The testing workstation: a universal testing framework for Hydro-Quebec's new SCADA/EMS

Hydro-Quebec is in the process of renewing its energy management system (EMS) and its SCADA. Part of this work involves the introduction of a new data acquisition architecture. The proposed architecture requires that many systems now in operation be modified. This article describes a specialized testing workstation (TW) which provides all the testing capabilities needed to validate the full operation of the systems in the new communications environment. These include RTUs, other acquisition systems and even the new SCADA/EMS itself. The TW offers an extensive set of tools: communications analyzer, application data monitor, automatic and script-based simulators, allowing full testing of any system using the communications protocol of the new SCADA/EMS. The testing can be either at the communications level or at the application level. Since the TW has full database capabilities for field data, it can act both as a client (SCADA) and as a server (e.g. RTU). For Hydro-Quebec, the TW offers the advantage of standardizing the testing process used during the development of the new systems. The use of universal test equipment facilitates the integration of all systems into the new SCADA/EMS environment.