New Power Technologies Seminar

Modeling of Wind Farms, Solar Fields and Biomass for Grid Studies

Renewable energy resources are growing in number due to their technical, environmental and economical advantages, taking into account incentives. Their impact in today’s transmission networks can not be ignored. Renewable energy sources introduce several challenges to power system engineers not only in the way they are modeled and integrated in the grid but also in the understanding of their performance compared to other conventional energy sources. We look at the various technologies currently in use for converting wind, solar and biomass energy into bulk electric power, including some that are still under development or testing.  Then we apply these into the following aspects of grid studies: steady-state analysis using power flows, short circuit assessment, and transient and voltage stability using dynamic simulation software.  Learn about various methods for modeling and the benefits or disadvantages of each.  Practical examples illustrate the concepts, to get you ready for the next grid study involving bulk power from renewables.

Voltage Uprating of Transmission Lines

Overhead lines are limited in both operating voltage and line current.  Thermal constraints can be relieved (“uprating”) by making various modifications to allow increased current flow.  Both thermal and voltage drop constraints can be solved through a somewhat more complex process of increasing the line’s operating voltage (“voltage upgrading”).  Learn about applying new and established technologies in order to evaluate and plan line voltage upgrades.  The experienced course instructors cover all of the major issues including visual impact, operational reliability, electrical and mechanical considerations and economic factors. Practical examples round out this fast upload on voltage uprating technology. The course is designed to get you to the level of knowledge to start considering uprating as a viable alternative to resolving transmission constraints.

Modern Concepts in Voltage Stability

The industry, by experience and research, now understands more about voltage stability than it did just a few short years ago.  Phenomena such as slow and fast collapse, the voltage ledge, self-restoring loads and composite load-voltage relationships have become a part of the practical operating experience rather than abstruse theoretical concepts.  The course brings you to the actual indicators, analytical methods and operating bases for voltage instability, still based on sound theory, but focused on models, measurements and controls that are rooted in the practical power system.  Speak and apply voltage stability with a new confidence with knowledge you bring to work from this course. 

Power Flow Analysis and Applications

The power flow is such a basic tool of power system analysis that it is a required knowledge for anyone who wants to work in this field.  But there remains a huge gap between the theoretical knowledge of how a power flow works and the practical need to use the power flow in an application.  Where and when do power flows work, and where and when don’t they?  How to approach ill-conditioned cases?  How to manage and analyze large contingency analysis setups?  Where does steady-state end and dynamics begin?  Fill in your knowledge base of practical power flow analysis techniques and applications in a short course that is suited to the busy engineer.

Industrial Power Systems Analysis

Industrial power interconnected at grid or subtransmission level voltages present unique analytical challenges.  On one hand, there is the impact of the industrial system on the grid, and on the other, the impact of the grid on the industrial system.  The course looks at key aspects of analysis such as short circuit, harmonics, voltage sag and flicker and losses, in a concise look at the range of engineering requirements for industrial power systems.  Learn about the bases for analysis and tips on key factors and parameters to look out for and overall considerations in planning, operating and designing a industrial power system. 

Developing User Models for Dynamic Simulation

From time to time it is necessary to develop user models for equipment which do not have representation in commercial software packages for stability assessments.  Emerging technologies and new equipment are typical bases for user models.  This course introduces the basis for dynamic models, the range of responses they are intended to simulate, and then goes right into the mechanics of developing your own dynamic model.  Learn about power system controls and how these can be translated into special user models that work with today’s commercial simulation software.  Be able to write your own models, debug other’s models and modify an existing model to suite your analytical needs.

Converting Databases from PSSE to PSLF format

For schedule, speaker bios and registration please visit the official Seminar site: New Power Technologies Seminar.