This Utility University course is open to any attendee with an all-access or utility all-access badge. These courses are first come, first served onsite in Dallas, however, pre-registration is still required. To pre-register, please visit the registration resource center or reach out to info@distributech.com.

This course provides an examination of the fundamentals of electric utility supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems with a focus on case studies, industry best practices, and application of the concepts.

Key topics to be covered include: SCADA system benefits, building blocks, and system integration; the business case for SCADA; delivering reliability outcomes through digital technologies; introduction to and comparison of communication technologies and protocols; and the use of SCADA in emerging applications. The presenters will also discuss “pain points” that can arise during implementation and maintenance. New applications in the areas of utility analytics, bridging physical and software systems through digital twin constructs, and the timing constraints of microgrid control will illustrate the “platform” aspects of SCADA.

A student new to SCADA will leave with a thorough understanding of why these systems are so important to reliable grid operation as well as what other technologies and considerations accompany an actual deployment. A critical component of this class is the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and share experiences/issues with fellow classmates. The presenters have over 60 years combined experience in this area so the talk will include many “real world” equipment and project examples (utility case studies) to go along with the technology narrative.

Prerequisites: 

• No prior knowledge of SCADA or certifications required

Acquired Knowledge: 

• Utility SCADA system history, benefits, building blocks, and system integration
• Budgets, schedules, and other project considerations
• System design considerations
• Use of SCADA in emerging applications such as distributed energy and microgrids
• Timing constraints of SCADA communication

Case studies will address:

• Communications from the control center to substations and downline devices
• New SCADA system purchase with common HMI and training simulator
• New SCADA system purchase with legacy RTUs
• New SCADA with meter data and backup communications