Metering system of Armenia (2002)
Metering system for the whole country
The AMR system in Armenia is a unique automated commercial metering system embracing the whole country (14 power plants and large substations). The metering system is based on Alpha CENTER software and hardware equipment. The AMR system in Armenia provides all entities of the future Armenian electric energy market with essential information on power generation, distribution and consumption.
The AMR system designed for Armenian power grid is the largest project realized by ABB VEI Metronica in the CIS countries. The system incorporates over 3000 multifunction TOU meters ALPHA A1600/A1300. In the course of implementing the AMR system 28 small-scale systems each having 30 to100 meters were deployed, and 14 data collection and processing centers and the main metering center in Yerevan were organized.
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- Power system of Armenia
- Structure of metering system of Armenia
AMR system is introduced into power grid as a whole, except for distribution networks. However, the control centers of distribution networks should have been provided with equipment and software capable of receiving information on power supplied to each of the a.m. networks.
9 networks incorporate 158 substations equipped with approx. 3000 energy meters. Each network has a regional dispatching center (RDC). Power is generated by 14 main power plants: 1 nuclear power plant, 3 heat power plants and 10 hydropower plants 9 of which are integrated into two cascades: Sevan-Razdan and Vorotan. Armenergo maintains operation of the grid and is responsible for power supply to consumers. That is why the main AMR data collection and processing center is located in Yerevan, in the National dispatching center (NDC) owned by Armenergo.
The power sector in Armenia also incorporates 4 power distribution companies: Yerevanskaya, Central, Northern and Southern. All of them are joint-stock companies. Distribution companies are responsible for power supply to the end users. The a.m. companies are main power consumers of Armenergo.
The project was designed for the use of existing communication channels, i.e. basically the dialup lines. In the case of unavailability of such channels it was suggested that data would be collected by means of laptops.
The project was mainly targeted to general upgrading of the Armenian power sector through introduction of highly accurate and reliable metering of power flows.
General system requirements
The System was aimed at:
- Long-term storage of primary metering data.
- Data protection against unauthorized access.
- Phase and phase-by-phase power monitoring in power plants and some substations (objects provided with local systems).
- Monitoring of data completeness.
- Maintaining of universal time throughout the system.
- Scalability.
- Upgrading capabilities.
- Project realization
Stage 1. Preparation of conceptual system design
Conceptual design included:
- General concept and architecture of the system.
- General definitions and terms.
- Software and hardware options.
- Updating of software and hardware depending on types of objects planned for automation.
- Preliminary specifications for software and computer equipment.
- System deployment phases.
The following was determined for each phase:
- Initial and final statuses.
- List of woks.
- Root graph of the process.
- Rules and processes.
- Forms of output reports generated as the result of completion of corresponding phases.
- System development.
- Technical and organizational issues.
- Future development options.
- Future software upgrading options.
Stage One – Brief results
Depending on general characteristics, the objects planned for meter installation were subdivided into three main types:
- Objects planned for meter installation - power plants and substations.
- Grid utilities and distribution companies.
- National dispatching center.
On the level of objects the system employs the computer for direct meter interrogation via interface 485. The controllers are not used. For data transfer to other informational levels the database-to-database data exchange is used.
Five software and hardware options were selected for automation:
- PC-based units for meter data collection and processing via direct lines. Based on single-user software version Alpha CENTER AC_PE.
- Data collection and processing center with a local area network (LAN) and users’ workplaces. Based on multiuser software version Alpha CENTER АС_SE.
- Billing center receiving data from LAN and users’ workstations. Multiuser software version АС_SE.
- Unattended substations with meters integrated via interface RS485. Based on laptop software version AC_L (Laptop) for interrogation and data transfer. Another version - interrogation by means of modem.
- A laptop for data collection and transfer. Based on software version АС_L.
Stage 2. Introduction of the system at pilot projects
The Department of Energy of Armenia announced a countrywide tender for search of a team capable of deploying the system in cooperation with ABB. After the winner was announced, a team of specialists from ABB VEI Metronica flew out to Yerevan to take part in commissioning of pilot projects and personnel training.
A training complex based on supplied equipment (designed for the whole system) was used for comprehensive training of operators who would have then to duplicate the system as applied to any particular object.
Training included:
1) initial installation of each software version,
2) software re-installation,
3) mastering of data archiving and restoration,
4) comprehensive training in handling the software versions.
Then commissioning of the following objects was performed, namely:
- one power plant,
- one attended substation,
- one unattended substation,
- one regional dispatching center (RDC),
- main data collection and processing center
According to the contract, commissioning of each pilot project was performed by specialists from ABB VEI Metronica who simultaneously conducted training of future energy operators, as they say “in combat conditions”.
The two-week training appeared to be sufficient and enabled energy operators to master the system deployment procedure.
During the final phase of works under Stage 2 setting and adjustment of communications was performed.
Stage 3. System deployment
Energy operators successfully duplicated the system as applied to objects planned for meter installation (power plants and substations), and further - to regional dispatching centers. ABB VEI Metronica organized a hot line for customer support. Peculiarities of system operation in various locations were also traced. In the course of operation the software was subject to corresponding updating.
In December 2001 the system was put into commercial operation
Conclusion
Metering system for Armenian power grid is ranking among largest projects realized by ABB VEI Metronica. As concerns hardware, the system incorporates approximately three thousand meters, 16 data collection and processing centers and 28 AMR systems installed on the level of objects. From the organizational point of view, it involves a large number of organizational structures, each taking interest of its own as concerns specified sets of data and billing procedure.
Today, alongside with preparation for putting into commercial operation, the system is being further developed. Today the largest power plants switch over from single-user software versions to multiuser ones. As the result, information will be accessible for both, power engineers and economists.
11.03.2003
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Armenia Power System
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Armenia metering system structure
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Report form
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