This Utility University course is open to any attendee with an all-access or utility all-access badge. These courses are first come, first served onsite in Dallas, however, pre-registration is still required. To pre-register, please visit the registration resource center or reach out to info@distributech.com.

This course provides an in-depth look at the systems that utilize supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information, functionality, and secure networks for advanced applications.

Key topics to be covered include: Distribution Automation (DA) and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS); integration with other systems such as distributed energy resources (specifically solar PV and energy storage systems), new power electronics devices, and microgrids; the impacts of IT/OT convergence and data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robots; and cyber security best practices as it relates to all of these.

The material will build on the earlier SCADA Fundamentals course, however, students already familiar with the basics of SCADA can take another morning course and be comfortable jumping into the subject matter. Those wishing to build on an existing background in SCADA should expect to learn how other applications utilize the data, implementation challenges, and the latest tools for securing the system against cyber threats. As with the "fundamentals” course, attendees will be encouraged to bring questions and experiences to share. The presenters will address these and facilitate discussion on how the time-tested methods of utility data acquisition and control and be married with new, more complex applications.

Prerequisites:

• No prior knowledge of SCADA or certifications required

Acquired Knowledge: 

• Distribution Automation (DA) and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
• Industry standards in smart distribution
• Framework of a DA/DMS system
• Integration with other systems such as distributed energy resources (specifically solar PV and energy storage systems), new power electronics devices, and microgrids
• Real-time DA/DMS applications
• The impacts of IT/OT convergence and data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robots
• System design considerations such as alarm management, HMI design, databases, and time synchronization
• Cyber security considerations and best practices such as the pros and cons of an “air gap”; important industry standards and references; and practical steps one can take now to better secure your SCADA system