Case Study Utilizing AMR Functionalityand the OMS Detailed Circuit Model

Gregory A. Wolven, P.E.Director of Engineering

WIN Energy REMC

In the past, all of us have lived with our software processes because….

“We have always done it this way.”

Topics to Cover

• Who is WIN Energy REMC? (put things in perspective)

• AMR and AMI• Engineering and Operations Benefits• AMI Tools (Grid Stream™ or Smart Grid)

– Outage Management– Load Studies– Power Quality

Who is WIN Energy REMC?

• Located in SW Indiana• Approx. 16,500 meters• 135 MW NCP• 40 Substations

– 17 Dedicated– 23 Residential

• Approx. 1,500 sq. mile Territory

• 46 total employees

Topics to Cover• AMR and AMI

– AMR – Automated Meter Reading• Typically just for meter reading, typically a one-way

information flow FROM the meter to the processing software.

– AMI – Automated Meter Information• Much more powerful system than AMR; takes the

information provided by AMR and adds additional functionality such as request / response regarding outages.

Engineering and Operations Benefits

Engineering and Operations benefits greatly enhance the AMI business case.– These benefits include, but are not limited to the

following:• Blink Count

– Use this option, along with a good OMS system, to help track down system disturbances and, therefore, enhance member service satisfaction.

Topics to Cover

Engineering and Operations Benefits

Engineering and Operations benefits greatly enhance the AMI business case.– These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Signal strength from each meter (or endpoint)– This can be used to enhance AMR performance. – Continuously look into potential problems, proactively meter,

circuit and substation BEFORE outage events occur.» Vines, tree contact, bad connections

Topics to Cover

Engineering and Operations Benefits, continued

• kW Demand– Transformer sizing– Load Flow

» Enhanced with a good EA system, system planning is taken to a level few dreamed of even as recently as 5-10 years ago.

Topics to Cover

Engineering and Operations Benefits (cont.)• System Line Losses

– Aggregate System losses mask issues (or opportunities).– The ability to use daily energy readings allows both cycle billing

and the ability to read ALL meters at the time of supplier billing. – The ability to review losses by delivery point allows focused

review of places opportunities for efficiency improvement exist.» Example: 2008 “unaccounted for” kWh = 28,064,840,

which was a SYSTEM line loss of 4.62%. This represented a direct increase in the purchased power of $1,643,472. MOST of WIN Energy REMC’s substation line losses were around 10%. Dedicated substations (zero line loss) masked the real issue.

Topics to Cover

AMI and OMS Tools

• Outage Management– Manage expectations.

• AMR outage DETECTION (NOT outage verification) is a tool, not the “silver bullet.”

– Realize system potential.– OMS integration and custom application

• By graphically DISPLAYING meters that are in the lost status in OMS, outage detection and the extent of outages can be determined before visually verified, allowing better utilization of resources.

AMI and OMS

• Realizing system potential– Looking for reoccurring problems

AMI and OMS

– OMS integration and custom application• By graphically DISPLAYING meters that are in the lost status

in OMS, outage detection and the extent of outages can be determined before visually verified, allowing better utilization of resources.

Managing Load

• Managing Load– Reporting coincident data values that take guesswork

out of load balancing and load flow– Improving line loss, sizing equipment, and distribution

system design

Conclusion

• Data Mining (AMR or AMI)– What has been discussed in this presentation is just

the start.– Ask yourself “What is this data telling me?”– Results of daily unsolicited data from every meter can

show trends and potential issues that users need to interpret for their system.

Questions ?

Thank You !

Gregory A. Wolven, P.E.Director of Engineering

WIN Energy REMC

gawpe@winenergyremc.com