Implementation of National Grid's strategy for Substation Information, Control and Protection (SICAP) within a new operational substation

In July 1998 NGC formulated a strategy for its Substation Information, Control and Protection (SICAP) equipment, based on a review of new numerical substation technology, and discussions with suppliers and other utilities. NGC is now moving this strategy into the implementation phase with the establishment of pilot installations at operational substations. Through these, NGC expects to evolve reference designs and gain installation experience, prior to a wider application within the NGC transmission system. This paper reviews NGC's SICAP strategy, and then discusses its implementation within one pilot installation at a new 275 kV substation in the UK, focusing on the integration of protection and control functionality, and provision of open access to substation data. The design, improvements, and experience to date are discussed.