Evaluate network improvements using digital modeling and analysis

• Create visibility of the four primary substations
• Integrate both new and existing equipment into model-based analysis
• Analyze and identify methods to improve network efficiencies
• Introduce a new SCADA solution compatible with existing OEM systems
• Plan for future phased improvements their distribution management system

Drakenstein Municipality has 9 primary substations and 40 secondary substations comprised of both new and legacy substation equipment. Prior to this case study the visibility of the electrical network was limited, with much of the network information stored on paper drawings with many uncertainties about whether the data was up to date.

Upgrades to the electrical equipment were already underway, and Drakenstein was keenly aware that these upgrades needed to be included in a comprehensive assessment of their electrical network. They wanted to be sure that the modeling and analysis was done accurately and in a way that could be easily updated over time. They also sought bids to develop a SCADA system at this time, just for monitoring purposes. The solution proposed actually far exceeded a conventional SCADA system. 

ETAPApp - Accurately capture and share existing site information with the digital electrical network model

ETAP Digital Twin – Design a robust model-driven electrical visualization and analysis capable of working with data acquisition and control hardware to provide real-time visibility, including these analyses tools:

• Load Flow
• Short Circuit
• Protection and Coordination

 ETAP eSCADA – Identify the best connectivity approaches to legacy and new equipment to prepare for an ETAP SCADA system

The model development involved review of existing drawings, on site walkthroughs of the various substations, and key stakeholder interviews. The use of the ETAPApp immensely helped with this process to accurately capture site information for the model development. The success of this data-gathering process enabled the immediate start of electrical network optimization, including verification using ETAP load flow analysis, short circuit analysis and protection and coordination studies to verify the electrical network design. 

The next step was to verify the hardware design to identify the communications protocols that could be used, including IEC 68150 between IEDs and RTUs, and IEC 60870-5-104 between RTUs and master station. This planning for the hardware architecture included the SCADA Master Station, Hot Standby, Operator and Engineering workstations, HMI viewers, and at the substations between the RTUs and substation equipment. For the legacy equipment the IEC104 protocal was used, and Modbus RTU was used where no communications was available, with hardwired contacts to obtain the appropriate voltage wetting. After the RTUs were programmed accordingly, it was possible to proceed with the SCADA design.

• A unified platform from design and engineering into operations
• Digital remote data acquisition fully integrated with electrical network modeling
• Comprehensive network analysis modules built into the electrical network model
• Vendor-agnostic connection to primary substation equipment using standard communications protocols
• Ease of transition planning from design to real-time operations through customization of SCADA HMIs and viewers to support a phased approach to system enhancements
• User-friendly environment that is interoperable with new technology, supporting all levels of users from most basic to most advanced

Improve distribution efficiency and reduce downtime

• Overall satisfaction at a high level regarding high efficiency, efficacy, and usability 
• A tailored solution for the customer, supporting new and legacy equipment
• Unparalleled technical support and training
• Elevated system quality with advanced graphics and notification
• Rapid adoption due to ease of use
• A future-ready implementation for introduction of new functionality

All of the updates have made the visualization of the electrical network much easier, with a much better understsanding of what is happening on the network. Drakenstein Municipality is now able to monitor the network and identify problems and issues across the various equipment all within one unified platform. And if anything does occur, they are able to quickly trace it and fix it to reduce downtime. It has also become much easier to optimize the network to ensure that it is reliable and safe.

Key takeaways from the Altek Solutions:

•  Every digital journey is different, for each set of requirements and existing electrical network.
• Customer involvement is absolutely essential from the initial starting point.
• The path becomes clear and the road to optimization becomes easier once you start the digital journey.
• The digital journey never ends, and continuously evolves.
• The key is to get started now.

The technology in place when creating a system that accommodated both legacy and newer technologies was relatively easy due to the robustness of ETAP and the communication protocol. The design we implemented in the system, helped us create the most future-ready system available on the market.

Alvin Naidoo, Managing Director, Altek Solutions