Electric Energy T&D - Index

Electric Energy T&D - EEMag May June 2008 - Index

The Smart Grid will integrate communication networks with the power
grid to create a real-time view of the electric network capable of
monitoring its own health at all times. The system can detect abnormal
conditions and analyze the magnitude and extent of the problems.
Figure 2 – Consolidating disparate data from multiple applications into one
common operating picture is key to managing the deluge of data from smart grid
technology. This centralized command-and-control center allows one operator
to manage grid operations through a single application on just a few screens.
When not consolidated, a utility may be using 7-10 monitors in separate locations
with multiple applications.
As technology continues to evolve, various software components and
meters enable more integration of the system grid. This automates
many processes typically handled manually, while also allowing
operators to detect and address outages and potential problems with
the electric network. The capabilities of a Smart Grid expand rapidly
as more devices are introduced.
Many utilities will integrate mobile workforce management (MWM)
with outage management systems (OMS) and recognize immediate
benefits. With the addition of distribution network applications (DNA)
and a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA), the
utility has a smarter operations network. Broadband over powerline
(BPL) and video/sensors are additional applications that can be
implemented to give utilities a complete view across the enterprise.
Some Smart Grid capabilities include:
• Automatic meter reading, which helps reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by reducing travel and fuel use
• Self-healing functions that support automatic adjustments in load
flow and switching
• Trouble analysis reporting that can pinpoint the location and
probable cause of an outage
• Mobile workforce management, giving operators the ability to
“drag and drop” tasks onscreen to trucks deployed in the field
• Distribution management systems that support electric system
operations
These operating tools provide utilities with massive amounts of data.
However, there are often too many applications and too many sources
of data for a single operator to manage. The abundance of information
has the potential to create more confusion unless it is converted into
intelligence that is easily understood. An easy-to-use operator console
can help alleviate this problem.
Instead of monitoring the network with a SCADA system, making
changes in an OMS, using AVL to locate a field resource, and calling
the resource to assign a work order, operators of a truly “smart” grid
should have all of this information presented to them in a single,
integrated user interface. This will allow utility personnel to work
more efficiently under both normal and storm conditions, as well as
ensure they are using the most up-to-date, accurate information.
Bringing it all together
Smart Grid technologies include devices in the field, software
applications in the operations center, and a smart communications
network that enables real-time network management and monitoring.
The addition of load and voltage information, video surveillance,
access alarms, trouble calls and field reports can provide a complete
picture of the network. However, all of this information can also
overwhelm software systems and their operators.
One solution to the problem is to unify operating tools into a single
command-and-control environment. In this environment, an integrated
user interface gathers data from a variety of sources, converting it into
alarms, events and work orders. Solutions such as the Intergraph®
command-and-control environment for the Smart Grid is a means for
bringing all of the data together – SCADA, OMS, MWM, distribution
network applications, etc.
Figure 3 – For optimal performance of the Smart Grid, inputs from a variety
of sources are tightly integrated to work together as one complete system.
The common user interface can play a vital role in improving
operational response and reducing outage impacts and frequencies.
Information that is easily understood enables better and faster
decision making. A command-and-control environment for the Smart
Grid provides real-time communications to ensure the right resources
and the right equipment get to the right location at the right time. The
solution can also assess storm damage and send information back to
the operations center to expedite service restoration.
Benefits of an integrated environment
The integrated environment presents users with a single graphical
view into the operational network. Traditionally, operators have been
forced to work across multiple applications to get a complete view
of their distribution system. With a console that integrates different
elements of the Smart Grid, operators will no longer have to manage
multiple networks and software applications.
May-June 2008 Issue I
35