Intelligent Distribution DUKE ENERGY-CAROLINAS HAS EMBARKED ON A MAJOR INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE THE VISIBILITY AND CONTROL OF ITS DISTRIBUTION

DUKE ENERGY-CAROLINAS HAS EMBARKED ON A MAJOR INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE THE VISIBILITY AND CONTROL OF ITS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Known as the Remote Operation and Access to the Distribution System (ROADS) project, this initiative will provide Duke’s power-delivery organization with remote access to intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) within distribution substations and out on the feeders they serve. As part of the ROADS project, Duke (Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.) is automating three distribution substations. The ROADS Distribution Automation (RDA) system will provide continuous remote monitoring of the power apparatus at these substations. In addition, the RDA facilities at one of the substations includes a highly sophisticated Integrated Volt/ VAR Control (IVVC) function that monitors and controls the operation of one transformer load tap changer (LTC), three voltage regulators and fi ve switched capacitor banks to reduce losses and improve the feeder voltage profi le.