ABB has been selected to enable the first digital substation in the UK as
part of SP Energy Networks’ Future Intelligent Transmission NEtwork
SubStation (FITNESS) project.
ABB, a leading global technology company in power and automation, will
contribute its grid automation technology to this project, which will
enable a digital substation scheme to protect, monitor and control the
transmission network in parts of Scotland.
The FITNESS project will see two bays of the existing Wishaw 275-kilovolt
substation in Scotland being equipped with new fully integrated digital
protection and control systems, which will also enable improved system
visibility, diagnostics and operation. This area is of special interest as
large quantities of wind power could be integrated into the grid.
Claudio Facchin, Power Grids division President, ABB, said: “This project
will demonstrate how digitalized communications within a substation can
increase controllability, facilitate the integration of intermittent
renewables and improve safety by replacing copper cabling with fiber optics.
“A key element of our Next Level Strategy is to focus on enabling the
automation of the grid in line with our Internet of Things, Services and
People approach to help utilities improve reliability and ensure safe and
clean energy supply to consumers.”
A digital substation is a key component enabling a smarter grid. Digital
communications via fiber optic cables will replace traditional copper
connections using analog signals, increasing safety, flexibility and
availability, while reducing cost, risk and environmental impact.
Priyanka Mohapatra, Senior Project Manager, SP Energy Networks, said: “SP
Energy Networks endeavors to deliver value for money for UK customers
through the FITNESS project and bring innovative digital substation
solutions that also enable optimization of asset investments.
“We are also expecting a saving in overall substation costs when digital
technology is adopted as the UK norm, and a footprint reduction of around
15 percent.”
The digital substation aims to demonstrate the interoperability of ABB’s
technologies with those of the other project partners. Methodologies to
facilitate grid automation and interoperability through standardization,
system design and testing are also becoming increasingly critical for the
utility industry.
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