An advanced distribution automation system experience from application development and project implementation

In February 1998 ABB Automation was awarded a Distribution Management System (DMS) from CLP Power for the supervision and control of the 11 kV distribution networks of Kowloon and the New Territories in Hong Kong. This DMS system was part of a bigger CLP Power project for distribution automation (DA) with the expressed goal to significantly reduce the average outage time on the medium voltage network. This goal was to be achieved through an increased use of telemetered information and remote control facilities but also with the use of advanced network applications dedicated for the medium voltage networks. The advanced network applications have been implemented based on a new, patented method for the dynamic topology engine. Distribution operation analysis like load calibration and load flows executing both in real-time and studies are included. The fault localisation, isolation and supply restoration (FLISR) application identifies errors via information from intelligent protection devices and fault indicators and will isolate the errors and propose pre-validated switching operations to restore supply efficiently. The execution of the DMS project has been done in close co-operation between CLP Power and ABB Automation. Although the supplier and the customer are situated on two continents (Europe and Asia), the work has proceeded in accordance to the original time schedule that stipulates a taking over of the final system in October 2000. A key factor to the success of the project has been two dedicated, strong and experienced project teams from both the supplier and customer working for one common goal.