Deploying a unified data platform in Oakville

Oakville Hydro

Location

Oakville

Funding given

Oakville

Description

Oakville Hydro will deploy an innovative 'Digital Utility Platform', a unified data platform that presents information from various utility systems in one view to enable informed decision making. The platform uses SmartMap, an application developed by Utilismart with previous support from Ontario’s Smart Grid Fund, to provide an electrical network model leveraging metering and operational data to drive evidence-based engineering planning and analysis.

Status

Project in progress.

Distribution Monitoring and Controls System (SmartMAP)

Essex Energy Corp.

Location

Oldcastle

Funding given

$687,519

Description

Essex Energy Corp. developed SmartMAP, a software system that integrates data sources from a variety of technologies, including smart meters, to monitor the state of the distribution system and alert operators to system problems.

Status

Project complete.

SmartMAP leverages smart meters to pinpoint power outages, system overloading and voltage problems, providing an unparalleled, real-time view of an entire distribution network. The SmartMAP technology averted 24 incidents over the two-year pilot.

SmartMAP resulted in a number of improvements for both Essex Powerlines and its customers:

  • The number of unplanned outages was reduced because SmartMAP notified Essex Powerlines about overloaded assets, failing equipment and improper configuration in real time. Essex was able to address these situations before a power outage occurred.
  • When outages did occur, Essex Powerlines restored electricity much quicker than before. SmartMAP provided the number of customers affected and the source of the outage to the right people in real time, which allowed for rapid reconfiguration and/or repairs to the system.
  • Power quality was improved by identifying voltage issues, optimizing the flow of electric power, and improving power factor. Power quality is important to the health of a distribution system and can be critical for large commercial and industrial customers.

Collaborators include:

  • Utilismart Corporation

IBM Canada Research & Development Centre

IBM

Location

Markham

Funding given

$1,465,663

Description

IBM successfully built an Ontario weather model that incorporates variable weather conditions in order to improve accuracy of power outage predictions to allow for the optimization of alternate energy sources. The technical solution uses outage prediction and response optimization uses advanced weather prediction, predictive damage estimates, and optimized crew positioning and response planning to improve a utility’s preparation for and response to weather-related power outages.

Status

Project complete.

The accurate weather modelling and predicting shows a significant improvement in some reliability indices if components can be repaired during severe weather due to the reduction in outage duration. The weather modeling drives outcomes that can potentially to optimize energy supply and demand forecasting, resource allocation, maintenance scheduling and personnel routing, all of which are impacted by weather events.

21st Century Utility Data Manager

Utilismart

Locations

London, Collingwood and Windsor

Funding given

$982,450

Description

This project will develop and test key components of a "big data" platform that will take different types of data from multiple third party technologies and bring them together into one harmonized data format. The platform will give utilities the power to analyze data and use that information to make their systems work better by making the best use of system assets and responding to needs in near real-time.

Status

Project underway.

Collaborators include:

  • Essex Energy Corporation
  • Collus
  • Alectra Utilities (formerly PowerStream)
  • Essex Powerlines Corporation

Integrating an ADMS with FLISR, DMS Network Model, and Distribution State Estimation for a Municipal Utility

Survalent

Location

Oakville

Funding given

$151,500

Description

Survalent is creating a new data analytics tool that will more accurately predict the current state of an electric grid. This tool is also known as an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). This ADMS will improve network reliability, reduce outage time and enhance customer satisfaction.

Status

Project underway.

Collaborators include:

  • Oakville Hydro