- Smart Grid - Home
- Smart Grid Introduction
- What is an Electric Grid?
- Electric Grid Evolution
- What is a Smart Grid?
- Smart Grid - Functions
- Smart Grid - Characteristics
- Smart Grid - Advantages
- Smart Grid - Components
- Smart Grid - Challenges
- Smart Grid Technologies
- Smart Energy Resources
- Power System Automation
- Smart Substations
- Substation Automation
- Smart Grid - Feeder Automation
- Energy Management System
- Smart Grid - FACTS
- HVDC Transmission
- Wide Area Monitoring
- SCADA in Smart Grid
- Smart Grid - DMS
- Smart Grid - OMS
- Volt/VAR Control
- Smart Grid - FMSR
- Smart Grid - HEDT
- Phase Shifting Transformers
- Smart Grid - PHEV
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure
- Smart Meters - Introduction
- Smart Meters - AMI
- Smart Meters - AMIS
- Communication Architecture
- Drivers & Benefits
- Phasor Measurement Unit
- Intelligent Electronic Devices
- Power Quality Management
- Power Quality in Smart Grid
- Power Quality Issues
- Power Quality Monitoring Techniques
- Power Quality Conditioners
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Power Quality Audit
- Smart Grid Communication
- Smart Grid Communication
- Communication Network
- Communication Technologies
- Broadband Over Power Line
- Internet Protocols
- Web Services in Smart Grid
- Cloud Computing
- Multi Agent System Technology
- IP Based Protocols
- Cyber Security
Outage Management System (OMS)
An outage management system or OMS is a computer-based system designed to detect the power outages and perform restoration of the system.
The smart grid outage management system can perform numerous operations like trouble call handling, outage predication, analysis, maintenance crew management, etc. Read this chapter to learn about the outage management system and its functions in detail.
Definition of Outage Management System
In a smart grid, the outage management system (OMS) is a computer system designed to effectively manage the power outages and speed up the restoration of system during outages.
It uses connectivity models and graphical user interfaces that assist distribution network operators to manage power outages.
The outage management system used in smart grids receives network data from geographical information system (GIS) by means of a network data interface. The modern outage management systems are integrated with SCADA and other mobile data systems to report the outages and send information to the crew members automatically. Thus, it significantly reduces the estimated restoration time
Functions of Outage Management System
A typical outage management system performs the following major functions in an electrical distribution network −
Predict Location of Outages
It is one of the essential functions that the outage management system performs. It determines the location of the fuse or circuit breaker that opened upon failure. The smart grid OMS is so efficient that it can accurately predict the location fault.
Prioritize Restoration Efforts and Resource Management
The smart grid OMS manages the resources and prioritizes the restoration efforts based on certain criteria like location of emergency facilities, size of fault or outage, duration of outage, etc. It higher prioritizes the critical areas like hospitals, emergency facilities, etc. for faster power restoration.
Provide Outage Information
The smart grid OMS also maintains transparency between utilities, stakeholders, consumers, etc. by providing information related to outages. The OMS communicates the data related to outage like size, duration, number of consumers impacted, etc. to the management, media, and regulators.
Estimate the Restoration Time
OMS also performs the calculation of estimated time required for power restoration. This function of the outage management system manages the consumers during outage and improves their satisfaction.
Management of Crews Involved in Restoration
The smart grid OMS also calculates the efforts and number of crew members required for power restoration. This helps in reducing the operational cost and optimizing the resource utilization.
Components of Outage Management System
The block diagram of an outage management system (OMS) is shown in the following figure −
The different components of this outage management system are listed here along with their functions −
Geographical Information System (GIS)
GIS is the core component of an outage management system as it provides a detailed model of the distribution network. It provides all the important data and information which are essential for predication and management of outages accurately.
Customer Information System (CIS)
This component is provided in the outage management system for storing and managing the customer records liked to the distribution network. Customers can log into the CIS by making an outage call to a call center representative or through an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system.
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) System
AMR system is another important component in the smart grid outage management system. This system serves as a virtual call indicating consumers who are without power. Thus, the AMR system of OMS provides more advanced outage detection capabilities.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System
In a modern outage management system (OMS), SCADA is an important component, as it is responsible for collecting real-time time data from remote terminal units, and IEDs installed across the distribution network. This collected data provides reports about status of field devices like circuit breakers, fuses, reclosers, etc. This helps in rapidly detecting and responding to power outages.
Mobile Data System (MDS)
Another main component that is integrated into the modern outage management system is the mobile data system. This component is responsible for predicating outages and send an automatic message to crews in the field. Using this information, crews can reach to the predicted outage location to restore the power in very less time. This component eliminates the need for radio communication with the control center and reduces the estimated restoration time.
Advantages of Outage Management System
The major advantages of outage management system in a smart grid are listed below −
- The integration of outage management system in the smart grid reduces the outage duration by predicting the accurate outage location and prioritizing the restoration efforts.
- OMS enhances the consumer satisfaction by informing consumers about outage restoration status and estimated restoration time. The transparent communication also builds trust of consumers on the utility company.
- The outage management system also improves the media relations by providing accurate outage information and restoration information. This creates a positive public image of the utility.
- OMS also helps in reducing complaints to regulators, as it allows to prioritize restoration of emergency facilities and other critical consumers.
- The outage management system uses outage statistics for reducing outage frequency and making targeted reliability improvements.
How OMS Helps in Distribution Reliability Improvement?
The outage management system helps in improving the reliability of the distribution network. For this purpose, the OMS provides historical data that is to be analyzed to determine most common reasons of power outages. It also helps in implementing improvement programs by understanding the common causes of faults and failures in the system.
Another major points that highlight the contribution of outage management system in the reliability enhancement of distribution system are as follows −
- Accurate and faster detection of fault location
- Prioritization of restoration efforts
- Prediction and prevention of faults through historical data analysis
- Upgradation of distribution infrastructure
- Real-time monitoring of the distribution network, etc.
Conclusion
Outage management system (OMS) is a crucial component of a smart grid system, as it provides capabilities to efficiently manage the power outages in the modern distribution networks.
One of the major functions that the OMS performs is the accurate prediction of outage location. This function helps in reducing the outage duration, restoration efforts, and improved consumer satisfaction.
The integration of outage management system into the distribution network is the pavement towards developing a reliable, responsive, and resilient distribution network.