Introduction

In the intricate landscape of modern electrical networks, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and Telemetry systems are the central nervous system, providing the essential real-time visibility and control needed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation. Telemetry, the technology for remote measurement and transmission of data, forms the backbone by continuously relaying critical information—such as voltage, current, frequency, and equipment status—from geographically dispersed substations, power plants, and distribution feeders to a centralized control room. SCADA then takes this vast influx of data, processes it, presents it to operators through intuitive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and enables remote command and control of equipment like circuit breakers and transformers. This seamless flow of information and control capability is indispensable for monitoring grid health, detecting faults, optimizing power flow, and responding rapidly to disturbances. Without robust SCADA and Telemetry for Electrical Networks, utilities and industrial complexes would be unable to manage their complex infrastructure effectively, leading to increased downtime, safety risks, and suboptimal energy delivery. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master SCADA and Telemetry for Electrical Networks.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, control system specialists, grid operators, IT/OT convergence professionals, and maintenance personnel with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to design, implement, operate, and troubleshoot SCADA and Telemetry for Electrical Networks. Participants will gain a deep understanding of SCADA architectures, explore various data acquisition methods, learn about diverse communication protocols, and acquire skills in configuring HMIs and alarm management systems. The course will delve into topics such as Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) vs. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), industrial communication standards (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850), cybersecurity threats to SCADA systems, redundant architectures for high availability, and the integration of SCADA with advanced grid management systems. By mastering the principles and practical application of SCADA and Telemetry for Electrical Networks, participants will be prepared to enhance operational efficiency, improve grid reliability, optimize incident response, and contribute significantly to the development of smarter and more resilient electrical infrastructure.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Utility, Industrial)
• Power System Operators and Dispatchers
• Control System Engineers
• Automation Engineers
• IT/OT Integration Specialists
• Telemetry Technicians
• SCADA System Administrators
• Maintenance Technicians (Electrical & I&C)
• Project Managers for Control Systems
• Cybersecurity Professionals (Industrial Control Systems)

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and architecture of SCADA systems.
• Learn about the principles and components of telemetry in electrical networks.
• Acquire skills in identifying and selecting suitable RTUs and PLCs for data acquisition.
• Comprehend techniques for implementing various communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus).
• Explore strategies for designing and configuring Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Understand the importance of alarm management and event logging in SCADA systems.
• Gain insights into cybersecurity best practices for SCADA and telemetry.
• Develop a practical understanding of redundancy and disaster recovery in control systems.
• Learn about data historical trending and reporting for operational insights.
• Master the integration of SCADA with enterprise-level systems (e.g., GIS, OMS).
• Acquire skills in troubleshooting common issues in SCADA and telemetry deployments.
• Understand the role of SCADA in grid modernization and smart grid initiatives.
• Explore advanced SCADA functionalities such as power quality monitoring.
• Develop proficiency in commissioning and testing SCADA and telemetry systems.
• Prepare to optimize the operation and control of electrical networks using these technologies.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to SCADA Systems

• Definition and historical evolution of SCADA.
• Purpose and benefits of SCADA in electrical networks.
• Core functions of SCADA: data acquisition, control, monitoring, alarming, reporting.
• SCADA system architecture: master station, remote terminal units (RTUs), communication infrastructure.
• Overview of typical SCADA applications in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Module 2: Telemetry Fundamentals for Electrical Networks

• Definition of telemetry and its role in remote data acquisition.
• Types of data measured: analog (voltage, current, power), digital (breaker status, alarms).
• Sensors and transducers for converting physical quantities to electrical signals.
• Data sampling, resolution, and accuracy considerations.
• Telemetry channels: wired (fiber optic, leased lines) and wireless (radio, cellular).

Module 3: Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and PLCs in SCADA

• Architecture and functions of RTUs: data collection, local control, communication.
• Differences between RTUs and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in SCADA context.
• Selection criteria for RTUs and PLCs based on application requirements.
• Input/Output (I/O) modules and signal conditioning.
• Programming basics for RTUs and PLCs (ladder logic, function block diagram).

Module 4: SCADA Communication Protocols - Part 1 (Legacy & Standard)

• Serial communication standards: RS-232, RS-485.
• Modbus protocol: RTU and TCP/IP variants.
• DNP3 protocol: features, levels of conformance, time synchronization.
• IEC 60870-5 series protocols for substation automation.
• Protocol converters and gateways.

Module 5: SCADA Communication Protocols - Part 2 (Modern & IEC 61850)

• Introduction to IEC 61850 standard for substation automation.
• Concepts of Logical Nodes, Common Data Classes, and Goose messages.
• Benefits of IEC 61850: interoperability, flexibility, reduced wiring.
• Ethernet-based communication networks for SCADA.
• Network architectures: LAN, WAN, VPN in SCADA systems.

Module 6: Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design

• Importance of effective HMI for operator awareness and decision-making.
• Principles of HMI screen design: clarity, consistency, ergonomics.
• Real-time data visualization: trends, gauges, mimic diagrams.
• Navigation and alarm display strategies.
• User roles and access control in HMI.

Module 7: Alarm Management and Event Logging

• Principles of effective alarm management: rationalization, prioritization, suppression.
• Alarm philosophy and best practices (e.g., EEMUA 191).
• Alarm logging, archiving, and analysis.
• Event recording and sequence of events (SOE) reporting.
• Historical data trending and analysis for post-event investigation.

Module 8: SCADA Database and Historian

• Role of database in SCADA: real-time data storage, historical data.
• SCADA historian systems: data compression, archiving, retrieval.
• Data integrity and synchronization.
• Integrating SCADA data with business intelligence tools.
• Reporting tools for operational performance analysis.

Module 9: SCADA Cybersecurity

• Threats and vulnerabilities in SCADA and Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
• Common attack vectors: malware, phishing, denial of service.
• Cybersecurity standards and frameworks (e.g., IEC 62443, NIST CSF).
• Defense-in-depth strategies for SCADA security.
• Network segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure remote access.

Module 10: SCADA System Redundancy and High Availability

• Importance of redundancy for critical electrical infrastructure.
• Types of redundancy: hot standby, warm standby, cold standby.
• Redundant communication paths and equipment.
• Disaster recovery planning for SCADA systems.
• Ensuring system resilience against failures.

Module 11: SCADA Integration with Other Systems

• Integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for asset management.
• Outage Management Systems (OMS) and their interface with SCADA.
• Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS).
• Integration with maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Data exchange between SCADA and enterprise-level IT systems.

Module 12: SCADA System Design and Implementation

• Project lifecycle for SCADA system deployment.
• Requirements gathering and specification development.
• System architecture design and hardware selection.
• Software configuration, programming, and testing.
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

Module 13: Commissioning and Testing of SCADA and Telemetry Systems

• Pre-commissioning checks and checklist development.
• I/O testing and verification.
• Communication testing and protocol validation.
• HMI and control logic functional testing.
• Integrated system testing and cutover procedures.

Module 14: Maintenance and Troubleshooting of SCADA Systems

• Routine maintenance tasks for SCADA hardware and software.
• Diagnosing common SCADA and telemetry issues (communication breaks, data errors).
• Using diagnostic tools and logs for troubleshooting.
• Software updates, patching, and version control.
• Performance monitoring and optimization.

Module 15: Future Trends in SCADA and Telemetry

• Cloud-based SCADA and SaaS models.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) integration with SCADA.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for predictive analytics in SCADA.
• Enhanced visualization and augmented reality (AR) in HMIs.
• Role of SCADA in smart grids, microgrids, and renewable energy integration.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.