An Internet-based Distributed Real-time Control System for the Cameroon Power Network

This article presents a distributed real-time control system for the southern grid of the Cameroon power system. The southern grid, which supplies over 90 % of the power output in Cameroon, incorporates two remotely located hydro-electric generating stations, a power distribution center, several thermal plants and hundreds of kilometers of transmission lines. The proposed distributed control system incorporates three computer control stations, located in distant geographical locations. Two of the control stations are located at the hydro-electric stations, while a third station is located at the distribution center. The three stations inter-change information through the Internet while the security aspects are enhanced by virtual-private-network technology.