Implementation of a software defined FLISR solution on an active distribution grid

Background: The resiliency of the distribution grid is of increasing concern to the distribution system operator (DSO) due to factors such as climate change and the resulting faults caused by inclement weather conditions, leading to service disruption to consumers. Loss of service negatively affects key performance indicators (KPI) of the DSO, such as customer minutes lost (CML) and customer interruptions (CI), leading to financial penalties imposed by the regulator. Methods: In this paper we propose a software-driven Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR) solution, leveraging modern software and communication technologies married with the DSO's existing infrastructure, to aid fault detection and resolution, with the aim of reducing CMLs & CIs and curtailing the financial penalties incurred. Results: The proposed FLISR solution was trialled in an area of south-east Ireland which sees a higher count of service loss as compared to more inland areas, providing an ideal environment to gauge the effectiveness of the solution. It was found that the solution generated outputs that could potentially lead to the resolution of fault events faster than the current systems in place by the DSO. Conclusions: Based on the results gathered from operating the FLISR solution on an active grid, it has demonstrated that leveraging modern software technologies in tandem with existing grid infrastructure benefits the DSO with reference to grid management and operations and the customer in terms of quality of service site.