Distribution automation is a comprehensive information management system that integrates computer technology, data transmission, control systems, modern equipment, and efficient management practices. Its primary goal is to enhance the reliability of power supply, improve power quality, provide better service to consumers, and reduce operational costs. It also aims to decrease the workload of operating personnel, making the entire process more efficient and intelligent.
In industrialized nations, distribution automation has long been recognized as an essential component of modern power systems. With China's accelerated efforts in building smart grids, distribution automation—considered a cornerstone of smart grid development—has become a key focus. The Chinese government has emphasized the importance of urban distribution network upgrades and the intelligent transformation of power grids as one of the six core tasks for infrastructure development.
At the State Council Executive Meeting held last July, it was decided that the construction of urban distribution networks should be strengthened, with the intelligentization of power grids becoming a top priority. The State Grid Corporation has established a dedicated working group to prioritize the advancement of distribution automation, leading to a significant push in its implementation. This indicates that distribution automation, which has historically been a weak link in the power grid, is now entering a phase of rapid development.
Compared to developed countries, China's distribution automation started later and is still in its early stages. The market remains immature, and several critical issues need urgent attention.
First, the development of distribution networks lags behind, and there is a noticeable imbalance between urban and rural areas, as well as between different regions of the country. Although investment in distribution networks has increased, historical debts have left medium-voltage networks significantly underdeveloped, especially in rural and less economically developed regions.
Second, the grid structure is relatively weak, and the level of automation is low. Many 10 kV lines are not interconnected, and the rural network interconnection ratio is only one-third of that in urban areas. Distribution automation is still in its infancy, and fault diagnosis, isolation, and recovery take a long time. The system lacks the ability to self-heal or reconfigure, resulting in poor mutual supply capability and longer power restoration times.
Third, the basic data of the distribution network is incomplete, and information technology is outdated. Data is scattered across multiple departments such as development, agricultural power, transportation, marketing, and dispatch. Inconsistent data standards and lack of sharing mechanisms hinder effective coordination. Additionally, limited investment in distribution networks has led to underdeveloped communication and information systems, further complicating data access and integration.
Currently, the State Grid Corporation and local power companies are actively developing company-level plans for distribution automation. Drawing on the experiences of pilot cities from 2009 to 2012, they have revised industry standards, aiming to complete these tasks by late 2013 and early 2014. This will pave the way for a full-scale construction period of distribution automation from 2014 to 2020.
According to Chen Feng, assistant general manager of the State Grid, grid companies are accelerating the construction of distribution networks below 10 kV, particularly for distributed energy integration. The State Grid has launched a rolling plan for distribution network development from 2013 to 2020, extending planning to county-level grids. The plan is expected to be released before the end of the year. Additionally, the State Grid has issued technical guidelines for power distribution planning, aiming to fully resolve electricity shortages in remote areas by 2015 and address weaknesses in county-level grids. A modern distribution network will be built to support economic growth and urbanization.
It is predicted that 2014–2016 will be a peak period for industry demand. Distribution automation investment is expected to grow explosively, reaching 15 billion, 30 billion, and 40 billion yuan respectively, with a compound annual growth rate of over 100%. By 2020, total investment is projected to exceed 150 billion yuan, creating favorable conditions for the distribution automation equipment sector.
Chengdu’s distribution automation system has made remarkable progress since its launch in August 2009. Over four years, the system has evolved from initial deployment to full-scale application. Every major breakthrough reflects the dedication of Chengdu Electric Power employees, who have ensured steady and orderly progress, ultimately achieving successful operation and maintenance of the distribution network. Chengdu now stands as a model in Sichuan and nationwide, showcasing a spirit of efficiency and practicality.
In Wuxi, the distribution network line connection rate has reached 80%, with strong mutual supply capabilities. However, the lack of automation and intelligent systems limits the overall regulation ability, and manual fault handling still dominates, affecting power supply reliability.
Before June 2014, the company plans to install intelligent terminals at 197 power distribution stations and 437 ring network cabinets in the Xishan Economic Development Zone, enabling full remote control of all lines and switches. For lines with long branches and heavy loads, such as the Shengli and Yuhong lines, on-column switches will be replaced with customer demarcation breakers to quickly isolate faults and minimize outages. Once completed, the Xishan area will achieve 100% distribution automation, laying a solid foundation for improved power supply reliability in Wuxi.
The Tianjin Chengnan Company has launched a comprehensive distribution automation project, achieving full coverage in the Hexi and Heping districts. The planned investment includes 36 subprojects within a 30-square-kilometer area and approximately 1,100 power distribution stations. The project is expected to be completed this year, bringing convenience to more residents in Tianjin. This year marks a mature stage in distribution automation, with all business gateways now open.
Heilongjiang Junhe Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.junhejiancai.com