Traditional utility planning procedures were primarily based on a 'top down' approach, where future system developments were determined from overall system requirements. In case of power utilities, emphasis was on generation and transmission network and perhaps location of substations to minimize the transmission network costs. Distribution networks have usually been subject to uncontrolled expansion, under / over utilization and unplanned development. As a result, many problems can be seen in the distribution networks in many utilities. These include high losses, inadequate network capacity, poor system reliability, voltage and power quality problems, etc.

Bottom-Up Approach

Distribution networks extend to every geographic location covered by the utility providing final connection between the utility and the customer. They are therefore considered the most suitable system to capture localized customer requirements, demand and growth patterns etc. For example, demand growth will be different in different areas, certain areas need high supply reliability etc. Effective planning process therefore begins from distribution system. System requirements are then worked out in upward direction, from identification of distribution network reinforcements / expansions, substation augmentation & new substations to meet these distribution system requirements, and transmission line development to meet substation requirement, all of which converging on final objectives; meeting the customer needs and techno-economic optimization. This is known as the 'bottom-up' approach in utility planning. In modern utility approach, this process is carried out through computer aided network modeling and analysis tools.

ADEA Expertise

This is carried out through the use of modern planning techniques and computer aided tools, combined with ADEA experience and expertise in application of these techniques. The planning tools include automated mapping, computer aided network modeling and analysis, computer aided load modeling and demand forecasting, GIS AM/FM. Economic evaluation / justification and techno-economic optimisation of development proposals is also an important essence of ADEA expertise.

Scope of Services

ADEA offers complete range of services on Distribution Planning, Facility Management and Customer Services covering wide scope of modern utility applications. These include the following;

Requirement Analysis

• Evaluation of existing planning and operational systems
  
• Identification and development of methodologies and systems to meet future utility needs
  
• Selection of appropriate tools
  
• Preparation of feasibility reports

Load Forecasting

• Review and analysis of past demand data
  
• Identification of suitable load forecasting methodologies
  
• Use of computer aided load forecasting packages such as Micro Area Load Forecasting, Econometric modeling etc
  
• Requirement based load forecasting through distribution network modeling
  
• Establishment of load forecasting models and carrying load forecast incorporating future development plans

Mapping

· Identification of suitable mapping systems for utility networks
· Establishment of computer databases for network data
· Network digitizing and preparation of electronic maps for distribution networks
· Preparation of spatial data models
· Spatial data analysis for network expansion, rural electrification etc.

Distribution System Planning and Design

ADEA offers specialized consultancy services for selection, installation, training and application of leading state of art software systems for Medium Voltage and Low Voltage Distribution network modeling and analysis. Our services in this regard are unique as it covers not only the software package but its proper application to carry out integrated planning to develop comprehensive development plans with optimal techno-economic solutions.

The analysis carried out includes the following;

• Modeling of Network, equipment and loads
  
• Load flow evaluations including evaluation
  of losses, voltage profiles etc.
  
• Fault Analysis
  
• Optimal switching
  
• Contingency analysis
  
• What if analysis
  
• Optimal Capacitor Placement
  
• Voltage Regulators
  
• Distribution System Reliability Evaluations
  
• Harmonic Analysis and suppression methods
  
• Protection Coordination Analysis
  
• Motor start and locked rotor analysis
  
• Load balancing

ADEA staff is specialized in integrating results of above analysis for preparation of network development masterplans, loss reduction programs, network reinforcement and expansion programs, rural electrification programs, distribution network automation and reliability improvement programs etc.

Operation and Facility Management Systems

• Network data capturing through GPS
  
• Automated mapping with network attribute data
  
• Design of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for distribution networks.
  
• Utilization of GIS for planning, operation, construction and maintenance work.
  
• Automated Plant and Equipment registry systems
  
• Transformer Load Management
  
• Preparation / design of automated maintenance management programs
  
• Performance evaluation, development of performance indices and targets
  
• Distribution network reliability monitoring and reliability evaluation

Demand Side Management

• Designing and carrying out load research
  
• Introduction of energy efficient equipment for domestic / commercial and industrial sectors
  
• Organizing consumer education programs
  
• Development of energy efficient building codes
  
• Training and conducting energy auditing
  
• Drafting policy papers for implementation of energy efficient practices

Rural Electrification Planning

• Preparation of computer models for cost benefit evaluation of rural electrification schemes.
  
• Carrying out techno-economic feasibility assessment for rural electrification programs
  
• Integrated rural electrification planning and preparation of rural electrification masterplan
  
• Study of low cost construction techniques, design specifications for rural electrification
  
• Assessment of viability of renewable energy sources

Engineering Audit

• Assessment of techno-economic performance of plant and equipment against specifications
  
• Evaluation of losses and assessment of loss reduction measures
  
• Operational systems analysis and systems improvement
  
• Power quality assessment and analysis
  
• Review of tariff systems, marginal costing and marketing policy
  
• Quality assessment of specifications and construction standards
  
• Project evaluation and post implementation review

Project Planning and Formulation

• Economic evaluation and assessment of development proposals
  
• Review and justification of project proposals
  
• Preparation of implementation programs
  
• Evaluation of manpower, materials and training requirements
  
• Preparation of cost estimates and funding requirements
  
• Recommendation of implementation modalities and progress review methodology
  
• Carrying out Environmental Impact assessment studies
  
• Preparation of project feasibility reports and project reports

Our engineers are fully conversant and competent in application of the following software packages: