Integrating technologies into distribution systems automation in distribution networks

The author briefly discusses the differences between remote control and automation. Remote control is the manually initiated control of a switch on the network, usually initiated at a control room, e.g. the remote control of HV circuit breakers in primary substations. Sometimes called telecontrol. This remote control can be extended out into the distribution network to convert the manually controlled switches to become remotely controlled switches with manual initiation. Automation is more advanced than remote control because the control of switches is not initiated by a manned control centre but by a pre-configured set of logic which will, under the correct conditions, operate the switches on the system to automatically reconfigure a network according to its instructions. Sometimes referred to as "self-healing". Three stages to automation are discussed. Stage one consists of remote control, and/or simple fault isolation and restoration, using digital control and alarm signals only. Fault isolation is typically one or two points. Stage two, is similar to stage one but with the addition of analogue measurements, leading to more advanced fault location. The fault location may divide the network into smaller zones with restoration according load on the system at the time. It also gives facilities for measurements of any parameter chosen, e.g. system voltage, currents, and condition monitoring. Stage three entails moving to more advanced systems such as DMS.