Smart Grid and Utility Challenges

Information environments have grown piecemeal in almost all utilities. Each system is implemented with a vertical view of its function. This includes the typical supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are the building blocks of smart grid. These systems which when integrated can provide real-time SCADA data on a geographic view of the electrical network, adding value to both. Both applications are geographically referenced database sets and have become the key operational tools of the electricity distribution business. KSEBL (Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd.) had developed a GIS system which was not able to act as a base for the SCADA integration as it is not compiled to meet the requirements of the integration. The challenge was to make it a structured model and design both in terms of database and electrical device design. The scope is for developing a middleware GIS solution for filling the gaps for integration with the existing system including network updates, to meet the requirements of the new system. The 11 kV networks and components are to be mapped into the Middleware application. The middleware application developed shall be in line with the IEC 61968 which is the international standard for SCADA Integration. Network Adapter makes use of this configuration and exports feeders in CIM XML format. Creating interoperability between the two systems will add value to both systems by extracting the optimum usage and availing the maximum benefits and there by technically creating the platform for smart grid implementation.