What is an ADMS?
An Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) uses real-time data from GIS in an electric distribution system to optimize energy flow through automated processes or by generating energy flow plans for operators to execute manually. Improved grid safety for crews and customers, shorter outage durations, more efficient load balancing, and lower O&M costs are some of the major advantages of implementing an ADMS for your system. An implementation of this magnitude, however, requires major preparation, communication, training, and post-production support. In this blog, we will examine the capabilities of an ADMS and how data preparedness in GIS and other integrated systems of record will best prepare a utility for an ADMS implementation.
Why ADMS?
One of the major uses for ADMS is Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR). Most utilities already have an Outage Management System (OMS) to react more effectively to unplanned outages. ADMS can supplement this by utilizing live data from sensors along the distribution system to locate the precise location of a fault. AMI meter and customer-reported outage data can inform the ADMS to automatically open or close switches, restoring power to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, while also isolating the area where the fault has occurred. These reduced outage times improve customer satisfaction while also improving safety and lowering maintenance costs by not deploying crews as often during storm situations. Reduced O&M costs can also assist a utility in staying congruent with regulatory agencies that aim to ease potential financial burdens on customers. Additionally, a more efficient restoration process can save lives, especially in extremely cold or hot weather situations where customers rely on electric heat or air conditioning, respectively.
Directly related to automated switching capabilities is live load flow analysis monitoring and management. Traditionally done in planning systems for future state conditions, these functions can now be done live in an ADMS. Since real-time data is used in the ADMS, a system with automated switching can transfer loads from an overloaded feeder to a feeder that is not operating as close to capacity. If only manual switching exists, the ADMS can still generate a switching plan for line crews to execute in the field. Further, ADMS can help manage power flows by identifying distributed generation sources throughout the system that are putting power back onto the grid. An ADMS also provides the capability to run state estimation simulations and scenarios based on historical data or projected near future state conditions that are extrapolated from existing data. Using weather data and current load usage data, models can be run to identify near future problems in the system with high locational accuracy, allowing for mitigative action to be taken. Real and Reactive power flow through the system can also be analyzed more effectively with Volt-VAR Control functionality.
Considerations Before Implementing an ADMS
An ADMS implementation is going to change workflow processes for many stakeholders throughout your utility. Understanding who will be affected at any level or degree is vital for a successful implementation. Imagine the reaction if a line crew is suddenly told that a new system is going to start closing in circuits that they may be working on. Safety protocols like lockout-tagout must be communicated with stakeholders to alleviate these valid concerns. Stakeholders should be made aware as far in advance as possible of the organizational changes that must take place for a major implementation like ADMS. Thorough training, continuous communication, and ongoing support must be available from the first stage of considering implementation through post-Go-Live production.
When evaluating the pros and cons of an ADMS implementation, it is necessary to identify the pertinent functions of an ADMS within your system. Are all of the capabilities mentioned above necessary for your system? It may be prudent to implement these capabilities incrementally. For example, most distribution systems already have an outage management system in production. An ADMS could be a logical first step to integrate with OMS. Other functions like State Estimation or Automated Switching could be implemented further down the road.
The optimization of ADMS capabilities is dependent on the robustness and accuracy of data that lives either in GIS or in other integrated systems like SCADA, work management, asset management, relay, planning, and device catalogs. The data created in these systems must have a solid business process in place for data creation and maintenance, with frequent updates to GIS, which is necessary for AMDS operations. More granular level data within assemblies may also be necessary for load flow analysis and management. For example, substation internals may be required to understand load flows through multiple voltage tiers. Accurate phasing, primary and secondary voltage, premise to transformer linkages, asset topology representing field connectivity, and overall data completeness are also essential variables to consider when planning for an ADMS.
If you have any questions regarding implementing an ADMS in your organization, please reach out to us at SSP Innovations.
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