WHITE PAPER

FROM BLACKOUTS TO LIGHTS BACK: A BRIEF

ACCOUNT ON FAULT LOCATION, ISOLATION, AND
KEEP THE
SERVICE RESTORATION.
CITY BRIGHT

S p i n E n g e n h a r i a |
FLISR
S i n a p s i s I n o v a ç a o e m E n e r g i a | O c t o b e r 2 0 1 8
2 FLISR, October 2018

This paper is directed to

managers who want a quick view on centralized Fault

Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR)
systems. Including: a FLISR explanation, key features,
implementation, complementary information regarding
centralized FLISR system, and complementary FLISR
solutions.

WHERE WE BEGIN
Identification and location of network A detected fault is restrained by the
faults, isolation of the fault in the FLISR system immediately within the
smallest possible area and automatic smallest possible area. Then nearby
reconfiguration of the electric grid in feeders/power sources are called to
order to minimize the duration and reenergize the surrounding sections. The
extent of power outages: that is grid level of redundancy and the ability
fault location, isolation, and service of neighboring feeders to handle the
restoration (FLISR). additional load determine the process
used in each portion of a network.

THE BELOW FIGURE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A “SELF-HEALING” ALGORITHM WORKING. THE FOUR SNAP SHOTS SHOW:

(1) There is a fault near the circuit breaker (CB);

(2) The feeder is opened and provided energy for several consumers until the normally open recloser (RC)
became without energy;
(3) The green highlighted recloser is opened, isolating the fault;
(4) The red highlighted recloser is closed, restoring the energy for most consumers.
3 FLISR, October 2018

GET READY TO IMPLEMENT

The expression “centralized FLISR” means to deploy
a software solution, independent of switches and
feeders manufacturers. It can be implemented in
the utility’s Operation Center, in a regional center or
even a group of substations that controls dozens of
distribution circuits.

If, for example, the utility already has a SCADA

system, the solution can be coupled to this SCADA,
executing only the FLISR algorithm and sending
the utility’s SCADA orders to isolate the fault and
restore the system.

As a prerequisite for the implementation of the

FLISR system, it is important to carry out a study of
the allocation of pole switches in strategic locations
that optimize the load relocation maneuvers in case
of faults, just as it is important to have a high-
availability telecommunications system integrated
with all switches used by the FLISR function.

More reliable
With FLISR, when a fault occurs it is
possible to reduce the number of customers
with sustained outage. It is also possible to
reduce the amount of time for service to be
GET YOUR ROI GOING restored.

When meters are not turning, revenue is not flowing. This improves reliability KPIs such as
By keeping the power on to more customers for customer minutes of interruption (CMI),
more hours of the year, FLISR reduces the amount System Average Interruption Duration Index
of unserved electricity - also known as the expected (SAIDI), and System Average Interruption
energy not supplied (EENS) - and thus maximizes Frequency Index (SAIFI), which are used to
revenue. assess the quality of an electric grid with
respect to internal performance targets,
FLISR is also a proven way of boosting key regulatory standards, and customer
performance metrics and adding value for commitments.
customers, so it can help utilities justify rate
increases.
4 FLISR, October 2018

C&I Customers deserve better At the Field

Companies that depend on power There is a series of remotely
to produce count on the electric controlled equipment that must be
grid. Even short power outages deployed before the FLISR system
can mean loss of revenue. With can be brought online. They are
a FLISR system, the situation is the telemetered devices operating
different. in the field that detect faults and
reconfigure the electric grid like
What FLISR demands fault indicators, tie switches, line
A centralized FLISR system demands switches, breakers, reclosers, etc.
utilities to be prepared to make a range
of new infrastructure investments, Happier customers
ActionWise which can generally be classified Commercial and industrial customers
SCADA/ADMS as field equipment, communication can only benefit from a system that
devices, or software control systems. enables utilities to restore customer
service faster than old methods.

HOLD THAT OPEX

Operating costs go down automatically with the
restoration of power after temporary faults. In
addition, your field team will thank you for that
because they can work knowing that as many
customers as possible have their power restored.
And the area in need of restoration is reduced to
a minimum. Without too much labor and other
resources, costs the field crews can focus on
planned tasks.
5 FLISR, October 2018

Control

To efficiently reconfigure the grid ActionWise FLISR solution requires an accurate network connectivity model that de-
fines the position and state of grid elements in a proper way. The basic model will need to be augmented with additional
information, such as cable type, network topology, load description, etc. These data can be found in the utility GIS and
will facilitate load transfer calculations.

The ActionWise FLISR solution (figure below) already is a SCADA/ADMS composed of a communication module with
the field or utility´s SCADA, a topological processor, a state estimator, a power flow module and a modified genetic
algorithm used for the FLISR. In the future, other functions can be added to the solution.

FLISR: HOW
FLISR reduces the impact for the customer of a
fault by reconfiguring the network with telemetered
switches and relays. After a fault occurs, the
system uses data to orient the opening and closing
of switches until it isolates the fault within the
smallest possible section of the network (see
demonstration in YouTube).

Basic steps of the solution running in automatic

mode:
• Fault occur;
• Identify the fault;
SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED BY • FLISR algorithm runs and defines the maneuvers to
INFRASTRUCTURE/A FLISR system implementation isolate the problem and restore the service for most
liberates utilities to have more field equipment
available for other distributed automation consumers considering, line attributes, number of
applications. commands, load in the next hours, and quality KPIs.
• At this point, only 20–30 seconds have elapsed
COMMUNICATIONS/A FLISR system must be able to
(based on the communication network) but the FLISR
communicate with field devices correctly in order to
act properly. A robust communication network helps system has already completed its task.
with the challenge of maintaining communication • The utility must now dispatch a field crew to repair
during extreme weather conditions. the damage and restore service to the remaining
This solution communicates directly with the field
customers.
or to the utility’s SCADA. In the second option, the
SCADA performs the field communication and sends Attention: the FLISR algorithm just consider devices that are
the information to the algorithm that sends orders to communicating (no communication error) and are not blocked for
execute the maneuvers.
any reason (device error or operation intervention).
6 FLISR, October 2018

FLISR: WHAT

The ActionWise FLISR solution operates in four different

ways:

• Simulation mode: ActionWise assumes the default

setting of all breaks and switches (normally closed and
normally open switches), with an average load. The user can
simulate faults and the system will perform the maneuvers
in the same way as when installed. The simulated mode
allows you to test the entire system before installing it in
the definitive environment.
• Listening mode: the software is connected to the field
(directly or through the utility’s SCADA) and in this mode
performs all functions except that it does not execute
commands for the field. Thus, in this mode, all communication
with the field is tested, as well as the actions that would be
performed.
• Semi-automatic or manual mode: the software generates
the maneuvering planning sequence, but does not execute
them automatically, waiting for the operator’s authorization
to send the commands to the field.
• Automatic mode: the software generates the maneuvering
planning sequence and immediately execute them.

When implementing a FLISR system consider

1) Number of reclosers/As many reclosers are installed, and upgraded or replaced. Remember to secure the entire
more maneuvers are at the system disposal and that communication network against outside threats.
means less customers without energy. A careful analysis
of the network can result in a reasonable balance between 5) Maintenance/FLISR operations depend on the
cost and performance. communication network. Utilities should plan for
more communication maintenance as well as FLISR
2) Miscoordinations/The extent to which a network and its components (even equipment). The operative
can be sectionalized is connected to device coordination. repositioning of the switches changes, since now,
Miscoordination occurs when different protective devices whenever a switch is modified, it is necessary to
are simultaneously tripped by the same fault, or a device change the localization of it in a topological database.
removed from a fault reacts to clear it before the nearest
device can perform the same function. To prevent this and 6. Training/All team dealing with FLISR must be
calibrate the network for optimal device timing, and then trained on equipment, software, and processes.
ensure that new protection settings are used when the Remember to include new or modified safety
network changes. procedures. The ActionWise simulation environment
is ideal to based training programs.
3) Compatibility with equipment/Before implementing
FLISR it is important to check if existing field devices are 7. Management Support/Implementing a FLISR
compatible with the new system. system involves cost, planning, personnel, and time.
It may change the way utilities works. Managers must
4) Communication Network Upgrade/Check your keep an eye on the company culture evolution.
communication network for resiliency, security, suitability,
7 FLISR, October 2018

FLISR is a system that changes the way utilities operate. With

it comes new equipment, new software and new systems to
maintain. It also demands new ways to execute familiar tasks. It
is important to anticipate such changes during the planning stage
of a FLISR project, including finances.

Minimize outage impact & duration with ActionWise

ActionWise’s FLISR solution uses telemetry from field devices or utility’s SCADA to rapidly identify faults,
isolate them, and then automatically resupply as many customers as possible.

• Software FLISR decision can run in one group of substations, one regional center or in the utility’s center
of control. It can be integrated with the field or can be connected with utility’s SCADA;
• Ability to enable/disable the application on a per feeder basis or globally. If any recloser/feeder is out of
control, it is automatically removed from the algorithm;
• Listening, semi-automatic and automatic modes of operation;
• Vendor agnostic for field devices;
• Sophisticated fault location algorithm;
• Powerful simulator environment;
• Comprehensive FLISR operations log as shown in the figures below.
• Easy deployment;
• Easy understanding of the ties through schematic diagrams presenting all devices involved.
8 FLISR, October 2018

Your company has a bright future ahead.

Give us a call.

EXPERTISE AND TRADITION ARE THE BASIS

OF GOOD TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Spin and Sinapsis are companies that work

worldwide to profide solutions to the energy
market. More than 40 years of project
development certainly will help you company to
achieve better results. Contact Spin Canada for
more information.

by Spin Canada October 2018

SUNIL KEWALRAMANI 100 QUEENS STREET WEST
+1 416 885 8817 BRAMPTON, ON
sunil@spinengenharia.com.br spinengenharia.com.br/en