Fault location, isolation and restoration in a city distribution network

Abstract

Active network management is based on distribution network automation systems like SCADA/DMS, distribution automation, microgrids, smart meters and home energy management systems. In fault situations, a lot of data is available and received to the control centre. To improve the fault management and in order to get the best benefit from high volume of monitoring data, the adaptation of new distribution network automation concepts are required. Automation systems will be integrated already on field to merge information for holistic distribution automation. Existing systems will be extended by additional functionalities. These functionalities can be located in different levels of control hierarchy: in Substation automation, in Distribution Management System (DMS) or in Network Information System (NIS). Helen Electricity Network Ltd., Aalto University and Tekla Corporation have been working together to help the control centre in fault management process to improve the reliability of supply. The idea is to combine network data, topology and distribution automation data and develop new fault management features, functions for automatic fault location, isolation and recovery in city distribution network.