Distribution Automation Doesn't have to be Automated to Produce Big Benefits

摘要

The goal of this paper is to encourage electric utilities to initiate the usage of remote control and data collection of distributed devices. Implementing distribution automation with fault location isolation and service restoration (FLISR) may seem like a large and expensive task to take on, especially for small rural utilities with minimal engineering staff, but it doesn't have to be. Utilities can take small, precise steps to gain much of the benefit with a fraction of the effort. This discussion will identify the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a complex distribution automation system compared to a smaller scope, precise technology implementation to achieve similar results. Ideally, utilities want to install a complete advanced distribution management system (ADMS); however, many of the same advantages of such a system can be achieved by focusing on specific techniques that apply to the priorities of the utility. Likewise, they can focus on restoring power more quickly without building a huge, complex communications system that is expensive and complicated to install.