ABB Power T&D Company Inc.Power Automation & Protection DivisionCoral Springs, FLAllentown, PA

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Effective: August 1998New Information PRICOM

Power Communicationand Control Systems

40-510

The ultimate in Power Communications andControl capabilities is available through thePRICOM Series of automation systems. Thepower of RISC workstation technology is un-leashed for customer substation automationsystem applications. This multi-user, multi-tasking environment enables users of differ-ent disciplines to simultaneously access themonitored portions of the power system andreceive the data they need.

PRICOM Systems are designed to be a pow-erful yet easy to use. All vital functions aremonitored continuously through the system'snetwork connections. Quick and easy accessis available to all voltage and power infor-mation breaker status, alarms and other vi-tal operational details. All information can be

accessed by all users on the network, ex-cept where limited access has been estab-lished by means of passwords. All worksta-tions can view, acknowledge and controlsettings, events and/or alarms instantly andsimultaneously as well as print hard copiesof information and/or graphic displays. Ac-cess to data is via convenient, easy-to-se-lect on-screen 3D push buttons. Just pointand click for immediate response. Thesystem's multi-tasking capabilities ensurethat all alarms will be brought to your atten-tion both on-screen and through audiblealerts.

The system's Motif and X-Windows technol-ogy facilitate the display of desired informa-tion using graphic displays. PRICOM's

SELECTAPLOT software allows you to se-lect, display and compare up to five variablessimultaneously using the same time scale.

ABB's expanded product line of PRICOMautomation systems represents the nextgeneration of its highly successful, field-proven PRICOM PLUS system. The newseries opens up a wider range of applica-tions - from the smallest substation to thelargest - in the most cost-effective manneravailable. All systems in the product line usethe identical field-proven software that wasdeveloped for the PRICOM PLUS system.Clear, logical high-resolution graphic dis-plays are provided. Their use is virtually in-tuitive in viewing data and controlling equip-ment.

Voltages, Currents and Control Lines to Circuit Breakers andother Power System Equipment

DPU-2000R DPU-2000ROther MODBUS+Compatible Relays

MODBUS+ NETWORK

EthernetConnection to

Corporate NetworkJAZ Drive

Modem

Port forconnection to SCADA

Dial-up, Dial-backModem

AlternateRemoteAccess

Block Diagram ofa typical PRICOMsystem

PRICOM-UESYSTEM

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First is the PRICOM-UE (Utility Edition), theoriginal PRICOM PLUS system. Based onopen architecture principles and capable ofmeeting the most demanding utility applica-tions, it is full featured, highly expandable andfield proven. PRICOM-UE provides high-speed data gathering and control, compre-hensive substation automation functions,access to and control of protective devicesettings, and interfaces to SCADA/EMS/DMSsystems via either protocol emulation orthrough an external RTU. PRICOM-UE hasbeen marketed since 1994 as PRICOMPLUS, and is in volume production.

The PRICOM-UE system is normally deliv-ered on a workstation-class processor whichcan be sized to meet the most demandingperformance requirements. Display call-upand update times are under one second; thesystem can process more than 200 alarmsper second while performing all other functions.

Next in line is the PRICOM-CE (CompactEdition) automation system. It uses the samefield-proven software as PRICOM-UE, ex-cept scaling factors and data base sizes arechanged. The same high resolution, user-friendly graphic displays are provided. Manyapplications allow use of a Pentium II classPC in place of a workstation as the systemplatform, making the system even more costeffective. PRICOM-CE was established forthose applications (typically, an industrial orcommercial substation) where access to andcontrol of protective device settings is notrequired via the automation system or wherean interface to a SCADA/EMS/DMS via aSCADA-type protocol is not applicable.

The newest member of the PRICOM Auto-mation Systems product line is the PRICOM-SE (Special Edition). With special configura-tion of the same field-proven software usedin all PRICOM systems, it is pre-engineeredand pre-packaged to (virtually) be a shrink-wrap system for use in extremely small sub-stations (i.e., one transformer and one toeight feeders). The PRICOM-SE system isdesigned to work with ABB's IEDs (protec-tive relays), making it possible to equip thesevery small substations with data gatheringand control capabilities in the most cost-ef-fective manner.

The PRICOM-SE system is typically shippedas part of a package consisting of ABB IEDs,low power radios for communications, mis-cellaneous installation hardware and instal-lation drawings. The platform is a Pentium IIclass PC with a 14-inch CRT, keyboard andmouse for the user interface.

August, 1998

Overview block diagrams provide a quick summary of system status and easy “pointand click” access to more detailed information.

The detailed alarm summary provides date and time, alarm status and other relevantinformation. By clicking on an individual alarm line, the operator goes right to the pagewhere that alarm appears.

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PRICOM AUTOMATION SYSTEMSTECHNICAL DETAILS

1.0 Description of the PRICOM System

PRICOM is a Power Information, Communi-cation and Control system that is primarilydesigned to automate electrical substationequipment in a true multi-tasking, multi-user,UNIX/LINUX environment. The system con-forms to the X-Windows Graphical User in-terface specifications using Motif windowmanagement. It complies with all applicableIEEE and IEC specifications for automationsystems. All required networking software isincluded, and applications software such asa word processor or spreadsheet can be in-corporated into the system if necessary.

1.1 System Connections

PRICOM systems are delivered with a serverthat can be configured to communicate onmultiple communications networks simulta-neously, using a different communicationsprotocol on each network. In addition to IEDs(Intelligent Electronic Devices, such as mi-croprocessor-based relays, meters and otherdevices), the system is capable of commu-nicating with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs),Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) andSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA) systems.

PRICOM systems can be configured withEthernet and RS-232/RS-485 serial ports asneeded. Multiple users on the various portscan access the system simultaneously. Us-ers can make remote connection to the sys-tems using X-Windows technology to accessdata and displays that are resident on thelocal server. The system can accept and re-spond to SQL queries from other DCS plat-forms over the Ethernet connection usingTCP/IP. Additional platforms connected tothe Ethernet can also log into the Host Server.

1.2 System Databases

Field devices report by exception to the real-time database. The system can be configuredso that each parameter in the real-time data-base can be individually configured to also bewritten to a historian database for long-termretention. The historian database can be peri-odically downloaded to longer-term storagedevices (magnetic tape or optical disk) as nec-essary. Any parameter in the real-time or his-torian database can be plotted and displayedin multiple simultaneous plots. The plots canbe expanded or compressed and the time axismay be shifted. A value marker can be posi-tioned by the pointing device anywhere on theplot curve to display the actual numerical valueof the data at that point.

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The initial data screen provides relevant information and buttons for selecting addi-tional information or performing control commands.

Each “point and click” operation opens additional windows which ‘drill down’ deeperand deeper into the data base for information.

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The real-time database is configured via tem-plates which can work with all common datainput and output representations, such asinteger, floating point, status, analog, pulsecounter, and strings. Templates are also usedto define group specifications, trend displays,historical specifications, 1/0 blocks, commu-nications channels, timed tasks, groups ofusers, and individual users. The databasecan be generated outside the system andthen loaded onto the PRICOM system inASCII format. It can also be unloaded inASCII format, modified by any word proces-sor program capable of working with ASCII,and then reloaded.

Real-time parameters can be time-stampedwith a time resolution of up to 1 millisecond.The actual accuracy depends on the devicethat generates the data. PRICOM can pro-cess high-speed data acquisition, such aswaveform capture, as well as upload datafrom remote terminals with time stamps.

1.3 System Operations

The operation of the PRICOM system is in-tuitive to the user. All operations are con-ducted via the pointing device (mouse), andthe screen displays lead the user to the in-formation that is desired. In virtually everyapplication, the only required use of the key-board is to enter an individual password.

The multi-tasking capability of the systemallows continuous scanning of the powersystem parameters regardless of what otheroperations are being conducted by the si-multaneous users of the system. The serverupdates the real-time database on an excep-tion basis, and detects, records, and tracksalarm conditions as they occur. The alarmsare tracked in an alarm queue containing allalarms in the system. In addition, a messagedatabase file keeps a chronological recordof all alarm-related events each day. Thisdatabase can be viewed or printed asneeded. Alarms can be acknowledged indi-vidually or all at one time. Four priorities ofalarms can be defined. The PRICOM systemalso tracks all events via a message data-base. Events include such activities as set-ting changes, supervisory control activities,alarm acknowledgments, user-defined pa-rameter set points, security violation at-tempts, user login and logout, and use ofsystem configuration utilities. All such eventscan be configured to be retained in the mes-sage database on an individual basis.

PRICOM can send commands to IEDs con-nected to the communications networks. Thecommands take precedence over the scanprocess and are immediately sent to the de-vice. Of course, the user attempting to send

Custom analog and status summary screens are quickly and easily built to meet specificrequirements.

Real time and historical data plots can be selected and displayed at any time. Real timeplots are updated automatically at periodic intervals.

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commands must be so authorized by thesecurity level of his login. Typical commandsare a multi-step process:

(1) select the command; (2) verify the unitidentification (usually a password); (3) com-mand the operation; and (4) verify the op-eration.

Each IED that is implemented in the PRICOMsystem may be accessed by a menu screenthat is specific to that device. Most featuresand capabilities of the device are accessiblefrom the menu screen in the PRICOM-UEsystem. In the PRICOM-CE and PRICOM-SE systems, most features and capabilitiesof an IED are supported with the exceptionof access to, and the ability to edit, protec-tive device settings.

An optional audio help system can be imple-mented to assist the user. This system canbe configured by the user to include specificand customized help information. In addition,the user can easily implement customizedhelp displays to cover specific requirements.

1.4 System Utilities

The PRICOM systems include configurationutilities to allow the user to re-configure ormodify the system displays and database toaccount for changes in the monitored andcontrolled equipment. Separate utilities areprovided to export any selected data to an-other computer for further analysis, or to runapplications such as a word processor orspreadsheet while continuing to operate thePRICOM application.

1.5 System Security

PRICOM systems provide up to 1000 levelsof security. The operating system enforcesdata integrity and security access throughpassword control and security levels. Pass-word protection restricts access to systemfeatures, functions, and database points.Security levels range from the most privileged(level 0) to the least (level 999). Each secu-rity level is associated with a specific, defin-able set of user privileges. Default settingsinstalled in the systems are: I-Viewer (Level900, read only, no operations); 2 - Operator(Level 800, breaker and switch operation withmetered data, acknowledgment of alarmsand events, no protective device settingschanges); 3 - Protection (Level 500, protec-tive device settings only, no breaker or sys-tem operations); 4 - Administrator (Level 100,all configuration changes, all operations, useraccounts, etc.); and 5- SuperUser (Level 0,all configuration and operations, without re-strictions). These and other levels are fullyconfigurable.

Device-specific screens provide access to parameter settings, waveform capture setupand target information.

Selecting the Device Settings button provides the operator with this screen for review-ing and editing the protective settings in the PRICOM-UE system.

Descriptive Bulletin

ABB Power T&D Company Inc.Power Automation and Protection Division4300 Coral Ridge DriveCoral Springs, FL 33065800 523-2620

ABB Power T&D Company Inc.Power Automation and Protection Division7036 Snowdrift Road, Suite 2Allentown, PA 18106800 634-6005

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1.6 Performance

PRICOM systems performance is, of course,dependent upon the computer platform thatis used. For the PRICOM-UE system on aworkstation platform, screen callup and up-date times are under 1 second, and the sys-tem is capable of processing a simultaneousburst of over 200 alarms while performing allother functions. For the PRICOM-CE and -SE systems on a Pentium II platform, screencallup and update times are under 2 secondsand the system is capable of processing asimultaneous burst of over 100 alarms whileperforming all other functions. All PRICOMsystems are based on the time-tested andhighly stable UNIX/LINUX family of operat-ing systems to insure freedom from operat-ing system hangs and crashes.

1.7 Documentation and Training

An extensive set of manuals is provided witheach PRICOM system. One document isspecifically directed at the operator and thenormal use of the system. The remainingdocuments provide detailed insight into thecore modules and functioning of the overallsystem. The system is so intuitive to use thatmost operator training courses require lessthan two full days which provides for pre-sentations, discussions and laboratory ex-ercises.

ABB strongly recommends that at least oneperson from the user organization be trainedin system administrative procedures. Thistraining includes basics of the operating sys-tem, database configuration and modifica-tion, display configuration and modificationand use of the various tools provided. Anycustom documentation that may be appro-priate, such as specific IED interfaces, isnormally supplied as an appendix to the Sys-tem Operations User Guide. This publicationthoroughly describes all system functionsand features that are available via the menu,overview, single-line and device functionscreens.

1.8.0 Hardware Configurations

Application of the PRICOM-UE system in amedium to large utility substation generallyrequires the performance capabilities of aSun SPARC-equivalent or IBM RS/6000workstation computer. RAM memory require-ments usually start at the 64Mb level andincreases with increasing numbers of IEDs.Bulk storage is typically a 2.0Gb hard disk,but this can also be augmented if needed. A17-inch, high-resolution color monitor is sup-plied with the system unless a larger screensize is specified.

The PRICOM-CE and -SE systems are usu-ally supplied on a Pentium II PC platform with32Mb of RAM memory and 2.0Gb hard disk.A 15-inch, high-resolution color monitor issupplied standard with the PRICOM-CE sys-tem; a 14-inch, high-resolution color moni-tor is supplied standard with the -SE sys-tem. As above, other configurations and op-tions are available.

1.8.1 Options

To insure uninterrupted operation, ABB rec-ommends the use of a l-KVA UPS for power-ing the system. Either a tape drive or opticalstorage device such as a "Jaz" drive is rec-ommended for program and data storage.ABB can provide quotations for many otheroptions that are required to meet specificcircumstances.

1.9 Future Growth

ABB is an active participant in the "LAN Ini-tiative" which is intended to develop a stan-dard local area network configuration andprotocol for use within and between substa-tions. The final result will be a high-speedcommunications system that is compatiblewith the UCA 2.0 (Utility CommunicationsArchitecture, Version 2.0) and is intended tobe a US and International approved standard.All ABB's microprocessor-based productsand the PRICOM Systems, will beupgradeable, at minimum cost, to the newstandard when it is released.

2.0 Summary

ABB's PRICOM substation automation sys-tems avoid the complexity in integrating andinstalling intermediate devices such as pro-tocol converters, data concentrators and 110modules. In most cases these functions areperformed by the 1/0 software resident onthe server host. Each addressable device isconnected via a twisted pair cable or fiberoptic network. The PRICOM systems providefor minimum cabling to connected devices,and allows high-speed communications bus-ses to be established for automation func-tions. ABB has an extensive library of PLCcode for implementation of sophisticated andcomplex functions for those applications thatrequire them.

Windows, SPARC, IBM, Pentium and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of their re-spective owners.

For more details, including assistance withyour particular application, detailed specifi-cations and pricing, contact the nearest salesoffice of ABB Power T&D Company or call610-395-7333.