#Electric grids generator#
#Electric grids manual#

CVR can be critical for utility restoration efforts when energy supply has been disrupted because of generator outages or loss of critical grid corridors. This significantly reduces field rework required from recovery efforts that involve foreign utility crews that may not be well versed with the local utilities’ procedures.Īnother key application is integrated volt/VAR 2 control which provides conservation voltage regulation (CVR)-energy efficiently enabling the shifting or reduction of peak load while maintaining grid operations within regulated limits.

#Electric grids manual#

Getting it back to normal without IDMS would typically be a tedious and manual process. Seamless FLISR integration with ADA enables efficient restoration of the grid. For sections that do require manual intervention, IDMS provides additional information to help guide field personnel to the approximate location instead of having them locate the fault manually, reducing customer interruptions. FLISR is capable of working in tandem with advanced distribution automation (ADA) equipment being deployed as part of the Smart Grid. IDMS also includes advanced grid optimization applications for locating faults and automatically restoring the distribution grid called Fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR). The ability to connect with these meters from the control room enables operators to check for service restoration and power quality, and notify customers via phone, email, or social media.

IDMS integration with smart meters via automated metering infrastructure (AMI) provides control room operators with real-time information of outages rather than waiting for customers to call in.

IDMS provides real-time situational awareness of the electric grid and customer outages, and is accessible by field personnel during the restoration process. Integrated distribution management systems (IDMS) include SCADA 1, distribution management, and outage management modules on a single IT platform. One area that has seen significant growth is in systems designed for control room operations. Keeping communication infrastructure working is critical to efficient storm recovery efforts.Īs part of Smart Grid deployments, utilities have had an opportunity to take a fresh look at how they could benefit from new technologies and simultaneously solve some of the weaknesses in their current operational IT systems. After Sandy, mutual assistance programs brought field personnel from all parts of the U.S. Communication between the utility control room and the field personnel were critical in assessing the damage and understanding the options for reestablishing service. Customers with smart phones were able to receive updates from their utilities, and in some cases, were also able to help utilities locate trouble spots. The ability to keep stakeholders informed helped significantly in saving lives and restoring electric service. At the core of the entire process was communications it began within the organization, and continued with field personnel and customers. Examples from Superstorm Sandy provide important insights into preparing for and recovering from storms. Lessons learned from recent restoration efforts have created opportunities for new Smart Grid technologies. Smart distribution also enhances security of supply and power quality-the ability of the distribution grid to maintain supply to customers under abnormal conditions and deliver a quality of power that meets customers’ needs.

Smart distribution supports the concept of self-healing and autonomous restoration-the ability to restore healthy sections of the network after a fault without manual intervention. It covers fundamental requirements to maintain grid reliability and enable more efficient restoration from severe storms and other natural disasters. The electric industry introduced the term smart distribution to classify some of the growing challenges facing electric distribution utilities. Smart Distribution Solutions for Restoring Power Grids Smart Grid can minimize interruptions during an extreme weather event by effectively managing unplanned outages as well as enhancing the restoration of energy infrastructure after a storm, lessening the impact on human life and critical infrastructure. The Smart Grid is leading innovation efforts in developing and deploying these new technologies to enhance transmission and distribution grid operations and reliability, while also enabling new interactions with customers. This trend can be mitigated with the integration of newer, more intelligent technologies. This corresponds to a rise in repair and response costs for utilities to restore electric grids. The growth in frequency and strength of climatic events poses a direct threat to our energy infrastructure, with large-scale power outages becoming more common place.