Modular distribution management system concepts satisfy the varying needs of control room upgrades

摘要

The real-time control of the electricity network is vital to the reliable delivery of power to the end user or consumer. Computer based systems that have provided this function have been designed to operate within the generation and transmission system environment. This environment is one where measurement and state of the network is obtained every two to ten seconds. All devices are remotely operated from usually one central dispatching centre and computationally fast Power Application Software (PAS) provide network analysis allowing the dispatcher to investigate effects of contingencies in advance. The relatively small dimension of transmission networks and the clearly focused business issues have supported early adoption of these systems. These control systems are known as Energy Management Systems (EMS) and are a combination of SCADA (Supervisory Control And data Acquisition) and PAS. They are supported by a graphics user interface which shows the status of the network on computer generated operating diagrams. The implementation of EMSs was during relatively stable business times for the power companies even if the Uemand for power was growing rapidly. Changes in the business environment that some utilities are now experiencing and others inevitably will in the future, are forcing present modes of control and operations below the transmission namely at the distribution level to be examined. As a result Distribution Management Systems (DMS) are being introduced. These DMS must employ new concepts to embrace the unique requirements of the distribution system network, the operating environment and the new business issues.