BelVis PPM is the Energy Data Management system for power plant operators. It enables the entire energy cycle to be mapped in time series, from generation right through to the supply terminals in the transmission or distribution networks, thus supporting the entire process:
Remote meter reading
Validation and adjustment of load profile data
Calculation of derived power and energy time series as required by the market partners
Provision of a traceable and audit-proof basis for adjusting the financial balance between the energy ordered and the energy supplied.
In order to translate these requirements into action the following components are basically used in BelVis PPM:
The integrated remote meter data reading system (ZFA) SODA and interfaces to other standard remote meter reading systems.
The flexible Energy Data Management system (EDM) which has facilities for the keeping of master data and administration of energy data satisfying the requirements of the power plant operators and which can also be effectively configured for specific tasks.
The configurable and automated default value substitution facility which detects faulty or missing values on the basis of the meter data status and substitutes them plausibly and traceably.
The quality monitor (status report) which allows the location of load profile data, the status of which is e.g. missing, faulty, temporary or implausible.
The powerful time series graphics for visualization and processing of the load profile data.
The automated and tamper-proof further processing of remote meter readings relating to tariff, maximum, monthly and annual time series, power station totals, transfer point totals, etc.
The multi-level archiving procedure for “freezing” accounts-relevant time series data at the scheduled settlement dates such that the data can withstand audit.
The flexible reporting system based on Crystal Reports and configurable time series export interfaces. In conjunction with the automated data transmission, the validated time series data can be relayed to the market partners in acceptable data formats and within time limits compatible with market conditions.
Flexible Energy Data Management
All power station supplies and withdrawals are assigned to the power station units and power stations, and to the supply points in the transmission or distribution network. The rates of energy flow occurring at the supply points are calculated from the supplies or withdrawals from the individual power station units with due regard for transmission losses. The numeric correlations are described flexibly by way of formulae which can be imported easily into BelVis.
Configurable and automated substitute value formation
The meter readings taken by SODA (or other remote meter reading systems) record specific status information if, for example, individual meter data have to be classified as defective or missing on account of a power failure or time setting. BelVis PPM systematically analyzes this status information and detects where substitute values need to be formed. The automated substitute value formation system deployed by BelVis adopts a hierarchical approach in which substitute values are formed in a specific order of precedence. For example:
Clearing house
Comparison measurement of transmission ne work provider
Independent comparison measurement of control system
Algorithm
If there is an area with missing or defective data the first step involves checking whether there are any clearing house data (between power generating company and transmission network provider). If not, the load profile data from comparison measurements are consulted in turn and finally the 3 BelVis PPM algorithm. The algorithm is based on an nth-degree polynomial where the polynomial degree can be established in accordance with G=A*n+B, where n is the number of gaps and A and B are integral coefficients. Figure 2 shows another possible configuration of the default value substitution.
Status Report
The graphical status report allows easy detection of data gaps and defective and implausible values from among thousands of time series, and analysis of the same. It provides information about malfunctions in the power generation system and/or faults in communicating the remote meter readings, amongst other things. Also worth mentioning at this point are the configurable plausibility checks which allow e.g. the verification of peak demand, load variation rates and relative changes between load profiles. Implausible values are also recorded in the status report.
Powerful Time Series Graphics
The facilities offered by the BelVis time series graphics range from the simple visualization of time series data and their status information right through to carrying out calculations and the use of graphic layouts in order to provide automatically updated standard displays ready for presentation.
Automated and Tamper-Proof Further Processing
All time series, their dependences and calculation algorithms are configured in line with customer requirements. Time series can, for example, include the remote reading data from multi-quadrant meters or the results of calculating substitute values, tariff time series, maximum daily, monthly and annual amounts, aggregations to power station and distribution network level. Given the flexibility of BelVis there are practically no limits imposed on the modeling of the practical requirements. All time series are constantly updated by a background program (the calculation server) as soon as input values have changed through e.g. the current remote reading. The entire calculation thread can be protected from tampering by unauthorized persons by setting up time series attributes, roles and rights.
Audit-Proof Archiving System
The quality-assured load profile readouts taken by BelVis PPM are aggregated to time series with relevance for billing and statements. As soon as these become the basis of an accounting system they can be “frozen” in separate time series archives. The archive data cannot be changed. Special user access rights are required for archiving purposes. Further rights can be set up to restrict the repetition of an archival process to persons with responsibility for accounts.
Flexible Reporting System and Automated Data Transmission
As a participant in the energy market energy data must be transmitted on time in agreed formats. To this end it is possible to create customized reports with the aid of a data query language and Crystal Reports. A similar degree of flexibility in creating special data export formats is possible to a great extent. Both time series data and reports can be generated automatically with timing control and relayed, e.g. by e-mail.
Tried and Tested in Practice
ENDESA, ENEL and Tirreno Power are reputable utility companies which have opted for BelVis PPM and SODA in order to measure and validate their energy flow rates and process them to form a resilient basis capable of withstanding accounting requirements.
