Cost and benefits of a distribution automation system for the northeast area of Sao Paulo
An evaluation of the costs and the benefits of distribution automation was done for an area in the northeastern part of Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The results showed that the savings pay for the automation cost. The major gain relies on the substation supervision and staff reduction. CESP is one of the three utilities responsible for the distribution of electricity in Sao Paulo, a state crossed by the Capricornium Tropic in the southeast of Brazil. CESP generates power (9,3 GW), has transmission (20,000 km), bulk power supply to other utilities, and distributes power to six regions covering 120,000 km2 , where 1,300,000 customers are located. The main regional office is in a town called RIO CLARO, which economy is based on agro industries and manufacturers. RIO CLARO area represents 8% of CESP`s area, has 26% of customers, and is responsible for 37% of the income. In Brazil, the experience with DA is limited, and consists basically on prototypes installed in a few pilot areas, being one in CESP`s area. This prototype includes digital automation of three substations and feeders in GUARUJA, a seaside town. The system has been in operation since 1984 and has proved to be satisfactory. DA has not been given an adequate attention before, because: salaries in Brazil are low if compared to the developed countries; Brazilian computer market was protected up to 1992 meaning that only a few Brazilian manufacturers could offer automation products; foreign products were not available; there was shortage of investment even in the main equipments due to the course of the Brazilian economy. Recently, there has been access to foreign technology, there is a competitive market and offer of good products and maintenance services.
- OSTI ID:
- 192236
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9501113--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Environmental benefits of replacing fuel oil by natural gas in the metropolitan region of Sao Paulo, Brazil
University of Sao Paulo