John Dirkman, PE

The integration of computing and communication capabilities into the power grid has led to vulnerabilities enabling attackers to launch cyberattacks on the grid. The resources that can be deployed to protect a power grid are limited, rendering the need to impose preferences and priorities in optimal resource allocation. Due to the complexity of modern power grids, exploitation of machine learning is desired for developing optimal preferential cybersecurity defense strategies, where choosing a… Show more

The integration of computing and communication capabilities into the power grid has led to vulnerabilities enabling attackers to launch cyberattacks on the grid. The resources that can be deployed to protect a power grid are limited, rendering the need to impose preferences and priorities in optimal resource allocation. Due to the complexity of modern power grids, exploitation of machine learning is desired for developing optimal preferential cybersecurity defense strategies, where choosing a suitable mathematical framework to describe preference satisfaction and articulating a specific machine-learning method are key. We develop a reinforcement-learning approach with the objective of satisfying the preferences as quantitatively described by linear temporal logic. To characterize the preferences, we exploit a probabilistic planning approach that transforms preference satisfaction into a mixed-integer programming (MIP) problem, incorporate MIP into the resource-allocation problem, and use reinforcement learning to obtain the optimal policy. Due to the time-varying nature of the problem, the transformation needs to be carried out and MIP is to be solved at each time step. Utilizing the benchmark W&W 6-bus power-grid network, we validate our preferential machine-learning framework to defend the system against attacks under limited resources. Although our framework is computationally intensive at the present, it provides a stepping stone toward developing more efficient machine-learning frameworks to preferentially defend large cyberphysical systems. Show less

The regulatory and operational landscape of Smart Grid technologies is highly complex. Conducting thorough research-based strategic planning is essential. Each utility must map its journey to becoming a Smart Utility based on its own unique business drivers and technology needs. This paper presents a proven five-step methodology for developing a cost-effective roadmap for achieving Smart Grid capabilities and maximizing their benefits.

Traditional grid outage management systems suffer from two fundamental flaws: they lack an accurate, current representation of the grid network model and they typically don‟t integrate with the systems that monitor and control the actual grid. These shortcomings result in longer outages, higher costs, and in lower levels of customer service. This white paper outlines the evolution of utility outage management and describes how new Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) tools address… Show more

Traditional grid outage management systems suffer from two fundamental flaws: they lack an accurate, current representation of the grid network model and they typically don‟t integrate with the systems that monitor and control the actual grid. These shortcomings result in longer outages, higher costs, and in lower levels of customer service. This white paper outlines the evolution of utility outage management and describes how new Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) tools address these two gaps. Show less

The nature of electric service is changing, globally and rapidly. Energy, previously provided exclusively by utilities from large controllable generation sources, is rapidly transforming to a combination of large scale renewable and conventional sources combined with local generation within distribution systems, based largely on variable renewables.
Utilities are also increasingly confronted with large volumes of data provided by advanced metering systems and devices within their… Show more

The nature of electric service is changing, globally and rapidly. Energy, previously provided exclusively by utilities from large controllable generation sources, is rapidly transforming to a combination of large scale renewable and conventional sources combined with local generation within distribution systems, based largely on variable renewables.
Utilities are also increasingly confronted with large volumes of data provided by advanced metering systems and devices within their distribution network that must be managed and analyzed, as well as ongoing and emerging Smart Grid challenges: reducing peak loads via demand response, optimizing distributed energy resources and microgrids, managing electric vehicle charging, improving fault and outage management, enhancing asset management and reducing network losses.
Meanwhile, utility companies must continue to provide reliable, safe and efficient power while meeting regulatory requirements in the presence of significant forces of change. There has never been a more challenging time for utility companies, and the pace of change is only accelerating. Show less

Distributed energy resources and microgrids, including contribution from renewable generation sources, are proliferating rapidly within utility distribution systems. This results in reverse power flow conditions, impacts on voltage profile, and more complex protection schemes. Utilities are faced with the challenge of planning for and coordinating these diverse resources and mitigating their impacts on the distribution network.

However, distributed energy resources and microgrids offer… Show more

Distributed energy resources and microgrids, including contribution from renewable generation sources, are proliferating rapidly within utility distribution systems. This results in reverse power flow conditions, impacts on voltage profile, and more complex protection schemes. Utilities are faced with the challenge of planning for and coordinating these diverse resources and mitigating their impacts on the distribution network.

However, distributed energy resources and microgrids offer benefits to the utility, including helping to increase the margin between system load and generation capacity, providing more reliable power by reducing local outage duration, smoothing the variable power curves created by renewables, and improving public perception due to the improved implementation of more “green” energy sources.

This presentation discusses how an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) combined with an accurate weather forecasting system can be used to resolve problems, improve coordination, and increase benefits of both distributed energy resources and microgrids.

Learn how an ADMS can turn potential problems presented by distributed energy resources and microgrids into benefits for your utility by viewing this informative presentation. Show less

All over the world, utilities are facing up to the task of integrating information technology (IT) operations with those of operational technology (OT). What's driving it? How can utilities prepare? What should they expect?

Today’s ADMS models large, unbalanced distribution networks with frequently changing topologies and demand profiles. It must deal with the evolving use of electricity, support changing consumer habits, and accommodate new variable distributed energy resources - all while operating within regulator-required norms for voltage levels and providing reliable and safe delivery of power.

With the number of DERs rapidly increasing, ADMS can better position a utility for integrating and… Show more

Today’s ADMS models large, unbalanced distribution networks with frequently changing topologies and demand profiles. It must deal with the evolving use of electricity, support changing consumer habits, and accommodate new variable distributed energy resources - all while operating within regulator-required norms for voltage levels and providing reliable and safe delivery of power.

With the number of DERs rapidly increasing, ADMS can better position a utility for integrating and optimizing these sources in a reliable way, preparing them for a smarter grid. Show less

Are you obtaining maximum business value from your GIS? This presentation will discuss best practices in integrating GIS with other corporate systems and techniques to maximize benefits from these integrations. Integrations discussed will include Asset Management, Customer Information, Mobile, First Responder, Design/Estimating/Engineering/Construction, Financial and Inventory, Weather Information Systems, Document Management, Web Applications, OMS/DMS, SCADA, Work Management, Call Centers… Show more

Are you obtaining maximum business value from your GIS? This presentation will discuss best practices in integrating GIS with other corporate systems and techniques to maximize benefits from these integrations. Integrations discussed will include Asset Management, Customer Information, Mobile, First Responder, Design/Estimating/Engineering/Construction, Financial and Inventory, Weather Information Systems, Document Management, Web Applications, OMS/DMS, SCADA, Work Management, Call Centers and more. This presentation will include a case study regarding the integration of GIS and other corporate systems at a leading US utility. Show less

There are many best practices that must be followed to ensure a smooth and successful DMS implementation. This presentation will cover key best practices including: determining business drivers, data preparation, integration with SCADA, GIS, AMI, CIS, DER, weather systems and other corporate systems, mobile DMS implementation, communications and security, and testing and commissioning. Best practices regarding DMS team organization, business process reengineering, and change management will… Show more

There are many best practices that must be followed to ensure a smooth and successful DMS implementation. This presentation will cover key best practices including: determining business drivers, data preparation, integration with SCADA, GIS, AMI, CIS, DER, weather systems and other corporate systems, mobile DMS implementation, communications and security, and testing and commissioning. Best practices regarding DMS team organization, business process reengineering, and change management will also be discussed. Show less

Is your GIS ready to support implementation of integrated DMS, SCADA, Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Management, and other Smart Grid applications? This presentation will provide details on a process to assess your GIS data for Smart Grid implementations based on your Smart Grid goals and business drivers, and will include a case study of a phased DMS and Smart Grid data assessment.

• Advanced DMS for DER Renewable Forecasting
• Advanced DMS Implementation Best Practices
• Advanced DMS Integration of Renewables and Storage
• Controlling the Networked Grid Enterprise
• Implementing a Power Control System as part of an Integrated Automated Dispatch System
• Implementing ADMS and SCADA
• IT/OT Convergence
• Managing and Optimizing Distributed Generation with an Advanced Distribution Management System
• Optimizing Generation, Distribution, Renewables… Show more

• Advanced DMS for DER Renewable Forecasting
• Advanced DMS Implementation Best Practices
• Advanced DMS Integration of Renewables and Storage
• Controlling the Networked Grid Enterprise
• Implementing a Power Control System as part of an Integrated Automated Dispatch System
• Implementing ADMS and SCADA
• IT/OT Convergence
• Managing and Optimizing Distributed Generation with an Advanced Distribution Management System
• Optimizing Generation, Distribution, Renewables, and Demand Response for a Smarter Grid
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• GIS Data Assessment and Preparation for ADMS and Smart Grid Implementation
• Implementing an Integrated GIS Solution
• Implementing GIS for Electric, Gas, Fiber, Water, and Waste Water
• Integrations - Maximizing the Power of GIS Across your Utility
• Managing Facility and Mapping Data for Communications Systems
• Migration from CAD to a GIS Geodatabase
• Successful Large Utility GIS Implementations and Upgrades
• The Effective GIS Help Desk
• Workflow Management… Show more

• GIS Data Assessment and Preparation for ADMS and Smart Grid Implementation
• Implementing an Integrated GIS Solution
• Implementing GIS for Electric, Gas, Fiber, Water, and Waste Water
• Integrations - Maximizing the Power of GIS Across your Utility
• Managing Facility and Mapping Data for Communications Systems
• Migration from CAD to a GIS Geodatabase
• Successful Large Utility GIS Implementations and Upgrades
• The Effective GIS Help Desk
• Workflow Management Systems for Utility Companies
Pipeline:
• GIS Modeling of Pipeline Transmission Systems
• Latest Pipeline Data Management Technologies
• Managing Gas Transmission and Distribution with GIS
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