Abstract

The customer demand for electrical energy with adequate reliability, quality and the growing cost of investment required for distribution of energy have driven the electrical power utilities to go for automated distribution systems. Basically, Distribution Automation System (DAS) can be considered as a system that enables an electric utility to remotely monitor, coordinate and operate distribution components, in a real time mode. Even though about 40 distribution functions for automation are identified in literature, the following five main DA functions are short listed here for further discussion: Substation Automation, Feeder Automation, Load Control, Feeder Volt and Var Control and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) at large customers. The equipment required for implementation of DA functions other than Dispatch Center and Communication equipment is proposed to be discussed. The communication system requirements of DAS will then be presented. DAS has significant impact on distribution, transmission and generation areas of utility and offers a number of potential benefits to electric utility. The potential benefits of DAS are categorized into three types: Capital Deferred Benefits, Operation & Maintenance Benefits and Customer Related Benefits. Ten important benefits of DAS are identified. A set of equations are developed to estimate the different benefits of each DAS function based on logical reasoning, system operation practices, historical data and heuristic judgement. An economic evaluation of different functions of DAS is necessary. Hence, a methodology is evolved which takes into account the present worth of costs and benefits of the automated system as the distribution system is expanded through the study period. The proposed DA scheme is demonstrated through a case study on a typical rural distribution network. Based on the investigations of DAS, conclusions are presented.

Biography

Prof Radhakrishna Chebiyam obtained his B.E (Electrical Engineering) and M.E (Electrical Power Systems) from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India in 1965 and 1967, respectively, and Ph.D in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India in 1981. He is currently the Director (Technical) at Global Energy Consulting Engineers Private Limited, Hyderabad, India. Earlier, he held different academic positions like Professor, Head of the Dept, Chairman Board of Studies in Electrical Engineering and Director of UGC – Academic Staff College at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India. He also served for about two years as Dean of Studies and Director of Central Institute of Rural Electrification Corporation under Ministry of Power, Government of India. Dr Radhakrishna has authored and co-authored approximately 90 technical papers in International and National Journals / Conferences. He is a recipient of many academic awards such as Department of Power Prize, CBIP Medal & Merit Awards, Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Research Award, Engineer of the year 2001 Award, and Best Teacher Award in 2003. His main current areas of interest include: Electrical Distribution System Management, Optimization and Automation, Load Research, IRP & DSM, Risk Management in Power Utilities and Power Quality.

For Further Information: Contact Timothy Chang (973)596-3519, changtn@njit.edu.