Oracle smart grid: Advanced distribution management help for utilities

1

Quick Take: It has been intriguing to watch Oracle move from its back office roots to sophisticated operation software. We often talk here about the blending of IT and OT (information technology and operational technology). It is beginning to look as if Oracle will be one of the leaders, simply by integrating the applications it has on both sides. - By Jesse Berst

The Oracle Utilities Network Management System 1.11 offers enhancements designed to give utilities real-time insight into what's going on with their distribution grid and enable them to accurately balance power generation with demand.

The new modeling enhancements provide data on possible outcomes from a variety of conditions such as extreme temperatures, storms and fluctuations in commercial and consumer power use – information that can help utilities prepare better contingency plans against situations that previously would have led to outages.

The new modeling tools also are designed to help utilities:

·         analyze the effects of customer loads like EV recharging in different locations and determine where off-peak charging is required

·         Incorporate renewable sources such as solar roofs and backyard windmills into the grid and use local generation to meet renewable resource targets. Also, power from multiple sources helps utilities improve demand management and reduce the frequency of power disruptions

·         use stored electricity as an additional source of energy

Oracle's new release also showcases the capabilities of advanced distribution management (ADM), features that are core components of the Utilities Network Management System. Oracle considers ADM to be an emerging array of outage, distribution and grid optimization tools critical for the most efficient smart grid operations.

"Around the world, customers and utilities are choosing new ways to use, generate and store electricity. Incorporating these new technologies into a real-time model of the grid is vital to utilities' ability to manage network activity," said Brad Williams, VP of energy strategy for Oracle Utilities. "Oracle Utilities Network Management System offers the real-time modeling and power system simulations utilities need to optimize grid operations as networks change."

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

You might also be interested in ...

Grid optimization toolkit

Your next big task? Distribution optimization, says new report