Role of Information Technology in Distribution System Management
Initially, computers handled data only in alphanumeric form. GIS is an importantant tool in this area. Geographic Information Systems is a system of mapping of complete electrical network including low voltage system and customer supply points with latitude and longitudes overload on satellite imaging and/or survey of India maps. Layers of information are contained in these map representations. The first layer corresponds to the distribution network coverage. The second layer corresponds to the land background containing roads, landmarks, buildings, rivers, railway crossings etc. The next layer could contain information on the equipment viz poles, conductors transformers etc. Most of the electrical network/equipment have a geographical location and the full benefit of any network improvement can be had only if the work is carried out in the geographical context. Business processes such as network planning, repair operations and maintenance connection and reconnection has also to be based around the network model. Even while dong something as relatively simple as adding a new service connection, it is vital to know that users of the system are not affected by this addition. GIS in conjunction with system analysis tools helps to do just this.
For efficient and reliable operation of a distribution system, a reliable and well knit communication network is required to facilitate project coordination of the maintenance and fault activities of the distribution system. GIS when integrated with real time SCADA can help in sending the right signals to the communication network. Outages can be isolated faster than even before and maintenance crews dispatched with critical information including location of the fault.
GIS can be used in distribution systems management for:
- Handling customer inquiries
- Fault Management
- Routine maintenance can be planned.
- Network extensions and optimization
- What is analysis
- Network reconfiguration
- Improved revenue management
- SCADA can be integrated with GIS
- Rights of way and compensation
GIS environment hosts a wealth of presentation techniques that enable fast and accurate interpretation of results from power flow results to short circuit analysis.
Initiative by Government of India
For developing Sub-Transmission and Distribution schemes on a scientific basis with energy accounting and audit as an integral component, the Govt. of India has appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Member (PS), CEA to formulate guidelines/manuals on the various aspects of Sub-Transmission and Distribution development. The committee held discussion with various utilities in the country and has formulated the following manuals/guidelines. The above guidelines and manuals cover all the aspects and would provide guidance to the field level units to undertake ST & D development on a scientific approach to establish energy accounting and audit system etc. to achieve reduction of both commercial and technical losses and ensure quality and reliability of power supply to consumers.
- Guidelines for formulation of project report on upgradation of sub-transmission and distribution system;
- Guidelines for energy accounting and audit in power systems;
- Guidelines for project management, performance evaluation, operations and maintenance and renovation and modernization (R & M) of sub-transmission and distribution project;
- Manual on training of personnel deployed on sub-transmission and distribution and
- Technical specifications for equipment in ST & D: Conductors, Cables Distribution Transformers, Energy Meters and HT Shunt Capacitors and associated control equipment.
Conclusion
GIS integrate common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable from explaining events, predicting outcomes and planning strategies for Distribution System Management. With these modern information technology tools, the power utility can be proactive rather than reactive.
GIS systems have had the reputation of being great technology for patient people. Building a data base for Distribution systems on geographical systems is a time consuming and laborious task and would have to be carried out in a phased manner but ultimately the returns would be manifold.