Unleashing the Power of Digital Automation

New Technology Real Time Automation Controller (SEL RTAC) Opportunity Jones-Onslow EMC is bringing innovation to how power is received and dispersed to its membership. Throughout the years, JOEMC’s Engineering team has relied heavily on the strength of in-person controls, which resulted in team members visiting each substation to review management. During power outages, the team would have to visit affected areas to confirm outages and apply “one shots” which is a safety setting that does not allow reclosures to close back after an opening on a fault condition to the system. These practices were labor intensive, and some outages could have been spared if innovative technologies had been available. Goal Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Real Time Automation Controller (SEL RTAC) brings communications and control to devices in the field from our office. Through the development of modern digital automation, Jones-Onslow EMC’s Engineering team can ensure efficient power delivery without leaving their office. This enhanced technology utilizes digital connections to review real-time energy data and automation processes for immediate trouble-shooting. As a result, members no longer have to wait for in-person assessments and manual corrections when power outages occur. Solution JOEMC has taken giant steps forward in integrating new technologies and bridging the gap between substations and the OMS (Outage Management System). By leveraging SEL RTAC to provide real-time information, crews are better equipped and more confident to respond quickly and efficiently to outages. In the future, JOEMC plans to take this one step further with a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system by further connecting their field devices and substations. With SCADA, JOEMC will gain further insights and intelligence into their outages to improve customer satisfaction and ensure a reliable electrical network. Furthermore, SCADA will give more functionality, such as automatic alarm notifications, analytics, and reporting to enhance visibility into their substations and real-time outages. JOEMC embraces a brighter, more innovative future and drives the industry towards enhanced operational and customer experience. Integrating these modern technologies allows JOEMC to identify better, respond to, and manage outages to keep our member’s power up and running.