Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Meralco's Distribution Automation System (DAS)


The Distribution Automation System (DAS)is the nerve center of Meralco’s electric distribution system. It is a computer system used as a tool to manage the entire electric distribution system efficiently. It evolved from the smaller supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) into a much larger, multi-functional, and state-of-the-art system.

The DAS will improve operating reliability and efficiency and will enhance product quality and service through the following:

1. Reduction of unwanted power outages or brownouts, if not eliminating it
The DAS prevents network overload and performs contingency evaluation by constantly assessing the current state of the electric distribution system in real-time mode – it prevents potential problems that cause forced outages

2. Reduction of the duration of unwanted power outages or brownouts
If power outages do occur, the DAS will provide key information for faster diagnosis of the problem and gives the operator multiple options how to solve the problem – it speeds up restoration of power

3. Reduction of the extent of unwanted power outages or brownouts
In tandem with remote devices throughout the distribution lines, the DAS detects the fault that caused the brownout, isolates it, and restores power to unaffected portions of the lines – it localizes power outages

4. More selective planned outages or brownouts due to maintenance
The DAS allows Meralco to shift its preventive maintenance program from time-based to condition-based maintenance plan, a proactive and economic approach towards enhancing equipment performance and extending their life – it improves maintenance planning for lesser disruption of service

5. Improvement of power quality
Fluctuations in voltages hurt sensitive loads and the DAS prevents this by optimizing the system voltage profile and power factor through the use of correction devices in the substations and distribution lines – it provides correction of over-voltages or under-voltages

6. Increasing operating efficiency and reduction of system losses
The real-time assessment of the electric distribution system performance allows the DAS to maximize the loading of the distribution network, optimizes distribution line and transformer capacities, and prevents adverse operating conditions – it offers improvement of operating reliability, optimization of resources, and enhancement of economic network management

7. Continuity of service under abnormal conditions
The DAS can thrive in adverse operating conditions through the use of an intelligent alarm system for decision support, and, in extreme conditions, a back-up control center – it supports distribution system contingencies


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The DAS is the core of the company’s continuing distribution automation (DA) program, a program that addresses the stiffer demands of the deregulated electricity industry. Designed to grow with the times, the DAS will integrate with other specialized functions from new technologies available for substation and feeder automation in the future. The DAS is currently in the final stages of acceptance testing.

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Lifted from http://www.meralco.com.ph/Business/services/scada.htm

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