Case Study: Brownfield Power and Light achieves low-cost SCADA control and real-time monitoring with SEL and SGS Engineering

SCADA System Sheds Light on Texas Utility’s Power System

Brownfield Power and Light, a utility in Brownfield, Texas, needed a low-cost SCADA system for its lone substation to improve visibility and control across its 4,200-meter service area. With frequent high winds and outages, the company wanted personnel to remotely view real-time power system data and operate circuit breakers, all for less than $50,000. They worked with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) and SGS Engineering on a solution that could use existing equipment.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) helped deliver a standalone SCADA system built around the utility’s existing SEL-351S Protection Systems and an SEL-3530 Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC), with SEL-3031 Serial Radio Transceivers added for communication with third-party devices. The system was installed in just four days and came in under budget, giving staff remote access to operate reclosers and breakers, monitor loading, and view and analyze events from the office.

Brownfield Power and Light

Jeff Davis

Electrical Superintendent