Noel Schulz

Distribution system outage and restoration analysis using a wireless AMR system

The advances in computer applications and technology are providing more and more data about the distribution system that can be used for analysis. One new technology is automated meter reading (AMR) systems. AMR systems provide access to the consumption and status of individual customers. This summary outlines research work to incorporate AMR information in outage management The first technique combines AMR data with SCADA and trouble call data to identify an outage and then uses AMR polling to verify the outage and its level. The second technique provides a way to use AMR to confirm restoration of all customers below an outaged device.

A General Polling Algorithm Using a Wireless AMR System for Restoration Confirmation

Restoration of distribution systems is a complicated process, especially after storms, when a large number of outages can occur. Many utilities are implementing automated meter reading (AMR) systems that can aid in the restoration process. This paper presents work done to utilize the capabilities and information provided by a wireless AMR system, including the on-demand read feature, to develop a polling procedure to identify system conditions. It takes advantage of the connection information provided by a utility and the performance of the wireless meter communication systems.

Incorporation of an advanced evaluation criteria in an expert system for the creation and evaluation of planned switching sequences

An expanded criteria for the creation and evaluation of scheduled switching sequences is presented. This criteria incorporates both remote control and manual switching steps as well as steps or actions that require a human operator, such as attaching hold cards or removing fuses. The advanced evaluation criteria has been incorporated into an expert system and tested for the creation and evaluation of planned switching sequences for circuit breakers, busbars and transformers.

A case study on blackout restoration as an educational tool

New exercises are needed to stimulate interest in power engineering, especially providing links to the other areas of electrical engineering such as computers or controls. While de-regulation has revitalized many technical challenges in power system engineering, power faculty members need updated resources to interest students in power engineering as a career. This paper describes a case study developed at Michigan Technological University (MTU). This exercise provides an educational opportunity for electrical engineering students at the sophomore/junior level to expand their knowledge about power systems in general, and more specifically power system blackout restoration. Besides offering explanations of concepts, this case study uses the dynamic environment of HTML to help create links for more detailed and often more visual representations for key concepts. The end goals for the students are (1) to complete open-ended exercises to see how they can immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge, and (2) an introduction to advanced power system subjects.