An expert system for cold load pickup

This paper describes the use of an expert system which makes recommendations on the method of restoration of power after an extended outage on a cold day. This expert system is interfaced with a FORTRAN program, a database and a user interface. The FORTRAN program predicts the heating load component of the distribution load via simulation. The database stores the information provided by the user and the simulation results of the FORTRAN program. The knowledge base contains all the rules in English-like “IF...THEN...” structure, that are responsible for making the final recommendations. The expert system performs the tedious task of analyzing the simulations of the computer program, requesting selected additional simulations, if required and making decisions on the method of restoration of power. Suitability of an expert system implementation to the problem is highlighted. Also, a sample dialog between the user and the expert system is presented