[UC36] Phase Identification Analysis

By design, the electricity distribution grids are built as a 3-phase system. In some utilities, many of the consumption points are connected to only one phase. This is achieved by allocating consumption points with either phases A, B, or C of the final 3-phase power distributed for the end consumption. A present problem confronting electrical power distribution is alignment between phase identification in utility records and in reality in the field.

Historically, the phase identification information data were recorded and kept in a system of records – usually Geographical Information System (GIS). It is not different now; however, as with any data system, this system might diverge with time if corrective processes are not in place. Utilities have started to notice data errors, and one of the target areas is the correction and improvement of phase identification data.

The data errors in phase identification records might bring multiple problems. Without proper phase identification, analysts might not be unable to calculate phase load correctly. Unbalanced phases lead to significant energy losses and sharply reduced asset lifetimes (due to the overloading of one or two phases). Errors in phase identification records can also lead to outages and safety issues.

Above are some of the reasons why it is so important to have a tool and process that checks that the phases are correctly identified (according to the actual field wiring).