Automation strategies for the high voltage electrical transmission system in Colombia

This paper presents the technical impact that new technologies for automation and control connected at high voltage networks, i.e. 230 and 500 kV, would cause in the Electrical Transmission System in Colombia (ETSC). It is shown why there is a need for the automation of such high voltage networks, what is the possible equipment for automation and what are the chances for the recent power electronic based equipment HVDC and FACTS. According to expansion plans, international power exchanges opportunities and future challenges of the ETSC, digital simulation models that involve power electronics, automation and control systems have been developed using several world recognized software programs. The results have been compared against solutions based on conventional equipment. The advantages for the automation of the ETSC with recent technology are shown.