Smart grid refers to electric power systems that enhance grid reliability and efficiency by automatically anticipating and responding to system disturbances. To achieve smart grid status at the power distribution system level, utilities have attempted various automatic technologies in the areas of system metering, protection and control. Within these technologies, automated power restoration is an important part of the puzzle. Traditionally, electric utilities use the trouble call system to detect power outages. Specifically, when a fault occurs and customers experience power outages, they call and report the power outage. The distribution system control center then dispatches a maintenance crew to the field. The crew first investigates fault location and then implements the switching scheme(s) to conduct fault isolation and power restoration. This traditional power restoration procedure often takes several hours to complete, depending on how fast customers report the power outage and how quickly the maintenance crew can locate the fault point and conduct the power restoration.
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