Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) has today launched a Data Collection System (DCS) Platform following the support granted by the Energy Commission (ST) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). This will support the growth of the solar photovoltaic industry with a faster installation period and lower cost.
The DCS Platform has been established as an alternative to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which is a data monitoring requirement under the Distribution Code enforced by ST for solar PV systems with a capacity of 1 megawatt and above.
It represents a cost-effective option for monitoring the power generated by the generators to the grid while being compatible with the TNB master control station. As DCS’s maintenance service is included in the yearly subscription fee, the total cost over 25 years is around 60% lower than the conventional SCADA system which involves a one-off payment and subsequent annual maintenance costs.
President of MPIA, Mr. Davis Chong Chun Shiong said, “We are pleased to introduce the DCS Platform as it signifies MPIA’s commitment in improving the data collection of the solar PV systems installed in Malaysia. Apart from a lower implementation cost for solar PV users, the DCS supports a faster delivery time as data will be transmitted directly to our Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) and subsequently the TNB master control station. With that, the DCS will only require around three weeks of delivery time as compared to SCADA usually takes up to 2 months.”
“To develop a cost-effective alternative to SCADA, we have been working with ST in obtaining approval for DCS project implementation, seeking clarification from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on licensing requirements, as well as tackling possible cybersecurity matters with TNB’s Information technology (IT) specialists. Looking ahead, we strive to venture into more technological innovations in making solar PV more cost competitive. This will promote the adoption of solar PV as a sustainable source of electricity supply in Malaysia,” Mr. Davis added.
Power system automation solution provider, Grid Vision T&D Sdn. Bhd. (Grid Vision) is involved in the design, supply, installation, test, and commission, as well as the operation and maintenance of the DCS Platform.
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