DGetting the Most Out of Data: The Key to Successful Electrical Utility Application Integration
For the specific integration task at hand, the gateway provides:
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access to any geospatial data source
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linkage between GIS Model and Network Element Tags (monitoring points)
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validation and verification of network data against model requirements
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identification and correction of data discrepancies
Example of Benefits Associated with the Combination of Integration Technologies
By combining several technologies (gateway, COM/ActiveX, and PI capabilities) along
with direct access to real-time data sources, the utility can leverage existing assets to
increase operational efficiencies and, ultimately, improve customer satisfaction.
Taking advantage of the information already in CAD or GIS allows the utility to
eliminate redundant graphics & data and associated with data-entry activities.
Combining historical network status and network configuration information provides the
ability to replay specific events to more accurately analyze root causes of network
disturbances. With the more accurate data, studies to place capacitors, regulators and
sectionalizers/reclosures will generate more accurate results. Real-time displays can be
made available to anyone in the utility.
Operations personnel can take advantage of having detailed asset information along with
real-time data to operate the network more closely to design limits. This information will
also facilitate dynamic feeder profiling, verification of load reduction in reaction to timeof-
use (TOU) rate signals, and enhanced load balancing. Using dynamic network
representation capabilities, network operations personnel can quickly take action so
overload situations can be avoided which, ultimately, extends the life of existing facilities
and prevents certain types of customer outages.
With access to up-to-date network information and real-time data from Operations,
system planners can enhance protection coordination, develop solutions to lower line
losses, and defer the construction of new facilities.
And that’s just scratching the surface. The real power of combining these technologies to
integrate this data has yet to be realized. The network engineers, planners and operations
personnel will determine how their current capabilities will be enhanced which will drive
new and improved business processes and associated new Operations Support System
applications. One of the keys to achieving new levels of operational efficiency is
consistent, accurate and up-to-date data. Using the right mix of information technologies
will ensure this key to success can be achieved.
