Case study: Using distribution automation to build the next generation utility in the City of Wadsworth

The City of Wadsworth, Ohio, is upgrading and adding new capabilities to its protection and control (P&C) system. A cohesive set of ground-breaking new technologies is being deployed, leveraging an existing fiber-optic communications network. The integration of modern recloser controls, capacitors, regulators, and feeder circuits with a centralized automated fault detection, isolation, and restoration system is the focus of the new P&C system. In addition, the new P&C design provides a solution to a present challenge: engineering a centralized automated feeder voltage profile optimization solution that can remain fully functional alongside a fault detection and isolation system that is capable of automatically modifying the distribution system topology. The problem with many existing automated voltage profile optimization solutions is that they may need to be disabled when a distribution feeder is not in its normal configuration. These two technologies are being integrated into a single interdependent solution that provides the city with a volt/VAR control system that can automatically and appropriately adapt to constantly changing distribution system topology as faults, loss of potential, miscoordinations, or overloads occur and are automatically and immediately mitigated.