Here’s another systems engineering and analysis software focused presentation from Milsoft's 2009 User Conference. It was originally presented by Jim Cross. The Milsoft Electric Utility Solutions Users Conference is the premier event for our users and the vendors who provide interoperable solutions or services that enhance Milsoft Smart Grid Solutions. If you’d like to be on our mailing list, just email: missy.brooks@milsoft.com

1. Integrating AMR-AMI Data into WindMil
James S Cross, PE
Planning Engineer
Homer Electric Association
Kenai, Alaska

2. Improving Your WindMil Model w/ AMR/AMI
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Historically, planners and system operators have had very little
data regarding the individual loads on a distribution system.
Most distribution planning models have used (still use?) kWh
billing data (energy) from a CIS system to determine the “load
snapshot” (power) for the load-flow analysis.
This methodology is known as load allocation. Load allocation
is as much of an “art” as is system protection. There are no
hard & fast rules …. every system and every case is different.
Given the importance of the model loading to the load-flow
results, an accurate portrayal of the system loads is critical in
order to get good results.

3. EA Model Improvements
• The use of GIS systems at utilities has led to significant
improvements in model data, and large “detailed” models
have become prevalent.
• Load modeling has not seen the significant data
improvements that the system (impedance) models have
seen.
• End-of-line load data is still challenging, especially “real
time” data.

4. AMR/AMI Enters the Utility World
• Utilities now have the ability to obtain more data from the
end-of-line loads with the implementation of AMR
systems.
• Two-way AMR/AMI systems allow for even more
information flow, as some meters can be built or
programmed to detect more than just kWh usage.

5. What can AMR/AMI do for me?
In addition to reading kWh:
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Many AMR meters capture “blinks” or momentary outage counts
Voltage data
Ability to create a true “monthly” kWh reading
Real demand (kW) data
Equipment Information
This information can be used to make your WindMil model
better.

6. What else can AMR/AMI do for me?
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It can make a large model even larger
You are counting on another enterprise application to get data to
you correctly.
If the meter data moves through multiple enterprise applications,
each interface is a potential source of new data errors.
It can force you to use mixed methods to populate your model:
– AMR to populate 2S meter loads
– Billing / GIS to populate other loads

7. The question you MUST ask yourself …a

8. AMI at Homer Electric
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Homer Electric began implementing a Cannon Technologies AMI
system in 2005.
We started w/ a two substation / 300 meter pilot project.
Since then we’ve deployed ~ 5,000 meters per year. Nine
distribution substations will read approximately 27,000 1Ø meters on
29 feeders.
All 2s meters will be changed out by year’s end.
We will revisit 3Ø metering to determine scope / costs.

9. AMR – WindMil Interface
• WindMil can read data directly from several
AMR systems by using a MultiSpeak interface.
• Before using the interface, you need to contact
your AMR/AMI vendor to get MultiSpeak
configuration files for your enterprise software.

10. AMR – WindMil Interface

11. AMR – WindMil Interface

12. AMR – WindMil Interface

13. AMR – WindMil Interface

14. Distribution System Phasing w/ AMI
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Most power-line carrier (PLC) AMR systems interface some sort
of communications on the primary line buses within the
substations.
There is some sort of coupling onto each phase of each feeder.
Two-way AMR allows us to send a signal down each phase to all
meters connected to that phase, and get a response back from
meters that heard the signal.
If we can determine which meters are on what phase, we can
electrically phase our distribution feeders.
If we truly know our system phasing in our WindMil model, we
can then more accurately run unbalanced analysis to model what
is going on with our distribution system.

15. Voltage Drop – Balanced Mode

16. Voltage Drop – Unbalanced Mode

17. Distribution System Phasing w/ AMR
• WindMil voltage-drop analyses can be run in unbalanced
mode. This mode will more accurately reflect phase
unbalances on your distribution system.
• This affects results of:
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Voltage Drop Analysis
Load Balance Activity
Set Regulation Activity
Loss Study

18. Past MUC Presentations
• AMR & SCADA Data in WindMil, by Jeff
Wilhite (2007)
• AMR Data vs. Load Allocation, by Bill
Kersting (2007)

19. Questions???