Digitized copper - advantages, disadvantages and outlook of a power and process integrated control system using IEC 61850

Abstract

The safe and reliable supply of electricity for ensuring a continuously running process, and the feedback and data exchange from the one side to the other, is of crucial importance to the Oil & Gas Segment. It is typical that Transformers, HV, MV and LV distribution equipment as well as the wells, field compressor stations and central processing plants with their motors and pumps are physically spread across a large area. Traditionally, ensuring a safe, reliable and continuously running plant, came hand in hand with a large amount of hardwired cabling and the site ending up with two or more automation system for process control and power distribution, with several protocols and interfaces. Although IEC 61850 is well known a standard, it has just recently emerged as and will take further steps in fully enfolding its benefits via the seamless connection of the electrical and the process side. The unification of both power and process automation via one Ethernet Standard enables one centralized and optimized main control system for monitoring and protecting an entire plant. This paper compares two model project set-ups - one using the traditional power and process automation approach, the other based on a common IEC 61850 technology - In terms of safety and flexibility, performance and reliability, time and costs.