Using smart grid sensors and advanced software applications as an asset management tool at Hydro Ottawa

Abstract

In 2014, Hydro Ottawa began a pilot project to use power quality monitors to locate faults on distribution feeders supplied by medium voltage systems. Fault measurements captured by the meters are downloaded automatically, integrated into a relational database, and processed for reactance calculations. The reactance calculations are combined with detailed distribution circuit models and geographic information system data to build estimated fault location tables and web-based map displays. The systems are integrated on the company intranet and used in real time by numerous groups within Hydro Ottawa including power quality engineers, control room operators, field operations, and distribution planning. The algorithm used for waveform processing can distinguish between single-phase faults, multi-phase faults, sub-cycle faults, and feeder energising magnetising inrush. This study presents an overview of some of the parameters and practices for finding faults at Hydro Ottawa.