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Sensors & Electronics

Electronics & Systems

Rapid Mitigation of Critical Grid Instabilities (477)

Problem: Rapid corrective response to grid instability conditions is needed to reduce service interruptions.

Between 1984 and 2000, 11 major outages occurred affecting more than 4000 megawatts.

Northeast US blackout on Aug. 14, 2003 cost between $4 & $6 billion (US DOE). Image courtesy of NOAA/DMSP.
(Click image to see enlarged version.)

Project Activity Scope (from Electronics Technology Overview Chart): Interaction Mechanisms through Integrated Systems

PNNL Solution:

• Analyzed stable and unstable operating situation data to identify key problem indicators
• Improved analysis tools to provide real-time situational awareness and recommend corrective actions
• Used grid stability models to evaluate corrective action alternatives
• Developed operator tools to improve response to disruptive events
• Evaluated and validated tool performance and operator training effectiveness in PNNL's Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center (EIOC)

Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Power system dynamics analysis, development and applications of power system simulation algorithms, study of electric economics impact on power system operation, market simulation, use of major power system simulation software including Positive Sequence Load Flow (PSLF) software from General Electric, Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E) from Power Technologies International, and HABITAT/DTS (AREVA T&D), modeling of residential appliances, development of distribution system simulator and system identification toolbox, deregulation and restructuring, power system modeling, software development, data acquisition and interpretation.

Selected Links to Related Information:

• Electrical Power Grid Applications (Structured Overview)
• Related Examples (Same Project)
  • Control Center Tools to Improve Grid Reliability (472)
  • Electrical Grid Operator Training Resource (474)
  • Improving Electrical Grid Operations (478)
  • Improved Electrical Grid Operation Monitoring (479)
  • Real-time Understanding of Grid Dynamics (476)
• Similar Application Examples (Same or Different Technology)
  • Electrical Grid Monitoring System (266)
  • Electrical Grid-Responsive Load Controls (439)
  • Electric Grid Stability and Control (264)
  • Electrical Substation Control Automation (303)
  • Electrical Grid Vulnerability Analysis (265)
  • Modeling Power Grid Dynamic Effects (263)
  • Monitoring Electric Power Grid Dynamics (92)
  • Rapid Load Control to Improve Grid Stability (311)
  • Tools for Electric Grid Stability Analysis (268)
• Related Websites
  • Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center (EIOC)

Contact: Ross Guttromson