EL.GIS is a Smallworld-based system for electricity network inventory and management. The network for electric power distribution is one of the most extensive and complex networks and requires a system that is able to efficiently manage (i.e. store and analyse) huge amounts of data. The GE Smallworld environment, enriched with Globema’s functional modules, constitutes a powerful system for fast and convenient data access, reporting and statistics as well as resource management and planning.

Network Inventory and Analysis

EL.GIS models three levels of voltage: low, medium and high. Each voltage level is divided further to working voltages (e.g. 6.6 kV and 15kV for medium voltage level). All these values can be easily modified and extended. Both cable and overhead networks are modelled. Other objects like trafo stations, switching stations, connectors and poles can have their own internal worlds, i.e. schematics with detailed information about elements and their connections. Internal worlds contain objects like: transformer (with two or three windings), busbars, switches of several types, cables, resistors, cable heads, etc. which are topologically connected with the electric lines on the map.

A number of analytical tools have been provided, such as asset reporting, finding customers fed by a branch of the network, finding switching sets connecting a given customer, visualising supply areas from different stations, and other kinds of analyses that take account of the state of switches and other active devices.

A number of functional modules, described below, are available for the EL.GIS platform. Each module can be optionally installed and requires EL.GIS Network Inventory module.

Technical Conditions for Service Provisioning

This WEB-based application supports technical activities around service provisioning. The full workflow is supported, from a customer’s application for connection until an agreement is signed. This includes capacity analysis, top-level design, investment cost estimation and document generation.

Engineering Computations

This module offers an extensive set of engineering computations, e.g.:

• estimation of year peak loads of MV/LV transformer stations,
• probabilistic calculation of power flow (LV and MV network), voltage drops,
• calculation of technical and commercial losses in LV and MV network,
• assistance for technical conditions of power supply (capacity of network elements is checked),
• short-circuit calculations (ground and 3-phase short-circuit).

Investment Planning

The module makes it possible to plan investment activities in details, such as network extension or reconstruction, and new customer connections. A number of reports can be then generated, including bill of materials, estimated cost of the investment, cost schedule, as well as simple ROI analysis which takes account of the investment cost, operations cost and energy sale schedule.

Network Operations Support

This module supports network maintenance activities such as:

• fault reporting and management,
• technical inspections of the network constructions and devices (esp. poles, substations),
• estimation of the technical state of the network, which is input to the repair and investment decision making process,
• maintenance work orders (in cooperation with SAP).

Other modules

• Substation Metering – registration of periodic load measurements on LV feeders in substations plus analyses.
• Transformer Management – movement of transformers (and other devices) for conservation, repair and cancellation.
• High Voltage Analysis – visualization of crossings and proximity, HV line cross-sections.
• SCADA integration tools – system to system navigation, real-time data transfer from SCADA to GIS (switch state changes, meter readings).

Software requirements

GE Smallworld Core Technology 3.3 or Core Technology 4

GE Smallworld IAS 2.1 or IAS 4