Smart Solutions for

Power Protection & Control

wire free
RMU automation
for densely populated
concrete jungles or remote spread
desert regions

vital step towards SMART GRID...

 SMS base
Communication
RMU Automation Architecture

using from
AFRTU from
SMS based scheme from
AFRTU AFRTU

from
AFRTU

SMS Gateway

IEC60870-5-104
Automation at the RMU level has been a topic of concern for various distribution
utilities all over the world. Companies are striving continuously in this space to
facilitate automation at RMU level. Ashida backed by strong indigenous R & D labs to SCADA System
has managed to make a mark in this sector paving a way to smart grid. AFRTU

International Standard
Global Acceptance
Ashida SMS based scheme for RMU automation has gained wide acceptance
globally. Overview of this scheme was presented in a paper in the IEEE conference How it works
held in Orlando, Florida, USA in the year 2012 & the same now appears in IEEE The FRTU (Feeder Remote Terminal Unit ) is equipped with DI/DO cards which are connected
n
Explore. to the status contacts of circuit breakers, isolators, FPI etc
In case of any change, an event is recorded. Same time, the FRTU sends a SMS to the
n

Most Reliable software at the control center through the internal GSM modem (Programmable Up-to 5
After several experiment, Research & field feedback; the system is developed in numbers).
such way that every SMS will be sent in coded format& that code is also changes The control software is located at the control room which usually is at a remote site from the
n
continuously. field RTU's. This software decodes these messages and maintains a database of the entire
system & keeps updating in case any event is triggered.
At receiving end the system is designed to receive the SMS from authorized
The data from the software sent to SCADA systems on a IEC60870-5-104 link. Also control
n
device only & get decoded automatically.
commands from SCADA get executed, converted back to SMS formats & send to the
respective RTU.
Benefits Control commands are only accepted from identified & dedicated Numbers, each SMS is
n
Easy and fast to setup
n signed with a code based on current time. This makes the system highly secure & hacker
Very economical compared to wired communication
n proof.
Helps to reduce the restoration time in case of faults
n Accurate time-stamp maintained through Internet based NTP server using GPRS
n
Better reliability and consistency than GPRS based scheme
n connectivity of the MODEM.
Minimal dependency on GPRS or other ISP service
n

Salient Features:
Clear integrated information available & secure control
n
Support for quick fault location identification & aids in restoration
n
Integration with third party SCADA systems*
n
Reduction of outages & thereby improving reliability.
n
*Tested with Siemens Sinaut SCADA system
 Advantages of
SMS based
Automation

Reliability SMS based D.A. GPRS based D.A.

Uptime >99% 75-85%

Connection when low
signal strength Possible Difficult
Packet loss rate <1% Approx 5-10%

Security SMS based D.A. GPRS based D.A

A malicious user can

pretend to be FRTU Not possible Not possible
A user on internet can log
communication packets Not possible Possible
A malicious command Center
can send commands to FRTU Not possible Difficult but possible
Prone to virus infection No Yes

Complexity/Flexibility SMS based D.A. GPRS based D.A

Possibility to report to
multiple masters Yes. Up-to 5 No www.360world.in

Ease of diagnosis Easy. Send & receive SMS can be Complex TCP/IP based
checked as they are simple text communication
Data Concentrator Not required Required.

Ashida Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

Ashida House, Plot No.A-308, Road No.21,
Wagle Industrial Estate, Thane-400604. INDIA
Tel : +91 22 2582 7524 / 25 /26
Fax : +91 22 2580 4262
Email : sales@ashidaelectronics.com
Web : www.ashidaelectronics.com