Advanced Distribution Automation
Advanced Distribution Automation (ADA) is a term
coined by the IntelliGrid project in North America to describe the extension of intelligent control over electrical
power grid functions to the distribution level and beyond.
It is related to distribution automation that can be enabled
via the smart grid. The electrical power grid is typically
separated logically into transmission systems and distribution systems. Electric power transmission systems typically operate above 110kV, whereas Electricity distribution systems operate at lower voltages. Normally, electric
utilities with SCADA systems have extensive control over
transmission-level equipment, and increasing control over
distribution-level equipment via distribution automation.
However, they often are unable to control smaller entities
such as Distributed energy resources (DERs), buildings,
and homes. It may be advantageous to extend control networks to these systems for a number of reasons:
The goal of Advanced Distribution Automation is realtime adjustment to changing loads, generation, and failure conditions of the distribution system, usually without operator intervention. This necessitates control of
eld devices, which implies enough information technology (IT) development to enable automated decision making in the eld and relaying of critical information to
the utility control center. The IT infrastructure includes
real-time data acquisition and communication with utility
databases and other automated systems. Accurate modeling of distribution operations supports optimal decision
making at the control center and in the eld.
Automated control of devices in distribution systems is
closed-loop control of switching devices, voltage controllers, and capacitors based on recommendations of the
distribution optimization algorithms.
Distribution System Reliability: Distribution Automation
currently increased system reliability, and new technology
Distributed generation is increasingly important in
such as solid state transformers[3]
power grids around the world. This generation can
help to support local power grids in the presence of Increasing Utilization of Existing Infrastructure: As a
blackouts, and ease the load on long-distance trans- component of ADA infrastructure, the new system conmission lines, but it can also destabilize the grid if cepts will enable more ecient operation of the power
not managed correctly.[1] Usually, utility control system, allowing closer control of voltage proles (e.g.
centers are unable to manage distributed generators conservation voltage reduction, closely related to voltage
directly, and this may be a valuable capability in the optimisation) and maximization of energy throughput.
future.
Distribution System of the Future: The new system concepts will enable ADA functions in the distribution system that contribute to outage prevention and recovery,
optimal system performance under changing conditions,
and reduced operating costs. Distribution automation
technologies are commercially available for wide scale
utility deployment. The key is identifying and unlocking the values which provide the best return on investment in ways that can be measured by utilities. Applications which may have greatest potential are operations
and eciency, management of peak loads via [demand
response], predictive technologies and communications
To enable demand side management, where homes, for equipment, and system restoration technologies.
businesses, and even electric vehicles may be able New transformer technologies are being considered by
to receive real-time pricing (RTP) signals from their EPRI,[4] including solid state transformers that can redistribution companies and dynamically adjust their duce power losses due to step-up and step-down voltages
own energy consumption proles to minimize costs. conversion.
This would also preserve customer autonomy and
For a full listing of the capabilities being proposed by the
mitigate privacy issues.
IntelliGrid project, please see the rst external link below.
To further the penetration and quality of selfhealing, which reduces or eliminates outage time
through the use of sensor and control systems embedded in the distribution system.[2]
Industrial and residential loads are increasingly controlled through demand response. For example, during periods of peak electrical demand in the summer, the utility control centers may be able to raise
the thermostats of houses enrolled in a load reduction program, to temporarily decrease electrical demand from a large number of customers without signicantly aecting their comfort. Customers are
usually compensated for their participation in such
programs.
References
[1] Advanced Distribution Automation
[2] Smart Grid Self Healing
[3] Solid State Universal Intelligent Transformer
[4] EPRI 2008 Program 124 Advanced Distribution Automation
External links
IntelliGrid ADA Overview
Advanced Distribution Automation: Ensuring the
Smart Grid is a reliable Grid
EXTERNAL LINKS
Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses
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