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This paper discusses typical grounding practices and ground fault protection methods for medium-voltage generator stators, highlighting their merits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to applications of multiple generators connected to a single bus. The paper also provides an overview of the generator damage mechanism during stator ground faults. Problem areas associated with each type of grounding are identified and solutions are discussed. The paper also provides a list of references on the topic. The paper is intended as a guide to aid engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for medium-voltage industrial and commercial generators for new installations, for evaluating existing systems, and for future expansion of facilities, to minimize generator damage from stator ground faults. These topics are presented in four separate parts, Parts 1-4. Part 1 covers scope, introduction, user examples of stator ground failure, and theoretical basis for the problem. Part 2 discusses various grounding methods used in industrial applications. Part 3 describes protection methods for the various types of grounding and Part 4 provides a conclusion and bibliography of additional resource material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the application of the continuous Newton's method to the power flow problem. This method basically consists in formulating the power flow problem as a set of autonomous ordinary differential equations. Based on this formal analogy, we propose an entire family of numerically efficient algorithms for solving ill-conditioned or badly-initialized power flow cases. The paper also shows that the classical Newton-Raphson's method and most robust power flow techniques proposed in the literature are particular cases of the proposed formulation. An example based on a 1254-bus model of the UCTE system is presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second part of this paper presents a practical implementation and application of the methodology for the stochastic assessment of the annual financial losses due to interruptions and voltage sags discussed in the first part of this paper. The costs of interruptions and voltage sags are determined separately and then combined in order to estimate the total financial losses in the network. The methodology is illustrated on a generic realistic distribution network with all relevant network components modeled appropriately. Finally, different network topologies are compared taking into account total financial losses in the network. It is shown that the inclusion of the financial losses due to voltage sags that may account for up to about 20% of the interruption costs may alter the network topology ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is one of a series of papers discussing the application and accuracy of different analysis techniques supporting the determination of industrial and commercial power system reliability and availability. There is a need recognized in the power industry to identify and utilize a standard tool, or a set of tools, to analyze the reliability of power systems. historically, the results of applying different reliability methodologies and tools varied significantly, and comparisons were difficult. The Reliability Analysis Techniques Working Group of the Gold Book (WEE Std. 493-1997) developed a standard network to enable comparison of analytical techniques. This paper describes the approach of simulations via reliability block diagrams as applied to the Gold Book standard network. Reliability indexes of the load points are presented, and are compared with ones obtained from other techniques in the series to determine the accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic frequency regulation and effect of penetration of static and inertial sources on system stability are important issues for islanded microgrid power quality and reliability. This paper presents a novel strategy of utilizing an inverter-based source as a voltage source inverter or virtual synchronous generator (VSG). Electromechanical and power modes are critical for small signal stability of an isolated microgrid having static and inertial sources. Interaction of these modes is analyzed through eigenvalue analysis of microgrid model and differential equations describing respective modes. Inertia is important for providing fault current, determining steady state and transient stability, and better system frequency profile. A novel technique is proposed to include inertia virtually to the inverter-based sources by adding swing equation. Furthermore, inverter-based sources with traditional and modified droop controls and VSGs are compared with respect to inertia, energy, and stability. The proposed control and stability comparison are verified through experimental microgrid setup having three inverter-based sources, which can be alternately operated as VSGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature superconductors have created the opportunity for a step change in the technology of power applications. Racetrack superconducting coils made from YBCO coated conductors have been used in several engineering applications including SMES, rotor or stator windings of electric machines. AC loss is one of the most important factors that determine the design and performance of superconducting devices. In this paper, a numerical model is developed to calculate the AC losses in superconducting racetrack coils in different magnetic conditions. This paper first discusses the AC losses of the coils in self-field or external field only. It then goes to investigate the AC losses of the coils being exposed to AC ripple field and a DC background field. Finally, the AC losses of the coils carrying DC current and being exposed to AC field are calculated. These two scenarios correspond to using superconducting coils as the rotor field winding of an electric machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the planning method for capacitor installation in a distribution system to reduce the installation costs and minimize the loss of electrical energy. The expected life-time of devices with moving parts depends on the total number of operations, which affects the replacement period and replacement decisions for aging equipment under a limited budget. In this paper, the expected device lifetimes are included in the formulation, and the optimal operation status of the devices is determined using a genetic algorithm. The optimal numbers and locations for capacitor installation are determined based on the optimal operation status. Simulation results in a 69-bus distribution system show that the proposed technique performs better than conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multiobjective performance index-based size and location determination of distributed generation in distribution systems with different load models. Normally, a constant power (real and reactive) load model is assumed in most of the studies made in the literature. It is shown that load models can significantly affect the optimal location and sizing of distributed generation (DG) resources in distribution systems. The simulation technique based on genetic algorithms is studied. The studies have been carried out on 16-bus and 37-bus distribution systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a method of developing wide-band multi-port system equivalents for use with real-time digital power system simulators. The proposed equivalent combines a frequency dependent network equivalent (FDNE) for the high frequency electromagnetic transients and a transient stability analysis (TSA) type simulation block for the electromechanical transients. The frequency dependent characteristic for FDNE is obtained by curve-fitting frequency domain admittance characteristics using the vector fitting method. The paper also introduces an approach for approximating the frequency dependent characteristic of large power networks from readily available typical power-flow data. The paper shows how the TSA algorithm can be adapted to a real-time platform. The validity of this method is confirmed with examples, including the study of a multi infeed HVDC system based network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power oscillation damping (POD) controllers implemented in the two thyristor controlled series compensators of the Brazilian North-South (NS) interconnection, in the year 1999, were solely intended to damp the low-frequency NS oscillation mode. These controllers are still under operation and are derived from the modulus of the active power flow in the NS line that is phase-lagged at the frequency of the NS mode and may experience relatively large excursions generated by exogenous disturbances. This paper utilizes the same 1999 data to compare the performance of a proposed robust POD controller design with those of two conventional designs. A recent robust control synthesis algorithm used in this work is based on a nonsmooth optimization technique and has the capability to handle various controller structures, including reduced-order, and to deal with time-domain constraints on both controlled and measured outputs. Moreover, the nonsmooth design technique encompasses multiple operating conditions subject to various test signals, hence building a truly time-domain multi-scenarios approach. According to the results discussed hereafter, this is a key advantage in the industrial context of increasing demand for performance and robustness. The described results relate to a large-scale system model used in the feasibility studies for that interconnection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional online security assessment determines whether the system is secure or not, but how secure or insecure is not explicitly indicated. This paper develops probabilistic indices, risk, to assess real-time power system security level. Risk captures not only event likelihood, but also consequence. System security level associated with low voltage and overload can be optimally controlled, using the NSGA multiobjective optimization method. A security diagram is used to visualize operating conditions in a way that enables both risk-based and traditional deterministic views. An index for cascading overloads is used to evaluate the Pareto optimal solutions. This paper shows that the multiobjective approach results in less risky and less costly operating conditions, and it provides a practical algorithm for implementation. The IEEE 24-bus RTS-1996 system is analyzed to show that risk-based system security control results in lower risk, lower cost, and less exposure to cascading outages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System reliability performance is usually based on average customer interruption information. These average values are valuable information, but provide only a single customer risk dimension without underlying probability distributions. The average annual indices give no insight on how reliability may vary from year to year as a result of the random behavior of bulk electric systems (BES). A significant advantage when utilizing sequential Monte Carlo simulation in bulk electric system reliability analysis is the ability to provide reliability index probability distributions in addition to the expected values of their indices. Parameter distribution analysis and its potential utilization are relatively new concepts in composite power system reliability analysis and decision making. This paper presents a technique to predict future reliability performance indices of the BES using a sequential simulation approach. The results obtained using the sequential software show that the system performance index probability distributions have unique characteristics that are basically dependent on the system topology and the operating philosophy. Operating policies involving load shedding procedures have a considerable impact on the system performance indices and their associated distributions. Two test systems are used to illustrate the concepts associated with the determination of system performance indices and their associated probability distributions. The results obtained using two different load shedding policies are presented and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses typical grounding practices and ground fault protection methods for medium-voltage generator stators, highlighting their merits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to applications of multiple generators connected to a single bus. The paper also provides an overview of the generator damage mechanism during stator ground faults. Problem areas associated with each type of grounding are identified and solutions are discussed. The paper also provides a list of references on the topic. The paper is intended as a guide to aid engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for medium-voltage industrial and commercial generators for new installations, for evaluating existing systems, and for future expansion of facilities, to minimize generator damage from stator ground faults. These topics are presented in four separate parts, Parts 1-4. Part 1 covers scope, introduction, user examples of stator ground failure, and theoretical basis for the problem. Part 2 discusses various grounding methods used in industrial applications. Part 3 describes protection methods for the various types of grounding and Part 4 provides a conclusion and bibliography of additional resource material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses typical grounding practices and ground fault protection methods for medium-voltage generator stators, highlighting their merits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to applications of multiple generators connected to a single bus. The paper also provides an overview of the generator damage mechanism during stator ground faults. Problem areas associated with each type of grounding are identified and solutions are discussed. The paper also provides a list of references on the topic. The paper is intended as a guide to aid engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for medium-voltage industrial and commercial generators for new installations, for evaluating existing systems, and for future expansion of facilities, to minimize generator damage from stator ground faults. These topics are presented in four separate parts, Parts 1-4. Part 1 covers scope, introduction, user examples of stator ground failure, and theoretical basis for the problem. Part 2 discusses various grounding methods used in industrial applications. Part 3 describes protection methods for the various types of grounding and Part 4 provides a conclusion and bibliography of additional resource material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deregulation of the electric power industry has introduced new uncertainties for market participants and made planning of transmission expansion more difficult. More flexible transmission expansion plans are needed, to cope with the increased risks. In this paper, a novel planning approach is proposed to meet the above challenge. In our approach, the planning process is modeled as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, so that conflicting objectives can be optimized simultaneously. To minimize planning risks, our method identifies several scenarios based on statistics and expert knowledge; the most flexible expansion plan is selected as the plan that has least adaptation cost. The proposed method is tested with the IEEE 14-bus system. Promising results are obtained to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to present a new fuzzy logic method for midterm energy forecasting. The proposed method properly transforms the input variables to differences or relative differences, in order to predict energy values not included in the training set and to use a minimal number of patterns. The input variables, the number of the triangular membership functions and their base widths are simultaneously selected by an optimization process. The standard deviation is calculated analytically by mathematical expressions based on the membership functions. Results from an extensive application of the method to the Greek power system and for different categories of customers are compared to those obtained from the application of standard regression methods and artificial neural networks (ANN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, dead band control algorithms using a performance index of the load tap changing (LTC) tap position are proposed to reduce the tap changing operation times. The performance index is defined as the customer voltage quality with the tap position of LTC transformer. In addition, dead band control algorithms using the load diversity values of the feeders are proposed. The mathematical formulations of the proposed dead band control algorithms are introduced. A sample case study is shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed dead band control algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order that the supply of electric power remain stable and sustainable, a certain level of power quality must be maintained while securing energy resources and resolving environmental issues. The distributed generation (DG) has become an essential and indispensable element of such distribution systems from both an environmental and an energy security perspective. However, the installation of DGs in distribution systems may cause variations of voltage on distribution feeder because the DG power outputs may change randomly and dramatically. Generally, the sending voltage at substation in distribution systems can be regulated by an under load tap changer (ULTC) designed to maintain customers' receiving voltages within a predetermined range. Voltage regulation performed by ULTC calls for two parameters: the equivalent impedance and the load center voltage. Therefore, in distribution networks with DG interconnections, these parameters should be designed with attention not only to load variations but also to DG outputs. This paper proposes a method for designing ULTC parameters with reference to variations in DG output. The proposed algorithm is tested with IEEE 13-node system and Korean model network. The results demonstrate the validity of the proposed design method for varying DG distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a competitive electricity market, price forecasts are important for market participants. However, electricity price is a complex signal due to its nonlinearity, nonstationarity, and time variant behavior. In spite of much research in this area, more accurate and robust price forecast methods are still required. In this paper, a combination of a feature selection technique and cascaded neuro-evolutionary algorithm (CNEA) is proposed for this purpose. The feature selection method is an improved version of the mutual information (MI) technique. The CNEA is composed of cascaded forecasters where each forecaster consists of a neural network (NN) and an evolutionary algorithm (EA). An iterative search procedure is also incorporated in our solution strategy to fine-tune the adjustable parameters of both the MI technique and CNEA. The price forecast accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated by means of real data from the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) and Spanish electricity markets. The method is also compared with some of the most recent price forecast techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As power systems becoming more closely interconnected and are being deregulated in energy markets, distributed simulations among different dispatch centers are highly required for online full system analysis and control applications. In this paper a new algorithm for distributed transient stability simulation of interconnected power systems is presented. Based on a Jacobian-free Newton-GMRES(m) method, this algorithm requires only exchanges of states of boundary buses among different regions. Therefore, it has strong scalability in distributed computing environments built on heterogeneous computing resources. Moreover, several accelerating methods are developed to enhance its efficiency, including continuous preconditioning with adaptive preconditioners, predicting boundary conditions and multistep coordination. The standard IEEE 39-bus system and a real power system with 1165 buses were used as test systems. The test results show that these accelerating methods greatly enhance the convergence rate of the proposed algorithm and reduce communication costs remarkably, which proves the novel algorithm is feasible and can be adopted in wide area networks with high-latency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) simulators are being widely used in power system dynamics studies. However, their capability in real-time simulation of power systems is compromised due to the small time step used and relatively slow simulation speed. The shifted frequency analysis (SFA) is then proposed to accelerate the EMTP simulations for power system dynamics. The objective of this paper is to extend the SFA method [7] to model the induction machines in EMTP. By analyzing the relationship between rotor and stator physical variables, a phase-coordinate model with lower number of equations is first derived. Based on this, an SFA model is proposed as a general purpose model capable of simulating both fast transients and slow dynamics. Case study results have confirmed the SFA induction machine model is a valuable component for real-time EMTP simulations. It is observed that the SFA model is in excess of 70 times faster than the standard EMTP model when simulating dynamics with frequency spectra close to the fundamental power frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a methodology to identify potential conflicts among power flow control devices that may slow down or impair convergence. The proposed methodology is based on the eigenvalue analysis of the sparse Jacobian matrix associated with the Newton power flow with controls. Practically identical results are obtained from a smaller control sensitivity matrix. The implementation in a power flow program has been tested using both small- and large-scale systems. The results presented validate and clearly indicate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multiobjective approach for the design of electrical distribution networks. The objectives are defined as a monetary cost index (including installation cost and energy losses cost) and a system failure index. The true Pareto-optimal solutions are found with a multiobjective genetic algorithm that employs an efficient variable encoding scheme and some problem-specific mutation and crossover operators. Results based on 21- and 100-bus systems are presented. The information gained from the Pareto-optimal solution set is shown to be useful for the decision-making stage of distribution network evolution planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the extension of harmonic domain modeling to flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices which contain series voltage injection elements. The proposed iterative technique is capable of modeling generic combinations of series and shunt converters; representing these elements as harmonic current and voltage sources, respectively. The harmonic performance of these converter combinations is characterized in terms of dc current mismatches, which are combined with fundamental frequency power-flow mismatches in an iterative Newton solution. This combination maintains modularity, allowing multiple converter FACTS devices, such as the unified power-flow controller (UPFC), and/or systems containing multiple FACTS devices to be studied. The proposed technique has been successfully validated against time-domain simulation for the UPFC and then used to highlight converter interactions within a UPFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a generalized methodology for stochastic/probabilistic assessment of the annual financial losses due to interruptions and voltage sags. The costs of interruptions and voltage sags are treated separately and then combined in order to estimate the total financial losses in the network per annum. The methodology proposed is applicable to both assessment of individual customer losses and assessment of total network losses. It takes into account in a probabilistic manner all the uncertainties associated with the voltage sag calculation, sensitivity of customers' equipment to voltage sags, the interconnection of the equipment within an industrial process, and customer types and the location of the process in the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a generalized leader inception model is proposed. It is based on an iterative geometrical analysis of the background potential distribution of an earthed structure to simulate the first meters of propagation of an upward connecting leader. By assuming a static field approach, the leader stabilization fields and the striking distances were computed for a lightning rod and for a building. The obtained results were compared with the existing leader inception criteria. Furthermore, in order to validate the model, the leader inception condition was computed for a triggered lightning experiment. Excellent agreement with the experimental results was obtained. The present model has several advantages in comparison with the existing leader inception criteria. One of them is related to the fact that the proposed model can be used to analyze the effect of the space charge on the upward leader inception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the uncertainty involved in the behavior of sensitive equipment used in various industrial processes and the methodology to incorporate this effect in quantifying the equipment trips due to voltage sags over a specified time period. The exact and more precise counting of equipment trips is essential for the accurate economic assessment of power quality. Existing standards and previously published test results on the sensitivity of this equipment against voltage sags are critically reviewed and possible ranges for variation in equipment sensitivity are investigated. Four different probable behaviors within respective ranges were considered for the stochastic assessment of equipment trips due to voltage sags. This study is performed on a generic power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed model for simulation of a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system. SMES technology has the potential to bring real power storage characteristic to the utility transmission and distribution systems. The principle of SMES system operation is reviewed in this paper. To understand transient and dynamic performance of a SMES system, a detailed SMES system benchmark model is given with extensive simulation results. This system is demonstrated using an electromagnetic transient program—PSCAD/EMTDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide area measurements have been widely used in the energy management systems (EMS) of power systems for monitoring, operation, and control. In recent years, the advent of synchronized phasor measurements has added another dimension to the field of wide-area measurements. At the same time, the field of protection systems has been dominated by computer based relays, which make it relatively easy to communicate with relays and thus include them in many innovative protection systems. Special Protection Systems (SPS) or Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) are one example of integration of communication and protection systems. In recent years-due to operational demands imposed on transmission networks by deregulation it has become clearer that wide-area measurements and their integration in protection and control systems is a necessity. This paper documents the state-of-the-art in modem sensor, communication, and protection technologies which show great potential for innovations in protection and control systems for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generic operations framework for a distribution company (disco) operating in a competitive electricity market environment is presented in this paper. The operations framework is a two-stage hierarchical model in which the first deals with disco's activities in the day-ahead stage, the Day Ahead Operations Model (DAOM). The second deals with disco's activities in real-time and is termed Real-Time Operations Model (RTOM). The DAOM determines the disco's operational decisions on grid purchase, scheduling of distributed generation (DG) units owned by it, and contracting for interruptible load. These decisions are imposed as boundary constraints in the RTOM and the disco seeks to minimize its short-term costs keeping in mind its day-ahead decisions. A case-study is presented considering the well-known 33-bus distribution system and three different scenarios are constructed to analyze the disco's actions and decision-making in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The task of controlling a power system is generally accomplished by several entities, each responsible for a distinct part of the system. For the enhancement of the system security, controllable devices such as FACTS devices are installed and operated by these entities. But in order to avoid conflicting behavior coordination is needed, leading to the concept of multiarea control. In this paper, it is assumed that the areas are determined independently from each other according to the influence of the control devices. As a consequence, overlapping areas may result necessitating an extension of the applied multiarea control method based on approximate Newton directions. In addition, it is taken into account that part of the grid might not be included in any of the areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a probabilistic small signal stability assessment (PSSSA) methodology based on the application of Monte Carlo approach for iterative evaluation, via modal analysis of small signal stability (SSS). Operation states represented by random values of generation and demand are analyzed. A probabilistic instability risk index based on cumulative probability distribution function of damping ratios of oscillatory modes is calculated, as well as a power system stabilizer (PSS) devices location index based on eigenvectors and participation factors, which are considered random variables. Moreover, the impact of long-distance power flows on oscillatory modes (OM) and how the damping of OM depends on the orientation and magnitude of power flows is investigated. Further, an additional index concerns qualitatively the determination of transfer capability as affected by small signal stability. PSSSA is tested on a reduced order model of New England-New York's interconnected system considering uncertainties around three different system conditions separately: highly loaded, fairly loaded, and lowly loaded. The results highlight the main advantages of PSSSA over deterministic SSS studies such as instability risk assessment, small signal stability enhancement through adequate PSS location, and the proposal of possible restrictions for transfer capability in order to avoid poorly damped oscillations in the face of the diversity in power system operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jinsha River has very abundant hydro power reservation, ranking first in all the hydro power bases of China. To deliver the 38-GW hydro power from Jinsha power stations by HVDC transmission lines to load centers 1000-2000 km away, it is necessary to determine the right voltage level and the capacity of each bipole. This paper proposes three preliminary power delivery scheme and presents an optimization method for transmission capacity, dc voltage and conductor size. Based on a comprehensive comparison of cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility and network security and stability, it was recommended that the 3 bipolar ±800-kV ultra HVDC (UHVDC) links with rated capacity of 6.4 GW for each link be adopted as transmission scheme of Phase I Hydro Power station on Jinsha River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the design of power system stabilizers for small-signal stability using phasor measurements is considered. An approach based on optimal control with structural constraints is proposed to design a two-level control structure. Time delays are included in the design. The method is combined with order reduction to ensure faster convergence of the design algorithm and to facilitate the choice of the weighting matrices for damping inter-area modes. The control scheme is discussed and modal analysis and time-domain simulations of two Brazilian equivalent systems are performed to assess the control performance. The robustness to loss of communication links, topological changes, and variations of time delay is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard computations reveal that locational marginal prices (LMPs), being Lagrange multipliers in an optimization problem, must lie in the null space of a Jacobian matrix evaluated at the optimal power flow solution, augmented by columns associated with active line flow limits. The impact of network power flow and active line limit constraints is to confine the LMPs in a subspace that satisfies necessary conditions for optimality. Optimal market clearing can then proceed as a minimization over offer curves confined to admissible LMPs in this subspace. When no line limits are active and losses neglected (e.g., in a dc power flow representation), the matrix in question has a generalized Laplacian structure, and admits only a vector of all equal elements in its null space (verifying the well-known equal incremental cost condition). As line flow limits become active, the null space grows in dimension. Among the phenomena of interest as the dimension of admissible LMPs grows is that of "load pockets"; that is, admissible LMP vectors that can show patterns in which buses partition into zones of approximately equal LMPs, with significant differences between zones. This paper explores an approach to admissible LMP calculation that isolates the topological role of active line flow constraints, independent of offer curve prices. Identification of this admissible subspace can then greatly facilitate computations such as clustering to identify potential zones of differentiated LMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the impact of system frequency variations on the steady-state operation point of fixed speed induction generators used in wind turbine generation systems (WTGS). An analytic method to predict the values of angular speed, torque and current during and after a frequency disturbance is presented. The proposed method as well permits to establish the operation limits in order to keep the WTGS connected during frequency variations and therefore to adjust protection relay settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper generalizes Benders decomposition to maximize a nonconcave objective function and uses that decomposition to solve an "electric power grid interdiction problem." Under one empirically verified assumption, the solution to this bilevel optimization problem identifies a set of components, limited by cardinality or "interdiction resource," whose destruction maximizes economic losses to customers (and can thereby guide defensive measures). The decomposition subproblem typically incorporates a set of dc optimal power-flow models that cover various states of repair after an attack, along with a load-duration curve. Test problems describe a regional power grid in the United States with approximately 5000 buses, 6000 lines, and 500 generators. Solution time on a 2-GHz personal computer is approximately one hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinning reserve (SR) allows system operators to compensate for unpredictable imbalances between load and generation caused by sudden outages of generating units, errors in load forecasting or unexpected deviations by generating units from their production schedules. As the proportion of power produced by wind farms increases, it becomes more difficult to predict accurately the total amount of power injected by all generators into the power system. This added uncertainty must be taken into account when setting the requirement for SR. This paper proposes a technique to calculate the optimal amount of SR that the system operator should provide to be able to respond not only to generation outages but also to errors in the forecasts for load and wind power production. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, the proposed technique for setting the SR requirements is then compared with the traditional deterministic criterion (i.e., the capacity of the largest online infeed), an approach to cope with wind imbalances and an approach that combines the traditional criterion with the approach to cope with wind imbalances. The results show that, contrary to what is commonly believed, an increased wind power penetration does not necessarily require larger amounts of SR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a method for placement of distributed generation (DG) units in distribution networks has been presented. This method is based on the analysis of power flow continuation and determination of most sensitive buses to voltage collapse. This method is executed on a typical 34-bus test system and yields efficiency in improvement of voltage profile and reduction of power losses; it also may permit an increase in power transfer capacity, maximum loading, and voltage stability margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "318 Blackout Incident" at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Station on March 18, 2001, is considered to be the most serious event over the 24-year history of nuclear power generation in Taiwan. This paper simulates a special overvoltage phenomenon that occurred 4 h before the blackout event, which could have caused the incident. The simulation results almost coincide closely with the actual conditions recorded. We found two major low-frequency and ferroresonant overvoltages caused by the motors which acted as generators when they lost power supply, interacting with power-line capacitance and power transformers. Since overvoltages were present for a short period, the breaker insulation did not break down immediately but the defects were accumulated. A blackout eventually occurred 4 h later, when the power supplied to the 4.16-kV essential bus A changed over from the 161-kV system to the 345-kV system, due to damage in the incoming breaker insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on losses in cables and transformers considering nonsinusoidal conditions in commercial facilities. A mathematical development based on classical definitions available in the literature supports the proposal of a factor that is suitable to indicate where losses are significant and must be compensated. A case study is also presented and meticulously analyzed in order to validate the theoretical assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "static" analysis (relevant to fixed load conditions) of current phase-shift effects on the magnetic field from ac double-circuit overhead transmission lines (Part I of this paper) becomes "dynamic" here by considering time-varying load conditions of an existing line, derived from a database recorded from 1994 to 2001, thereby showing that current phase shift plays a major role also when load changes. Indeed, often extreme field values over a time period are not associated with extreme current values, but with current phase shifts that, for given line geometry and conductor arrangement, yield the most effective field enhancement/reduction. An estimate of the mean/median phase-shift angle over a reference period is proposed that provides a good approximation, via one single static calculation, of the mean/median magnetic-field profiles calculated over that period (e.g., one year). It is confirmed that current phase shifts are fundamental for understanding the behavior of magnetic fields from ac double-circuit overhead transmission lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential applications of probabilistic modeling of current and voltage harmonics concern many aspects of power system engineering as accurate prediction of power system harmonic behavior provides important information to utility companies and equipment designers. In this paper, a method of reducing the expected value of the total voltage harmonic distortion for a specified range of source impedance values at different buses by using LC compensators, where it is desired to maintain a given power factor at a specified value, is presented. The criterion is based on mean value estimation of source and load characteristics, which are enabled by sampling measurements performed on the examined electrical plant as well as statistical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of active damping to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the line current for medium-voltage (2.3-7.2 kV) high-power pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) current-source rectifiers is investigated. The rectifier requires an LC filter connected at its input terminals, which constitutes an LC resonant mode. The lightly damped LC filter is prone to series and parallel resonances when tuned to a system harmonic either from the utility or from the PWM rectifier. These issues are traditionally addressed at the design stage by properly choosing the filter resonant frequency. This approach may result in a limited performance since the LC resonant frequency is a function of the power system impedance, which usually varies with power system operating conditions. In this paper, an active damping control method is proposed for the reduction in line current THD of high-power current-source rectifiers operating at a switching frequency of only 540 Hz. Two types of LC resonances are investigated: the parallel resonance excited by harmonic currents drawn by the rectifier and the series resonance caused by harmonic pollution in the source voltage. It is demonstrated through simulation and experiments that the proposed active damping control can effectively reduce the line-current THD caused by both parallel and series resonances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting market clearing prices is an important but difficult task, and neural networks have been widely used. A single neural network, however, may misrepresent part of the input-output data mapping that could have been correctly represented by different networks. The use of a "committee machine" composed of multiple networks can in principle alleviate such a difficulty. A major challenge for using a committee machine is to properly combine predictions from multiple networks, since the performance of individual networks is input dependent due to mapping misrepresentation. This paper presents a new method in which weighting coefficients for combining network predictions are the probabilities that individual networks capture the true input-output relationship at that prediction instant. Testing of the New England market cleaning prices demonstrates that the new method performs better than individual networks, and better than committee machines using current ensemble-averaging methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2005 and 2006, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) performed three major tests of western system dynamics. These tests used a Wide-Area Measurement System (WAMS) based primarily on phasor measurement units (PMUs) to determine response to events including the insertion of the 1400-MW Chief Joseph braking resistor, probing signals, and ambient events. Test security was reinforced through real-time analysis of wide-area effects, and high-quality data provided dynamic profiles for interarea modes across the entire western interconnection. The tests established that low-level optimized pseudo-random ±20-MW probing with the Pacific DC Intertie (PDCI) roughly doubles the apparent noise that is natural to the power system, providing sharp dynamic information with negligible interference to system operations. Such probing is an effective alternative to use of the 1400-MW Chief Joseph dynamic brake, and it is under consideration as a standard means for assessing dynamic security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The computation of the unstable equilibrium point (UEP) is a key step involved in the direct methods of power system transient stability analysis. A new continuation-based method to compute the UEPs is proposed. The mechanical powers of the generators are changed to form a parameterized equation. Then the solution curve of the equation is traced by the continuation method from the stable equilibrium point to a UEP. The direction of power increase is determined to get a UEP relevant to the fault. The obtained UEPs are mostly type-1 and the method is applicable to detailed generator models. The method is tested in several systems and satisfactory results are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]