Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently donated a dozen Real-Time Automation Controllers (RTACs) for use in the Power Systems Teaching Lab at NC State. RTACs are used in electric substations for utility SCADA and substation automation. “Our students will use these RTACs to learn how to develop utility communication and automation applications,” said Dr. David Lubkeman, Research Faculty at the FREEDM Center and course instructor for “Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid” in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “We’re really excited because students in our online classes will be able to access these units from home via the Internet for course assignments and projects.”

The SEL-3532 RTAC provides flexible system controls with integrated security, easy configuration, and high reliability. These particular units also include features for full implementation of IEC 61850 MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification) and GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event), data logging, and Human-Machine Interface license for creating real-world power system SCADA screens.

“SEL is happy to provide these units for academic courses,” said Andy Gould, SEL Application Engineer and University Representative in the Southeast. “Dr. Lubkeman and I collaborated this summer on a few templates for applications the students will see in their future careers. I’m excited to see the next generation of NC State grad students enter the workforce with these skills under their belt.”