Siemens is launching a new telecontrol and power grid automation system on the market: the modular equipment series Sicam A8000. This combination of power supply, processor, and expansion modules can be employed in substations, in distribution network automation, for connecting renewable energy sources, for power supply applications in industry, or in railway power supply systems. The compact device CP-8000 comprises a power supply, a display with function keys, and binary inputs and outputs. New processor and power supply modules in conjunction with expansion modules enable scalable solutions for a wide range of different power requirements. Modular equipment series Sicam A8000 "If the transition to a new energy mix is going to succeed, the energy business needs to further digitalize its power grids. What Industrie 4.0 is to industry is increasingly becoming the Utility 4.0 for the power supply sector. We're supporting this development with our new telecontrol and grid automation system," said Ralf Christian, CEO of the Siemens Energy Management Division. Analog input modules with four inputs are available, as are binary input modules with 16 inputs and binary output modules with eight outputs. There are analog input modules with three inputs for current and voltage and a current transformer adapter module with three current inputs. With a standard width of 30 millimeters, the modules can be mounted on a DIN rail in any sequence and are interconnected via a bus on the back side. The system automatically detects the individual modules during startup. Thanks to the different power levels of the processor modules and expansion modules, the system is almost infinitely scalable and expandable. The telecontrol and grid automation system – which is based on international standards such as IEC 61850 – can also be operated in climatically adverse conditions thanks to its extended temperature range from -40° Celsius to +70° Celsius. In addition, the enhanced EMC stability with a voltage of up to five kV (IEC 60255) permits direct application in substations. An integrated crypto chip protects the data in a secure environment, IPSec encryption allows secure communication over IP networks, and an https protocol ensures the secure transmission of sensitive data. Sicam A8000 can also be adapted to the user's communications infrastructure via various interfaces and an integrated GPRS module (CP-8022). The system not only supports standard protocols but also specific protocols used in non-Siemens equipment. Short-circuit indicator functions also make it possible to use the system in network monitoring. Last but not least, an integrated web parameterizing tool facilitates system engineering. In power transmission and distribution, the system can be used for automating several voltage levels in substations for the transmission grid. In distribution network automation, the system takes over the role of monitoring and control of secondary substations on the medium-voltage side with regard to fault location and the automatic restoral of the power supply. Another application area is the network coupling of wind and solar parks using the incoming feeder controller as a hub for exchanging information between wind farm and supply grid. Turbine control systems, process controls, or switching interlocks can be implemented for open- and closed-loop control applications, thanks to the Sicam A8000's logic functions. In industry it can be utilized as the power automation technology for all systems, from local power infeed through integration of the emergency power supply to the low-voltage distribution level. The system can control distributed power generating plants within a microgrid, and can therefore meet the challenges of specific energy scenarios. However, it also functions as a communications gateway for RTU networks (remote terminal units) that can be based on different network and communications protocols. The RTU can also be used as a gateway with protocol conversion and network separation between the process and visualization levels. Sicam A8000 is also suitable for automating the railway power supply, including the entire control system and protection and communications technology. Telecontrol and power grid automation solutions are part of the Siemens Division Energy Management's product portfolio. As a product supplier, system integrator, and solution and service provider, the Division offers power supply companies and industry cost-efficient, reliable, and intelligent solutions for the transmission and distribution of electrical power. The portfolio ranges from products and systems for low-voltage and distribution networks and smart grid and energy automation solutions to high voltage transmission systems. With a presence in more than 100 countries, the Siemens Division earned approximately