Distribution automation in smart grid Nauru

What is distribution automation?

Today distribution automation is recognized as “the extension of intelligent control over electrical power grid functions to the distribution level and beyond… It can be enabled via the smart grid.” The benefits of distribution automation are generally well accepted, but that does not make it easy to implement successfully, or reliably.

Are smart meters the future of distribution automation?

The distribution automation field is not exempted on this issue. As the energy consumption increases, the need for efficient smart grids also rises. This breeds the invention of the smart meters that make distribution automation on every household possible. You may think that today is a smartphone/tablet world.

What are the challenges in the distribution automation space?

The combination of aging electricity grid infrastructure and renewable portfolio standards present new challenges in the distribution automation space worldwide. In this application note, we review three key areas: asset protection, security, and asset management.

Is distribution automation a good idea?

Distribution automation is not new. Since the 1960s, the promise of applying computing technology to the electricity grid has captured the attention of the utility industry. However, until recently the real benefits of such an implementation were questionable.

How much does it cost to upgrade distribution automation?

Investments in the equipment for distribution automation are expensive, and automation upgrades run in the range of $10M to $20M for a single substation.6 Consequently, no modern utility begins a major upgrade project without a long project scope and well-documented justification.