Performance assessment of an integrated distribution SCADA-AM/FM system

Many potential benefits related to the integrations of various corporate information systems in a utility have been recognized. In order to evaluate an integrated distribution system SCADA and AM/FM system, in this paper, a discrete time simulation method is used. Distributed architectures of SCADA and AM/FM systems and their integration are simulated by using an off-the-shelf simulation package. The changes in the response times of SCADA functions due to the integration are investigated. Test results have indicated that a simple SCADA-AM/FM integration using a data file transfer scheme could enhance distribution system dispatchers' performance in day-to-day work without giving up much in the response times of SCADA functions.