This is what Bescom hopes to achieve through automation of power distribution system in Bangalore Metropolitan Area. The power firm floated a global tender for the purpose a few days ago.
According to Bescom sources, the company proposes to spend Rs 563 crore to improve power supply reliability by automating the 11-KV distribution network in the metropolitan area. Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is funding the project, which is scheduled to be completed in five years.
Sources said the project is aimed at making Bangalore a world-class city in power reliability. “When the project is completed, the power reliability in the City may be comparable with Tokyo, New York, Paris or London. There will be no power cuts even for a few seconds for fault location and restoration of power supply,” sources added.
At present, the power supply reliability at 11-KV feeder level in Bangalore City is 99 per cent. But the reliability in terms of actual interruption per consumer is 86.22 hours per annum. This is much more compared to world-class cities, which is in the range of a few seconds per annum. “This is because the distribution system in Bangalore is operated manually and a lot of time is lost on fault location and restoration of power supply. Once the Distribution Automation System (DAS) project is completed, it provides for automatic isolation of a minimum faulty section,” sources said.
Project details
The project envisages control and monitoring of Ring Main Units (RMUs) connected to both underground cable and overhead distribution network, providing Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) with communication facility at all RMU locations.
It is also proposed to have a monitoring centre at sub-station level so the distribution network coming under the sub-station can be monitored.
A Master Control Centre will be set up at Bescom HQ, which will cater to the overall monitoring and controlling of the distribution network using the Distribution Management Systems.
Sources feel there is a strong need for automation of distribution system as IT sector is heavily concentrated in the City.
“Electronic, BT and garment sectors are poised for a big growth. Hence, we cannot afford to have frequent power cuts and, then take our own time to attend to faults manually,” sources added.
