Study on Technology for Using Digital Maps
- Development of Supply Interruption Mapping System -
Distribution Engineering Research Section
In recent years, it has being necessary for us to share the accurate information of supply interruption as soon as possible, due to large-scale natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons. Consequently, the Distribution Engineering Research Section of the Research & Development Department has developed the Supply Interruption Mapping System (hereafter "SIMS") using GIS (Geographic Information System).
Outline of the Study
The distribution system is divided into many sections by pole switches. We operate these switches remotely and localize the outage area when supply interruption occurs. We can observe the status of over 100 thousands pole switches which are installed onto the distribution system in Hokkaido. We were aiming to develop SIMS, which identifies the accurate scope of supply interruption based on pole switches' status, and conveys us such information through PCs via HEPCO's intranet.
Achievements
It became possible for us to receive real-time supply interruption information from SIMS. In addition, the scope of supply interruption, which is described with charged sections and uncharged ones on a map displayed on PC's screen, could be visible.
Thus, we can respond quickly and accurately to inquiry from customers regarding the state of the distribution system (i.e. restored or not). Also, it became readily to report to the regulator and a local government, the addresses of the outage area and the number of supply-interrupted households by municipality.
The figure below shows an example of the distribution system diagram provided by SIMS, the supply-interrupted scope of which is described with uncharged sections as red and charged ones as green. And the addresses of the outage area are classified and displayed by municipality.
Figure. The distribution system diagram with supply interruption information, provided by SIMS
Plan for the Future
We commenced operating of SIMS for all Hokkaido in November 2007, and are going to add to SIMS the function which processes high-voltage customers' information and other useful one presently.
