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Introduction to SCADA for Renewables�(A Six Module Course)

�Course Learning Objectives

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1. Describe SCADA system basics and important differences with other control systems
2. Demonstrate competency of the key components of a SCADA system and their functions
3. Describe the different communication systems used in SCADA
4. Demonstrate competency of the role and capabilities of operator interfaces
5. Demonstrate competency of implementing SCADA in real world applications, specifically renewable energy applications (install, operation, maintenance)
6. Identify emerging technical trends, shifts, and innovations impacting SCADA and its application in the renewable energy sector

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Introduction to SCADA for Renewables

�Course Outline / Curriculum Learning Modules:

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Module 1 SCADA Overview

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Module 2 Components and Functionality

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Module 3 Basics of SCADA Communications

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Module 4 Human/Machine Interface

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Module 5 Applications within Renewable Energy Industry

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Module 6 Emerging Trends in SCADA for Renewables

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Module 5 – Applications in the Renewable Energy Industry�Learning Objectives

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• Understand how SCADA functions and is utilized in various RE power generation applications
• Create and operate a basic SCADA system for a solar power application project under various scenarios
• Demonstrate troubleshooting of issues from solar power application project
• Generate data collection, analysis, and operating reports from the application project
• Understand how SCADA is used for energy storage applications
• Understand how SCADA for RE applications can be combined with energy storage systems
• Configure solar power project to include energy storage and operate project under various scenarios
• Generate data collection, analysis, and operating reports from the application project
• Understand how SCADA for RE applications and/or energy storage is used in grid response applications
• Understand positives and negatives of RE grid response with SCADA vs traditional grid response options

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SCADA – How is it used in daily operations?

• Software is used to interface between the actual control and the human display

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• Makes gathering data easy

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• Makes control of the asset easy

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• Makes monitoring many assets at one time possible

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Data Acquisition

• Data can be processed into many different forms

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• Reports

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• Logs

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• Graphs

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• Lists

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Users of Data

• System Operators

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• Local Managers

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• Technicians

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• Utility Companies

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System Operators

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• Use Data to Monitor Power Production

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• Dispatch Assets to Correct Faults

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• Plan Work Schedules

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• Plan Shutdown of Production for Maintenance

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Local Managers

• Coordinate Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance
• Produce Daily Production Reports
• Produce Daily Availability Reports
• Monitor Performance of Assets

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Technicians

• Gather Data to Troubleshoot a Fault

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• Use Data from Other Machines to Compare

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• Collect Parameter Lists for Comparison

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• Use Data to Commission the Assets

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Utilities and Grid Operators

• Use Data to Help Balance the Grid

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• Meet Customer Demands for Electricity

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• Set Pricing for Electricity

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• Plan Generation Levels Day Ahead

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Other Data

• Fuel Mix

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• Import and Export

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• Pricing and Demand

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• Weather Related

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Fuel Mix

• Data Collected From All Sources

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• Renewable Production Varies

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• More Wind = More Wind Power

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• More Sun = More Solar Power

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Day Ahead Forecasting

• Weather Predictions Determine Amount of Renewable Power Expected
• Bids are Placed by Generating Units Based on Expected Power

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Planning for Import and Export

• Sometimes Excess Power can be Exported to Other Areas
• Sometimes Power Needs to be Imported from Other Areas

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Data Capabilities

All Parts of the Grid have Data Capability

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• Generation Source

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• Substations

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• Transmission Systems

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• All used together to Make Grid Management Possible

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Troubleshooting Remote

• Depends on Good Data Collection

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• Individual Generation Assets Collect Data Continuously

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• Data is Accessed and Used to Determine the Source of the Fault

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• Technicians and System Operators Depend on Processed Data

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Case Study

Pitch Servo Motor Overheat Fault

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• Electric Pitch Control System in a Wind Turbine

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• Servo Motor Temperature is Monitored by the Control System

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• Parameters are Established Within the Controller to Protect the Motor

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• Control System Takes Specific Actions When Temperature Reaches Set Point

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Start of Event

• The Control System in the Wind Turbine Detects a High Temperature

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• Alarm is Sent to the Monitoring Operator (Local and System Operators)

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• The Operator can Acknowledge the Alarm and Start Working the Problem

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Operator Action

• Operator Acknowledges the Alarm

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Investigating the Cause

• The Operator (or Technician) Starts to Investigate Possible Causes
• Logs Into the Controller to Gather Data About the Fault

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Logged Into the Control System

• Once Logged In the Control Menu Options Appear

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Checking Parameters

• The Pitch Motor Temperature Parameter can be Checked

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Referencing the Manufacturers Material

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• Checking Documentation for Parameters

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Checking the Fault Data

• Modern Machines Store Data Before and After a Fault

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• This Data Can be Used to Gain Information About the Fault

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• Can Be Compared to Other Data

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• Data Used to Support Theories About Cause of Fault

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Trigger Data

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Data Supported Theories

• Increased Torque on Motor

Could Cause It

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• The Motor Torque is Compared

to the Other Blades

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• Motor Torque is Higher

on the Faulted Blade

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• More Information is Required

to Determine Cause

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Other Theories

• Motor Brake Stuck On

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• Blade Bearing Binding

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• Pitch Gear Box Issue

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• Worn Open Gear Teeth

Requiring More Holding Torque

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• All Motor Brakes Appear to Be Open

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Root Cause Determined

• Technicians Dispatched

to Machine

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• Inspection Found Worn Teeth

on the Open Gear

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• Caused Increased

Torque Demand

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• Blade Open Gear

Was Replaced

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Case Study Summary

• The Control System Reported the Fault

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• The System Operator Started Diagnostics

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• Site Technicians Inspected Based on Theories Supported by Data

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• Root Cause was Improper Heat Treatment on Gear

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Supervisory Control

• Allows Control of Machine

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• Can Be Local – at Machine Through Human Machine Interface (HMI)

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• Can Be Remote – Through Software and Remote Connection

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• Passwords Assign Different Levels of Privilege (access to control level)

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Machine Control

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• Software Allows for Control of Systems

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• Changing Parameters

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• Activating Motors and Heaters

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• Changing Signals

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Parameter Changes (1)

• Adjusting Parameters

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• Changing the Pitch Motor Temperature Parameter

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Parameter Changes (2)

• The Parameter is Selected
• The New Value is Typed In and Updated

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Motor Control

• Motors Controlled Through Remote

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• Grease Pump Motor Control

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Turning the Unit On

• Turning the Unit On

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Feedback Data

• Verifying the Unit is On

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• Uses a Sensor to Indicate the Piston is Moving From Grease Moving

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Curtailment – Local and Remote

• Wind Turbines Are Able to Be Turned Up and Down Easily

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• Can Adjust Output Levels Quickly

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• Used by Utilities and Grid Operators to Control Grid Levels

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• Done Through Remote Signaling

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Summary

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

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• Allows Remote Control

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• Collects and Stores Data for Use Later

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• Vital to Operations, Grid Control and Reporting Production

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QUESTIONS?

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