Distribution System Components,

Systems and Operations

Distribution-level Management Systems

Emma Stewart
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Integrated Distribution System Planning Training

for Midwest/MISO Region
October 13-15, 2020

October 9, 2020 1
Distribution-level Management Systems
Introduction

T-Data D-Data
In the past: EMS SCADA DMS OMS

Today: EMS T-SCADA D-SCADA DMS OMS

ADMS

EMS: Energy management system

OMS: Outage management system
DMS: Distribution management system
ADMS: Advanced distribution management system October 9, 2020 2
Distribution-level Management Systems
Outage Management System (OMS)

 OMS: A tool that utilities deploy to manage grids and restore power during outages.
 It has evolved from trouble ticket programs to sophisticated computer systems.
--1970s/1980s 1980s-1990s 1990s--
Manual-based OMS: Early Computer-based-OMS: Computer based-OMS:
Paper/Ticket-based systems Connectivity-based systems GIS-based systems

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=464382

• Experienced ‘analyzers’ use • Use ‘feeder tree’, a static • The graphical user interface
outage tickets along with description of feeder shows both connectivity and
electrical maps to identify the systems, to automatically locations of feeder systems in
outage location and the cause. identify outage locations. real-time or near real-time.
• Outage statistics, especially • The tabular user interface is • Enable to support more D-
during high call volumes, were hard to visualize the outage applications
low-accuracy and slow location and restoration

https://electricenergyonline.com/energy/magazine/233/article/A-Brief-History-of-OMS-and-DMS- October 9, 2020 3

part-I.htm
Distribution-level Management Systems
OMS vs. DMS
• In comparison to OMS, DMS functionality is relatively new.
• OMS applications are utilized in outage management, while DMS applications are
used for the optimal management of electrical operation and planning work.

Outage Management Operation and Planning Grid Optimization

Track Restore Monitoring Control Analyze Optimize

OMS Applications D-SCADA DMS Applications

Trouble call management Network connectivity analysis
GIS
Planned outage management State estimation
Outage analysis and prediction Network Model Volt/VAR optimization (VVO)
Outage notification Load flow applications
Reliability reporting AMI Load forecasting
Crew dispatch/management FLISR
Telephone Call
Others Others
(CIS/IVR/IWR)

CIS: Customer Information System

October 9, 2020 4
IVR and IWR: Interactive Voice and Web Response
Distribution-level Management Systems
OMS vs. ADMS

 ADMS: Integration of SCADA, OMS, and DMS are being implemented.

 An integrated DMS/OMS solution eliminates redundant processes for maintaining
the network model and improves operational efficiencies.
 Integration of SCADA and DMS/OMS permits advanced DMS applications to access
data from SCADA, analyze the real-time DMS/OMS network model, and provide
increased operator efficiencies.
 Integration with other systems, such as AMI and substation automation systems,
provide additional means to leverage the available data throughout an organization.

Outage Management Distribution Operation Grid Optimization

Track Restore Monitoring Control Analyze Optimize

OMS D-SCADA DMS

ADMS
http://assets.fiercemarkets.net/public/smartgridnews/dms_abb_02.pdf October 9, 2020 5
Distribution-level Applications
Introduction
 ADMS Applications: Overview

October 9, 2020 6
Voltage Management for
Distribution Systems

October 9, 2020 7
Voltage Management
 Objectives
1. Maintain the voltage within acceptable limits, e.g., 114-126V at 120V level
2. Maintain the power factor at as close to unity as possible, and thus minimize losses

 Challenges due to highly penetrated DERs, Evs, and other controllable loads
 DERs are both variable and intermittent, may drive voltage out of range
 EV and energy storage may generate “confusing” voltage profile to ADMS
 Power electronics components may impact power quality

 New Objectives
1. Maintain Acceptable Voltage
2. Improve Efficiency and Minimize Consumption
3. Enable Renewable Penetration
4. Coordinate all Devices
5. Support Self-Healing and Feeder Reconfiguration
6. Support Self-Monitor
7. Allow Operator Override
8. Allow Selectable Objectives October 9, 2020 8
Voltage Management Approaches (1)

• Volt/VAR Control (VVC): Sensing and remote

operation of voltage/VAR control devices, e.g.,
load tap changers (LTC), voltage regulators,
capacitor banks.
• Conversation Voltage Reduction (CVR): Reduce
voltage at lowest extent possible during peak
and/or non-peak
• Voltage Optimization (VO): Flatten the load curve
and/or optimize voltage to meet utility’s objectives,
e.g., peak demand reduction, line loss
minimization, and reactive power compensation.

In contrast to the traditional methods, VVO (a mixture of the above

controls) optimizes multiple devices to achieve a global objective.
For example: apply data from end-of-line sensors to automatically
control voltage regulators and LTC at substation feeder head. Also,
coordinate capacitors to keep power factor of the substation
transformer near unity.

October 9, 2020 9
https://uc-ciee.org/ciee-old/downloads/Task%202%201%20VVOC%20White%20Paper%20Final%20Final.pdf
Voltage Management Approaches (2)
• Inverter-based DER or DG
 Smart inverters can provide autonomous volt/var control or power factor
control to mitigate local voltage fluctuations and voltage rise issues due to
solar power injection at the point of interconnection.

Inverter based DER/DG

includes distributed energy
storage and community
storage as well as PV.

DG may drive voltage out of range,

but also can assist Volt/Var control

https://publications.anl.gov/anlpubs/2017/04
/134874.pdf
October 9, 2020 10
Example: Voltage Profile (Baseline)

► Line voltage drops from the LTC at the head of the distribution line to customers
farther out on the line.
S/S LTC M
Customer
Loads
Transformer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Load Tap
Changer
127V
126V

Hypothetical voltage profile

ANSI Standard
C84.1-1995 120V
“A” Service
Voltage Range

114V

110V
October 9, 2020 11
Result 1: Voltage Optimization
► A voltage regulator can boost (raise) or buck (lower) voltage at a point on the
distribution line and regulate down-line voltage.

Line Voltage Regulator

S/S LTC M Reg

Customer
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Loads

127V
126V

120V

The utility can use better voltage

control to keep voltage closer to 114V
nominal, or lower it for a CVR effect.
110V
Baseline Regulator Regulator + CVR October 9, 2020 12
Result 2: Voltage Optimization with Coordinated
Regulator, LTC, and Capacitor Bank
► A capacitor bank can help regulation by compensating for the lagging
power factor of load and the line itself.
Capacitor Bank
S/S LTC M Reg
Cap
Customer
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Loads

127V
126V

120V

Coordination of multiple control

devices can produce a flatter voltage 114V
profile, and allow more aggressive CVR.
110V
Baseline Reg + Cap Reg + Cap + CVR October 9, 2020 13
AMI Applications for
Distribution Systems

Excerpt from Progress and Results from ARRA Smart Grid Programs –
Joe Paladino, DOE, 2015

October 9, 2020 14
Smart Meter and AMI Applications
 Smart Meter Data Applications

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=8322199 October 9, 2020 15

Smart Meter and AMI Applications

 Why is a smart meter different from other meters?

Smart meters can provide bi-directional or two-way communications and
control and can be linked with HAN, thermostats and smart appliances

 Smart meter capabilities of with application of analytics and integration

1. Improved power quality monitoring and evaluation
2. More efficient utilization of resources (for example remote disconnect versus truck roll –
with detailed notification or special requirements)
3. Enhanced reliability (outage detection for example)
4. Allows better more accurate billing (integration of TOU rates for example)
5. Helpful data for short term load forecasting (more real time knowledge and correction)
6. Over the air firmware configurations
7. Automatic meter reading
8. Better oversight and management of energy use for the consumer
https://uc-ciee.org/ciee-
old/downloads/Task%202%201%20VVOC%20White%20Paper%20Final%20Final.pdf October 9, 2020 16
AMI Improvements in Operational
Efficiencies
Results from 15 projects due to automation of metering service tasks and
reductions in labor hours and truck rolls
Smart Meter Capabilities O&M Savings % Reduction
• Remote meter reading Meter Operations Cost 13-77
• Remote service
connections/disconnections Vehicle Miles 12-59

Talquin Electric Cooperative - In 2011 and 2012, smart meters avoided 6,000 truck
rolls for service connections and disconnections and 9,000 for non-payments
saving more than $640,000.

Additional Capabilities Expected Benefits

• Tamper detection and notification Enables potential recovery of ~1% of revenues that
may be lost from meter tampering
• Outage detection and notification Enables faster restoration (e.g., PECO avoided 6,000
truck rolls following Superstorm Sandy and
accelerated restoration by 2-3 days)
• Voltage and power quality Enables more effective management of voltages for
monitoring conservation voltage reductions and other VVO
applications
October 9, 2020 17
AMI Application at FPL

► In 2012, FPL began a pilot program based on smart meter data to identify
and proactively address or replace transformers
► Target – transformers with minor coil damage, but still energized
► Objectives – make operational improvements to:
◼ Shorten outage times
◼ Reduce restoration costs
◼ Improve the customer experience
◼ Reduce customer claims
FPL leveraged technology to improve the performance of our
878,000 transformers
In 2013, the company integrated the proactive transformer
replacement program into its distribution operations

October 9, 2020 18
High–Voltage Transformer Example
FPL is analyzing the history of each high-voltage transformer
to identify the root cause

Smart meter voltage data can proactively identify

transformers that need to be replaced
October 9, 2020 19
High-voltage Transformer Replacement Program

• 372 high-voltage transformers

identified in November of 2012
• 46 high-voltage transformers
currently in the system
• 452 replaced since January
• Targeting replacement of units
with voltage above 252
• Majority of the units identified
Damage to primary winding of high-
are more than 15 years old voltage transformer identified through
smart meters

Using voltage information, FPL can proactively identify and

replace transformers before they cause an outage
Scheduled replacements reduce outage times by more than 93
minutes
October 9, 2020 20
Benefits of Proactive
High-voltage Transformer Replacement

Smart meters help FPL reduce replacement costs and

improve the customer experience

► Average outage time is 93 minutes shorter than an

unplanned transformer replacement
► Costs are 25% lower than unplanned replacements
► Can improve customer perceptions
► Reduces potential for customer claims
Smart meter data has driven results to date, but continued
efforts in big analytics will redefine the way FPL does business
October 9, 2020 21
Restoration Spatial View Overview
RSV 2.0 – State of the art mobile application placing the
smart grid in the hands of our crews
• Customer Information
• Trouble Tickets
• Truck Locations
• FPL, Vegetation and External Crews during Storm (pilot)
• Weather
• Radar
• Real-time lightning within 100-mile radius
• Weather Station
• Storm information (Tracks/Development Areas)
• Customized weather alerts based on location
• Street View & Driving Directions
• Restoration Confirmation
• Fault Location (DMS/SynerGEE)
• Device detail, including drawings
• Real-time AMI outage activity
• Fully customizable by user

The goal is to have a single application giving our crews everything they
need to restore power safely and efficiently
October 9, 2020 22
AMI Applications for FLISR

• Fault location, isolation, and

service restoration (FLISR)
includes automatic sectionalizing
and restoration, and automatic
circuit reconfiguration.

• These applications accomplish

DA operations by coordinating
operation of field devices,
software, and dedicated
communication networks to
automatically determine the
location of a fault, and rapidly
reconfigure the flow of electricity
so that some or all of the
customers can avoid
experiencing outages.

October 9, 2020 23
AMI Applications for FLISR

► Video: http://eprijournal.com/wp-
content/uploads/2018/11/MeterPinging_Animation.mp4

October 9, 2020 24
Resources for more information

► Resources and Further Reading (in-line in slides!)

► Contact Info:

Emma M Stewart
Associate Program Leader
Defense Infrastructure
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
925-583-4159
[email protected]

October 9, 2020 25