Outage management systems can improve customer service
b>Basics of an Outape Management System
Some of the basics elements of an OMS areas follows:
- a dynamic "Connectivity Model" must be developed between the devices in the field;
- the system should track dispatch and SCADA switching;
- the system should track outages by a current system configuration;
- the storing of information of normally open devices for exception reporting; and
- there should be some type of interface with mobile data devices in the field.
The OMS must have some type of Outage Determination System to be able to locate the device
that is causing the outage. Fuzzy Logic algorithms, with connectivity of the electrical system
allows the OMS to determine the problem devices. With multiple outages, or an outage within an
outage, the OMS must keep correct and up-to-date information on each outage. Statistics on each
outage is separated, and the OMS graphics allows the operator to track these outages effectively.
This can be seen with the figure below. Unconfirmed outages, or outages that have not be viewed
by a field crew, must also be tracked by the system. The operator should also have the ability to
define thresholds for the system.
Figure 1. Screen dump of OMS in X-windows esnvironment
With the implementation of AMR, remote confirmation of an outage (and restoration of an
outage) can be determined. Further integration with communication systems, allows the utility to
provide additional services, such as OutAlert. This service allows the utility, with the help of
IVRS (both one and two way systems), to provide outage notification to customers. These types
of customers are sensitive to outages, as example a residential customer that has a life support
system for a fmily member. With the implementation of an AMR system, confirming or closing
a trouble calls can be accomplished.
Since outage management requires constant contact with utility crews in the field, there is a need
to transfer information quickly between the crew and the dispatcher. OMS allows for this
transfer of data, without total human interaction. Systems like MDS1 with a complete data
exchange with an OMS allows for effective crew dispatching to the source of the outage.
Outage Reporting
A basic element of an OMS is to provide the utility a way to track and historical archive the
current indexes for outages. States regulators are requiring this information on a timely basis,
forcing utilities to automate there reporting systems. This is one other reason to install an OMS,
which allows the operator freedom in collecting this required information. This information is
collected for each relevant device (substation, transformer), which allows the utility to track
problem devices more effectively.
Summarv
In summary, outages at utilities will become more of a concern for the distribution companies.
Public Service commissions in each state will force distribution companies to monitor their
outage statistics (SAIDI, SAIFI, or CAIDI). These distribution companies will become more
“service quality” oriented, and outage management is one way to lower costs and improve
customer service. OMS is a way for companies to raise their CSI ratings and control costs due to
outages. Some OMS have outage determination models, and AMR and SCADA interfaces.
These interfaces will provide information into one location (the OMS), and provide the operator
more timely analysis of the current status of the electrical system. Current technology allows for
complete “turn-key” OMS systems to be implemented today.
