Optimization of Asset Management through modern Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools

In the highly competitive context of deregulated world energy, transmission utilities have a need for monitoring devices, using microprocessor based technology in order to optimize asset management within substations. A second-more sophisticated- generation of devices, adding protection and control to monitoring, is seen as the next step to decrease additionally the scheduled maintenance expenditures, thanks notably to new advances in the field of substations communication protocols. This paper lists the items included in the development of the new switchgear intelligent control unit version 4 (SICU4) as well as examples for serial monitoring and control for disconnectors and earthing switches. Application examples for A.I.S. compact substations and serial integration of the IED's into WEB - or IEC 61850 server demonstrates the possibilities with innovative solutions