MONITORING AND CONTROL

Development and Modernization of
PEA’s Automatic Distribution Control Center System

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has progressively modernized its electricity distribution management through the implementation and enhancement of the Automatic Distribution Control Center System (ADCCS). This centralized system enables real-time monitoring and remote control of the transmission and distribution network across Thailand, significantly improving operational efficiency, outage response times, and overall service reliability.

The initiative began with ADCCS Phase 1 in 2000, establishing six regional control centers. Phase 2 followed in 2004, expanding to thirteen centers nationwide, and integrating over 4,500 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) along with upgraded communication networks. Recognizing the growing demand for system intelligence and flexibility—particularly in the context of distributed renewable energy—PEA launched a major upgrade project in 2015 to modernize the entire system.

This enhancement project included the deployment of a new SCADA/ADMS platform, improvements in fiber-optic communication, and increased capacity for future grid integration. The upgraded system successfully passed all testing and began full operation in 2024, with a three-year warranty period commencing in 2025.

The ADCCS upgrade underscores PEA’s strategic commitment to grid modernization, enabling smarter, faster, and more flexible electricity distribution aligned with Thailand’s energy transition goals.

Development and Modernization of
PEA’s Automatic Distribution Control Center System

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has progressively modernized its electricity distribution management through the Automatic Distribution Control Center System (ADCCS). This centralized system enables real-time monitoring and remote control across Thailand, significantly improving operational efficiency, outage response, and service reliability.

Following initial deployments in 2000 (Phase 1) and 2004 (Phase 2), PEA launched a major upgrade in 2015 to enhance system intelligence and flexibility for distributed renewable energy. This upgrade, involving a new SCADA/ADMS platform and improved communication, represents a THB 4.53 billion investment. The modernized ADCCS commenced full operation in 2024 (with a three-year warranty from 2025), underscoring PEA’s commitment to a smarter, faster, and more flexible grid, aligning with national energy transition goals.

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) operates a SCADA comprising 12 regional distribution dispatching centers and a System Management Center at PEA Headquarters (SMC). Substation Automation and Feeder Automation systems are 100% implemented nationwide, adhering to IEC 61850 standards.

 

The ADMS system is software designed to cover network management solutions, including monitoring, analysis, control, optimization, planning, and various training tools. The system integrates multiple functions such as SCADA, EMS, DMS, OMS, and DERMS, allowing seamless data exchange with relevant departments like GIS and AMI via the Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).

SCADA Functionalities

• EMS/DMS application (Fault calculation, Network Reconfiguration, Reliability Analysis, Load Flow, Transmission Network Model, State Estimation, EMS Contingency Analysis, EMS Contingency Analysis, EMS Fault Calculation)
• SCADA Function (Overview LV Network Model, Simulation model, Hosting Capacity, DER Monitoring, DTMS Monitoring)
• Distributed Energy Resource Management (DER monitoring, DER control, Hosting Capacity)
• Digital Radio Communication
• Outage Management
• Unmanned Substation Security
• Building management

LV SCADA
(Pilot Project in Pattaya City, Chonburi Province)

Objectives of the SCADA System for the Low-Voltage (Completed 2024)

To procure a Monitoring, Analysis, and Planning system for PEA’s low-voltage distribution system

To develop a planning and distribution system improvement process for efficient management of transformers and low-voltage distribution networks, as well as to reduce power losses in PEA’s low-voltage distribution system

To integrate the data connection infrastructure from GIS, SCADA, DTMS, and AMI databases in the Pattaya area

To establish guidelines for integrating with Energy Storage and Electric Vehicles (EV) systems in the future

To develop PEA personnel by enhancing their capability to extend the use of the acquired software, ensuring alignment with the organization's future context

Function Applications of the LV SCADA System

Network View

Users can visualize the overall distribution network, from substations and distribution transformers to electricity meters at consumer locations 

Network Planning Application

Installing additional transformers or upgrading power lines when there is a rapid increase in electricity demand 

DMS Application

Users can analyze various impacts on the low-voltage distribution system, both under current conditions and future scenarios, through simulations using different application functions 

DERMS Application

Adjusting the transformer, meter, or power line capacity to accommodate sudden changes in consumer behavior 

Improving the efficiency of power station control and protection systems Project

To replacement of control and protection system equipment at power stations. That has a lifespan of control and protection system equipment of more than 10 years to provide control and protective equipment at power stations Can be used effectively Maintain the stability of the electrical system at all times. Reduce power outages due to deteriorate equipment, improve control and protection systems at power stations. To be more modern (according to IEC 61850 standards) to support Unmanned Substation and Smart Grid policies.