
Reducing the Duration and Impact of Outages with FLISR
In today’s increasingly digital world, power reliability isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) technology represents a significant advancement in grid automation that utilities should seriously consider implementing.
What is FLISR?
FLISR is an advanced grid automation technology that consists of three main components:
- Fault Location: Automatically detects and pinpoints the location of power disturbances on the distribution network
- Isolation: Quickly isolates the faulted section of the power line to prevent wider system impacts
- Service Restoration: Automatically reroutes power through alternate paths to restore service to unaffected areas
This technology works through a combination of intelligent field devices, communication networks, and control systems that operate together to minimize power interruptions and reduce outage durations and their impact. When a fault occurs, FLISR can complete these processes within minutes or even seconds, compared to hours that might be required for manual operations. Because FLISR automates the fault identification and isolation process, it can often reduce fault restoration times by 50% or more compared to manual processes.
Why Utilities Should Embrace FLISR Technology?
Enhanced Service Reliability
FLISR systems dramatically reduce outage duration and the number of customers affected by power interruptions. When a fault occurs, FLISR automatically detects its location, isolates the problematic section, and restores power to unaffected areas—all within minutes or even seconds. This rapid response significantly improves System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) metrics.
Cost Reduction and Operational Efficiency
While the initial investment in FLISR technology may be substantial, the long-term cost savings are significant. By automating fault management, utilities can reduce:
- Manual switching operations and field crew deployments
- Time spent locating faults
- Customer complaints and associated handling costs
- Regulatory penalties related to outage duration
Improved Customer Satisfaction
Modern customers expect reliable power service and quick restoration when outages occur. FLISR helps meet these expectations by minimizing the impact of power disruptions. Many customers won’t even notice brief interruptions thanks to FLISR’s rapid switching capabilities, leading to higher satisfaction rates and fewer complaints. By isolating faults and restoring unaffected segments of the grid, FLISR can reduce the number of customers experiencing outages by up to 50% during fault events.
Grid Modernization and Future-Proofing
As power grids become more complex with the integration of renewable energy sources and increasing power demands, FLISR technology becomes even more valuable. It provides:
- Better grid visibility and control
- Enhanced data collection for predictive maintenance
- Improved integration capabilities with other smart grid technologies
- Greater resilience against severe weather events
Regulatory Compliance
Many regulatory bodies are implementing stricter requirements for power reliability and outage response times. FLISR helps utilities meet and exceed these requirements, potentially avoiding penalties and earning performance incentives.
Environmental Benefits
By reducing the need for physical inspections and faster power restoration, FLISR helps decrease vehicle emissions from maintenance crews. Additionally, more efficient grid operation leads to reduced energy losses and better integration of renewable energy sources.
How Does a Utility Implement FLISR?
Utilities implement FLISR through several key components and systems working in harmony:
- Smart Devices: Installation of automated switches, reclosers, and sensors throughout the distribution network
- Communication Infrastructure: Deployment of reliable, high-speed communication networks (fiber optic, wireless, or cellular) to connect field devices
- SCADA Integration: Implementation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to monitor and control field devices
Distribution Management System (DMS): Advanced software that processes real-time data and executes automated switching sequences
- Geographic Information System (GIS): Detailed mapping of the electrical network to support fault location and switching decisions. Or QEI has an intuitive single line editor that can be used to define network topology in the absence of a GIS.
The implementation process typically involves:
- Network Analysis: Detailed study of the distribution system to identify optimal locations for automated devices
- Strategic Device Placement: Installation of automated equipment at key points to maximize coverage while minimizing costs
- System Integration: Careful integration of all components with existing utility systems
- Testing and Validation: Thorough testing of automated responses under various fault scenarios
- Staff Training: Comprehensive training for operators and maintenance personnel on the new systems
The implementation of FLISR technology represents a crucial step forward for utilities aiming to modernize their operations and improve service reliability. QEI can help your utility gain the long-term benefits of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance through FLISR implementation.
Ready to discuss adding FLISR to your infrastructure?
RESOURCES:
Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) | SEL (no date) selinc.com. Available at: https://selinc.com/solutions/p/flisr/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (Accessed: 30 December 2024).
FLISR Approach for Smart Distribution Networks Using E-Terra Software—A Case Study (no date). Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/12/3333 (Accessed: 30 December 2024).
Impact of Distributed Energy Resources on Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore (no date). Available at: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9810565 (Accessed: 30 December 2024).
Snyder, R.W., Aaron (2024) LUMA Announces Contract to Launch Next Phase of Smart Meter Initiative, T&D World. Available at: https://www.tdworld.com/electric-utility-operations/article/55250102/luma-announces-contract-to-launch-next-phase-of-their-smart-meter-initiative (Accessed: 30 December 2024).