A trend encountered in the planning and modernization of industrial plants is that the previously separated systems for automating processes and switchgear/controlgear are merging. Significant savings with regard to investments, maintenance, and operation can be achieved using one control system for joint monitoring and control of process and switchgear/controlgear.

The station gateway for SIMATIC PCS 7 PowerControl can integrate intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), e.g. protective equipment, into the SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system via the automation system. The IED integration with the station gateway is also suitable for redundant configurations and can thus be used when higher availability is required.

The driver blocks in the product package of the station gateway are equipped with an interface for the PCS 7 PowerControl Library. The PCS 7 PowerControl Library that can be ordered from the "Switchgear Automation" chapter of the ST PCS 7 T catalog, supports management and visualization of electrical switchgear via the SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system. The station gateway uses S7 communication for data exchange with the automation system, and the IEC 61850 MMS protocol for communication with the IEDs.

The IEC 61850 standard has already become established as the global standard for integration of switchgear/controlgear automation into the control system. All leading manufacturers of protective equipment have already implemented this standard in their devices.

Note:

The station gateway for SIMATIC PCS 7 PowerControl can be used together with SIMATIC PCS 7 V7.1, V8.0 or V8.1.