Case Studies > Utility Automation
 
SES Case Studies Minimize

Get Adobe Flash player Install latest flash player if you can't see this gallery.
Smart Energy Source monitors utility automation case studies and analyzes data to share with the initiatives' partners.  For more information, select one of the following case studies.

♦ Key Accounts
♦ Mobile Applications 
♦ Dispatch Center
Utility AutomationUtility Automation

Utility Automation is comprised of a combination of software systems and hardware applications that enable users and managers to monitor control and optimize the system in real time, by leveraging the data collected from these assets. When integrated with mobile computing, SCADA, and intelligent dispatching systems, this utility automation enables improved asset management decision making for increased efficiencies and reduced costs.

Dispatch Center
A dispatch center is the nerve center of an electric distribution system. It is here that technicians keep track of the behavior of the system, make sure that energy flows smoothly through the system in response to varying demand, identify problems that could interrupt the flow, and take action to correct problems. Clearly, a dispatch center is a very important place, one that merits special attention to ensure that the people who staff it have the resources they need to manage the system. They perform these tasks through the integrated efforts of specialized systems such as an outage management system (OMS) and a geographical information system (GIS). Read more

Mobile Workforce
A mobile workforce has access to mobile computing. Mobile computing is an exchange of information with computing devices such as laptops in trucks or handheld devices. This exchange and accessibility of information enables increased productivity, decreases paper flow and reduces voice or radio traffic. As an integral part of utility automation mobile computing relies on integration with other systems for true system optimization and asset management. These systems would include a customer information system, billing system, Outage Management System and a Geographical Information System. Together these system leverage the data stored and collected and allow for optimized efficiencies, increased productivities and reduced costs. Read more
 
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a combination of integrated hardware and software that allow for remote monitoring and control of the system. Down-line Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) collect data from the system in real time and report back through software, enabling system operators and managers to make informed decisions in real time. The utilization of assets in this capacity enables greater system optimization and improved operating efficiencies. More information

Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
Many of the down-line devices now used for feeder automation control utilize microprocessor-based IEDs. An IED has digital communication capability, so it can communicate directly with a SCADA master station. Equipment utilizing IEDs includes:



• Reclosers/breakers
• Voltage regulators
• Switched capacitors
• Automated switches
• Transformer monitors
• Metering

IEDs allow a single controlled device to perform more than one automated function. A line voltage regulator, for example, can provide not only voltage regulation and related functions, but also digital metering. The same can be said for reclosers and switches. In contrast to earlier controls that provided analog output of selected data points and relay contacts for discrete events, IED-based controls offer a much broader range of data and control functions.

Automating a Distribution Cooperative from A to Z by the Cooperative Research Network

OMS
An Outage Management System is a software application that gathers and processes incoming outage notification data as well as downline distribution system connectivity data in a fast an organized manner for determination of outage cause and location. The OMS enables dispatchers to dispatch crews efficiently for faster response times and shorter outage durations. The system also stores historical outage information for reporting and analysis such as reliability standards. When integrated with a GIS map and a SCADA system the OMS is a part of a utility automation system that enables improved asset management and optimized operating efficiencies.

GIS
Asset management is core to any business for financial forecasting, budgeting, reducing costs and increasing efficiencies through system optimization. These assets can be physical equipment in the field, data collected for monitoring and analysis or human resources. Today’s technology enables businesses to manage assets like never before with real-time data collection and integrated systems. Some of these systems are a geographical information system, outage management system, SCADA system, customer information system and mobile computing.

MySource Operations was developed to streamline processes and improve efficiencies for engineering and operations departments.  This operational tool is a combination of utility automation, information sharing and improved asset management. MySource Operations allows field workers the ability to input information into a central database from the field through mobile computing. Inside personnel are able to view the data instantaneously. Both inside and outside personnel are able to view the same information and reporting can be used for monitoring and analysis. More information
Alternative Energy | Smart Metering | Energy Efficiency | Home and Building Automation | Utility Automation
[   Privacy Statement   ]     [   Terms of Use   ] [  Login  ]    [    ]    [   © 2010 SES is a joint partnership between CREC, OSU and City of Stillwater.   ]
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional      Valid CSS!