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1. A
PAPER
ON
AUTOMATING POWER DISTRIBUTION
BY
U.KOTESWARARAO
4Th
EEE
SKRCET
GUDUR
UKOTESWAR252@GmAil.COm

2. AUTOMATING POWER DISTRIBUTION
ABSTRACT:-
Electric power distribution system is an important part of electrical power Systems in
delivering power to the consumers. With the focus shifting to offshore software
development, the demand – supply gap in power is expected to grow by atleast 20 percent,
with no significant generating capacity coming up in the country. The trend is expected to
continue in the near future. The losses in the distribution side are significantly high (for e.g.
in Andhra Pradesh Transmission and distribution losses 22% , Tamilanadu – 22% Bihar –
48% , Jammu and Kashmir 65%). The statistics mentioned in the given example clearly
shows complete picture of inefficient distribution networks in India. In other countries also
the distribution systems are facing the same problem.
Therefore, research and development activities world wide are being carried out to
automate the electric power distribution system utilizing recent advancement in the area of
information technology (IT) and data communication system. The new millennium has
leapfrogged into a revolution in networking and communication technologies to offer
automation as a solution to improve distribution efficiencies.
This paper presents, the need of the Automation in the distribution system, speciality
of the Automation scheme. The hardware in installation required to have automation
scheme, Distribution SCADA system.
This paper reports, Automation system growth in India It also present the scope of the
future development in automation system.
INTRODUCTION;
An electric power system consists of three principal components: the Generation,
Transmission and Distribution Systems. The transmission lines are the connecting link
between the power station and the distribution systems. A Distribution system connects all
the individual loads in a given locality to the transmission lines. Electric power distribution
is an important part of electrical power systems in delivery of electricity to consumers.
Electrical utilities, all around the world have realized the problems associated with
conventional electric power systems and therefore they are moving towards unbundled
model of generation companies (GENCOs), transmission companies (TRANSCOs),
Distribution companies (DISCOs),Energy Service Companies (ESCO`s). In the past all
electric power distribution related functions could be transparently coordinated along the

3. complete supply chain. In the future, many distribution companies will manage third party
contact by delivering bulk power from GENCOS and TRANSCOS to meters owned by
ESCOS.
In addition, the social pricing for rural and other sectors puts an increasing pressure
on utilities to improve productivity and also reduce operating and maintenance costs to
remain financially viable.
It is thus imperative (urgent) that power utilities look at increasing efficiencies in
distribution networks, which have among the highest transmission and distribution losses in
the world at upwards of 30 percent.
With IT (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) Courting telecom, the new millennium
has leapfrogged into a revolution in networking and communication technologies to offer
automation as a solution to improve distribution efficiencies. Considering the extensive size
of distribution networks, online information, remote control and efficient management
systems which are the complex tasks can be achieved effectively through the intervention of
information technology utilizing the available high speed computer and communication
technology. This system of monitoring and control of electric power distribution network is
called as “Distribution Automation (DA)” System.
Distribution Automation is a tool for enterprise wide manage of an electric utility
system. In other words, an ERP for an electric utility that, properly applied, provides for
efficient operations, enhances operational outputs and translates into economic benefits.
Some of the initiatives in distribution automation, includes complete distribution
automation, city power distribution automation, electric SCADA and distribution
management for electric utilities.
NEED TO AUTOMATE :
India`s total power generation is 1,20,000 MW.Out of these total power generation 30
to 40 percent are wasted in the form of losses. That means India’s per capita power
consumption is 735 KWH/anum which is lagging behind by another countries like USA
4000 KWHr/anum and Sweden 12000 KWHr/anum.
So, our main task is to reduce the losses and give quality and reliable supply to our
consumers. But if we look at a glance, the major losses are occurring at distribution side.
And also our electrical companies are now not in a position to assure customers that they
will provide continue and reliable power supply. The reason is that the
 Most systems are monitored manually, this results in maintenance taking place only
during break drowns.
 The present system also does not ensure reliable and complete power system usage
information that can facilitate trend forecasting or help the utility in better analysis
and planning.

4.  At places, the billing system is still unreliable, while the present system has intensive
man power requirement and over dependence on experts it is still a logistic nightmare
to reach remote locations.
 Even trouble shooting incase of breakdowns is based on the conventional call system
through telephone answering machines.
In order to face and provide solution to above problems, Distribution automation is a
powerful and a useful tool to atomize and modernize of our distribution systems.
SPECIALI
TY OF THE SCHEME:
Distribution Automation functions provide a means to more effectively manage
minute by minute continuous operation of a distribution system. D.A. provides a tool to
achieve a maximum utilization of the utility`s physical plant and to provide the highest
quality of service to the customers. Obviously, both the utility and its customers are
beneficiaries of successful Distribution Automation.
Distribution Automation systems are modular hence they may be implemented in
stages commencing from a modest degree of capability and complexity and growing as
necessary to achieve tangible and intangible economic benefits. For example, utility may
start with a limited capability SCADA system for substation monitoring and control, extend
this to the feeders and finally implement a complete integration of automation functions.
This is the speciality of this scheme.
INSTALLATION OF THE SCHEME:
In the conventional distribution system the abnormal conditions are detected manually
which cost lots of time and money to both consumers and power industry. In order to
maintain high service quality and reliability and minimize loss in revenues, automation is
required Automation may be applied to the power distribution system so that problems on
the distribution network may be detected and operated upon so as to minimize the outage
time.
The equipments (either fixed wired or /and programmable), which are used for
distribution , include:
1. Data collection equipment.
2. Data transmission equipment.
3. Data monitoring equipment.
4. Data processing equipment.
5. Man-machine interface.
All the above equipments are integrated through distribution SCADA system.

5. DISTRIBUTION SCADA:
Distribution SCADA (Supervisory control and Data Acquisition) involves collecting
and analyzing information to take decisions, implementing the appropriate decisions and
then verifying whether the desired results are achieved. The implementation SCADA
system in the electric utility involves the installation of the following units.
(a) Data acquisition unit: The basic variables (data) required for control, monitoring
and protection include current, voltage, frequency, time, powerfactor, reactive power
and real power. The data may be tapped in analog or digital form as required. For
data collection purpose CTs and PTs are used. Transducers may be needed to convert
the data into electrical form to enable easy measurement and transmission. The data
is amplified in signal amplifiers and conditioned in data signal conditioner. The data
is then transmitted from the process location to the transmission room. In the control
room data processing and data logging are performed which includes input scanning
at required intervals, recording, programming and display by microprocessor, PLC,
PC etc.
(b) Remote terminal unit (RTU): A typical SCADA system consists of remote
terminal units, to record and check, measured values and meter readings, before
transmitting them to control station and in the opposite direction, to transmit
commands, set point values and other signals to the switch gear and actuator.
The functions of RTU`s can be given as following:
(a) Acquisition of information such as measured values, signals, meter readings etc.
(b) Transmit commands or instructions, set points, control variables, etc., including their
monitoring as a function of time.
(c) Processing of information transmitted to and from the telecommunication equipment
such as data compression, coding and protection.
(d) Communication with master control station.
COMMUNICATION UNIT:
A good data communication system to transmit the control command and data
between distribution control centre and large number of remote devices is a prerequisite for
a good performance of a DA system. Wide range of communication technologies are
available to perform the task of DA system which include public telephone communication
(leased or dedicated line), powerline carrier communication (PLCC), UHFMARS (ultra high
frequency multi address radio system) and VHF radio.
CLASSSIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION:
Distribution can be broadly classified as,

6. 1. SUBSTATION AUTOMATION
2. FEEDER AUTOMATION
3. CONSUMER AUTOMATION
These can be explained one by one
1. SUBSTATION AUTOMATION:
Substation Automation is the cutting edge technology in electrical engineering. It means
having an intelligent, interactive power distribution network including:
1. Increased performance and reliability of electrical protection.
2. Advanced disturbance and event recording capabilities.
3. Display of real time substation information in a control center.
4. Remote switching and advanced supervisory control.
5. Increased integrity and safety of the electrical power network including advanced
interlocking functions.
6. Advanced automation functions like intelligent load shedding.
REQUIREMENTS OF SUBSTATION AUTOMATION:
The general requirements for selecting an automation system while designing a new
substation are,
1. The system should be adaptable to any Vendor`s hardware.
2. It should incorporate distributed architecture to minimize wiring.
3. It should be flexible and easily setup by the user.
4. The Substance unit should include a computer to store data and preprocess
information.
FUNCTIONNING:
Bus voltages and frequencies, line loading, transformer loading, power factor, real
and reactive power flow temperature etc are the basic variables related with substation
control and instrumentation. The various supervision, control and protection functions are
performed in the substation control room. The relays, protection and control panels are
installed in the controlled room. These panels along with `pc` aids in automatic operation of
various circuit breakers, tap changers, auto reclosers, sectionalizing switches and other
devices during faults and abnormal condition.
Thus, primary control in substation is of two categories,
1. Normal routine operation by operator`s command with the aid of analog and digital
control system.
2. Automatic operation by action of protective relays, control systems and PC.

7. The communication between circuit breakers, auto reclosers and sectionalizing switches
in the primary and secondary distribution circuits located in the field and pc in
distribution substation control room is through radio telecontrol or fibre optic channel or
power line carrier channel as is feasible.
FEEDER AUTOMATION:
Automating the fault diagnosis and supply restoration process significantly reduces
the duration of service interruptions. The key objective behind automating the service
restoration process is to restore supply to maximum loads in out of service zones. This is
achieved by reconfiguring the network such that the constraints of the network are not
violated. Providing timely restoration of supply to outage areas of the feeder enhances the
value of service to customers and retains the revenue for power industry.
The equipments normally used in feeder automation:
Distribution equipment: This includes transformers, breakers, load break switches and
motor operators, power enclosures, voltage regulators, capacitor banks etc.
Interface equipment: Interface equipment is required for the purpose of data acquisition
and control. Potential transformers, current transformers, watt, var meter and voltage
transducer, relays are some examples.
Automation side equipment: Automation equipment includes a DAS, communication
equipment, distribution feeder RTU, current to voltage converters etc.
CONSUMERSIDE AUTOMATION: Consumer side Automation is very important for a
distribution company as almost 80 percent of all the losses taking place on distribution side
alone. It is needed to evaluate the performance of a specific area in the distribution system
and judge the overall losses.
ENERGY AUDITING:
Energy audit has a very wide range of applications in the electrical systems. It means
overall accounting o energy generated, transmitted and distributed. As for as distribution
side is concerned energy audit would mean overall accounting of energy supplied to and
utilized by the consumers. Energy audit can also be used for rethinking about billing
strategy, usefulness of an individual subscriber, loading of a given feeder etc.
Remote metering is used in energy auditing in which the energy used by a consumer
is billed from a remote (distant) location without actually going to the place. In remote
metering, the concept of TOD (time of day) metering can be introduced where in the
electronic at consumer`s service entrance point are programmed to read the following meter
readings on monthly basis.

8. 1. KWHr consumed during calendar month by the consumer during low tariff and high
tariff hours.
2. KVA maximum demand by the consumer during the calendar month (based on
maximum demand lasting for 30 minutes duration)
3. Low tariff for off peak hour consumption.
These readings are telemetered to the control room for the purpose of monthly billing
and cash collection through the various modes of communication available depending on the
load condition of consumer. Tampering of energy meters (if done) is also telemetered for
taking action /penalty and disconnection of service.
Thus energy audit, though a very cumbersome and tedious job, can make a non-
profitable business of distribution into a highly profitable line.
ADVANTAGES OF DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION:
By Automating the distribution systems more and more electric utilities find a
solution to three major challenges.
 The rising cost of adding generating capacity
 Increased saturation of distribution networks.
 Greater sensitivity to customer service.
Some more Advantages through Automation are:
(a) Reduced line losses: VAR control is addressed through expert algorithms which
monitors and controls substation voltage devices in co-ordination with down load
voltage devices to reduce line loss.
(b) Power quality can be assured by using D.A.
(c) Deferred capital expenses: A preventive maintenance algorithm may be integrated
into the system. This results ability to schedule maintenance, reduces labour costs,
optimizes equipment use and extends equipment life.
(d) Energy cost reduction: Real time monitoring to power usage through out the
distribution feeder provides data allowing the end user to track his energy
consumption patterns, allocate usage and assign accountability to first line
supervisors and daily operating personnel to reduce overall costs.
(e) Distribution automation can provide a balance of both quantitative and qualitative
benefits in the areas of interruption and customer service by automatically locating
feeder faults, decreasing the time required to restore service to unfaulted feeder
sections and reducing costs associated with customer complaints.
(f) Reliability of the system can be increased.
(g) Fault location and clearance can be done easily even at nightmare times.
PRESENT STATUS IN INDIA:

9. In India, a small beginning has been made by a few state utilizes (Andhra Pradesh,
Assam, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Rajasthan), which are confining themselves initially to the
automation of 33 kv substations.
Electronics Research and Development (ERDC) in Trivandrum and Computer
Maintenance Corporation (CMC) in Hyderabad are involved in these early experimental
projects.
APTRASCO, in Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu electricity board have undertaken to
develop and install distribution Automation for Hyderabad and Chennai Cities.
The Chennai City distribution system covers over 95 stations spread over in Chennai.
The system, executed by ABB, has been operational since November 2000 and was
implemented at a cost of Rs.19.2 crore.
The Hyderabad Installation integrates SCADA with DMS function for effective
monitoring and control of the electricity distribution network for the twin cities of
Hyderabad and Secunderabad spread over an area of 1500 sq km, the network comprises
about 110, 33/11KV substation, serving over a million of consumers.
SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK:
The future research work should be aimed at developing indigenous knowledge of
fullscale distribution automation system, which can cover from primary substations to
consumer level intelligent automation. The future research work for power distribution
automation is expected into following categories.
(a) Customer level intelligent automations system
Ex: Automated meter reading
Prepaid metering
(b) Computer Aided monitoring and control of distribution transformers.
Ex: Remotely operable load break switches
.Low cost controllers for capacitor switching
Low cost pole top RTU
(c) Data Communication system for distribution automation
Ex: Interfaces for Global system for mobile (GSM) interface for distribution line carrier
communication (DLCC)
(d) Development and standardization of distribution Automation software.
Ex: Master distribution Automation software.
Application/engineering analysis software
Trouble Call Management Software (TCMS)
Customer information system.

10. HURDLES IN IMPLEMENTING DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION SYSTEM:
Although many utilities are taking to distribution automation vendors, this has not
taken off the way it should have. There are two reasons. The first reason is the cost factor.
The cost of a complete distribution automation system for a major City is Rs.30-50 crore.
Another limiting factor could be the quality of existing communication networks.
Distribution automation system require reliable communication media from the control
centre to field equipment through telephone cable, microwave, optic fibre, etc. In the
absence of efficient telecommunications infrastructure, the creation of a complete
communication system may add up to around 30 percent of the total project cost
CONCLUSIONS:
1. Even the cost of installation is high, the benefits with DA are quite viable, the
investments will be return back within a short span with good profits.
2. The implementation of OFC broad band network by ASPs in different cities can help
the utilities to use it for automating distribution.
3. Automation will completely change the present condition of distribution networks to
dynamic and energetic networks to provide many solutions conventional distribution
system problems.
4. National wide projects should be undertaken to atomize distribution system because
of the cost factor.
5. Quite of few of the state electricity boards and most of the newly formed distribution
companies are increasingly looking at SCADA to provide solutions ensuring efficient
distribution of power across their territories, despite financial and communications
infrastructure constraints.
REFERENCES:
Academic Journal Volume 15, 2005
- R.P. Gupta and R.K. Varma.
Dr.Marcel P.J.Gaudreau .P.E., Diversified technologies, Inc, “SOLID STATE HIGH
VOLTAGE DC POWER DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL”
DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION - B.L. THERAJA.
[ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY VOL.3]
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM -A.S. PABLA.

11. ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ENGINEERING
- TURAN GOVEN