Advanced Distribution Management System Research Articles

Investing for the Future: How Small Utilities are Finding Success With Advanced Distribution Management Systems

It is no secret that the electric power distribution industry is in the midst of unparalleled disruption. From the continually evolving development of renewable energy sources to catastrophic storms to an onslaught of incoming data, utilities are being forced to adapt to even more change and issues requiring resolution than they have seen in a century

Data-Driven Fault Location Scheme for Advanced Distribution Management Systems

There is now an increased interest among electric utility companies to implement advanced distribution management system (ADMS) software platform in their regular operational activities. ADMS provides smart grid functionalities, such as conservation voltage reduction, demand response, fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), etc. The ADMS platform improves power quality, increases reliability and resiliency, and manages the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) effectively. This paper proposes a fault location scheme as a part of the FLISR program based on measurement from wireless sensors and smart meters deployed throughout the feeder. Sensors and smart meters use wireless sensor network and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), respectively. The fault location scheme also considers the bi-directional power flow complexities with the integration of PV-based DERs at the edges of the grid. Initially, a modified depth first search is utilized to reduce the search space to find the faulty zone(s) bounded by two sensor buses; next, a voltage profile analysis is conducted in the specified zone(s) to find the actual faulty section(s). To demonstrate the robustness, the entire algorithm is tested in a utility scale feeder with various loading, DER penetration, and fault resistance condition using Monte-Carlo method.

Innovative Volt/VAr Control Philosophy for Future Distribution Systems Embedded With Voltage-Regulating Devices and Distributed Renewable Energy Resources

Conventional voltage-regulating devices such as load tap changers, voltage regulators, and local capacitor banks are commonly used for voltage-regulation purposes in medium-voltage distribution systems. Although such devices exhibit excellent capability for Volt/VAr control (VVC) support, fine-tuning of their controller parameters and enactment of Volt/VAr support by renewable distributed generation (DG) units is essential for effective and efficient operation of future distribution systems embedded with wind and solar-Photo-voltaic (PV) units. In this paper, an innovative algorithm is conceptualized for control set-point re-adjustment of different VVC devices for coordinated voltage control in distribution systems. The intended VVC strategy is able to minimize the voltage variations including voltage drop and rise cases mainly caused by power output of renewable DG units that cannot be solved by voltage regulating devices due to their time-delayed operation. Moreover, the control algorithm is proposed to be implemented online using advanced distribution management system for effective voltage control. The simulation studies are carried out using the test distribution system derived from an electricity network in New South Wales, Australia. The simulation results show that voltage regulation can effectively be achieved in renewable rich future distribution systems by applying the proposed tuning algorithm, which has been designed based on a new VVC philosophy.

Integrated CVR and Demand Response Framework for Advanced Distribution Management Systems

The advanced distribution management system (ADMS) integrates the existing distribution management system and outage management system components with a distributed energy resource management system. Compilation of these components provides more flexibility for maximizing energy efficiency and reliability. In this paper, two major ADMS functions: conservation voltage reduction and demand response are integrated for harnessing the energy efficiency. The integration of these two functionalities considers all the constraints for maintaining system reliability. The proposed energy efficiency model offers the most suitable demand response plan to each customer for minimizing the consumption cost in the day ahead market. The model also considers the generation from customer-end distributed energy resources (DER), such as photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems. Moreover, different scenarios are considered in terms of the DER and load stochasticity in the integrated framework. Finally, the proposed model is validated on a test feeder with the consideration of time-varying voltage sensitive loads.

A Reinforcement Learning Approach to Solve Service Restoration and Load Management Simultaneously for Distribution Networks

Energy and economy are increasing the relationship over the years, where the energy becomes a significant resource to keep a country developing, and it supports its economy. Then, more reliable the energy should become, especially the distribution network, to keep the entire process running. In this level of energy distribution, where residential consumers and medium and small industries are supplied, the number of interconnections of the network is enormous. However, for economic and environmental aspects, these complex systems, which are operating close to their capacity, needs to increase the automation, appearing the concept of smart grids and the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and its methods to control. Inside of the ADMS, there are a lot of essential techniques. Among them, there are two techniques which are the most relevant for this paper: the self-healing and load management. In an ADMS system, these two techniques are treated separately, but the best solution occurs when they are computed together. In this paper, it is proposed an approach that can address both problems at the same time or individually, i.e., in place to have a sequential method to solve step-by-step the issues in the networks. The proposed algorithm, through reinforcement learning technique, can handle both problems together. The proposed approach is tested in a real urban distribution network with some created scenarios to compare the results with outages and overloads. Some comparisons with other methods are carried out.

A Novel Cloud-Based Advanced Distribution Management System Solution

This paper proposes a novel advanced distribution management system (ADMS) solution based on a common operation technology platform implemented on a cloud infrastructure. It introduces a virtualization methodology that is used to transition and deploy a traditional, monolithic ADMS in a cloud environment. First, typical ADMS functional blocks (FBs) are identified and their performance is evaluated with respect to four major metrics: processor, memory, network, and storage utilization. Next, a cloud infrastructure-based ADMS solution is presented, based on a collection of FBs mapped to a set of virtual machines. Finally, the proposed architecture is validated via deployment on a physical hardware platform with two representatively sized distribution networks and emulated workloads. Obtained results show that an ADMS, as a mission-critical system, can be deployed on a cloud infrastructure, providing many benefits of virtualized solutions, without negative impact on system performance.

A Framework for Load Service Restoration Using Dynamic Change in Boundaries of Advanced Microgrids With Synchronous-Machine DGs

In this paper, a new strategy for service restoration of de-energized loads is proposed using advanced technologies of microgrids (MGs) that accommodate distributed energy resources (DERs). In particular, backup distributed generators (DGs), initially used for critical loads within a building, have recently been operated under normal grid conditions while exporting excess power to other loads on the same or different feeders. In addition, smart switches (SSWs) have been installed in a distribution grid to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. Using flexible communication links, the sensors of the SSWs exchange control and measurement signals with grid management systems, namely, an advanced distribution management system, an MG energy management system, and a DER management system. This paper focuses on developing a methodological framework to determine the operating modes of synchronous-machine DGs and the on–off operation of SSWs, so as to change dynamically the boundaries of MGs that are formed in a distribution grid for fault isolation and load restoration. Simulation case studies demonstrate that the proposed strategy is effective in mitigating the influence of a network fault and restoring de-energized loads while successfully maintaining frequency and voltage levels in MGs.

ADMS4LV – advanced distribution management system for active management of LV grids

ADMS4LV – advanced distribution management system for active management of LV grids

Advanced Distribution Management Systems Necessary With Increased DERs

Over the last century, the electricity industry has been continuously increasing operational efficiency; improving reliability; and reducing generation, transmission, and distribution costs.

IT/OT Convergence 기반의 Advanced Distribution Management System의 설계

IT/OT Convergence 기반의 Advanced Distribution Management System의 설계

Advanced Distribution Management System

This article describes the advisability of using advanced distribution management systems in the electricity distribution networks area and considers premises of implementing ADMS within the Smart Grid era. Also, it gives the big picture of ADMS and discusses the ADMS advantages and functionalities.

Development of a Smart Grid Simulation Environment, Part I: Project of the Electrical Devices Simulator

A smart grid is an electric power system with high levels of automation, dispersed generation, intelligent monitoring and control; however, because the distribution networks in operation today do not have these characteristics, studies concerning the control, planning and operation of the smart grid are difficult to perform. To overcome these practical difficulties, studies investigating the smart grid can be conducted in computational environments that are able to reproduce meticulously the electrical and communicational behaviors expected by the smart grid. Therefore, in this paper, the development of a platform to simulate the advanced distribution management system from a reference model for smart grid, which has seven layers, is proposed. Part I of this paper is dedicated to formulating mathematically the three lower layers that make up the electrical devices simulator. The analysis of the results revealed the capability of the simulator to generate scenarios with a wide range of power demand that is ideal for developing new operation, planning and control tools for a smart grid.

Development of a Smart Grid Simulation Environment, Part II: Implementation of the Advanced Distribution Management System

A smart grid is an electric power system with high levels of automation, dispersed generation, intelligent monitoring, and control; however, because the distribution networks in operation today do not have these characteristics, studies concerning the control, planning, and operation of the smart grid are difficult to perform. To overcome these practical difficulties, studies investigating the smart grid can be conducted in computational environments that are able to reproduce meticulously the electrical and communicational behaviors expected by the smart grid. Therefore, in this paper, the development of a platform to simulate the advanced distribution management system (DMS) from a reference model for smart grid, which has seven layers, is proposed. Part II of this paper refers to the four upper layers. First, it describes the system layer architecture where all computational hardware is virtualized to create the smart grid simulation environment. Subsequently, the three logical layers, Model, Analysis, and Intelligence, are considered in the construction of the advanced DMS supervisor. The uses of some applications of the supervisor are shown to reveal their potential.

Advanced Distribution Management System

This paper proposes an advanced distribution management system (DMS) that a) monitors each component and performs protection functions using a dynamic state estimation, b) the estimated states are transmitted to the DMS where the real time model of the entire feeder is synthesized, c) uses the real time model to perform upper level optimization (operations planning) and lower level optimization (real time control) via a hierarchical optimization procedure; and d) applies proper controls to operate the system at optimal points. The proposed approach for protection, operations planning, and real time control of the system provides the infrastructure for additional important applications. As an example, the paper presents a novel application for monitoring available reserves from all resources in the system. We propose the concept of Reserve-O-Meter that monitors in real time the available reserves from all resources (utility and customer owned).

Unbalanced Three-Phase Optimal Power Flow for Smart Grids

Advanced distribution management system (DMS), an evolution of supervisory control and data acquisition obtained by extending its working principles from transmission to distribution, is the brain of a smart grid. Advanced DMS assesses smart functions in the distribution system and is also responsible for assessing control functions such as reactive dispatch, voltage regulation, contingency analysis, capability maximization, or line switching. Optimal power flow (OPF)-based tools can be suitably adapted to the requirements of smart distribution network and be employed in an advanced DMS framework. In this paper, the authors present a methodology for unbalanced three-phase OPF (TOPF) for DMS in a smart grid. In the formulation of the TOPF, control variables of the optimization problem are actual active load demand and reactive power outputs of microgenerators. The TOPF is based on a quasi-Newton method and makes use of an open-source three-phase unbalanced distribution load flow. Test results are presented on the IEEE 123-bus Radial Distribution Feeder test case.

The evolution of distribution

In this paper discussed the advanced distribution management system for smart grid. With smart grids, confidence and expectations are high. To various degrees, utilities are putting smart grid initiatives in place, and many of the technologies paraded under the smart-grid banner are currently implemented in utilities. The smart-grid initiative uses these building blocks to work toward a more integrated and long-term infrastructure. If all goes as expected, smart grids will provide tremendous operational benefits to power utilities around the world because they provide a platform for enterprise-wide solutions that deliver far-reaching benefits to both utilities and their end customers.

Extension of the Common Information Model With a Catalog of Topologies

This paper presents an extension of the Common Information Model (CIM) with a catalog of topologies, in other words with a catalog of bays, for distribution networks. This extension has been realized by defining an additional set of metadata for cataloguing equipment containers. The extended CIM was tested on real distribution networks. Performance metrics of the model, taken into account at the time of evaluation were: the size of the CIM/XML (eXtensible Markup Language) document containing exported data about the network, and the speed of processing the topological connectivity of the network in advanced Distribution Management System (DMS) applications. According to the test results, incorporating the catalog of bays may significantly boost the performance of CIM based solutions without jeopardizing CIM compatibility

Integrated models of distribution transformers and their loads for three-phase power flow analyses

This paper introduces integrated models of distribution transformers and their loads for three-phase power flow analyses. All transformer connections can be easily included, such as single-phase, open wye, open delta and three-phase. For an existing three-phase power flow program without rigorous transformer models, only a slight modification of this program is needed to analyze distribution systems in more detail by using these proposed models. For those with rigorous transformer models, the rigorous transformer models usually make the program converge with difficulty, or even diverge. The convergence characteristics of these program can be dramatically improved if proposed integrated models are used instead of the rigorous transformer models. Moreover, these models can be easily applied by some functions of advanced distribution management systems or automatic mapping and facility management systems, such as transformer load management and feeder load management, to evaluate the individual phase loads along a feeder.