Network model management (NMM) systems create transmission and distribution electrical grid models that provide a centralized, up-to-date source of data truth for the specialized applications each utility team needs to perform its work.
By helping break down the traditionally siloed approach to utility planning, protection, operations and other functions, an effective NMM system helps deliver improvements to grid reliability, efficiency and operational cost savings.
Through better data fidelity and more accurate models, an NMM system can improve:
- Regulatory compliance
- Protective relay settings and coordination between assets
- Grid planning
- Grid operations
Changing grid rules can only be managed with higher-fidelity grid models shared across each utility’s application environments. NMM provides this form of modeling using a centralized system, enabling more powerful analytics and more accurate scenario planning. NMM becomes the one true source of accurate data from which utility teams can use individualized tools to comply with regulations and standards.
Ensuring accurate data behind network models, tracking changes and recreating model results are essential to run high-quality scenario planning for peak load conditions, DER integration, grid reliability, and more.
On the transmission side, most utilities have an accurate transmission electrical network model. However, it’s a different story when it comes to meaning the model, which negatively impacts planning and efficiency. Different utility groups have different needs for the transmission network model, resulting in different versions built on similar data but diverge as teams optimize what they’re being used for.’
On the distribution grid side, accurate network electrical models are rare. Yet utilities increasingly need data fidelity to conduct more extensive studies for such purposes as understanding how more DERs will impact the distribution grid and associated impacts to the transmission system and generation needs.
This two-part series explores:
—How siloed electric grid model management hurts a utility’s bottom line
—How network model management centralizes data truth for utilities
—How Vermont Electric Power. Co.’s Vermont Exchange Platform Initiative works
—How better utility grid model management improves reliability, saves costs and prevents harmful run-ins with regulators
We also encourage you to watch the video interview: What is Utility Network Model Management?
Energy Changemakers Content Services wrote these articles in partnership with Siemens.
