This document provides an overview of a fastrack distribution management system (DMS) pilot implementation approach for utilities. The approach involves four phases: Build, where a subset of the utility's network is modeled; Learn, where the model is evaluated; Plan, where future goals and strategies are identified; and Execute, where the DMS software is deployed. The pilot helps utilities demonstrate DMS benefits, better understand their data needs, and build support for further smart grid projects.

1. Getting Started with Advanced
Network Operations
A fastrack DMS solution for distribution management
Make the most of your energy SM

2. Summary
Executive Summary . ................................................................................... p 1
Introduction ................................................................................................. p 2
Why a fastrack DMS?................................................................................... p 4
Build . .......................................................................................................... p 6
Learn . ......................................................................................................... p 7
Plan . ........................................................................................................... p 8
Execute........................................................................................................ p 9
Move at the ‘speed of value’ ........................................................................ p 10
Conclusion................................................................................................... p 11

3. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Executive summary
While many utilities look forward to the benefits of deploying smart grid
technology, they need help on where and how to start. A manageable distribution
management system (DMS) pilot implementation is a good kickoff toward the
smart grid goal, because it successfully demonstrates the possibilities while it
builds support from stakeholders across the enterprise. Schneider Electric helps
the utility implement the DMS pilot, using a phased Build — Learn — Plan —
Execute approach.
In such a DMS pilot project, the company works with a small team of utility
personnel knowledgeable of the organization’s network data stores and analytical
functions. They build a fully operational load flow model that represents a subset
of the network and reflects circuit data from the GIS database or other sources
and includes two HV/MV substations and four to eight feeders, ideally with the
switches and enough load profile data to support some switching and basic
optimization functionality.
In the Learn phase of the DMS pilot, team members evaluate functionality of the
model and completeness and accuracy of the data used. Tuning the model builds
team confidence in its understanding of the data needed and the accuracy of the
basic DMS algorithms.
In the Plan phase, the utility identifies current business plan and internal and
external drivers toward grid automation, considering throughout the political and
regulatory environments. A strategy is designed to remove obstacles and achieve
identified goals.
In the final Execute phase, the utility will contract for software and services; train
core team; develop system configuration and convert data; and finally deploy the
system with site acceptance testing and rollout.
This fastrack DMS implementation gets the utility started and moving at the ‘speed
of value’ as it builds confidence in DMS technology. It offers a proof-of-concept of
DMS benefits across the organization — more reliable service, reduction of peak
demand, utility cost savings and more.
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4. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Introduction
Smart Grid technology offers a large and often confusing array of components
and solutions that promise potential benefits for stakeholders. Making the right
choices in this environment isn’t easy. Focusing on critical areas for improving
grid performance is one key to achieving the best results. One emerging trend in
the industry is to develop strategies that better control and optimize distribution
network operations with advanced distribution management systems (DMS) and
to start with a “proof of concept” (POC) approach.
‘Pilot’ projects can pose challenges for many utilities. How to start? How to
avoid the perception of yet another small-scale Smart Grid effort that won’t lead
to tangible benefits? This paper will address the benefits, issues, and internal
buy-ins necessary to start a pilot project, and will provide a project approach
to achieve success and position the utility organization for a full solution
evaluation.
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5. Getting Started with
Advanced Network
Operations

6. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Why a fastrack DMS?
Many utilities are stymied by the enormity of
implementing a full Smart Grid with the issues of
network reinforcement, device assessment, algorithm
investigation, production or project software,
integration within OT and IT environments, and many
more issues that need to be addressed. To gain
the benefits that are associated with implementing
Smart Grid initiatives, “you have to start somewhere”.
Implementing a manageable pilot can not only
successfully demonstrate the possibilities, but
provide enormous support for building internal
utility momentum with stake holders, managers,
employees, and regulators.
At Schneider Electric, we often work with customers
to implement a DMS pilot over a three to four month
period through a four phase approach (Build — - ssess steps that will be necessary to maintain a
A
Learn — Plan — Execute): “timely and accurate” network model to support
an operational DMS
• Build —
- nvestigate what can be achieved through
I
- Install DMS software on a laptop systems integration and what can be acquired
through bulk import or manual data loads
- uild the network model utilizing the utility’s GIS
B
or engineering analysis data • Plan —
- dd missing electrical data (typical consumer load
A - evelop a ranking of analytic functions and their
D
profiles, standard transformer characteristics, benefit to the utility (i.e. switching orders, FLISR,
other typical equipment data) VVO, Voltage Reduction, Load Shedding, etc.)
• Learn — - evelop a plan for identifying data sources and
D
methods for accurately maintaining those sources
- earn just what specific data is missing in the
L
currently available network model - evelop an organizational communications
D
plan utilizing the POC laptop for “show and tell”
- nvestigate the location and quality of the missing
I meetings
data within the current utility data stores
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7. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
• Execute — To successfully achieve the benefits of a DMS POC,
we recommend putting together a small team of key
- ontract for software and services
C personnel within the organization that can address
the three main areas of emphasis; assessing data,
pecify requirements
S evaluating engineering analytics, and gaining internal
management support. To assess the data needs, we
Identify delivery and support services recommend a high energy, self-starter individual that
can diligently dig deep into the internal data stores
- esign
D of the utility and find those “nuggets” of information.
An innovative engineer thoroughly schooled in
Train core team distribution planning and operations should be able
to analyze the appropriateness of various analytical
Review requirements functions and their benefit to the organization. And of
course, there is the need to have a mid-level or higher
- evelop
D
manager that can champion the project to upper
management, various stake holder organizations, and
Data conversion
the regulators.
System configuration
- eploy
D Build
Site acceptance testing
Design roll out
Production
Learn
Develop
Deploy Plan
Execute
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8. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Build
At the heart of all DMS implementations is a
sufficiently accurate load flow model. To achieve this
goal, data must not only be complete, but “timely
and accurate.” Electrical network data for distribution
planning and analysis is usually updated only yearly
and includes only peak load information. To properly
build an operational DMS model, the “current”
state of the distribution network must be accurately
modeled. In an operational DMS, the network
model is usually imported from the GIS (keeper of
the “as-built” model) into the DMS (keeper of the Figure above. Typical Consumer Load Profile Curves
“as-operated” model. Electrical catalog information
not maintained within the GIS is added from other
• Build phase
data sources to complete the DMS electrical network
model. Typical consumer load curves are usually
- raw substation 1-line connectivity model
D
obtained from regulator rate filing information;
however, with the advent of AMI/MDM systems, finer - mport feeders from electrical connectivity model
I
granularity of consumer load profile data may be data source
available.
- dd several typical consumer load profiles (i.e.
A
For the POC, it is not possible to obtain all of the residential, small commercial, large commercial,
aforementioned data; therefore, a subset of the industrial)
network is used with typical electrical catalog and
typical consumer data added. • Data Sources
• POC Scope - ubstations — CAR files, SCADA 1-lines, paper
S
drawings, equipment records
- wo HV/MV substations
T
- eeders — GIS, SynerGEE, CYME, WindMill,
F
- our to eight feeders
F paper maps, equipment records
- deally sum of the feeders connect with tie
I - oad profiles — AMI/MDM histories, load survey
L
switches data, engineering judgment
- oes not have to be “end state” data sources (i.e.
D
no automated integration)
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9. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Learn
The purpose this phase is to capture the lessons
learned during the Build phase. With the DMS
installed on a laptop and the small portion of the
network verified and now a working electrical model,
the team can begin to compare load flow results
against field measurements. Where distribution
SCADA exists, the team can input telemetered values
from the SCADA 1-line displays and compare the
load flow results. Immediate verification of model
accuracy will become evident. If an electrical element
Figure above. Geographic and Schematic Views of Network
is modeled in error, load flow results will not match.
bring the utility. Learn what it takes to construct a
This is where the electrical engineering and utility
useful DMS model and:
experience comes into play. Since the DMS provides
all electrical quantities (i.e. volts, amps, real/reactive
• Identify data deficiencies
power, etc.) for every element in the network, it
should be fairly easy to investigate the circuit and
• erform DMS functions and rank analytic
P
find the offending element. If errors exist, there is one
functions
of two possible problems — bad field measurements,
or bad modeling. Tuning the model will build
• Topology/Connectivity Analysis
confidence within the team of their understanding of
the data required and the accuracy of the basic DMS
• State Estimation
algorithms. Accumulating results of this investigative
effort will be useful input to any planning for
• Voltage Reduction (VVO/VVC)
implementing an operational network model.
• Improve efficiency of the distribution network
After the model is producing good results, the DMS
analytical functions can be used to demonstrate the • Define requirements and validate business needs
positive effects that implementation of the DMS could
• Build organization confidence and consensus
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10. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Plan
The key to any successful Smart Grid implementation current targets, but are inadequate for future
project is having a well thought out and tested utility operations. One particular area of emphasis
plan. Using the lessons learned from the previous should be on having a robust, secure, and scalable
phase as a micro implementation, areas needing distribution SCADA infrastructure. Current utility
further investigation can be identified. Stake holder SCADA systems can adequately handle present
feedback from taking the POC laptop throughout telemetry needs for several hundred substation
the organization should provide valuable insight into RTUs, but they cannot handle the demands of a
obstacles that will need to be overcome before any fully automated and telemetered smart distribution
project implementation can begin. network with tens of thousands of field devices (i.e.
switches, controllers, and sensors).
Analyzing the current business situation is a must.
Internal and external drivers toward a Smart Grid “As-is” and “to-be” processes should also
along with the political and regulatory environment be mapped out at a very high level to identify
must be considered. A good plan will identify all of opportunities for improvement. A gap analysis of
these elements and provide a strategy for removing current state versus future state will reveal areas
obstacles and achieving goals. that need further investigation. Business process
re-engineering will be critical to ensuring all of the
One key item often overlooked is developing a identified benefits are achieved and the return on
strategic vision of utility operations in the next five investment maximized. Also of consideration is the
to 10 years. Forgetting to plan long range can development of a strategy to ensure the organization
result in solutions being implemented that meet can achieve future goals.
Plan for executing Smart Grid projects
• ssess internal and external drivers for grid
A
automation
- Balance of supply and load
- System efficiency
- Operations reliability
• Evaluate internal resources
• Develop business case metrics for a DMS system
• lan for complete DMS deployment, including
P
change management
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11. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Execute
The last stage is Execute. At this point the Utility is
now positioned to act on the information gathered
from the Build - Learn - Plan phases. Typically an
Execution plan looks like the following:
• Contract for software and services
- Specify requirements
- Identify delivery and support services
• Design
- Train core team Design
- Review requirements
• Develop
Develop
- Data conversion
Deploy
- System configuration
• Deploy
- Site acceptance testing
- Production roll out
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12. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Move at the ‘speed of value’
Schneider Electric is an industry leader in open-
architecture solutions that allow full integration
with existing and future standardized information
systems, ‘future-proofing’ its deliverables. Utilizing
the existing GIS connectivity model, the fastrack
DMS can leverage existing investments and help
validate network model accuracy. The more accurate
the network model, the better your utility identifies
operational and economic goals and develops a
realistic and effective Smart Grid strategy to realize
those goals.
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13. Getting Started with Advanced Network Operations
Conclusion
Utilities can take the first step toward achieving the benefits of DMS by
implementing a proof-of-concept DMS pilot project. This pilot will help the
utility identify data requirements and resources needed, as well as demonstrate
operational and economic benefits and build ‘buy-in’ from stakeholders.
A four-phased approach to carrying out this pilot — including creation of an ‘as
operated’ model of a subset of the network — has shown to help utilities put
network data and analysis functions to work to realize automated control and
performance optimization. Schneider Electric has helped utilities worldwide get
started with DMS technology to deliver better service to their customers and
improve overall operations efficiency and reliability.
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14. ©2012 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved.
Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
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Fort Collins, CO 80528
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1
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June 2012