(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

UNIT V
(DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION )

5.1. DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION, DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT

SYSTEMS

Distribution automation (DA) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS) are integral parts of
modern power distribution networks. These systems utilize various technologies and components
to automate and manage the distribution of electrical power efficiently. Here's a simplified
overview with diagrams:

Distribution Automation (DA):

Distribution automation involves implementing technologies to automate various aspects of

power distribution, enhancing reliability, efficiency, and flexibility.

Components of Distribution Automation:

Sensors and Monitors: These devices, such as voltage sensors, current sensors, and fault
detectors, are placed strategically throughout the distribution network to gather real-time data.

 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs):

RTUs or IEDs collect data from sensors and monitors, providing a link between the field
devices and control centers.
 Communication Infrastructure: A robust communication network, often using SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, facilitates data transmission
between devices and the control center.
 Control Center: This central hub receives and processes data from field devices,
enabling operators to make informed decisions and control the distribution system
remotely.

Diagram for Distribution Automation:

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

Distribution Management System (DMS):

DMS integrates various functions and applications to monitor, control, and optimize the
distribution network.

Components of Distribution Management System:

 SCADA System: Monitors and controls the physical equipment in the distribution
network.
 Outage Management System (OMS): Detects and manages power outages, helping in
quick restoration.
 Network Analysis Tools: Utilized for network modeling, load flow analysis, fault
analysis, and other optimization tasks.
 Integrated Databases:

Store network data, historical information, and system configurations for analysis and decision-
making.

Diagram for Distribution Management System:

Both DA and DMS work in tandem, with DA providing the real-time data and control
capabilities, while DMS utilizes this data for analysis, optimization, and decision-making within
the distribution network. These systems improve reliability, efficiency, and response times in
managing electrical distribution.

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

5.2. DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

Distribution Automation Systems (DAS) encompass various functions aimed at
automating and optimizing power distribution. Here are the primary functions of a Distribution
Automation System illustrated in a diagram:

Distribution Automation System Functions:

1. Fault Detection and Isolation:

 Function: Detect faults in the distribution network, isolate the affected area, and
minimize the impact of faults on the rest of the system.

 Components: Sensors, Fault Detectors, Protective Devices.

2. Fault Location Identification:

 Function: Determine the exact location of faults for quicker restoration.

 Components: Sensors, Communication Infrastructure, Data Processing

Algorithms.

3. Fault Clearance and Restoration:

 Function: Automatically isolate faulty sections and reconfigure the network to

restore power to as many customers as possible while repairs are underway.

 Components: Switches, Reclosers, SCADA Systems.

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

4. Load Balancing and Optimization:

 Function: Optimize power flow by redistributing loads to minimize losses and

prevent overloading in the network.

 Components: Switches, Controllers, Network Analysis Tools.

5. Voltage Regulation:

 Function: Maintain optimal voltage levels within acceptable limits across the
distribution network.

 Components: Voltage Regulators, Capacitor Banks, Control Systems.

5.3. Basic SCADA System

A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is a control system architecture
that uses computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces for high-
level process supervisory management. Here's a simplified diagram illustrating the basic
components and architecture of a SCADA system:

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

Basic SCADA System Components:

1. Field Devices:

 Sensors, meters, actuators, and other devices that collect data from the physical
world.

2. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs):

 Interface between field devices and the SCADA system. RTUs/PLCs collect data
from the field and send it to the central SCADA system.

3. Communication Infrastructure:

 Networks (wired or wireless) that facilitate data transfer between field devices
and the central SCADA system.

4. SCADA Master Station:

Centralized control center that monitors, processes, and displays data received from
field devices. It consists of:

 Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Graphical user interface for operators to

monitor the system and control processes.

 Data Acquisition Server: Gathers data from RTUs/PLCs, performs data

processing, and stores information.

 Historical Database: Stores historical data for analysis and reporting.

 Alarm System: Notifies operators about critical events or system

abnormalities.

5.4. OUTAGE MANAGEMENT

An Outage Management System (OMS) is crucial for utility companies to efficiently detect,
assess, and restore power during outages. Here's a simplified diagram illustrating the components
and workflow of an Outage Management System:

Outage Management System Components:

1. Customer Outage Reports:

 Customers report power outages through various channels such as phone calls,
mobile apps, or online platforms.

2. Outage Detection:

 Automated systems or field crews detect outages through monitoring equipment

and customer reports.

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

3. OMS Control Center:

Central hub where outage data is received, processed, and managed.Contains:

 Outage Database: Stores outage information including affected areas,

affected customers, and estimated restoration times.

 GIS Mapping System: Geographical Information System displaying the

affected areas.

 Analysis Tools: Algorithms and tools to assess outage severity and

restoration plans.

4. Crew Dispatch:

 Based on the outage information, field crews are dispatched to identified locations
for repairs and restoration.

5. Restoration Updates:

 Ongoing updates to customers regarding the status of restoration efforts and

estimated time of power restoration.

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

5.5. DECISION SUPPORT APPLICATIONS

Decision support applications encompass various tools and systems used to aid decision-making
processes in different domains. Here's a simplified diagram illustrating components and
functions within decision support applications:

Decision Support Applications Components:

1. Data Sources:

 Various sources providing structured and unstructured data, such as databases,

spreadsheets, sensors, and external data feeds.

2. Data Warehouses and Data Lakes:

 Repositories that store and consolidate large volumes of structured and

unstructured data from multiple sources.

3. ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Tools:

 Software tools that extract data from different sources, transform it into a
standardized format, and load it into the data warehouse or data lake.

4. Analytics and Business Intelligence (BI) Tools:

 Tools used to analyze data, generate reports, create visualizations, and derive
insights from the available information.

5. Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning:

 Utilization of algorithms and models to predict outcomes, forecast trends, and

make data-driven predictions.

6. Decision Support Systems (DSS):

 Integrated systems that combine data analytics, visualization, and modeling

capabilities to provide decision-makers with insights and support for decision-
making.

5.6. SUBSTATION AUTOMATION

Substation Automation involves the integration of various control, monitoring, and protection
devices within a substation to automate its operations and enhance efficiency. Here's a simplified
block diagram illustrating the components and functions within a typical Substation Automation
system:
Substation Automation Components:
1. Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs):
Devices that collect and process data within the substation. These include:
 Protection Relays: Monitor and protect electrical equipment.
 Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs): Gather data from sensors and
meters.
 Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Control and automate specific
functions.
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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

2. Sensors and Meters:

 Devices that measure various parameters like voltage, current, temperature, etc.,
within the substation.
3. Communication Infrastructure:
Networks facilitating communication between devices within the substation and external
systems. This includes:
 Local Area Networks (LAN)
 Serial Communication (RS-485, etc.)
 Fiber Optic Communication
4. Human-Machine Interface (HMI):
 Interface that enables operators to monitor and control the substation. It includes
graphical representations and control panels for visualization and control.
5. SCADA System:
 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system that monitors, gathers data, and
controls the substation's equipment. It interfaces with IEDs and HMIs.

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

5.7. CONTROL FEEDER AUTOMATION

Feeder automation is a critical aspect of power distribution systems, focusing on the

automated control and monitoring of distribution feeders. This system enhances reliability,
minimizes outage duration, and enables efficient power distribution. Here's an overview of
control feeder automation:

Components of Control Feeder Automation:

1. Feeder Protection Relays:

 Devices that detect faults and anomalies on distribution feeders. They help isolate
faults quickly to prevent further disruption.

2. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs):

 Equipment installed at various points along the feeder to monitor parameters like
voltage, current, and status. They provide real-time data to the control center.

3. Communication Infrastructure:

 Networks enabling communication between RTUs/IEDs and the control center.

These networks can be wired (like fiber optic or copper) or wireless (like radio or
cellular).

4. Control Center:

 Central hub where data from RTUs/IEDs is collected, analyzed, and used for
decision-making.

 Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Allows operators to monitor the status of

feeders and control their operation remotely.

5. Switches and Reclosers:

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

 Automated switching devices that allow reconfiguration of the feeder, isolation of

faults, and restoration of power to unaffected areas.

5.8. DATABASE STRUCTURES AND INTERFACES IN DISTRIBUTION

AUTOMATION
In Distribution Automation (DA), databases, structures, and interfaces are essential for storing,
managing, and interacting with the vast amount of data generated by the automated systems
within the electrical distribution network. Here's an overview:

Database Structures in Distribution Automation:

1. Operational Data Storage:

 Relational Databases: Store operational data from field devices, such as voltage
levels, current flow, and equipment statuses.

 Time-Series Databases: Efficiently handle time-stamped data, crucial for

recording historical trends and real-time measurements.

2. Configuration and Asset Management:

 Relational Databases: Store information about equipment configurations,

maintenance records, and asset details.

 Hierarchical Databases: Represent the hierarchical structure of the electrical

network, including substations, feeders, and devices.
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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept
(20A02702a) ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & AUTOMATION IV-I EEE

3. Event and Alarm Logs:

 Log Databases: Record event logs, alarms, and fault data for analysis and
troubleshooting.

Database Interfaces in Distribution Automation:

1. SCADA Interfaces:

 Real-Time Data Access: SCADA systems utilize interfaces to interact with

databases to retrieve and display real-time data from field devices and sensors.

 Historical Data Retrieval: Interfaces allow access to historical data for trend
analysis and reporting.

2. Communication Protocols:

 OPC (OLE for Process Control): Standard protocol for communication between
different systems in the automation environment.

 IEC 61850: Communication standard specifically designed for electrical

substation automation, ensuring interoperability between devices.

3. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) / Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs):

 Database Connectivity: RTUs and IEDs use interfaces to communicate with

databases to store and retrieve data collected from sensors and meters.

4. Data Analytics Interfaces:

 APIs for Analytics Tools: Enable integration with data analytics platforms to
process and derive insights from collected data for predictive maintenance, fault
prediction, and load forecasting.

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Dr. K. Chithambaraiah Setty, Vice-Principal & HOD, EEE Dept