Image courtesy of Eastland Generation
Our team at Niko Engineering recently designed and commissioned a robust communications network for a 50 MW geothermal generation project, connecting protection, control, and SCADA systems across the grid.
Supporting the Integration of New Generation into High Voltage Infrastructure
Niko Engineering was engaged as Principal Electrical Engineering Designer for a recently commissioned 50 MW Geothermal generation project in New Zealand.
The project required the integration of additional generation into both existing and new primary 33 kV transmission infrastructure. As with any high voltage development of this scale, a robust and carefully designed communications system was critical to ensure reliable control, indication and protection signalling across all secondary systems.
To meet the project’s communications requirements, the network was delivered using the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Icon platform. Niko Engineering led the majority of the planning, design, installation support, testing and commissioning activities associated with the communications scope.
Communications Design and Delivery
The design philosophy positioned the SEL multiplexer as the central mediation layer between individual IED and RTAC devices and the client’s SCADA system, ensuring secure, reliable and scalable data exchange.
Key elements of the communications scope included:
- Implementation and commissioning of six new SEL Icon nodes into an existing operational five node communications network, expanding the system to eleven nodes
- Support of 50 new IED Ethernet services to SCADA, including transformer and circuit breaker indication and control, revenue metering and dispatch services
- Creation of multiple Ethernet port groups to ensure appropriate data segregation between services
- Migration of existing SCADA services from legacy dark fibre cores to designated Ethernet port groups
- Design, implementation and commissioning of seven protection signalling schemes utilising diverse communications paths across an eleven node ring network
- Ongoing communications network support, including configuration management, fault response and spares support
The SEL Icon platform is an industrially hardened hybrid Ethernet and Virtual Synchronous Networking system. It enables utilities and generators to bridge legacy TDM infrastructure with modern packet based networks, maintaining the low latency and reliability required for critical power system applications while supporting future ready Ethernet architectures.
This project reflects Niko Engineering’s capability to deliver complex high voltage communications solutions that are technically robust, scalable and aligned with industry best practice.
For further information, please contact:
Reece Peters
reece.peters@niko.nz
+64 21 313 142
niko.nz
Waikato Innovation Park
Level 1, SkyPoint Building
3 Melody Lane
Hamilton 3216
