Centralized vs. Distributed FA and Impacts On Distribution Performance
This project will investigate and compare centralized and distributed feeder automation schemes that are currently adopted by utilities or will be likely implemented in future. A thorough literature review and interviews among utilities/vendors will be carried out to determine performance and economic benefits of each. As far as possible, centralized, substation-based and peer-to-peer offerings commonly available will be compared on a normalized basis to determine the key elements of differentiation. The report will discuss how each FA arrangement enables distribution system operations such as sensing and monitoring, feeder switching, fault location, isolation and restoration, and volt/var control. In addition, their ability to impact performance metrics such as reliability indices, as well as asset utilization, life extension, and operational efficiency will be compared.
Specifically, this project is expected to accomplish the following:
- Investigate the structure of centralized and distributed FA schemes that are currently in use or will likely be in use in future
- Evaluate major applications of centralized and distributed FA schemes and their operational benefits
- Compare challenges, concerns, advantages, and disadvantages of centralized vs. distributed FA
- Discuss the performance and economics of centralized vs. decentralized automation schemes
Tagged: P6-13, P13, Engineering Analysis Software, Engineering Guidelines, Industry Perspectives / White Papers, Operational Efficiency, System Reliability, Smart Grid and DA, DER Impact