Case Study Utilizing AMR Functionality and the OMS Detailed Circuit Model

Gregory A. Wolven, P.E. Director of Engineering WIN Energy REMC

In the past, all of us have lived with our software processes because. We have always done it this way.

Topics to Cover Who is WIN Energy REMC?

(put things in perspective)

AMR and AMI Engineering and Operations Benefits AMI Tools (Grid Stream or Smart Grid)
Outage Management Load Studies Power Quality

Who is WIN Energy REMC?

Located in SW Indiana Approx. 16,500 meters 135 MW NCP 40 Substations

17 Dedicated 23 Residential

Approx. 1,500 sq. mile Territory 46 total employees

Topics to Cover AMR and AMI

AMR Automated Meter Reading
Typically just for meter reading, typically a one-way information flow FROM the meter to the processing software.

AMI Automated Meter Information

Much more powerful system than AMR; takes the information provided by AMR and adds additional functionality such as request / response regarding outages.

Topics to Cover
Engineering and Operations Benefits

Engineering and Operations benefits greatly enhance the AMI business case.
These benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
Blink Count
Use this option, along with a good OMS system, to help track down system disturbances and, therefore, enhance member service satisfaction.

Topics to Cover
Engineering and Operations Benefits

Engineering and Operations benefits greatly enhance the AMI business case.
These benefits include, but are not limited to:
Signal strength from each meter (or endpoint)
This can be used to enhance AMR performance. Continuously look into potential problems, proactively meter, circuit and substation BEFORE outage events occur. Vines, tree contact, bad connections

Topics to Cover
Engineering and Operations Benefits, continued
kW Demand
Transformer sizing Load Flow Enhanced with a good EA system, system planning is taken to a level few dreamed of even as recently as 5-10 years ago.

Topics to Cover
Engineering and Operations Benefits (cont.)
System Line Losses
Aggregate System losses mask issues (or opportunities). The ability to use daily energy readings allows both cycle billing and the ability to read ALL meters at the time of supplier billing. The ability to review losses by delivery point allows focused review of places opportunities for efficiency improvement exist. Example: 2008 unaccounted for kWh = 28,064,840, which was a SYSTEM line loss of 4.62%. This represented a direct increase in the purchased power of $1,643,472. MOST of WIN Energy REMCs substation line losses were around 10%. Dedicated substations (zero line loss) masked the real issue.

AMI and OMS Tools Outage Management

Manage expectations.
AMR outage DETECTION (NOT outage verification) is a tool, not the silver bullet.

Realize system potential. OMS integration and custom application

By graphically DISPLAYING meters that are in the lost status in OMS, outage detection and the extent of outages can be determined before visually verified, allowing better utilization of resources.

AMI and OMS Realizing system potential

Looking for reoccurring problems

AMI and OMS

OMS integration and custom application
By graphically DISPLAYING meters that are in the lost status in OMS, outage detection and the extent of outages can be determined before visually verified, allowing better utilization of resources.

Managing Load Managing Load

Reporting coincident data values that take guesswork out of load balancing and load flow Improving line loss, sizing equipment, and distribution system design

Conclusion Data Mining (AMR or AMI)

What has been discussed in this presentation is just the start. Ask yourself What is this data telling me? Results of daily unsolicited data from every meter can show trends and potential issues that users need to interpret for their system.

Questions ?

Thank You !

Gregory A. Wolven, P.E. Director of Engineering WIN Energy REMC gawpe@winenergyremc.com