Outage point prediction system integrated with geographic information systems in electrical distribution networks

Abstract

This invention relates to an outage point prediction system that enables outages occurring in electrical distribution networks to be detected using an analysis method integrated with a geographic information systems module (50) The system stores outage notifications received through the notification sources (80) in the database (40) and associates these notifications with geographical data via the geographic information systems module (50). The outage analysis module (60) analyzes the notifications, classifies the outage types, and determines the outage source by examining nodal connections and flow directions. The analysis results are visually presented on a map using the visualization tool (70). The user interface (20) makes the analysis results accessible to the users (10) and enables proper guidance of field teams. This system accelerates outage management processes, increases operational efficiency, and provides an innovative solution to the energy sector.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Outage Point Prediction System Integrated with Geographic Information Systems in Electrical Distribution Networks

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and intelligent analytical methods developed to enable the rapid and accurate detection of outages occurring in electrical distribution networks. The outage point prediction system, which encompasses the identification, classification, and visualization of outage sources on the electrical grid, aims to optimize the operational processes of electrical distribution companies, accelerate outage response actions, and increase customer satisfaction.

[0005] The outage point prediction system analyzes outage notifications received from various sources such as smart meters, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) systems, and matches these notifications with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The system performs notification analysis and identification of outage sources by using the geographical locations of grid components (transformers, lines, switching elements).

[0006] Furthermore, the solutions offered by the system include functionalities such as flow direction analysis, nodal connectivity analysis, and shortest-path calculations on the electrical grid. Through these capabilities, outage points are identified within a hierarchical structure, and the results are visualized on the GIS interface, enabling the correct guidance of field teams.

[0007] This technical field contributes to the effective utilization of geographical data in electrical distribution networks and accelerates outage management processes, thereby reducing operational costs and increasing process efficiency.Background of the Invention

[0008] The management of outages occurring in electrical distribution networks is one of the most critical operational processes in the energy sector. The effective management of these processes is of great importance not only for reducing operational costs but also for increasing customer satisfaction and ensuring energy supply security. However, existing technical solutions have various limitations, leading to significant challenges in outage detection and management processes. The inability to accurately identify outage sources on the electrical grid prolongs field intervention times and decreases operational efficiency. These issues highlight the need to overcome the deficiencies present in the known state of the art.

[0009] Current techniques include technologies such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), AMR / OSOS (Automatic Meter Reading System), and smart meter infrastructures. These systems collect outage notifications and attempt to analyze them to detect the underlying issues. However, most of these existing systems cannot associate incoming outage notifications with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This lack of correlation prevents the accurate geographical identification of outage points and hinders the effective dispatching of field crews. Particularly, existing methods that do not integrate geographical data into the analysis process make it difficult and timeconsuming to pinpoint the source of an outage.

[0010] Existing technical solutions are insufficient in accurately and rapidly identifying outage sources. The inability to integrate non-geographical outage notifications with GIS complicates the positioning and grouping of outage points on the grid. Furthermore, the absence of flow-direction analysis and nodal connectivity analysis within the electrical grid prevents outage sources from being identified within a hierarchical structure. This deficiency makes it difficult to properly analyze the network topology required for identifying the root cause of the outage. Additionally, current methods cannot classify different outage types (long, short, and momentary outages), which prevents the implementation of tailored intervention strategies for each outage type. The inability to properly categorize outages complicates the optimization of field response planning and increases the complexity of operational processes. Conducting staged outage analyses allows compensation and time / cost losses to be minimized, while staged re-energization significantly accelerates intervention.Another significant shortcoming in the known state of the art arises in the visualization of outage detection results. Existing systems are unable to effectively visualize outage points on GIS-based maps. The lack of visualization prevents field crews from being accurately guided to the outage source and prolongs intervention times. A GIS-integrated visualization approach stands out as a critical component for ensuring the fast and accurate movement of field teams. With GIS-based visualization, navigation-assisted guidance may also be provided when necessary.

[0011] These deficiencies negatively impact the outage management processes of electrical distribution companies. The inability to geographically locate outage sources, the lack of flow-direction and nodal connectivity analysis, the inability to accurately classify outage types, and insufficient visualization of results lead to reduced customer satisfaction and increased operational costs. In this context, the development of a new outage point prediction system becomes a significant necessity to eliminate these shortcomings and to enable more effective management of electrical distribution networks.

[0012] Objects of the Invention

[0013] The primary object of the invention is to enable the rapid, accurate, and effective detection of outages occurring in electrical distribution networks by means of an outage point prediction system integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The system aims to eliminate the deficiencies present in existing methods and to optimize outage management processes within the energy sector. Accurate identification of outage sources not only accelerates operational workflows but also contributes significantly to increasing customer satisfaction.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to enable the association of non-geographical outage notifications with GIS. In existing systems, the inability to match such notifications with geographical data makes it difficult to determine the physical location of outage points. Through the invention, outage notifications can be analyzed on a location-based basis, allowing field crews to be directed accurately. Thus, the intervention period is shortened, and the effectiveness of fault-resolution processes is improved.A further important object of the invention is to perform flow-direction analyses and nodal connectivity analyses on the electrical distribution network. Hierarchical connectivity and flow-direction information of network components enable a more precise and accurate identification of outage sources. These analyses make a significant contribution to operational processes, particularly in large-scale grids, by enabling rapid localization of fault origins.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to ensure the proper classification of outage types (long, short, and momentary outages). Existing techniques are not capable of performing such classification, making it difficult to determine the appropriate intervention method for each outage type. The invention allows outage types to be distinguished, enabling the development of customized operational action plans. For example, rapid-response crews may be dispatched for a momentary outage, whereas alternative energy resources may be activated for a long-duration outage, making such solutions easily applicable.

[0016] The invention also aims to visualize outage sources and analysis results on GIS-based maps. Such visualization enables field crews to reach outage points quickly and manage their tasks more efficiently. This innovation provides a user-friendly interface that supports outage management processes and reduces human error. GIS-based representations also allow nearby fault points to be grouped through proximity / neighbor analyses.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to increase customer satisfaction by identifying subscribers affected by planned outages through flow-direction and nodal connectivity analyses on the electrical distribution grid, and by notifying these subscribers in advance through integration with the subscriber management system.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to reduce operational costs. Rapid and accurate identification of outage sources accelerates fault-resolution processes and minimizes energy losses. At the same time, fewer field visits and more accurate crew dispatching reduce labor costs and increase the overall efficiency of energy distribution processes.

[0019] The invention aims to transform outage management processes within the energy sector and eliminate existing deficiencies through an innovative approach. The comprehensive solutions offered by the invention not only resolve technical shortcomings but alsoprovide widespread improvement in grid management, customer satisfaction, and operational workflows. Thus, the invention contributes to helping electrical distribution companies achieve both operational and strategic objectives.

[0020] The invention, in order to achieve the objectives described above, relates to an outage point prediction system that enables the rapid, accurate, and effective detection of outages occurring in electrical distribution networks, optimizes grid management processes, and increases operational efficiency, the system comprising; at least one notification source configured to provide real-time outage notifications and enabling the receiving of said notifications by the system, at least one database having high scalability and data-management capacity, providing a storage area for storing the outage notifications received from said notification sources, associating them with historical data, and preparing them for analysis, at least one server configured to process the data received from said notification sources and the database, to manage analysis processes, and to provide data flow among the other components of the system, at least one geographic information systems module (GIS module) positioned at the core of the system for identifying outage sources, the GIS module being configured to analyze the outage notifications stored in the database by examining the physical locations, nodal connections, and flow directions of the electrical grid elements, performing geographical proximity analyses among the grid elements, correlating outage notifications with geographical data, and modeling the outage source within a hierarchical structure, at least one outage analysis module, being another critical component of the invention, configured to process and enhance the geographical analysis results provided by the GIS module by using geographical proximity analysis and shortest-path algorithms to accurately determine the outage source, classify outage types to allow identification of appropriate intervention strategies for different outage categories, analyze flow directions to model the electrical flow in the grid within a hierarchical structure, and manage all such processes in an integrated manner so as to provide accurate and meaningful data to the other components of the system, at least one visualization tool configured to visually present, on GIS-based maps, the data provided by the outage analysis module so that users can quickly understand outage sources and their distribution, thereby enabling accurate interpretation of the data by field teams and facilitating intervention processes, at least one user interface serving as an interface between the system and the users for monitoring the analysis results provided by thevisualization tool, interacting with the system, and ensuring the correct guidance of field teams wherein the system comprises all of the above components.

[0021] Description of the Figures

[0022] Figure- 1 is a schematic representation of the outage point prediction system integrated with Geographic Information Systems, which is the subject of the present invention and is used in electrical distribution networks.

[0023] Description of the Part References

[0024] 10. User 50. Geographic Information Systems Module 20. User Interface 60. Outage Analysis Module

[0025] 30. Server 70. Visualization Tool

[0026] 40. Database 80. Notification Sources

[0027] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] The present invention relates to an innovative system that enables the rapid and accurate detection of outages occurring in electrical distribution networks by using an analysis method integrated with geographic information systems. The system encompasses the processes of associating outage notifications with geographical data, analyzing them, and correctly guiding field crews. Developed to eliminate deficiencies seen in existing systems, the invention optimizes the operational processes of electrical distribution companies and enhances customer satisfaction.

[0029] The user (10) is the primary element interacting with the system. Technical personnel and managers working within electrical distribution networks monitor outage notifications, review analysis results, and create necessary intervention plans through the system. Users (10) can observe outages in real time and direct intervention teams accurately using the tools provided. This structure enables users (10) to make effective decisions without requiring technical expertise.The user interface (20) is the component that enables interaction between the system and the users (10). It visually presents outage notifications, analysis results, and maps produced through the geographic information systems module (50). With its user-friendly design, the user interface (20) is essential for timely guidance of field crews and access to accurate operational data. It provides detailed reports, charts, and maps, simplifying decision-making for users (10).

[0030] The server (30) functions as the primary processing center of the system. Processes such as receiving outage notifications, analyzing them, and processing geographical data are performed on the server (30). The server ensures data flow among the system’s modules, maintains data integrity, and processes multiple notifications simultaneously to improve system performance.

[0031] The database (40) is the central data management component. Outage notifications, geographical data, analysis results, and historical records are stored within the database (40). This enables the system to work with historical information and predict future outage scenarios. The database (40) also supports scalability, allowing deployment in electrical networks of varying sizes.

[0032] The geographic information systems module (50) correlates outage notifications with geographical data by using the geographical positions of electrical grid elements such as transformers, lines, and switching elements. It performs geographical proximity analysis between grid elements and calculates their relative distances. This analysis is essential for accurately matching outage sources. The geographic information systems module (50) also analyzes flow direction on the electrical network, enabling the hierarchical modeling of outage sources. Additionally, the module examines node and line connections to comprehensively evaluate the relationships between grid elements.

[0033] The outage analysis module (60) groups received outage notifications according to similar characteristics and prepares them for further analysis. It uses data derived from geographical proximity analysis and flow- di recti on evaluation conducted by the geographic information systems module (50) to accurately identify the outage source. Using the shortest-path algorithm, the outage analysis module (60) determines the nearest relevant grid element, such as a transformer or switching element. Furthermore, it classifies outage types (long, short, and momentary), enabling the creation ofspecialized intervention strategies. This classification ensures accurate and rapid guidance of field crews.

[0034] The visualization tool (70) visually presents outage analysis results on maps based on data provided by the geographic information systems module (50). This visualization is vital for enabling field teams to quickly reach outage points. Map-based visualization improves the accuracy of field guidance and reduces intervention time. The visualization tool (70) also presents subscriber density maps, outage-point clustering, transformerload density, and similar information to the user through the user interface (20).

[0035] The notification sources (80) are the system’s data-entry points. Notifications received from sources such as smart meters, scada systems, automatic meter reading systems (osos), customer relationship management (erm) systems, and workforce management (wfm) systems are processed by the server (30) via the database (40). These notifications provide the essential real-time operational data required for accurate analysis.

[0036] The system begins by receiving notifications through the notification sources (80). The server (30) stores these notifications in the database (40) and processes them through the geographic information systems module (50). The outage analysis module (60) determines outage sources and outage types. These results are displayed to the user (10) on maps through the visualization tool (70), enabling correct field guidance. All system components operate jointly to make outage management faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

[0037] The outage point prediction system operates on an algorithm that rapidly and accurately analyzes outage notifications by associating them with the geographic information systems module (50).

[0038] In the first stage, outage notifications are automatically received through the notification sources (80) from scada, osos, smart meters, erm systems, and wfm systems and stored in the database (40) via the server (30). Manual outage information entered by the user (10) through the user interface (20) is stored in the same manner and prepared for processing by the geographic information systems module (50).The outage analysis module (60) groups notifications and prepares them for geographical analysis. The geographic information systems module (50), via the server (30), correlates outage notifications with geographical data on the electrical grid and identifies outage points using the physical locations of transformers, lines, and switching elements. The outage analysis module (60) classifies outage types (long, short, and momentary), enabling appropriate intervention strategies.

[0039] The outage analysis module (60) examines nodal connections and flow directions to accurately identify the outage source. Through the server (30), the system determines whether the outage is caused by a single supply point or multiple sources. If a single supply point is responsible, a single outage point is reported; if multiple supply points are involved, they are grouped into one consolidated outage point.

[0040] Finally, the visualization tool (70) displays the analysis results on gis-based maps. Working in integration with the server (30), it enables field crews to reach outage points rapidly. Detailed reports displayed through the user interface (20) support operator decision-making.

[0041] Through the integrated operation of the geographic information systems module (50), the outage analysis module (60), and the visualization tool (70), the invention ensures accurate and rapid identification of outage sources. With its user-friendly user interface (20), robust server (30), and real-time data-processing capabilities, the system supports the operational and strategic needs of electrical distribution companies, increases efficiency, and improves customer satisfaction.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention relates to an outage point prediction system that enables outages occurring in electrical distribution networks to be detected rapidly, accurately, and effectively, optimizes grid management processes, and increases operational efficiency, characterized by:• at least one notification source (80) configured to provide real-time outage notifications and to enable such notifications to be received by the system, • at least one database (40) having high scalability and data-management capacity, and providing a storage area for storing outage notifications received from the notification sources (80), associating them with historical data, and making them available for analysis,• at least one server (30) configured to process the data received from the notification sources (80) and the database (40), manage analysis processes, and ensure data flow among other system components,• at least one geographic information systems module (50) which analyzes the outage notifications stored in the database (40) by examining the physical locations, nodal connections, and flow directions of the electrical grid elements, performing geographical proximity analysis among grid elements, associating outage notifications with geographical data, and modeling the outage source in a hierarchical structure, thereby constituting the core of the system for identifying outage sources,• at least one outage analysis module (60), which processes and enhances the geographical analysis results provided by the geographic information systems module (50), accurately determines the outage source by using geographical proximity analysis and shortest-path algorithms, classifies outage types to enable the determination of intervention methods suitable for different outage categories, analyzes flow directions to model electrical flow within the grid in a hierarchical structure, and performs all these processes in an integrated manner to provide accurate and meaningful data to other system components,• at least one visualization tool (70) which visually presents the data provided by the outage analysis module (60) on gis-based maps to allow users to quickly understand outage sources and their distribution, thereby enabling field crews to correctly interpret the data and facilitating intervention processes,• at least one user interface (20) functioning as an interface between the system and the users, allowing the analysis results provided by the visualization tool (70) to be monitored by users, enabling interaction with the system, and providing accurate guidance for field teams,wherein the system comprises the aforementioned components.

2. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification sources (80) comprise Scada, an automatic meter reading system, smart meters, a customer relationship management system, or a workforce management system for providing outage notifications originating from different systems.

3. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical grid elements comprise a transformer, a line, or a switching element, and are configured such that their physical locations are analyzed.

4. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outage analysis module (60) classifies outage data as long, short, or transient in order to analyze different outage types.

5. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the database (40) stores real-time outage notifications and historical outage data separately.

6. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterized in that the outage analysis module (60) uses a shortest-path algorithm to identify the nearest grid element associated with the outage source.

7. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the visualization tool (70) graphically presents the analysis results on geographic information systems-based maps.

8. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the server (30) collects data received from the notification sources (80), transmits said data to the database (40), and makes the data processable for analysis.

9. The outage point prediction system according to claim 1, characterized in that the server (30) manages the data flow between the database (40), the geographic information systems module (50), and the outage analysis module (60), and ensures data integration among the components.

10. The invention relates to an outage point prediction method that enables outages occurring in electrical distribution networks to be detected rapidly, accurately, and effectively, optimizes grid management processes, and increases operational efficiency, comprising:• at least one notification source (80) configured to provide real-time outage notifications and to enable said notifications to be received by the system, • at least one database (40) having high scalability and data-management capacity, providing a storage area for storing outage notifications received from the notification sources (80), associating them with historical data, and making them available for analysis,• at least one server (30) configured to process the data received from the notification sources (80) and the database (40), manage analysis processes, and ensure data flow among the system components,• at least one Geographic Information Systems Module (50) positioned at the core of the system, configured to analyze the outage notifications stored in the database (40) by examining the physical locations, nodal connections, and flow directions of electrical grid elements, performing geographical proximity analyses between the grid elements, associating outage notifications with geographical data, and modeling the outage source in a hierarchical structure, • at least one Outage Analysis Module (60) as another critical component of the invention, configured to process and refine the geographical analysis results provided by the Geographic Information Systems Module (50), accurately determine the outage source using geographical proximity analysis and shortest-path algorithms, classify outage types to enable intervention methods suitable for different outage types, analyze flow directions to model electrical flow within the grid in a hierarchical structure, and provide accurate and meaningful data to other system components,• at least one visualization tool (70) configured to visually present the data provided by the Outage Analysis Module (60) on Geographic Information Systems-based maps to enable users to rapidly understand the outage sourcesand distribution, ensuring proper interpretation by field teams and facilitating intervention processes,• at least one user interface (20) acting as an interface between the system and the users, enabling the users to monitor the analysis results provided by the visualization tool (70), interact with the system, and ensure that field teams are accurately directed,characterized by the method steps of:• recording the outage data received from the notification sources (80) through the database (40) and associating them with historical outage data,• processing the outage notifications stored in the database (40) through the server (30) to make them suitable for the analysis modules,• associating the outage notifications with the geographic information systems module (50) through the server (30) and initiating the analysis process, • analyzing the transmitted data through the geographic information systems module (50) to determine the physical locations, nodal connections, and flow directions of the electrical grid elements,• associating the outage notifications with geographical proximity analyses through the geographic information systems module (50) and modeling the outage source in a hierarchical structure,• processing the geographical analysis results through the outage analysis module (60) to classify the outage types,• identifying the nearest grid element associated with the outage source by using a shortest-path algorithm through the outage analysis module (60), • visually presenting the analysis results provided by the outage analysis module (60) dynamically and comprehensibly on geographic information systems-based maps through the visualization tool (70),• presenting the analysis results provided by the visualization tool (70) to users through the user interface (20).

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