System Planning
Why It's Important
Accurate network load flow models are essential for utility planners to make data driven decisions for switching, capacity planning, and asset management. Utilities can improve model accuracy greatly by adding line sensors in new system locations.
How It Works
Line sensors can be deployed along overhead and underground feeders and laterals to collect load data as frequently as every 5 minutes. The data is aggregated in our Ample software platform which has APIs for integration with SCADA/ADMS.
Key Features
Sentient Energy’s MM3ai, ZM1, UM3+ and UM1 intelligent sensors plus Ample® Analytics software work in combination to deliver the following system status information:
- Average interval load current
- Daily maximum and minimum load current
- Current direction
- Phase identification, conductor temperature, and excursions above and below current and temperature thresholds (MM3ai only)
System Planning Benefits
Many aspects of planning have become more complex due to integration of DERs. Making good decisions about switching, replacing overloaded assets, and grid capacity are more challenging due to DER variability.
Key tools for planners are network load flow models and a proven way to increase their accuracy is with line sensors deployed at locations along feeders and laterals. This ensures that state estimations are aligned with real system data.
