Distribution control center functionality varies widely from company to company, and the following list is evolving rapidly.
• Data acquisition: Acquires data and gives the operator control over specific devices in the field, Includes data processing, quality checking, and storage.
• Feeder switch control: Provides remote control of feeder switches.
• Tagging and alarms: Provides features similar to SCADA.
• Diagrams and maps: Retrieves and displays distribution maps and drawings. Supports device selection from these displays. Overlays telemetered and operator-entered data on displays.
• Preparation of switching orders: Provides templates and information to facilitate preparation of instructions necessary to disconnect, isolate, reconnect, and reenergize equipment.
• Switching instructions: Guides operator through execution of previously prepared switching orders.
• Trouble analysis: Correlates data sources to assess scope of trouble reports and possible dispatch of work crews.
• Fault location: Analyzes available information to determine scope and location of fault.
• Service restoration: Determines the combination of remote control actions that will maximize restoration of service. Assists operator to dispatch work crews.
• Circuit continuity analysis: Analyzes circuit topology and device status to show electrically connected circuit segments (either energized or de-energized).
• Power factor and voltage control: Combines substation and feeder data with predetermined operating parameters to control distribution circuit power factor and voltage levels.
• Electrical circuit analysis: Performs circuit analysis, single-phase or three-phase, balanced or unbalanced.
• Load management: Controls customer loads directly through appliance switching (e.g., water heaters) and indirectly through voltage control.
• Meter reading: Reads customer’s meters for billing, peak demand studies, time of use tariffs. Provides remote connect/disconnect.