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Control Systems, Protection & Control and Substation Automation Report Series from Newton-Evans Research Find Common Ground in Key Areas of Cyber Security and Communications

Research findings from recently completed Newton-Evans studies see an upswing in cyber security investments worldwide, while substantial differences for communications protocols and methods are also evident.

Control Systems Report Series
Similarities between North American and International Utilities:
1. Support activities managed by line-of-business by about one-half of all respondents
2. Fiber optic cable dominates linkages from control centers to key substations
3. Cloud computing interest remains relatively low

Differences between North American and International Utilities:
1. Minimal use of unlicensed radio internationally
2. International community much more likely to have integrated Distributed Energy Resources (DER) with network models and SCADA
3. Higher levels of ADMS implementation among international respondents

Substation Automation Report Series
Similarities between North American and International Utilities:
1. Common high rates of encryption being used for at least some data transmission from substations.
2. Legacy hard-wired I/O being replaced as IEDs can now provide this.
3. Half of all utilities surveyed use monitored, routable paths.

Differences between North American and International Utilities:
1. Internationals more active regarding vendor security certification requirement.
2. North American utilities more likely to have at least partial automation today in HV and MV substations among respondents.
3. North American utilities have lower level of interest in RTU-based control logic than their international counterparts.

Protection and Control Report Series
Similarities between North American and International Utilities:
1. GOOSE messaging is key for all 61850 users.
2. Relay interoperability remains very important to both communities.
3. For Distribution Automation applications, relays to be integrated with communications interface.

Differences between North American and International Utilities:
1. North American utilities continue reliance on DNP3 protocol.
2. Low interest internationally for dynamic line rating and Condition-based Maintenance.
3. International community more likely to use/plan for new generation of CT and VT sensors

These 3 studies represent cornerstones of grid automation and modernization, and include important observations on trends in communications, platforms, applications, market sizing and security topics. Each 4-volume study includes the following: North American Survey-Based Report; International Survey-Based Report; Market Outlook and Assessment; and a Supplier Profiles Report describing hundreds of companies that provide products or services related to substation automation, control systems, and protection & control.

All 3 of these market assessment and product planning studies, delivered in a package of 12 report volumes, are currently on offer for $9,750.00 through May 31, 2018. On-site briefings are also available. See our reports page for this special offer www.newton-evans.com/our-reports/ call us at 1-410-465-7316, or email info@newton-evans.com