AIS Introduces New HMIs for Substation Automation Systems and Control Center Applications

American Industrial Systems (AIS), a leading manufacturer of ruggedized, industrial touch screen HMIs, panel PCs and operator interfaces for control and monitoring applications, announces the availability of their new HMIs which were designed to be compliant with IEC 61850 standards required for substation automation systems and control center applications in the Energy and Utility sectors.

IEC 61850 is a standard for the design of electrical substation automation and control centers. The IEC 61850-3 standard specifies the hardware design requirements for IEC 61850 Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) used in substation automation systems; the requirement’s emphasis is on EMI, wide temperature, and shock and vibration resistance testing and approval.

AIS’s 61850 Compliant HMIs Enables the Convenience of Ethernet with the Performance & Security Requirements for Utility and Energy Sector Substation Automation

IEC 61850 is a part of the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) technical committee reference architecture for electric power systems. IEC 61850 is the new international standard for communication in substations. It enables integration of all protection, control, measurement and monitoring functions and additionally provides the means for high-speed substation protection applications. The standard combines the convenience of Ethernet with the performance and security which is essential in substation automation systems in the utility and energy sector today. AIS rugged Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, industrial panel PCs and control monitors are designed to meet the demands of IEC 61850-3 for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), climatic and mechanical conditions; IEEE 1613 for EMC control power inputs and installation; IEC/TS 61000-5-6 for EMC immunity in substation environments; IEC 60068-2-64 for vibration, broadband random and guidance; and IEC 60068-2-2 for dry heat.

HMIs Engineered for Electrical Transmission and Distribution, Renewable Generation, Oil and Gas, Water/Wastewater, Distributed Generation Applications in Substation Automation

The hazardous area, rugged HMI panel PCs and displays from AIS support wide operating temperatures from -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F), which is critical to achieving the specification/standard’s requirements. Another important part of complying with IEC 61850 specifications is the ability to withstand severe vibration testing. AIS rugged control and monitoring HMIs are tested to meet a 15 G anti-shock and 5-500 MHz anti-vibration requirement to ensure continued operation for highly secure, reliable and scalable infrastructure in the utility and energy industries.

Having met all the requirements of IEC 61850, AIS HMI control, monitoring and visualization solutions are ideal for a variety of substation applications in utility and energy infrastructure applications. Some key substation applications include electrical transmission and distribution, renewable generation, oil and gas, water, distributed generation, and trackside operations.

An Optimized Substation Automation Solution Shortens the Development Cycle, While Reducing System Cost and Complexity by AIS HMI Embedded Technology

In addition, the IEC 61850 standard defines an Ethernet-based protocol used in power substations for data communication, is the new international standard of communications for substations. It enables integration of all protection, control, measurement and monitoring functions within a substation and provides the means for high-speed substation protection applications. Today’s power utilities operate more and more globally and require flexible, future-proof automation systems to cope with changing requirements, philosophies and technologies. AIS rugged, HMIs facilitate essential features such as interoperability between devices from different suppliers, allocation of functions, capability to follow the fast changing communication technology and ease of engineering and maintenance. The utility’s investments are safeguarded by open architecture and platform and flexibility of AIS HMI open technologies.

A Safer Work Environment and Less Controller Fatigue Leads to Higher Operational Productivity in the Energy Substation Automation Systems

Available in a 15” LCD flat screen size, AIS’s rugged HMI touch screen panel comes with pre-installed Windows® Embedded or Linux operating system; and is powered by high-performance and low power consumption (TDP 3.5W) Intel® embedded processors in fan-free, industrial-grade, high bright LCD flat touch screen panels (with option for sunlight readable LCD displays). Approved for ISA12.12.01/CSA 213: Non-incendive, Non-sparking, and Hermetical-sealed, IEC/UL/CSA 60079-11: Intrinsic Safety ”ic” (Gc), IEC/UL/CSA 60079-15, including many other IEC 61850 standard for highly secure, reliable, and scalable infrastructure, AIS hazardous areas HMI panel PC and monitor ensure the ultimate in safety for transportation of hazardous liquids and gases. AIS Stainless Steel HMI systems with UL and ATEX certifications for hazardous areas (Class 1 Div 2, Zone 2), include these additional safety benefits: improved controller/operator safety from remote control and detection of equipment failure; minimized exposure of personnel to potentially hazardous areas through remote monitoring; and increased productivity and less fatigue resulting from a safer, more efficient work flow.

Benefits for the Utility & Energy Industry with AIS Rugged, Industrial Designed HMIs

• Substation compliance with IEC 61850-3, IEEE-1613, IEC/TS 61000-5-6, IEC 60068-2-64, and IEC 60068-2-2 for utility substation environments and extended EMI and surge protection
• UL Listed to Safety Standards: ANSI/ISA 12.12.01, 2012, Nonincendive Industrial Monitor for Use in Class 1, Division 2 Groups A, B, C, D Hazardous (Classified) Locations and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 213-M1987 for Use in Class 1, Division 2 Hazardous Locations: UL File # E365958
• UL Listed to Safety Standards: UL 60950-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-07: UL File # E320439
• CE Ex Marked to Safety Standards: Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)-Directive 94/9/EC-
• Compliance with the Essential Health and Safety Requirements has been assured by Compliance with IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-11, and IEC 60079-15
• 3-Year limited warranty (return-to-depot service): Including all parts and labor costs (1 year), including control board (microprocessor) and labor costs (2nd to 3rd year), and labor costs (full 3 Years), accessories and software excluded