S U B S TAT I O N A U T O M AT I O N

PACiS®
Protection, Automation & Control
Integrated Solution

Improving competitiveness and performance is key to any business.

New solutions must be developed to optimize the assets, benefit
from the latest technology capabilities and adapt to the rapidly
changing environment.

PACiS is the latest generation of Power Automation solutions. It can

be tailored to a single substation, as usually found within utilities. Or it
may bring a unified and optimal scheme for the various substations,
together with generation sources and possible load shedding as
encountered in industrial or infrastructure applications.

PACiS provides the power to re-think the design, operation and

maintenance of electrical installations.

SCALABLE SOLUTION
PACiS is a scalable solution in terms of its functions, architecture
and services thereby enabling the right investment at the right
time while making full use of existing resources. For example,
PACiS might initially be restricted to simply monitoring various
signals – and then be extended to encompass new and fast
distributed automation over several hundred kilometers.

DEDICATED TO POWER AUTOMATION

PACiS is much more than a general purpose automation
technology. Electrical security, outage minimization or topology-
oriented automation are some examples of the design features
that have governed the development of PACiS. Complete
integration between devices is achieved through a full use of the
substation specific communication protocols, ensuring full and
optimum use of information.

Customer
HIGHER STANDARDIZATION LEVEL
Benefits
PACiS provides smooth migration to new communication
• Scalable solution standards such as Ethernet TCP/IP/IEC 61850. Beyond its pure
• Dedicated communication features, PACiS helps with the structuring of
to power automation standard schemes such as standard bays – a key rationale for the
• Higher standardization optimization of medium term investments. Similarly, the ability to
on level increase system availability through 24/7 maintenance is a major
contribution to a higher standard for power automation.

AREVA T&D
 PACiS®
Scalable Functional Scope
FEDERATION
PACiS first key feature is to federate information coming
from various sources in order to further create value
out of them.
The sources of information are physical devices
delivering pure electrical information (such as a 50/60
Hz current transformer) or connected by serial
communication links (especially when re-using existing
devices already installed in the field, though not
confined to this application).
Alternatively, the source can be one or more operators
carrying out maintenance, operation or management of
the process or the system itself.
PACiS manages several types of data: positions,
controls, measurements, disturbance records, setting,
etc. Depending on the source and type of
communication network this information may be
allocated a quality tag such as time, validity, etc. Each
item of qualified data is uniquely referenced in the
system configuration tool in order to ensure full
consistency of the information, as well as allowing it to
be re-used in various parts of the system.
PACiS handles several types of communication
protocols used in substations and industrial plants.
Performance of the application is highly dependent on
the choice of the protocol, including speed (300 bps to
100 Mbps), services (master-slave vs. client-server) or
communication objects.
MONITORING & ANALYSIS
PACiS’ base function includes the monitoring of any
data collected by the system, either locally or remotely.
Extremely compact monitoring can be achieved on an
embedded graphical LCD, displaying single line
diagrams, alarms, measurements and sequence of
event lists.
More sophisticated monitoring is carried out via one or
more PC screens, providing additional benefits such as
busbar coloring for easier maintenance, advanced
alarm screens and accurate fault localization within the
system. Other features include advanced reporting,
dual language display, disturbance record analysis.
Bay, voltage level, substation or site:
PACiS offers scalable solutions
2>3
to suit precise needs.
CONTROL
Controls are initiated by the operator, locally or
remotely, and multiple checks are performed before the
issue of a control signal in order to make it fully secure.
For instance, interlocking is made by logical equations
or is the result of a dynamic topological analysis
coupled with expert rules. Interlocks are managed as
close to the process as possible in order to give the
best security of operation. Interlocking conditions are
graphically displayed on the operator’s screen in order
to immediately identify the locking conditions (if any)
and make the appropriate changes before issuing the
order.
Each manual control is part of “Select Before Operate”
sequence, where several options can be chosen. This
includes the use of a synchro-check (in coupling or
closing mode), the bypass of syncho-check or interlock
conditions (providing that the user is allowed).
AUTOMATION
Distributed automation between different devices,
whether in the same substation or in different sites,
is likely to become one of the key changes.
New arbitrages between costs and dependability can
be quickly achieved through the use of fast Ethernet
communication protocol IEC 61850 which not only
replace traditional wiring with no extra hardware but
also carry more detailed data for better-informed
decisions.
PACiS acts as a powerful automation platform:
• Standard design using a comprehensive
IEC 61131-3 editor accessing most of the
system data,
• Event driven processing (no cycle time) with
inherent robustness for avalanche conditions,
• Fast (100 Mbps Ethernet collision free) peer-to-peer
communication between physical devices
PACiS provides additional in-built libraries of
automation modules including a full range of
protections, feeder automatic recloser and voltage
regulation of parallel transformers.
CONFIGURATION

System configuration definition is an essential tool for

the initial database design and also for the evolution of
the system throughout its lifetime. Its purpose is to
provide a consistent set of information references
distributed within the various components of the
system.

PACiS System Configuration Editor (SCE) provides an

extremely efficient way to create a database, thanks to
its unique object-oriented approach. The use of
polymorph libraries, combining electrical data,
automation sequences and graphical representation,
simplifies and strengthens the design of the PACiS
solution.

Importing or exporting SCL and XML files can further

enhance data consistency with engineering tools from
other systems or devices. Use of the IEC 61850
standard naturally leads to the use of hierarchical and
process-oriented data references. This is a key
criterion for overall engineering cost reduction and
interoperability success.

ADMINISTRATION

PACiS System Management Tool (SMT) is a tool for

transparently downloading the databases to the
devices. Up to two databases can be managed by
each device (device dependent) in order to minimize
outages during a system extension or modification.
Consistencies between database versions are
dynamically checked between clients and servers
when initializing the connection in order to secure
consistent behavior of the distributed system.

PACiS provides tools to display the versions of the

component software and database, the result of their
hardware self-check and the status of their software.
This is accessible locally or remotely and greatly
facilitates the maintenance of the system.
Simulation tools are also included: IEC 61850 clients
and servers can be simulated with full interfacing to the
system configuration tools (PACiS ES). IEC 61850
GOOSE Message can be visualized and simulated
using the GOOSOBS Software.
 PACiS®
Scalable Architecture

UNIFIED FRAMEWORK MiCOM H range Ethernet switches are dedicated,

PACiS offers a unified architectural framework for
building multiple solutions tailored to the real needs of
the application.
It allows progressive upgrading of the system design
according to the user’s new requirements in term of
functions, size, performance, etc.
robust devices designed for the substation
environment, or they may be fully integrated as a
board within
MiCOM devices for a more compact solution. They
enable various topologies ring, star or mix with the
possibility of a redundant communication path for
increased availability.

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Physical communications between components are
based on two main technology families (Ethernet and
serial RS links) in order to cope with various
application performance needs, re-use of existing
devices and integration of third-party equipment.
PACiS supports typical serial protocols (T103, DNP3,
MODBUS) in order to interface existing devices and
can be fully integrated within a remote control scheme.
When using MiCOM devices the same link may be
used to retrieve settings of disturbance records
transparently.
SYSTEM AVAILABILITY
System availability results from the combination of
architectural choices and system software capabilities.
PACiS accommodates a variety of redundancies,
ranging from the switch redundant power supply to the
entire redundancy of each component, including
configuration database redundancy.
PACiS can be made from a few integrated devices or
have its functions split into several devices, thus
offering a balance between functional availability, cost
and compactness.

Communications with remote control centers are
making increasing use of DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101 or
IEC 60870-5-104 protocols. PACiS also supports a
comprehensive series of older protocol generations
such as GI 74, WISP and HNZ.
In addition to the self-checks provided by each device,
PACiS offers a variety of system test modes, such as
device maintenance management or data forcing, to
further increase the overall availability.

State-of-the-art communication technology is based on

client-server and peer-to-peer links. It relies on fast
Ethernet networks and offers new perspectives in
terms of distributed functions, performances and
flexibility. It enables innovative automation schemes
and flexible addition of new application clients.

PACiS relies on standard Ethernet communication

infrastructures. Switched Ethernet is the preferred
choice since it eliminates collisions over the network.
The possible latency time of the network itself
becomes negligible with regards to the equipment
response time, so the system determinism is primarily
dependent on the choice of the devices.

PACiS offers optimum solutions for new sites

or retrofit schemes based on centralized,
4>5
distributed or mixed architectures
SYSTEM EXTENDIBILITY FULL ARCHITECTURE

The PACiS solution can be contained within a single The full architecture is made of an Ethernet network
standard panel or be spread over hundreds of miles, linking components from the base architecture,
depending on the application distribution. Operator Interface (OI) and IEDs.

PACiS’ architecture is structured in a series of
hierarchical levels. Each level maintains a given
performance in terms of transmission time, automation
and dependability, independently of the other levels. It
therefore ensures that the system can be extended
consistently and securely.
BASE ARCHITECTURE
The Ethernet network might be local to a substation,
typically for a transmission application, or it may
interconnect dispersed sites such as are commonly
found in industrial or infrastructure applications.
The client-server communication exchange avoids any
central point between local and remote control (as
found on the base architecture) and facilitates a tailored
redundancy of client and/or server.

PACiS base architecture interconnects a Remote
Terminal Unit (RTU) or a PC with a series of Intelligent
Electronic Devices (IEDs) such as protection relays or
measurement centers through legacy communication
protocols. This master-slave architecture will typically
be used within a simple distribution substation, a
windfarm or a transmission substation bay (a feeder, for
example).
The Ethernet’s high throughput suppresses
transmission bottlenecks encountered with the legacy
protocols. This also enables use of the same physical
link to superimpose additional applications such as
remote access to IED engineering tools for improved
maintenance.
MIGRATION FACILITIES

Using the full architecture is a typical way to convert an

existing installation to new technologies in a
progressive fashion. The legacy system becomes a
slave to an EC 61850 converter, and new devices are
then plugged into this network.

Base Architecture Full Architecture

Typical Applications Typical Applications DNP3

• Transmission Substation IEC 60870-5-101/104
• Distribution Substation
/ IEC 61850
• Windfarm • Industrial & Infrastructure
HNZ
• Transmission Bay • Energy Distribution

DNP3
IEC 60870-5-101/104
/ IEC 61850 / HNZ

OI RTU

100 Mbps Fast Ethernet IEC 61850

RTU

DNP3
IEC 60870-5-103/101 IED
MODBUS
IED RTU

IED

DNP3
IEC60870-5-103/101
IED MODBUS
IED IED IED
 PACiS®
Components

INTELLIGENT GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A state-of-the-art graphical user interface is integrated
A typical PACiS solution is likely to integrate several into the PACiS solution.
Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), such as This provides efficient and secure access to information
protection devices, measurement centers, bay and archives, tailored to the substation environment
controllers, etc. communicating with the rest of the and the end-user’s specific requirements.
system by one or more protocols.
PACiS is designed for optimum coupling with the Key modules include:
MiCOM IED range. > Real time display:
• Single line diagrams,
MICOM RANGE • System component status,
• Alarms,
PACiS is fully open to the integration of third-party • Sequence of events.
devices so that existing devices in the field can be
accommodated, as well as user’s preferences, etc.
> Specific control windows include:
Strict tests are performed in order to validate the • Select before operate sequences,
functional inter-operability limits precisely, retrieve • Interlock conditions representation,
status and measurement, control capabilities, retrieve • Synchro-check permission.
disturbance records, remote settings and remote
download of databases.

COMMUNICATION DEVICES

The PACiS range includes communication devices that

are dedicated to the substation environment.

These include:

• Protocol converter, linking legacy IEDs or control

center masters. These might eventually be
integrated within modern IEDs (typically a bay
controller) or in the Operator Interface PC.
• Ruggedized MiCOM H range Ethernet switches,
optionally integrated in the MiCOM Computers, are
DC or AC powered and fully resistant to
electromagnetic constraints. Scalable models, in
terms of redundancy, physical medium and
performance are available. They permit the design
of a star, loop or mix topology according to the
constraints of the site’s civil works.

In addition, PACiS offers integration with off-the-shelf

components such as modems, GPS receivers and
fiber optics.

PACiS takes advantage of modern

intelligent electronic devices,
6>7
leading to a higher level of standardization.
ARCHIVES AND REPORTING.

Further modules can be added on the same PC: these

include analysis tools such as a disturbance analysis
viewer, IED setting tools (for transparent access to
MiCOM IEDs) and engineering tools (see next
section).

SYSTEM ENGINEERING TOOLS

PACiS Equipment Simulator (ES) reproduces a

missing or existing device, or group of devices, to test
any user action or automation procedure before
running on site.

STANDARD SCHEMES

Components may be assembled within one or more

panels according to the required electrotechnical
arrangement for instance, all the IEDs needed for the
protection and local control of a transformer or an EHV
feeder may be housed in one panel. Connectors,
security switches, test facilities and internal
arrangements for IEDs are defined as per the user’s
practices.

The combination of modern, multifunctional and highly

programmable IEDs, together with the fast peer-to-
peer communication facilities, greatly improves the
capabilities for producing a “standard bay”. A standard
bay is a product made of standard hardware, software
and engineering libraries (automation, graphical
representations, wiring interface, IEDs composition). It
is then customized to the exact requirements of the
project simply through changes to the database.

The concept of the standard bay provides a

mechanism for higher levels of standardization of any
installation with limited purchasing effort, reduced lead
times and improved maintenance.

SCALABLE ENGINEERING

• PACiS is designed to enable local engineering

throughout the lifetime of the system.
Specification, database configuration, panel design,
test, training and maintenance are carried out by
AREVA T&D, the end-customer or an AREVA T&D
partner. The optimum solution is defined on a
project basis, usually mixing the three types of
skills.
• Prior to the project, AREVA T&D experts can
provide assistance to make the best use of the
available technologies, for instance by helping the
end user optimize the distributed automation
features of the new PACiS solutions.
 PROJECT EXAMPLES
>> #1 800 KV Digital Control Substation IEC 61850
>> Standard bays for the transport network: each bay is composed of
a series of panels all containing protection, measurement and control
devices, and offering an IEC 61850 interface
>> An integrated protection and control system interconnecting bays via a
redundant 10/100 Mbps Ethernet optical ring for the transport network
>> RTU connected with protection for distribution substations
>> Compact pre-engineered systems for a typical windfarm
>> Automation and interconnections of all the substations related
to a railway line

PACiS is a registered trademark of AREVA. All trade names or trademarks mentioned herein whether registered or not, are the property of their owners. - 389191982 RCS PARIS - Printed in France - SONOVISION-ITEP
AUTOMATION-L3-PACiS-BR-03.09-2026-EN - © - AREVA - 2009 AREVA, the AREVA logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of AREVA.

AREVA T&D Worldwide Contact Centre:
http://www.areva-td.com/contactcentre/
Tel.: +44 (0) 1785 250 070
www.areva-td.com
www.areva-td.com/substationautomation
Our policy is one of continuous development. Accordingly the
design of our products may change at any time. Whilst every
effort is made to produce up to date literature, this brochure
should only be regarded as a guide and is intended for
information purposes only. Its contents do not constitute an offer
for sale or advise on the application of any product referred to in
it. We cannot be held responsible for any reliance on any
decisions taken on its contents without specific advice.