Automation system for data centers MV networks

Abstract

Data centers, depending on their availability class, typically have redundant utility sources and redundant power distribution paths to ensure service continuity due to the critical loads being fed. Furthermore, the medium voltage distribution networks supplying power are large and are designed and constructed in phases according to the demand for IT services, meaning that loads are added sequentially into the distribution network.

Self-healing ring topologies are often used on these systems to provide redundancy and ensure fast recovery from electrical disturbances and ensure service continuity, which requires a robust automation system that combines protection and control functionality to respond and act properly in the unfortunate case of an electrical event.

Ring main units are used to build the ring topologies, and the self-healing automation system can be built using a centralized protection and control device. With the multifunctionality of centralized protection and control device schemes for fault location, isolation and service restoration can be implemented by combining traditional protection methods with IEC61850 communication protocol.

The thesis focuses on designing a self-healing ring automation system using ABB’s SSC600 Smart substation control and protection for electrical systems. The automation system is intended to be flexible to scale according to the number of ring main units on service and versatile to parametrize according to site-specific protection coordination requirements, a thorough explanation is provided about technology requirements and automation system operation and a logic implementation is performed at a small scale to prove the concept.