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Electric Energy T&D - Index

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

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Information and automation-enabled grid assets lead to more efficient
operation and planning, better cost-to-value ratios for operation and
maintenance and ultimately improved customer satisfaction via better
outage management and performance. The solution allows utilities to
prevent more outages, while responding more quickly and efficiently
when there is a network interruption.
Operators and field crews are provided with views of the same maps,
graphics and dispatch information with the integration of multiple
smart grid technologies. By monitoring the entire network and field
resources using a single console, operators and field personnel will
experience higher productivity and increased safety.
A consolidated view of the entire network also:
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Provides the most up-to-date, accurate information
Fuses OMS with geospatial and other data on infrastructures and
assets, including transformers, utility poles, conductors, network
devices, meters and other sensor data
Provides easily visualized, actionable intelligence manifested in
the form of alarms, events, work orders and other understandable
activities, enabling quick detection and remediation of outages
and other potential issues
“Traditionally, we have been forced to work across multiple sources
of information, including paper maps, to obtain a complete view
of our distribution system,” said Raymond Rauber, vice president,
engineering and operations, Enersource Hydro Mississauga.
3 I May-June 2008 Issue
“By working with Intergraph and Siemens to develop an Integrated
Operating Model (IOM) for our power grid, we will be able to work
more efficiently under both normal and storm conditions, as well as
ensure that we are utilizing the most up-to-date, accurate information.
The IOM implementation will allow us to meet the growing energy
demands of tomorrow without sacrificing the exclusive service and
safety we’ve been providing for the past 90 years.”
A smarter solution
The components of a Smart Grid system provide utilities with more
flexibility and increased success in meeting operational goals. Further,
an easy-to-use console can maximize the benefits of a Smart Grid by
making it easier to use for the multi-tasking operators who keep the
power on.
Utilities can structure their Smart Grid to fit their unique requirements,
realizing the greatest benefits by leveraging existing SCADA, DNA, OMS
and MWM applications. Integrating software systems, communication
systems and hardware systems is critical to recognizing operational
improvements as utilities prepare for the future.
What will the electric utility industry look like in the future? The
infrastructure will require more security, while utilities will be
expected to make optimal use of their resources. Utilities will control
more devices remotely. Additional customer choices and demands
will require automated interaction with those customers. Utilities of
the future will be expected to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Advancements in technology continue to improve the reliability of
power delivery systems. New and improved software allows more
coordination throughout the electricity grid. Modern grids can become
more secure, more efficient, safer and less costly to maintain. The
Smart Grid will play an invaluable role in helping utilities monitor
the health of their networks and make better, faster, more informed
decisions.
An easy-to-use console can maximize the strategic value of any Smart
Grid implementation. With a single view, an operator can receive
streamlined information from office personnel and field crews, as
well as mapping data, system analysis and reports from various smart
devices and meters. A unified command-and-control center can
complete the true vision of the Smart Grid for the utility industry, which
ultimately translates into providing more reliable power to customers
without putting unnecessary strain on the world’s resources. j
About the Author
Jay Stinson is the vice president and general manager of Intergraph’s
utilities & communications and local government & transportation
divisions, responsible for driving the application of Intergraph’s
comprehensive suite of geospatial solutions to these specific markets.
Stinson has been with Intergraph since 1982, serving in various roles
including vice president of enterprise engineering solutions and vice
president of professional services. He also previously worked firsthand
with many of Intergraph’s most prominent utilities customers as
a software developer and project manager.