Smart Grid - Feeder Automation

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Feeder automation is nothing but a process of automating the control and operations of a distribution feeder. It is primarily aimed for improving the reliability, efficiency, and security of the electricity distribution and provide a high-quality service to consumers. Feeder automation is done by using several smart grid devices and digital communication networks.

What is Feeder Automation?

Feeder automation is defined as a process of automating the monitoring, control, and operations of distribution feeders. Feeder automation involves the use of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), digital communication networks, and automated control systems to perform feeder operations without any need of human intervention.

Feeder automation enables the utility companies to monitor the feeder operations in real-time, and provides capabilities to control and optimize the distribution feeders for delivering power more efficiently.

Layout of Feeder Automation

A typical layout of a feeder automation system is depicted in the following figure.

Why Do We Need Feeder Automation?

Major faults occur in the feeder section of the distribution networks. Therefore, it is very important to continuously monitor the operation of a feeder which is manually not practical. Hence, we need an automated system that can monitor and control the feeder operations.

Some of the key factors why we need feeder automation are listed here −

• Feeder automation is required for reducing the frequency and duration of power outages and improving the reliability of power supply.
• Feeder automation is also essential for predicting the failures and inefficiencies in the distribution networks and reducing the power interruptions.
• Feeder automation is needed for integrating and managing the renewable energy resources. It is required because renewable energy resources like solar, wind, etc. are intermittent in nature.
• Feeder automation is also important for enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and security of the power distribution networks. This helps in reducing the energy cost and improving the consumer satisfaction.

Components of Feeder Automation System

The block diagram of a typical feeder automation system is depicted in the figure above. It involves the use of following key smart devices and components −

Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)

IEDs are the smart devices used for real-time monitoring and automated control of electric feeder operations. Examples of IEDs include smart sensors, protection and control relays, digital communication devices, smart meters, etc.

Communication Networks

In feeder automation, digital communication networks are used for transmitting data between different components. Commonly used communication technologies are power line carrier, ethernet, optical fiber, or wireless networks.

Distribution Management System

It is one of the key components of the feeder automation system. It is basically a centralized software employed for collecting data from IEDs, perform their analysis, and send appropriate commands to the control system.

SCADA System

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is another software used in feeder automation system. It is primarily used for real-time data acquisition and providing remote control of feeder operations.

Automated Switches

These are the smart switches that can be operated from a remote location. The automated switches receive commands from SCADA system and control the flow of electricity through the feeder.

Working of Feeder Automation System

The detailed and step-by-step working of a feeder automation system is explained here −

Step 1 − The intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and smart sensors provided across the feeder collect the electrical data about the feeder operation.

Step 2 − The IEDs and sensorss data are transmitted to a central control system or distribution management system for analysis.

Step 3 − The distribution management system analyzes the data to determine any issues or faults in the feeder network. It also predicts the potential issues in the distribution network in advance.

Step 4 − Depending on the results of data analysis, the distribution management system sends commands to the control system for taking appropriate actions.

Step 5 − A feedback loop is provided in the system for continuous monitoring of the feeder operations and optimize the performance accordingly.

Functions of Feeder Automation

The detailed working of a feeder automation system is explained in the above section. From this discussion, we can list the important functions of a typical feeder automation system, which are as follows −

• Rapid fault detection and isolation to minimize the damages in the distribution feeders.
• Automatic rerouting of power to reduce the power outages in unaffected areas.
• Manage and equal distribution of electrical load across the network to provide load balancing and minimize the chances of overloading in the feeder.
• Keep the feeder voltage within a specified limit to improve the power quality.
• Continuous monitoring of the distribution feeders to prevent failures and reduce the power outages and maintenance cost.

Advantages of Feeder Automation

The following are some major benefits of providing feeder automation in a distribution system −

• Feeder automation improves the reliability of the distribution network through rapid fault detection and isolation.
• Feeder automation also enhances the efficiency of power distribution network through load balancing and voltage regulation.
• Feeder automation reduces the need of human intervention for operation and maintenance. Hence, it also reduces the cost of operation and maintenance of feeder.
• Feeder automation minimizes the human errors and provides rapid power restoration service. This increases the trust of consumers and improves their satisfaction.

Challenges in Feeder Automation

Feeder automation offers several advantages, but it also faces numerous challenges in the implementation and operation −

• The implementation of feeder automation technologies requires infrastructure upgradation which is a cost intensive task and requires high initial cost.
• Different technologies and devices are used for feeder automation that may have compatibility issues.
• Feeder automation uses digital communication networks for data transmission. Hence, the operation of feeder automation system is vulnerable to cyber threats.
• Feeder automation employes new technologies that require approvals from regulatory bodies before use.
• The installation, operation, and maintenance of feeder automation devices is a technology intensive task that requires highly skilled personnel.

Why Feeder Automation is Important in Smart Grid?

Feeder automation system is an important part of a smart grid as it is used for improving the efficiency, reliability, and security of the electric grid. It provides real-time monitoring and automatic control capabilities in the power distribution network.

In smart grid technology, feeder automation is important because it allows for −

• Seamless integration and management of renewable energy sources.
• Distribution of load evenly across the network to provide load balancing.
• Improving the grid stability and resiliency to withstand against the faults and disturbances.
• Optimizing the performance of the distribution network, etc.

Conclusion

Feeder automation is a crucial component in a smart grid because it helps in managing the operation of power distribution system more efficiently. It uses advanced technologies and digital communication to automate the feeder operations to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and resiliency of the network. It is also important for reducing the operational and maintenance cost of power distribution.