Impact of GIS in Network Analysis and Optimization for Power Distribution – A Case Study of Noida Power Company Limited(NPCL), India
Manish Arora
Project Leader InfoTech Enterprises Limited
Pelleti Madhusudhan
Team Leader InfoTech Enterprises Limited
Dr. Nagesh Rajopadhye
InfoTech Enterprises Limited
Plot 11, Infocity, Madhapur, Hyderabad 500033, India
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a power distribution company in India
namely, Noida Power Corporation Ltd (NPCL), where InfoTech Enterprises Ltd
had the opportunity to formulate an end-to-end GIS solution for analyzing and
optimizing the power distribution network. InfoTech Enterprises got involved
with this project right from conceptualization phase and completed the same
by integrating with other OSS systems like SCADA, billing systems etc. The
scope of the GIS implementation included the creation of land base data,
network mapping over the land base, data modeling, installation of GE
Smallworld software as a core GIS, installation of PowerON and Design Manager
as add-on modules to the GIS, installation of PSS network analysis Engines
supplied by Power Technology Inc. for the network analysis, customization of
various applications on top of GE Smallworld and finally, the integration of the
GIS system with other operational support systems (OSS). The add-ons
specifically developed for the Indian conditions are of significant value to other
companies in this region. This successful implementation of an integrated GIS
solution for a power distribution utility in India has set an example for other
similar units in India and Asia to take advantage of this technology.
Introduction
Concern regarding network losses and a desire for optimization has engendered
much interest in monitoring and predicting network losses for large,
geographically spread networks. GIS-based solutions are becoming increasingly
popular for modelling, simulating and analyzing power distribution networks.
This paper presents a case study of the Noida Power Corporation Ltd (NPCL),
where InfoTech Enterprises Ltd had the opportunity to formulate an end-to-end
GIS solution for analyzing and optimizing the power distribution network
Apart from developing typical facility management applications, an innovative
application to detect power pilferage via GIS was also developed and deployed
to detect network as well as commercial losses (power thefts), a common
problem in India and some Asian countries. The implementation of the GIS at
NPCL provided substantial business benefits to NPCL. This paper details the
solution proposed and summarizes the benefits derived.
About NPCL
The RPG group in India was the first to respond to the privatization policy of
the government, setting up the Noida Power Corporation Ltd (NPCL) at Noida,
in collaboration with a state government agency. NPCL supplies power to more
than 17,000 subscribers spread over 300 sq km in greater Noida, which is one of
the fastest growing industrial districts in the region. It is also planning to
increase its distribution network to adjoining areas in the years to come.
NPCL buys power directly from Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited
(UPPCL), the distribution arm of the erstwhile Uttar Pradesh State Electricity
Board. UPPCL transmits power to the 132/33 kV Surajpur substation, from
where NPCL evacuates power at 33kV voltage level.
Power distribution in India is largely monopolized by the public sector. Noida
Power Company Ltd. in the national Capital Region is one of the few private
sector power distribution companies in to this area.
why They Decided on GIS
NPCL was looking for a sophisticated tool to address their day-to-day
operational problems as well as to handle planning issues. In the absence of
sophisticated tools, these problems and issues were mostly resolved through
human intervention. However this was leading to service delays and reduced
productivity. For instance, whenever a new consumer applied for a connection,
they had to go through number of network diagrams, data, etc. to decide
whether service could be provided to the customer. If service could be
provided, a team of engineers then had to visit the site to estimate the
installation charges to be paid by the customer. Being a technology-oriented
company, Noida wanted a computer-based solution for all of these processes.
Since most of the problems were related to network inventory and network
performance, the use of a GIS-based solution was imperative. Infotech
suggested the deployment of a GIS solution for the following business
processes:
- Management of the Network inventory
- Network design, optimization and planning
- Network Outage management
- Design based workflow
- Customer care related activities
- Conducting Energy Audits
