Study on the Development and Field Testing of a Multi-Protocol Distribution Intelligent Switch (DIS) for Substation Communication

Abstract

The evolution of smart grid technology has introduced a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and digital solutions into modern substations. However, the coexistence of diverse communication protocols and isolated hardware gateways has created significant challenges for data integration, scalability, and maintenance. This study presents the design, development, and field validation of the Distribution Intelligent Switch (DIS), a unified communication gateway that consolidates multiple industrial protocols including Modbus, IEC 104, and IEC 62056 21 into a single platform using the MQTT protocol. Field trials were conducted at four distribution substations operated by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to assess the real -time performance of the DIS under actual operational conditions. The system successfully facilitated the integration of devices such as Online Feeder Pillars (OFP), Community Energy Storage Systems (CESS), Voltage Regulated Distribution Transformers (VRDT), and Remote Terminal Units (RTU), enabling synchronised and accurate data acquisition. The implementation of Network Time Protocol (NTP) ensured precise time stamping of all data logs, improving the reliability of event diagnostics and analysis. The results confirmed that the DIS enhances interoperability, r educes infrastructure redundancy, and supports centralised monitoring with minimal configuration effort. These outcomes demonstrate that the DIS is a scalable, secure, and cost-effective solution for advancing substation communication systems, aligning with the strategic objectives of TNB’s smart grid initiatives and offering a replicable model for global utility modernisation.