to reduce carbon emissions from power generation is increasing. Part of the solution to this dilemma will lie in developing smart grids that provide better husbanding of the available power – metering it more precisely, reducing transmission losses and encouraging more sustainable practices by consumers. A key characteristic of a smart grid is the efficient and timely use of operational data to constantly match supply to demand. Further, there is increasing concern about global warming, and smart grids make better use of available power. Smart grids are also attractive in relation to renewable power sources, which are variable in output and tend to lead to a complex network architecture, based on many small-to-medium power sources, rather than a few large power stations. A smart grid uses data collection and
computer technologies to gather information about consumption by individual consumers, interpret it and optimize operations to match the ever- changing patterns of demand. Electric utilities are transforming their
grids by improving and renewing infrastructure, while simultaneously adding the intelligent digital technology, which includes automatic meter reading. For instance, smart meters use
continuous communications to provide real-time monitoring, so that they can determine how demand from individual users varies over time – and predict future needs. Often the data is transmitted as broadband over power lines (BPL), although other systems use wireless technologies, such as mesh networking. The amount of data that needs to be
collected is enormous and it has to be analysed instantly as well as being stored for reference and reuse. Quite simply, this could not be done manually, so high- performance database technologies need to be married with automated metering and other supporting technologies. A high-performance database
management system, such as the Raima Database Manager (RDM), can be configured to precisely match the needs of any grid. Multiple databases can be
The developed nations are looking to smart grids to meet growing demand from existing users
embedded into the grid to provide local real-time control. RDM is an ACID-(atomicity,
consistency, isolation and durability) compliant database management system (DBMS). Its multi-core processors can be distributed about the grid, yet work together to maximise the use of available memory capacity. Its speed of processing is almost instantaneous, because it uses on-chip data storage; however, it also instantly transfers data to disk for secure long-term storage.
If smart grids are to achieve their full
potential, efficient data handling is a prerequisite. Raima’s RDM data management technology is proven in many demanding fields, such as the control of nuclear facilities, subsea oil well management and telecommunications networks, and is fast proving its worth in smart grid applications.
Raima
www.raima.com T: 01628 826800
Enter 223
SCADA software improves user experience S
chneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has released StruxureWare SCADA Expert ClearSCADA, an open software platform enabling efficient management
and optimisation of remote assets. “We continue to improve on the user experience and provide functionality based on our customers’ needs,” says Brad Shaw, ClearSCADA software product manager at Schneider Electric. “Template expressions save engineers time during implementation, alarm summaries help pinpoint maintenance issues faster, and the seamless integration with a tier-two historian facilitates data accessibility across the entire enterprise.” These functionalities are part of a software platform that is designed to lower the overall operating
costs of remote assets while providing a complete, comprehensive overview of site operations. Other features include: Enhanced WebX user interface – process information is available anytime, anywhere through any device with HTML5 cross-browser support for trends, alarm lists, event lists, and queries. Extended integration of telemetry hardware – enhanced integration with the RealfloTM software, a flow measurement application, now including support for Realflo Liquids 6.91, plus native support for well- known third party flow computers via a new O&G EFM Driver suite. And increased system security – a substantial increase in security features includes enhanced user account security, auditing of the system security through a dedicated security event list, and dedicated security logging queries. By providing remote configuration capabilities and collecting data from multiple ClearSCADA systems
into a central enterprise repository, ClearSCADA software can help reduce costs while providing crucial, business-relevant data across all operational levels. The combination of templated configuration and object-based architecture simplifies scalability for O&G and W&WW installations, while also establishing a relevant system for the entire system lifecycle.
Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com T: 0870 608 8608 /AUTOMATION Enter 224 AUTOMATION | JUNE 2015 41
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