Integrating AMR-AMI Data into WindMil

James S Cross, PE Planning Engineer Homer Electric Association Kenai, Alaska

Improving Your WindMil Model w/ AMR/AMI

Historically, planners and system operators have had very little data regarding the individual loads on a distribution system. Most distribution planning models have used (still use?) kWh billing data (energy) from a CIS system to determine the load snapshot (power) for the load-flow analysis. This methodology is known as load allocation. Load allocation is as much of an art as is system protection. There are no hard & fast rules . every system and every case is different. Given the importance of the model loading to the load-flow results, an accurate portrayal of the system loads is critical in order to get good results.

EA Model Improvements
The use of GIS systems at utilities has led to significant improvements in model data, and large detailed models have become prevalent. Load modeling has not seen the significant data improvements that the system (impedance) models have seen. End-of-line load data is still challenging, especially real time data.

AMR/AMI Enters the Utility World

Utilities now have the ability to obtain more data from the end-of-line loads with the implementation of AMR systems. Two-way AMR/AMI systems allow for even more information flow, as some meters can be built or programmed to detect more than just kWh usage.

What can AMR/AMI do for me?

In addition to reading kWh:
Many AMR meters capture blinks or momentary outage counts Voltage data Ability to create a true monthly kWh reading Real demand (kW) data Equipment Information

This information can be used to make your WindMil model better.

What else can AMR/AMI do for me?

It can make a large model even larger You are counting on another enterprise application to get data to you correctly. If the meter data moves through multiple enterprise applications, each interface is a potential source of new data errors. It can force you to use mixed methods to populate your model:
AMR to populate 2S meter loads Billing / GIS to populate other loads

The question you MUST ask yourself a

AMI at Homer Electric

Homer Electric began implementing a Cannon Technologies AMI system in 2005. We started w/ a two substation / 300 meter pilot project. Since then weve deployed ~ 5,000 meters per year. Nine distribution substations will read approximately 27,000 1 meters on 29 feeders. All 2s meters will be changed out by years end. We will revisit 3 metering to determine scope / costs.

AMR WindMil Interface

WindMil can read data directly from several AMR systems by using a MultiSpeak interface. Before using the interface, you need to contact your AMR/AMI vendor to get MultiSpeak configuration files for your enterprise software.

AMR WindMil Interface

AMR WindMil Interface

AMR WindMil Interface

AMR WindMil Interface

Distribution System Phasing w/ AMI

Most power-line carrier (PLC) AMR systems interface some sort of communications on the primary line buses within the substations. There is some sort of coupling onto each phase of each feeder. Two-way AMR allows us to send a signal down each phase to all meters connected to that phase, and get a response back from meters that heard the signal. If we can determine which meters are on what phase, we can electrically phase our distribution feeders. If we truly know our system phasing in our WindMil model, we can then more accurately run unbalanced analysis to model what is going on with our distribution system.

Voltage Drop Balanced Mode

Voltage Drop Unbalanced Mode

Distribution System Phasing w/ AMR

WindMil voltage-drop analyses can be run in unbalanced mode. This mode will more accurately reflect phase unbalances on your distribution system. This affects results of:
Voltage Drop Analysis Load Balance Activity Set Regulation Activity Loss Study

Past MUC Presentations AMR & SCADA Data in WindMil, by Jeff Wilhite (2007) AMR Data vs. Load Allocation, by Bill Kersting (2007)

Questions???