There are numerous applications of SCADA. SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA is used for controlling certain tasks for operation activities. SCADA is a type of control system architecture that uses computers, a network, and graphical user interfaces (GUI) for high-level process supervisory management.
SCADA also has components like Remote Terminal Units (RTU), Distributed control systems (DCS), Process control systems (PCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for controlling tasks. In instrumentation & control engineering, the SCADA systems are used for monitoring and controlling various industrial /manufacturing processes like Crude Processing Units, Captive Power Plants, Wastewater treatment plants, and other manufacturing plants.
The integration of sensors and other measuring devices with SCADA collects the data and sends data to the RTU or PLC. The data is then translated into usable information and relayed to the HMI (Human Machine Interface) for operators to analyze and respond.
Functions of SCADA
The followings are the function of SCADA
- It automates the control and management of industrial processes & machines in a real-time from a remote location
- Collection and analysis of data
- Notifications of events and alarms
- report generation, custom type
- Historical data logging, archiving, and retrieval
Applications of SCADA
SCADA in Process Control and Manufacturing Industries:
- SCADA system is used for real-time monitoring of process parameters like temperature, pressure, flow, and level.
- SCADA system is used for controlling processes by controlling final control elements like valves, pumps, and motors
- SCADA system is used for storing the process data which can be helpful in the future for analysis.
- SCADA system generates alarms as per configurations on abnormal values or process disturbance
- SCADA system generates reports on a daily basis (weekly / monthly as per configuration) which helps to keep track of all the processes
- SCADA system can be used to operate a plant which is located in remote areas
- SCADA systems can easily be integrated with other systems for better functioning. Another system like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) can be integrated with SCADA to get a much better picture of the whole process for better production.
Applications of SCADA in the Telecommunication Industry:
- SCADA system is used to monitor the health and performance of telecommunication networks, transmission systems, their base stations, and routers also.
- SCADA system is used to generate alarms when there is any issue in a network like high traffic, low signal strength, or failed equipment.
- SCADA system is used to log the network data for future analysis which helps to improve the network performance and identify potential problems.
- SCADA system allows remote access to any network which helps engineers to monitor and control the network from any remote location.
- SCADA systems can easily be integrated with another system like Network Management Systems (NMS) which provides a complete picture of the network and enables a more detailed decision-making process.
- SCADA system is used to optimize the network performance by analyzing the network data. SCADA also helps in making recommendations for network improvements.
SCADA in Railway Control:
- SCADA system is used to monitor and control train movements, train schedules, train speed, and train position.
- SCADA system is used to control railway signals which ensures the safest and most efficient train operations.
- SCADA system is configured to generate alarms when the train runs on delays, trains have obstructions on the track, or any train engine or other equipment failures.
- SCADA system is used to log the railway data for future analysis which helps to improve the railway performance and identify potential problems.
- SCADA system allows remote access to any train which helps engineers to monitor the train from any remote location.
- SCADA system allows remote access to all train’s current locations which helps engineers to monitor all the trains and divert them on different tracks.
- SCADA systems can easily be integrated with other systems for better functioning. Another system like Automatic Train Control (ATP) can be integrated with SCADA to get a much better picture of the whole system for controlling the train movements.
Application of SCADA in Traffic Control:
- SCADA system is used to monitor and control vehicle movements and traffic jams.
- SCADA system is used to control the traffic signals based on the traffic on roads which ensures the safest and most efficient vehicle movement on roads.
- SCADA system is configured to generate alarms when there is any heavy traffic jam or road blockage.
- SCADA system is used to log the traffic data for future analysis which helps to improve the traffic problems.
- SCADA system allows remote access to cameras installed on the roads and toll gates for the perfect picture of the spot. This improves security also.
- SCADA systems can easily be integrated with other systems for better functioning. Another system like Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) can be integrated with SCADA to get a much better picture of the whole system for controlling the traffic.
Applications of SCADA in Electricity Distribution:
- SCADA system is used to monitor the power consumption for proper power generation.
- SCADA system is used to control power distribution using transformers, switches, or circuit breakers when there is a power shortage.
- SCADA system is configured to generate alarms when there is any power disruption in any area or high demand in any area.
- SCADA system is used to log the power consumption data for future analysis which helps to improve the efficiency of the power system.
- SCADA system allows remote access to any power system which helps engineers to monitor and control the power distribution from any remote location.
- SCADA systems can easily be integrated with other systems for better functioning. Another system like Energy Management System (EMS) can be integrated with SCADA to get a much better picture of the whole system for proper power generation and distribution.
- SCADA system is used to do effective load shedding based on requirements.
SCADA in Building Automation:
- SCADA system is used to control various building systems like Heating Ventilation Air and Conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security.
- SCADA system is used to monitor and optimize the building energy consumption.
- SCADA system is configured to generate alarms on high temperature, low humidity, or any equipment failures.
- SCADA system is used to log building data for future analysis to improve building efficiency.
- SCADA system allows remote access to the building operators for monitoring and controlling the building from a remote location.
- SCADA systems can easily be integrated with other systems for better functioning. Another system like Building Management Systems (BMS) can be integrated with SCADA to get a much better picture of the whole system for proper control.
Benefits of SCADA
- Improved service quality
- Enhancement of reliability
- Low operating costs
- Maintenance /Expansion of customer base
- Ability to defer capacity addition projects
- More information for engineering decision
- value-added services
- Improved customer information access
- Reduced system implementation costs
- Reduced manpower requirements
Objectives of SCADA
The followings are the purpose of the SCADA System.
1. Improves overall System efficiency (capital & energy)
2. Optimum utilization of energy sources including renewable energy sources.
3. Optimization of Energy Requirements in both the Transmission and Generation
4. Improves Relativity of sequence to essential loads.
Summary
The manual control of processes and machines is very difficult and not safe. Therefore, there is a need for control and automation. SCADA systems automate the control of processes and machines through sensors and measuring devices and it easily detects abnormal parameters and communicates the same to the control system and operator panel.
