In 2016, Newton-Evans Research Company conducted a six-month research study of protective relay usage patterns in the world community of electric power utilities. Findings from 114 large and mid-size utilities in 28 countries pointed to some newer trends in adoption and use of protection and control technology. Newton-Evans Research Company plans to update this market study in January of 2019: Worldwide Study of the Protective Relay Marketplace: 2019-2022.
Here are some findings from the survey that was conducted in 2016, when we asked utilities how they collect IT information from OT networks:
Where do you provide demarcation between the physical IT and OT networks in order to safely collect IT information from the OT networks? (Check all that apply)
NORTH AMERICA: In 2016, just over half of North American respondents said the demarcation between physical IT and OT networks is at the control center, and 47% said demarcation is in the substation. Seven respondents said demarcation between the two networks is provided at both the control center and in the substation.
INTERNATIONAL: Unlike the respondents to our North American survey, a clear majority of international utilities (77% of those surveyed) provide demarcation between physical IT and OT networks in the substation.
Percent of Electric Utilities Surveyed in 2016
| Demarcation is provided in the substation | Demarcation is provided at the control center | Not Applicable: we use IT methods for protection, control, and automation networks | |
| North America | 47% | 51% | 34% |
| International | 77% | 45% | 23% |
For reliability and availability of Ethernet OT networks, which methods do you use to avoid a single point of failure? (Check all that apply)
NORTH AMERICA: Fifty-six percent said they use IT methods for protection and control. Twenty percent said they use Network fault detection, isolation and restoration via IEC 62439-1 RSTA and RSTP.
INTERNATIONAL: Sixty-four percent said they use Network fault detection, isolation & restoration via IEC 62439-1 RSTA and RSTP. Forty-one percent said they use dual primary IEDs and networks to avoid a single point of failure. Only 9% of international respondents said they use IT methods for protection and control.
Percent of Electric Utilities Surveyed in 2016
| Demarcation is provided in the substation | Demarcation is provided at the control center | Not Applicable: we use IT methods for protection, control, and automation networks | |
| North America | 20% | 17% | 56% |
| International | 64% | 41% | 9% |
Call, fax or email to subscribe to this study before JANUARY 25, 2019 to take advantage of the following:
- Submission of topics/questions for possible inclusion in the Newton-Evans field survey of of P&C engineering managers and protection engineering personnel.
- Subscription provided at a 12% price discount.
- Periodic findings reported to clients throughout the course of the study.
- Telephone consultation to review the findings and outlook for the industry.
ORDER FORM:
http://www.newton-evans.com/2019ProtRelayBrochurePRE-SUBSCRIBE_JAN25_2019.pdf
Information descriptive of the 2016-2018 edition of this study can be found here:
The Worldwide Study of the Protective Relay Marketplace in Electric Utilities: 2016-2018
Please contact the Newton-Evans staff for additional information, report samples and pricing information:
info@newton-evans.com
Phone: 410-465-7316 or FAX: 443-218-3807
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