Swiss-Swedish automation multinational ABB is launching a virtualized protection and control solution with Smart Substation Control and Protection SSC600 SW, which is the software version of the Smart Substation Control and Protection SS600 device.
The solution lets utilities choose hardware and use the same protection and control functionality as with ABB’s turnkey solution.
In 2018, ABB introduced this protection and control (P&C) product in distribution networks, where functionality is centralized into a single device. One SSC600 device can handle the tasks of 30 protection relays.
Centralizing functionality in the substation cuts down on network complexity and supports optimal, lifelong asset management and up to 15 percent savings in substation life cycle costs, according to ABB.
Customers can now choose SSC600 SW and are no longer tied to specific hardware allowing them to optimize their IT infrastructure. With many systems accommodated on one platform, they can reduce the number and type of devices and hardware in substations.
The inherent separation of functionality from hardware (virtualization) allows integrated, system-wide upgrades and additional functionality, without introducing the need for new hardware. As an example: an SSC600 device can protect 30 bays, whereas with a virtualized approach, customers can install multiple SSC600 SW instances on a single computer for even bigger systems.
Since the initial launch of SSC600, ABB has regularly introduced new features and functionality to meet the increasing demands for more detailed information on distribution network behavior and performance. With the launch of SSC600 SW, ABB also released a new feature pack, FP 4, in which several enhancements and additions become available. Highlights include a re-developed user interface.
In response to customer feedback, the disturbance recorder function has been further enhanced and can now support longer recording times and offers more storage space for the recordings. And new functions have been added, including fuse failure supervision for increased robustness. This function is used to block the voltage measuring functions when a failure occurs in the secondary circuits between the voltage transformer and protection relay. Another addition is protection for shunt capacitor banks.
Due to their critical role in the power system, protection devices must be acceptance-tested prior to being taken into service and periodically thereafter to ensure reliable performance. To further facilitate testing during all phases of the protection system’s lifecycle, FP 4 also introduces support for simulation as defined in the IEC 61850 standard. By using simulation in combination with modern testing tools, it is possible to receive generated measurements, without interfering with the normal process. This makes new flexible solutions for periodical testing of the protection functionality possible.
