Bob Saint

1
Rural Distribution System Planning Using Smart
Grid Technologies

• Bob Saint
• Principal Distribution Engineer, Energy Policy
• NRECA Arlington, VA
• robert.saint_at_nreca.coop
• IEEE Rural Electric Power Conference
• Ft. Collins, CO
• April 27, 2009

Transmission and Distribution Engineering
Committee (TDEC)
2
Conclusion 1

• Smart Grid technologies are being utilized on
  rural distribution systems today and in many
  cases the value of Smart Grid technologies is
  greater for rural systems than urban systems
• Interoperability of the Smart Grid technologies
  being utilized is key to making rural
  distribution systems really smart

3
Conclusion 2

• In todays world, we need to utilize all
  available technologies in planning a system that
  is as energy and operationally efficient as
  possible
• This will require a change in attitude (a
  paradigm shift) in the way we approach
  distribution system planning

4
Smart Grid Definition

• Smart Grid is a transformed electricity
  transmission and distribution network or "grid"
  that uses robust two-way communications, advanced
  sensors, and distributed computers to improve the
  efficiency, reliability and safety of power
  delivery and use.
• --Wikipedia

5
Statement of Smart Grid Policy

• It is the policy of the United States to support
  the modernization of the Nation's electricity
  transmission and distribution system to maintain
  a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure
  that can meet future demand growth.
• --Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of
  2007, Title 13

6
EISA 2007 - Title 13

• Section 1301 establishes a federal policy to
  modernize the electric utility transmission and
  distribution system to maintain reliability and
  infrastructure protection.
• Section 1302 calls for DOE to report to Congress
  on the deployment of Smart Grid technologies and
  any barriers to deployment.
• Section 1303 directs DOE to establish a Smart
  Grid Advisory Committee and a Smart Grid Task
  Force to assist with implementation.
• Section 1304 directs DOE to conduct Smart Grid
  RDD and to develop measurement strategies to
  assess energy savings and other aspects of
  implementation.
• Section 1305 directs the National Institute of
  Standards and Technology to establish protocols
  and standards to increase the flexibility of use
  for Smart Grid equipment and systems.

7
EISA 2007 - Title 13

• Section 1306 directs DOE to create a program that
  reimburses 20 of qualifying Smart Grid
  investments.
• Section 1307 directs states to encourage
  utilities to employ Smart Grid technology and
  allows utilities to recover Smart Grid
  investments through rates.
• Section 1308 requires DOE to prepare a report to
  Congress on the effect of private wire laws on
  the development of combined heat and power
  facilities.
• Section 1309 directs DOE to report to Congress on
  the potential impacts of Smart Grid deployment on
  the security of electricity infrastructure and
  operating capability.

8
DOE Smart Grid Characteristics

• The Smart Grid will
• Enable Informed participation by consumers
• Accommodate all generation and storage options
• Enable new products, services and markets
• Provides Power Quality for the Range of Needs in
  the 21st Century Economy
• Optimize asset utilization and operate
  efficiently
• Addresses Disturbances through Automated
  Prevention, Containment, and Restoration
• Operates Resiliently Against All Hazards

9
Smart Grid Interoperability Framework

• NIST has been directed to identify the existing
  protocols and standards and to identify gaps
• GridWise Architecture Council (GWAC) has
  identified areas for standardization for
  improvement between system components
• MultiSpeak is an example of a standardized
  method to define the format of data transferred
  between distribution software applications

10
Smart Grid Technologies

• Smart Meters
• Other Sensors
• Voltage Control
• Capacitor Control
• Outage Detection
• Weather Conditions
• Demand Control/Response

11
Smart Grid Technologies

• Distribution Substation SCADA
• Automated Switching
• Distributed Generation
• Geographic Information Systems
• Outage Management Systems
• Work Force Management
• Plug-In Electric Vehicles

12
Smart Grid Technologies Used for Distribution
System Planning

• Accurate and Real Time Load Modeling
• Accurate and Real Time Losses by Feeder
• Outage Cause Tracking
• Spatial Substation Locating
• Distributed Generation

13
TDEC System Planning Subcommittee

• Updating and improving RUS Bulletin 1724D-101A
  Electric System Long-Range Planning Guide that
  was last updated in May 1995

14
Conclusion 1

• Smart Grid technologies are being utilized on
  rural distribution systems today and in many
  cases the value of Smart Grid technologies is
  greater for rural systems than urban systems
• Interoperability of the Smart Grid technologies
  being utilized is key to making rural
  distribution systems really smart

15
Conclusion 2

• In todays world, we need to utilize all
  available technologies in planning a system that
  is as energy and operationally efficient as
  possible
• This will require a change in attitude (a
  paradigm shift) in the way we approach
  distribution system planning