Roadmap
Roadmap
Project Title: Development of SCADA System for the University of Calgary Electrical Network
Team number: 14
Project Manager:
Members:
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) – A system used for remote monitoring
and control of industrial processes.
IED (Intelligent Electronic Device) – Devices that provide advanced monitoring, control, and
automation functionalities.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface) – The graphical interface through which operators interact
with the SCADA system.
SLD (Single Line Diagram) – A simplified representation of an electrical system displaying its
main components.
RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) – A device that connects sensors and actuators to SCADA
systems for remote monitoring.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) – A digital computer used for automation of industrial
processes.
Modbus – A communication protocol commonly used for connecting industrial electronic
devices.
DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3) – A protocol used for communication in SCADA and
automation systems.
IEC 61850 – An international standard for communication in electrical substation
automation systems.
Historian Database – A database used to store real-time and historical process data for
analysis and reporting.
Relay Faceplate – A graphical representation of a relay’s status, inputs, outputs, and alarms
in an HMI.
Predictive Maintenance – A maintenance strategy that uses data analytics to predict
potential failures before they occur.
DER (Distributed Energy Resource) – Small-scale energy sources such as solar panels, wind
turbines, and battery storage that are integrated into the power grid.
Load Balancing – The process of distributing electrical load across multiple power sources to
optimize efficiency.
Cybersecurity – Measures taken to protect SCADA systems from unauthorized access and
cyber threats.
Data Logging – The process of recording system data over time for analysis and
troubleshooting.
Event Recording – The automatic capture of system events, such as faults and alarms, for
review and analysis.
Fault Detection – The identification of electrical or operational issues in a power system.
Alarms Management – The process of configuring and handling alerts in a SCADA system to
ensure timely response to system abnormalities.
Redundancy – A backup system or component that ensures continued operation in case of a
failure.
2 SHORT BIOS
Sheheryar Ahmed: Sheheryar Ahmed is an aspiring Electrical Engineer with a strong interest in
power systems, automation, and industrial control solutions. He has developed expertise in SCADA
system design, protection relay coordination, and power system analysis. With hands-on experience
in industrial automation, PLC programming, and real-time data acquisition, He is passionate about
integrating intelligent monitoring solutions to enhance electrical network reliability and efficiency.
Muhammad Sarib Uddin Qadri: Muhammad Sarib is an MEng student in Electrical and Computer
Engineering at the University of Calgary with a strong background in industrial and commercial
power systems. He has hands-on experience in SCADA system development, automation, and power
distribution design. His technical expertise includes working with SEL devices, Ignition HMI
development, and real-time data acquisition systems. Sarib’s business interests lie in developing
scalable solutions for energy management and improving the reliability of electrical networks.
Hamza Arshad: Hamza Arshad is an electrical engineer with a strong background in power
distribution, electrical design, and SCADA integration. With over five years of experience, he has
worked on projects ranging from arc flash risk assessments to HV SCADA systems for battery storage
and industrial power networks. Currently, he is deepening his expertise in Distributed Energy
Resources (DERs), focusing on microgrid simulation, renewable energy integration, and real-time
system visualization.
Manan Rauf: Mannan has over a year of experience in integrating embedded systems and designing
HMI and PCBs. His expertise includes microcontroller programming, automation, and digital system
design. With a strong foundation in power systems and renewable energy, he is particularly
interested in sustainable electrical energy solutions and industrial power system optimization.
Muhammad Waqas: Muhammad Waqas has over two years of experience in designing SCADA
systems, specializing in industrial automation, control systems, and remote monitoring solutions. He
is skilled in implementing real-time data acquisition and control strategies to improve system
performance and efficiency.
The primary objective of this project is to develop a scalable and reliable SCADA system that enables
seamless monitoring and control of the university’s electrical infrastructure. The system will leverage
advanced data analytics, real-time event logging, and predictive maintenance strategies to enhance
reliability and operational efficiency. This initiative aligns with the university’s long-term
sustainability and infrastructure optimization goals.
To establish clear development priorities, project deliverables are categorized into must-have,
should-have, and nice-to-have features.
These deliverables form the core functionalities of the SCADA system, essential for its successful
deployment and operation.
4.1.1 Development of a comprehensive single-line diagram (SLD) for the university’s electrical
network:
• Requires access to existing SLDs and electrical infrastructure data from the University of
Calgary.
• Ensures a structured representation of power flow and system components.
4.1.3 Generating a typical I/O list with all signals for individual IEDs:
• Ensures proper mapping of input/output signals for real-time data monitoring and
control.
4.1.4 Development of primary and substation-specific SLDs within the SCADA platform
(Ignition):
4.1.5 Design and implementation of relay faceplates with alarms and input/output monitoring:
• Creating graphical interfaces for each IED, displaying operational states, alarms, and key
performance indicators.
These deliverables enhance system capabilities, improving functionality and future scalability.
• Allowing authorized users to access the SCADA system remotely via secure web-based
interfaces.
• Ensuring proper cybersecurity measures for remote accessibility.
These advanced features would further enhance the SCADA system’s intelligence, efficiency, and
integration with future developments.
• Defining a robust network topology for data transmission between field devices and the
SCADA system.
• Ensuring adherence to industry-standard communication protocols such as Modbus, DNP3,
and IEC 61850.
• Enabling monitoring and control of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and
microgrids.
• Supporting load balancing and energy efficiency improvements.
This stage focuses on identifying and cataloguing Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), along with
defining signal inputs and outputs for effective monitoring and control.
This phase involves establishing a reliable data acquisition framework and designing the SCADA
communication architecture using industry-standard protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC
61850.
The development of a user-friendly HMI interface ensures clear visualization of electrical network
operations, with relay faceplates and substation SLDs providing interactive control.
This phase ensures that system logs, alarms, and operational data are efficiently recorded for long
term analysis and predictive maintenance.
This stage includes rigorous testing and validation of the SCADA system to ensure reliability, accuracy,
and compliance with design specifications.
Continuous monitoring and performance analysis will facilitate system improvements and potential
future integrations, such as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
The SCADA system design is structured to ensure seamless data flow, optimal communication, and
real-time system reliability. The proposed architecture enables enhanced network visibility, remote
control, and data-driven decision-making, aligning with the University of Calgary’s
infrastructure goals.
Input: Existing SLDs, Electrical Infrastructure Data 1. System Assessment & Requirement Analysis Outcome:Comprehensive SLD Development
Input: IEDs Information/Data 2. SCADA System Design Outcome:Equipment List, I/O List
Input: Existing Communication Architecture and Protocols 3. Data Acquisition & Communication Outcome:SCADA Architecture
Input: Ignition Software, UI Designing skills, Alarms identification 4. HMI & Visualization Development Outcome:Relay Faceplates, Substation-Specific SLDs
Input: Alarm/Events/Database Configurations 5. Database & Historian Integration Outcome:Historical Data Logging, Predictive Maintenance Plan
Input: Control Logic 6. Control & Automation Implementation Outcome:Remote Monitoring, System Automation
Input: Designed Prototype and Referenced Documentation 7. Testing & Validation Outcome:Verified SCADA Performance
Input: System Logs, Performance Reports 8. Monitoring & Improvements Outcome:Future Upgrades, DERs Integration
The three HMI software options considered for the SCADA system design are Ignition, Zenon by
COPA-DATA, and Wonderware by AVEVA. The following table compares the tools based on key factors
such as scalability, user interface, cost, integration capabilities, and user community support.
• Scalability and Flexibility: It offers high scalability, making it a good fit for future expansion.
• Integration Capabilities: Its compatibility with a wide range of protocols (such as MQTT and
OPC UA) makes it easier to interface with different devices.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Ignition provides unlimited tag-based licensing, making it more budget-
friendly in comparison to Zenon and Wonderware.
• Modern Web-Based Interface: This ensures ease of access and user-friendly operation from
multiple devices.
The project site for the SCADA system design is the University of Calgary electrical system, but given
the incomplete data available, we have explored alternative project sites.
• Alignment with Educational Goals: The project site aligns with the university’s goals for
improving its electrical systems.
• Potential for Implementation: If the university management finds the solution feasible, they
may adopt it for real-world use.
• Moderate Complexity: It offers a balance between complexity and practicality, making it an
excellent learning and design opportunity.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to industrial sites, it requires fewer resources and capital for
a design project.
Intellectual property generated by the Project Team—including but not limited to software code,
reports, system architecture diagrams, and simulation models—shall be jointly owned by the
University of Calgary and the contributing students.
If proprietary software or licensed SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition SCADA) are used, the licensing
agreements associated with these platforms will govern their ownership and usage rights.
• The University of Calgary reserves the right to use, modify, and distribute the developed
SCADA system for academic, research, and operational purposes without seeking additional
permissions from the Project Team.
• The Project Team may use their contributions for portfolio, academic, or research purposes,
provided that appropriate credit is given to the University of Calgary for its resources and
support.
• The Project Team shall not commercially exploit the developed system without written
consent from the University of Calgary. Any commercialization discussions shall involve a
separate agreement outlining revenue-sharing terms.
• The Project Team agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive or proprietary data
provided by the University. No team member shall disclose or distribute confidential
information to external parties without explicit written permission.
• All documentation and code repositories containing confidential university data shall be
securely stored, and access shall be restricted to authorized project members only.
The choice of tools and materials aligns with the goal of developing a scalable and reliable SCADA
system for the University of Calgary’s electrical network. By utilizing industry-standard software tools
and leveraging available university resources, the project ensures cost efficiency without
compromising quality or functionality. The allocated budget tolerance reflects reasonable flexibility
for minor unforeseen expenses.
10 RISKS AND RISK MITIGATION PLANS
The successful delivery of the SCADA system project depends on mitigating potential risks that could
impact timelines, costs, and system performance. Identified risks and their respective mitigation
strategies are as follows:
Delayed access to required data and documentation: If the necessary single-line diagrams and
infrastructure details are not provided on time, the project timeline will be affected. To mitigate this,
early communication with university stakeholders and a phased data acquisition plan will be
implemented.
Software integration challenges: Compatibility issues between the selected SCADA platform and
existing infrastructure could arise. This will be addressed through prototype testing before full-scale
implementation.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities: The SCADA system is susceptible to cyber threats. Best practices,
including encryption, role-based access controls, and network segmentation, will be adopted to
enhance security.
Knowledge transfer and operator training: Ensuring that university personnel are proficient in
operating the SCADA system is critical. Structured training programs and comprehensive
documentation will be developed to facilitate smooth adoption.
By proactively addressing these risks, the project team aims to ensure successful deployment and
long-term reliability of the SCADA system for the University of Calgary.
The project will be developed in three iterative sprints, ensuring continuous refinement and
evaluation at each stage:
Goals: Develop the design roadmap, complete SLDs, and establish a database framework.
Outcomes: Verified single-line diagrams, initial database structure.
Evaluation Criteria: Design roadmap approval, successful data collection from field devices.
Goals: Develop SCADA interface, implement communication protocols, and test alarm management.
Goals: Conduct full system validation, performance testing, and final refinements.
This structured approach ensures that all critical technical tasks are addressed in a logical sequence,
supporting timely project completion and ensuring a reliable SCADA system for the
University of Calgary.
• Accountable (A) for overall project execution, ensuring deliverables meet deadlines and
quality standards.
• Responsible (R) for team coordination, delegating tasks, and maintaining project
documentation.
• Consulted (C) for technical decision-making, particularly in SCADA architecture design and
integration.
• Informed (I) about all technical developments and system implementation progress.
• Responsible (R) for designing the system architecture, defining topology, and setting up the
database.
• Accountable (A) for ensuring data flows efficiently and securely across the SCADA system.
• Consulted (C) in decisions regarding communication protocols and system scalability.
• Informed (I) on HMI development and event recording integration.
Hamza Arshad (Team Member)
• Responsible (R) for designing and implementing the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and
User Interface (UI).
• Accountable (A) for ensuring the interface is user-friendly and properly integrated with the
SCADA system.
• Consulted (C) for database integration and visualization best practices.
• Informed (I) on SCADA architecture and alarm management system requirements.
• Responsible (R) for integrating power system data and ensuring accurate event tracking.
• Accountable (A) for aligning the SCADA system with power system standards and industrial
best practices.
• Consulted (C) for system architecture and event recording design.
• Informed (I) on HMI development and alarm management requirements.
• Responsible (R) for implementing the alarm management system and defining fault
detection parameters.
• Accountable (A) for ensuring real-time monitoring and response mechanisms are effective.
• Consulted (C) on SCADA system architecture and integration of alarms with HMI.
• Informed (I) about database structures and event recording functionalities.
• Responsible (R) for testing the SCADA system, troubleshooting, and validating system
performance.
• Accountable (A) for compiling testing results and contributing to final documentation.
• Consulted (C) on system architecture and HMI development for usability testing.
• Informed (I) on fault detection mechanisms and real-time system updates.
Measure Description
HMI Development Customized and functional HMI created using the Ignition platform
for real-time network monitoring
Alarm Management System Robust alarm system with predefined thresholds and priority levels
for fault detection and resolution
Event Recording System Accurate event tracking with timestamps, categorization, and root
cause analysis tools
User Interface (UI) Responsive and user-friendly visualization dashboard displaying
real-time data and network schematics
SCADA Architecture Design Comprehensive system architecture with well-defined
communication topology and data flow diagrams
Scalability and Future Ability to expand the system for future upgrades and additional
Integration devices
Data Accuracy and Real-Time Data acquisition and visualization at ≤ 1-second intervals with high
Performance accuracy
The following tests will ensure that each project deliverable meets its success criteria:
Although the project aims to meet all specifications, potential deviations may occur due to technical
limitations or unforeseen challenges. The following strategies will be implemented to manage
deviations:
14 CONCLUSION
The outlined measures and validation tests will ensure that the SCADA system meets its functional
and performance requirements. Regular testing and monitoring during the project lifecycle will help
identify and address any deviations, ensuring a reliable and scalable solution for the University of
Calgary’s electrical network.
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