Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System (IGS) is a powerful tool that can help utilities improve the reliability of their power delivery, reduce outages, and ultimately save money. One of the key benefits of the IGS is that it makes FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) systems much more economical, which is great news for utilities looking to improve their bottom line.
What is FLISR?
FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) is a set of technologies and processes used by utilities to quickly identify and isolate faults in the distribution grid and restore service to customers as soon as possible. FLISR systems use real-time monitoring, analytics, and automated control to isolate faults and re-route power around them, minimizing the number of customers affected by the outage, and to restore service to customers as soon as possible. The general steps involved in FLISR are as follows:
Fault Detection
FLISR systems use a variety of sensors and monitoring devices, such as fault passage indicators (FPIs), current and voltage sensors, and smart meters, to detect faults in the distribution grid. When a fault is detected, the FLISR system begins to analyze the data to determine the location and type of fault.
Fault Location
Once a fault is detected, the FLISR system uses advanced algorithms to pinpoint the location of the fault. This may involve analyzing data from multiple sensors and comparing it to pre-existing network models to determine the most likely location of the fault.
Fault Isolation
Once the location of the fault is determined, the FLISR system uses automated control devices, such as automatic switches or reclosers, to isolate the fault and redirect power around it. This helps to minimize the number of customers affected by the outage and restore service to as many customers as possible.
Service Restoration
After the fault is isolated, the FLISR system works to restore service to affected customers. This may involve restoring power to some customers through alternate paths or generators, while repairs are made to the damaged equipment.
FLISR Challenges
Accurately locating faults in the grid can be a challenge, as typically faults are only identified in a certain area of the grid, which may have multiple switches. This can result in longer sequences for isolation, slowing down the process and potentially causing an aging impact on all network assets due to switching at full load. Over time, frequent switching can cause wear and tear on components, which can lead to accelerated aging and potential failures. In modern grids, switches are becoming more frequent, which further increases the isolation time and may exacerbate the aging issue. As a result, utilities are looking for new solutions, such as FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) systems, to improve fault detection and minimize the impact of outages on the grid.
To make optimal use of FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) systems, utilities need to either install Fault Passage Indicators (FPIs) at every disconnector with remote operating capability or invest in breakers or reclosers along with relays. However, both of these solutions come with significant costs. While adding network assets initially increases the capital investment, over time it leads to recurring operating expenses as these assets age and require maintenance or replacement. Therefore, utilities must carefully weigh the benefits of implementing FLISR systems against their operational costs.
Safegrid's Intelligent Grid System™ can improve your FLISR
Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System™ (IGS) offers significant benefits for utilities, including fast and accurate fault location and continuous Partial Discharge (PD) monitoring, which can help utilities improve their grid performance, reduce downtime, and avoid economic losses.
The IGS can quickly locate faults on a map with high accuracy, pinpointing them within unprecedented accuracy and speed. This information can be easily integrated into existing Outage Management Systems (OMS) or Distribution Management Systems (DMS), making it possible to connect the IGS into the Fault Location, Isolation, and Restoration (FLISR) process and significantly speeding up the restoration process. This can help utilities minimize the impact of outages on customers and reduce the economic losses due to undelivered energy.
In addition, the IGS provides continuous PD monitoring, which can detect faults before they cause outages. By providing early detection, the IGS can help utilities take proactive measures to maintain grid reliability, reduce downtime, and avoid economic losses. This can help utilities save on operational costs and extend the lifespan of their network assets, leading to long-term cost savings.
The IGS is also designed to be an affordable solution for utilities. With its fast and simple installation, it can be easily integrated into existing systems, reducing the need for frequent switch operations that can lead to accelerated aging of network assets. This can help utilities reduce their operational costs while improving their grid performance.
Overall, Safegrid’s IGS is a comprehensive solution for utilities looking to improve their grid reliability and reduce downtime. By utilizing accurate fault location and continuous PD monitoring, utilities can minimize the impact of outages on their customers and avoid economic losses, leading to long-term cost savings and improved grid performance.
Safegrid’s IGS improves the bottom line immediately
By utilizing Safegrid’s IGS, utilities can achieve shorter switching sequences, which reduces the impact of faults on the grid. This results in improved SAIDI and SAIFI metrics, which in turn can reduce regulatory fees and penalties. Furthermore, the reduced downtime from quicker fault location and restoration can help reduce operational costs for the utility.
One of the key features of Safegrid’s IGS is its ability to monitor partial discharge (PD) continuously. This allows the system to detect faults before they cause outages, which can further improve SAIDI and SAIFI metrics while reducing regulatory fees and penalties.
In conclusion, Safegrid’s IGS can help utilities reduce the cost of FLISR infrastructure while improving grid performance. By utilizing modern technology like wireless sensors, cloud-based analytics, and PD monitoring, utilities can achieve shorter switching sequences, improved SAIDI and SAIFI, and lower regulatory fees and penalties, all while reducing operational costs.