At EDD, we offer maintenance and support contracts for the ISM/DEW product suite.  These are single or multi-year contracts that provide product upgrades and support beyond the standard warranty period.

EDD provides model build support in a variety of fashions to meet our client needs.  On some projects we will turnkey the entire model build process, while on others we will provide the level of training, support, quality assurance and oversight the client deems appropriate for their situation.  The model build process requires the implementation and setup of the DEW model builder module, which will normally include a model update at some frequency that could be microseconds (real-time installations), daily (operator driven), or less frequent (engineering study driven).
The model build process involves four main activities: Topology, Engineering Characteristics, Load, and Measurements.

• The ISM/DEW is a “physics-based” model of the electric system.  We build the topology to be geo-positioned accurate in our system using coordinates that are normally derived from an existing “physical-model” which we often find in a utilities GIS system.  We can also build the topology from an existing engineering analysis model, CAD, OMS, or we can hand build it or we can do a field walk down.  Our clients find that since our physics-based model strictly enforces connectivity, that building ISM/DEW models has the added benefit of greatly improving the existing GIS physical-model quality.
  
  
• The Engineering Characteristics of all electrical components are managed in the DEW parts database.  The parts database contains the majority of the components that exist on North American utility systems.  These include conductors, transformers, switches, capacitors, DER inverters, storage batteries, PHEV chargers, and any other electrical device we need to model.  We typically will find a few unique components at every new client site that we will add to the database.  We will tune the parts database for specific operating conditions a client may have.  Once we have the topology and engineering characteristics completed, we can calculate very accurate and detailed impedance for the system.
  
  
• The load modeling capability within ISM/DEW is quite extensive.  We can build traditional peak load models, add spot loads, or go all the way to create 8,760 hourly annual load models.  We can interface directly with Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS) and attach interval data directly at each meter location.  Alternately, we can attach monthly consumption and use load research curves to calculate the 8,760-load pattern.  Using this method validated with field measurements, we have been able to establish very accurate models for our clients.  Many projects require us to use a mix of monthly and interval load data, which we can readily accommodate.
  
  
• We will leverage any measurements available and attach them to the ISM/DEW model.  SCADA start of circuit measurements are used to validate the model, to provide time-series analyses, and in some instances real time control.  Generation output measurements are used for load forecasting, control decisions, validating output forecasts and supporting integrated system interconnection studies.  Capacitor control, reclosers, fault indicators and other device measurements are used in coordinated control and fault location/isolation/sectionalize/reclose decisions.  Phasor measurements are used in islanding and remedial action scheme scenarios.

EDD provides onsite installation services to setup DEW to run in the local customer environment. Service includes establishing all client/server links, database connections, and consultation support during customer model builds and setup. EDD will establish interfaces between DEW and various customer data sources, such as GIS, SCADA, weather data, customer measurements (kWH, kW/kVar), outage calls, etc.  Our modern interface architecture includes secure interfaces that meet industry standards for communicating directly with field device controls.  EDD can coordinate existing applications with customer's installation to provide real-time control for distribution systems, detecting measurement or control failures in the field and unknown sectionalizing device operations. We have existing interfaces with all leading GIS vendors, data historians, SCADA vendors, engineering analysis applications, OMS and others.

EDD utilizes a Generic Programming approach that facilitates reliable and low cost custom software development. This allows EDD to quickly extend current applications or create new applications based on specific customer requirements. If you are looking for something new or unique from your model, just let us know.  Some recent additions to our product suite driven by customer demand include:

• DER Interconnection Study Workstation that allows for “semi-automated” review of individual solar, wind and distributed generators being connected to the distribution system, along with integrated system studies that look at the combined impact of all generators/batteries that are connected to a feeder or a group of feeders up to and including a utilities entire T&D system.
  
  
• Operator Workstation that provides the dispatcher/operator with any easy to use schematic and geospatial view with power flow solved for the current state.  Supports switching studies, fuse coordination and equipment sizing and enhances communication with field crews.
  
  
• Mobile Crew Workstation that provides schematic in traditional one-line views as well as geospatially correct schematic views.  Enhances communication with dispatcher/operator and provides field crew and engineer with an easy to use tool for planning, investigating and troubleshooting.
  
  
• Coordinated Control Workstation that provides engineers/operators with a tool to optimize steady state operation of volt/var equipment, and/or provide dynamic coordinated control of these devices.
  
  
• Engineering Planning Annual Process that provides a standard methodology for managing the planning base case and changes to the base case throughout the annual planning cycle.
  
  
• Storm Prediction Module that provides the utility emergency management team with a tool that forecasts storm impacts and monitors the internal response to restore service.