EcoHarbor

SCADA + ADMS Upgrade / Integration Project at PECO — Project Description

Note: “SCADA + ADMS upgrade” here refers to integrating supervisory control / data acquisition with advanced distribution management capabilities (or enhancing existing systems) to deliver higher visibility, automation, and intelligence in distribution operations.

Background & Motivation

• Over time, the distribution grid grows more complex: more distributed energy resources (DERs), two-way flows, volatility, and higher expectations for reliability and efficiency.

• Legacy SCADA systems often lack deeper distribution analytics, network model awareness, fault location, isolation & restoration (FLISR), volt/VAR optimization (VVO), and DER coordination.

• By upgrading or augmenting the SCADA system with an ADMS (or integrated DMS/DERMS modules), PECO aims to gain real-time grid intelligence, automate network actions, improve outage response, optimize volt/VAR, and support DER/microgrid orchestration.

• PECO’s engaged Frisco Green Energy to assist with the upgrade and implementation of the selected distribution automation, reclosers, capacitor automation, remote terminal unit (RTU) upgrades, disturbance monitoring, and have replaced their DMS in certain projects.

• In 2011, PECO selected Telvent’s OASyS DNA SCADA solution as part of a strategy to combine SCADA with a new ADMS / smart-grid solution to improve network control, fault analysis, load management, and operational efficiency.

•  PECO wanted to replaced the old system with the Schneider Electric ADMS / DMS / DERMS modules as parts of its grid operations, combining SCADA and DMS in a unified environment.

Scope & Functional Modules

A modern SCADA + ADMS upgrade typically encompasses:

1. SCADA / Telemetry & Control Layer

   • RTUs, IEDs, remote switches, reclosers, automated switches, fault indicators, capacitor banks, line sensors, voltage regulators

   • Communications network (fiber, microwave, radio, cellular) to support high-speed data, telecontrol, and redundancy

   • Real-time telemetry, status change detection, alarm management, trending

   • Command functions (open/close, switch operations, switching orders)

2. Network Model & Data Integration

   • A dynamic, high-fidelity network model that mirrors actual topology (switch status, connectivity)

   • Integration with GIS, asset databases, AMI (to validate real loads), and other systems

   • Data consistency, cross-checking, cleansing, and synchronization with other utility systems

3. ADMS / DMS and DERMS Functions

   • Load Flow & Power Flow Analysis in real time or near-real time

   • Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) logic to detect faults, isolate sections, and reroute power automatically

   • Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO / Conservation Voltage Reduction CVR), coordinating capacitor banks, voltage regulators, on-load tap changers

   • DER Management / Integration: monitor, forecast, dispatch DERs, microgrids, and coordinate with the broader network

   • Outage Management / Switching Order Support: integrate with OMS, switching plans, crew dispatch

   • Simulation & What-If Scenarios: offline testing, contingency analysis, training

   • Alarm Prioritization, KPI dashboards, operator situational awareness

4. Cybersecurity, Resiliency & Redundancy

   • Segmented networks, secure communication protocols, role-based access, intrusion detection

   • Disaster recovery, backup SCADA/ADMS nodes, failover systems

   • High-availability architecture

5. Operator Interfaces, Visualization & Training

   • Enhanced HMI with topology, geographic, and schematic views

   • Drill-down, zoom, contextual layers (e.g., load, voltage, DER injection)

   • Operator training simulator (OTS) for staff readiness

   • Alarm rationalization, display management, color coding

6. Testing, Cutover & Migration

   • Parallel operation phases, data conversion, regression testing, acceptance testing, staged cutover

   • Signal mapping from legacy SCADA to new point definitions

   • Operational acceptance tests (OATs), failure-mode tests, cyber testing

   • Post-cutover stabilization, tuning, continuous improvement

Timeline & Milestones 

Below is a specific steps taken by Frisco:

1. Initiation / Assessment Phase

   • Inventory legacy SCADA, control points, communication paths, network model, existing DMS/DA systems

   • Gap analysis, risk assessment, functional requirements definition, use-case definition

   • Stakeholder alignment, budgeting, governance

2. Design & Architecture

   • Select ADMS vendor(s) or modules

   • Define data architecture, system interfaces, communications, cybersecurity architecture

   • Develop detailed technical design, point mapping, HMI & workflow design

3. Procurement & Development

   • Purchase SCADA/ADMS software licenses, hardware, communications equipment

   • Configure the system: signals, database, network topology, control logic, alarm definitions, application modules

   • Interface development and integration with GIS, OMS, AMI, asset management, etc.

4. Testing & Pre-Deployment

   • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of modules

   • Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) or staging environment tests

   • Simulation of faults, contingencies, restoration, VVO scenarios

   • Security testing (penetration, intrusion)

5. Phased Deployment & Cutover

   • Gradual migration of feeders or zones to new system

   • Dual operation periods (legacy + new in parallel)

   • Operator training & familiarization

   • Final cutover of critical feeders

6. Stabilization & Optimization

   • Tuning of control logic, alarm thresholds, VVO settings

   • Monitoring system performance, anomaly detection

   • Feedback and continuous improvement, periodic updates

   • Maintenance and upgrades

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Faster fault detection & restoration: Automated fault location and shifting of loads reduces outage durations.

• Improved reliability & resiliency: Better topology awareness, operator visibility, and control reduce number and severity of outages.

• Operational efficiency: Reduced need for manual switching, fewer truck rolls, and faster decision-making.

• Voltage / reactive optimization: Lower losses, improved power quality, and better utilization of equipment.

• DER / grid-edge support: Ability to manage distributed energy, microgrid coordination, reverse power flows, and future DER growth.

• Data-driven operations: Real-time analytics, forecasting, and scenario planning improve planning and operations.

• Scalable architecture: A flexible platform capable of evolution as grid demands increase and more automation features are required.