Successes in Usage of Programmable Controllers in GIS Control Cabinets

Abstract

Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI) has successfully commissioned a set of gas insulated substation (GIS) control cabinets that utilize a programmable controller as a key operating component. The programmable controller was used to replace auxiliary electro-mechanical relays that controlled ancillary high voltage equipment (i.e. disconnect and ground switches) which resulted in certain tangible benefits, including size reduction and decreased commissioning time. While the programmable controller provided many benefits, it also had to be dealt with accordingly from a systems perspective in order to mitigate any NERC-CIP related security issues.