Most of our Electric clients are investing in Geographic Information System (GIS) enhancements to leverage Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS). ADMS is a large payload application that drives extensive business benefits and has a compelling business case in terms of grid performance, safety and power efficiency. The benefits associated with ADMS are substantial enough that sooner or later all Electric utilities will consider implementation to modernize their grid. Since GIS is foundational for ADMS, it will have impacts for the GIS. This discussion is aimed at looking at ADMS implementation from a GIS perspective to identify business changes required from the GIS side as well as leveraging the business case of the ADMS to ensure that the required changes on the GIS side are recognized and funded.
ADMS requires both GIS and Supervisory Control and Data Aquisition (SCADA) as core enabling systems. GIS visualizes/locates the system of record and provides asset detail. SCADA defines the operational state of the system. These Core Systems provide the essential ingredients that feed ADMS and allow it to achieve business results.
Evolving GIS to Power ADMS
The following details the key factors impacting GIS as it evolves to power ADMS:
New Partners and Sponsors for GIS
Our experience has been that much of the current level of customer investment in Electric GIS is based upon ADMS Implementation vs. the more traditional mapping and construction focus. This typically means new GIS investment from new business sponsors. These sponsors are usually in the grid or operational side of the business and bring a new momentum and direction as well as new funding. While the additional investment is welcome it does mean the GIS Team will have to accommodate new requirements, priorities, governance, business processes, and expectations.
New Data Needs
The GIS databases that many utilities have at present may not be inclusive enough to support the ADMS. While the data probably meets current GIS needs, the asset information required by the ADMS is usually more detailed in terms of the specific assets and specifications. For example, we have an assignment to update a robust GIS database with wire sizing and all the specific attributes of the devices on the poles. Wire sizing and apparatus specifications were not included in the customer’s original GIS database. This additional data is now needed to be able to effectively isolate faults based on the actual assets and specific location on the grid network. If this update to the data is not made then the utility will not be able to selfheal faults or outages with the ADMS.
Gapping New Data Requirements
Typically, accommodating ADMS will require an evaluation of the gaps in the current GIS data needed to power the required ADMS functions required. These gaps typically will need to be addressed before the ADMS can leverage GIS capabilities. This means adding to the information and relationships stored in the GIS. Required gaps will be identified based on the planned functions to be utilized in the ADMS.
Addressing the Gaps
Once the data gaps have been specified, it will need to be determined how to best acquire the gap data and get it into the GIS. In some cases, the information required by the Gap will be in existing records which will need to be migrated or converted if it is non- automated data. In other cases, it may require a field survey to verify and collect the data.
Data Model Changes
ADMS requirements generally require re-visiting the GIS data model to accommodate the new information and relationships within the model.
Data Currency
One of the biggest impacts on the GIS is the requirement of data currency. GIS as built and asset updates information will need to be updated and posted quickly. Because ADMS implementation usually means that an infrastructure of new devices will be used to make decisions on the grid, self-healing of faults and switching will be device oriented vs. humans in the loop. This could mean safety concerns to field crews and others in terms of what is energized. Likewise, the ADMS will require the operating assets to effectively isolate and heal faults, prevent outages and reflect the operating status of the current system.
New Data Stewards
Typically the addition of new information to the GIS and the currency requirements there will mean new people maintaining new information to be posted to the GIS or it will mean expansion of the GIS maintenance team to get the new information posted on a current basis.
GIS Involvement in the ADMS Planning Process
One recommendation is for the GIS Team to be a key player in the ADMS planning and implementation process. Being involved allows the right measures to be taken in terms of the additional role for GIS. Being involved, also means that the required adjustments and the associated budget are recognized and accommodated during the planning process. Trying to budget for the GIS adjustments after the ADMS planning becomes a major challenge. The benefits of the ADMS need to pay for the GIS adjustments and this needs to be recognized in the planning process. Based on experience, the biggest challenge in implementing ADMS is synching the GIS foundation of the project.
Typical ADMS planning tasks
The following graphic provides and overview of the ADMS planning process:
Learn more about ADMS for your utility…
Visit our ADMS Consulting services page or contact us to learn more about ADMS planning, business cases, and the GIS requirements specific to your utility.