Substation Telecommunications for SCADA, Protection, and Operations

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Evaluate telecommunications requirements that support monitoring, protection, control, and operational functions within power substations
• Select appropriate communication technologies and network architectures for substation applications
• Assess telecommunications solutions that support SCADA, teleprotection, remote access, and operational communications
• Apply performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory considerations when designing or specifying telecom systems
• Interpret the role of modern telecom networks in supporting secure and dependable power system operations

Description

Reliable telecommunications infrastructure is essential to the safe and efficient operation of modern power systems. As substations become increasingly digital and interconnected, communication networks must support critical functions such as protection, control, monitoring, remote access, and operational communications while meeting demanding requirements for reliability, availability, and cybersecurity. Selecting appropriate technologies and network architectures requires a clear understanding of both power system operations and telecommunications principles.

This course provides a practical overview of telecommunications systems used in power substations and the communication requirements that support essential operational functions. You will examine the technologies and network architectures commonly used to deliver SCADA, teleprotection, voice, data, and remote access services, while exploring the factors that influence system performance, dependability, and security. The course also addresses industry standards, service requirements, and the practical considerations involved in implementing telecommunications infrastructure within utility environments.

Through practical examples and industry-focused discussions, you will strengthen your ability to evaluate telecommunications solutions, understand their application within substation environments, and make informed decisions that support reliable, secure, and effective power system operations.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Electrical engineers involved in power system design, operation, or modernization
• Substation design and project engineers
• Protection, control, and SCADA specialists
• Telecommunications engineers working in utility environments
• Consulting engineers supporting power infrastructure projects
• Commissioning, testing, and field services personnel
• Electrical technologists and technical specialists
• Utility operations and maintenance personnel
• Project managers responsible for power system and substation projects

Day I

Overview of Telecom Requirements in Power Substations

• SCADA
• Teleprotection
• Remote access
• Voice Over IP (VOIP)
• Wireless Access Point (WAP)
• LAN/WAN
• Data

Telecom Systems/ Technologies in Power Substations

• Microwave Radio
• UHF /VHF Radio
• Fibre optic network
• WiMAX
• Power Line Carrier (PLC)
• Long Term Evolution (LTE) and cellular modems
• Leased Lines
• Satellite

Day II

Special Topics for Power Substation’s Telecom System

• Tone equipment
• High Voltage Entrance (HVE) equipment
• Grounding for telecom equipment
• Microwave radio design in power substations
• PLC design considerations
• Fibre optic installation
• DC power for telecom equipment

Telecom Networks in Power Substations

• Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) network
• IP network
• Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network
• Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
• Optical Transport Networks (OTN)

Telecom Service and Standards Specifications

• Availability and dependability
• Throughput
• Time Constraints
• Service Quality
• NERC-CIP
• Cyber security