The Problem

Electrical Distribution Grid power outages impair critical institutions, industry, and infrastructure. Despite the implications, there remain persistent gaps in solutions dedicated to Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR):

Fault Location

Locates the fault in the power grid

Current solutions make use of unreliable and/or expensive methods for locating the fault in Meshed Grids

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Service Restoration

Finds alternate paths to restore power

Current solutions use either weak or complex algorithms, inhibiting operator from following the process and decision-making

 

Additional Gaps:

  • Too costly for most utility companies
  • Complex system integration
current solution

Implication of Status Quo

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Manual & Time-Intensive Processes

Manual FLISR procedures can take hours for large or complex meshed grids

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Cost Implications

Local distribution utilities face large penalties via the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI)

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Threat to Civilian Health & Safety

Impairment of institutions and resource (e.g. water, transportation) poses threat to communities

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Economic Disruption

Power outages force retail, financial, and other critical businesses to close, resulting in financial loss

The Solution

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OutRight Power empowers operators to quickly and systematically reconfigure grids and restore power:

  • Patented algorithm models Meshed Grids as Open Ring topologies thus simplifying dramatically the procedures for grid reconfiguration
  • Centralized visualization of grid status, fault location, and alternate restoration paths for rapid decision-making
  • A cost-effective and intuitive solution that involves and empowers grid operators in utility companies of all sizes
  • Solves extended fault contingency
  • Solves communication or device problems
  • Involves operators right from launch. OutRight Power mimics an experienced Power Grid Operator, being simple and intuitive for them
  • FCIs are the weakest link in the Fault Location process, so their data is checked versus feeder protection relays for a truly reliable result 
  • Very cost effective making it attractive for electric utility companies of all sizes
  • Easy integration with other technologies/systems/Distributed Energy Resources/Microgrids
  • Graphically illustrates the paths through which the restoration process will take place