Data Source to ADMS Applications
Why It's Important
As utilities increasingly leverage Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
to facilitate grid modernization efforts, the need for system data from all significant
locations of the distribution network has grown.
Comprehensive real-time data is
necessary for an ADMS to enable the most effective data-driven decisions and actions,
but gaps in coverage beyond substations often exist. Intelligent sensors offer a cost-
effective solution to deliver more complete distribution grid data to a utility’s ADMS.
How Data Sources & ADMS Work Together
Sentient Energy’s MM3™, ZM1™, UM3+™, and UM1™ intelligent sensors collect system data in real-time throughout the distribution system. The MM3 is line-powered and used on main overhead lines, the ZM1 is used for overhead laterals and lightly loaded segments, and the UM3+ and UM1 are used in underground enclosures.
Sentient Energy sensors use both cellular and mesh wireless technologies to communicate data back to the ADMS at the utility control center.
Key Features
Sentient Energy’s MM3, UM3+, and ZM1 intelligent sensors fill in data gaps with:
- Fault detection
- Fault magnitude
- Current direction
- GPS time and location
- System load by phase
Data Source to ADMS Applications Benefits
Fault magnitude with time stamps and GPS location each facilitate more accurate ADMS distance-to-fault calculations and augment automated fault location, isolation, and restoration schemes, reducing outage times. Sensor load data feeds ADMS load profiling for a more complete system view of load current.
Users also have an option to add Sentient Energy Ample® Analytics software to enable capabilities such as waveform capture for in-depth interruption analysis and reporting.
What is an ADMS?
ADMS is the software platform that supports the full suite of distribution management and optimization. An ADMS includes functions that automate outage restoration and optimize the performance of the distribution grid.
ADMS functions being developed for electric utilities include fault location, isolation, and restoration; volt/volt-ampere reactive optimization; conservation through voltage reduction; peak demand management; and support for microgrids and electric vehicles.
