Experimental investigation and performance analysis of freestyle communication system for Powerlink Queensland substation automation

Invention of digital relays and the dramatic expansion of information technology networks are compelling the utility companies such as Powerlink Queensland to improve their communication infrastructure. As the major transmission network service provider in Queensland, Powerlink always seeks opportunities to improve its service through regularly updating its systems and devices. Freestyle Energy Ltd, Melbourne has proposed Powerlink about the development of a new communication system for data transfer of meter data and IED event reports complying with Powerlink requirements. The new communication system referred as the “Freestyle system” minimally comprises of a web management server, a data concentrator and the Freestyle Microengines. The main objective of Freestyle system is to automatically extract meter data from meters, event report files from IEDs, and network condition status information and email to the end users for further investigation. Freestyle system also supports direct communication to IEDs for remote configuration. A test platform was set up at Powerlink’s Test and Development Laboratory and the system was tested for its functionality, reliability and robustness. This paper investigates the performance of proposed Freestyle system so as to ensure it is compatible with Powerlink requirement. The paper also outlines the test outcomes.