7.1 DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS The reliability problem also arises due to faults occurring in the system. A set of advanced automation functions [8] is developed to combat this problem. These new distribution management functions can be summarized as follows: The Fault Diagnosis and Alarm Processing Function: This function is automatically triggered immediately after the occurrence of a fault. It produces a diagnosis of events on the basis of a set of pre-defined scenarios (a comparison of the remote information flow is made with the patterns predefined by experienced operators). The diagnosis produces an analysis of the type of fault enabling the operator to quickly understand what happened in the network under its control. The function can also detect missing remote control signals. The Fault Location Function: After detecting and analyzing the fault, it is necessary to find the location of the fault. The goal of this function is to quickly determine the section of the feeder where the fault occurred. This is performed by analyzing the information sent from fault indicators to the control center. Operators can then intervene and isolate the fault area by remotely opening the corresponding switches. The degree of accuracy depends on the density of fault indicators on the MV network. The Service Restoration Function: After locating the fault, this function finds all the plans allowing power restoration to lost customers of the non-faulted section of the feeder while
7.1 DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS The reliability problem also arises due to faults occurring in the system. A set of advanced automation functions [8] is developed to combat this problem. These new distribution management functions can be summarized as follows: The Fault Diagnosis and Alarm Processing Function: This function is automatically triggered immediately after the occurrence of a fault. It produces a diagnosis of events on the basis of a set of pre-defined scenarios (a comparison of the remote information flow is made with the patterns predefined by experienced operators). The diagnosis produces an analysis of the type of fault enabling the operator to quickly understand what happened in the network under its control. The function can also detect missing remote control signals. The Fault Location Function: After detecting and analyzing the fault, it is necessary to find the location of the fault. The goal of this function is to quickly determine the section of the feeder where the fault occurred. This is performed by analyzing the information sent from fault indicators to the control center. Operators can then intervene and isolate the fault area by remotely opening the corresponding switches. The degree of accuracy depends on the density of fault indicators on the MV network. The Service Restoration Function: After locating the fault, this function finds all the plans allowing power restoration to lost customers of the non-faulted section of the feeder while