Linear Power Flow Analysis and Applications

This course is recognized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC") as an approved learning activity for which NERC Continuing Education ("CE") hours can be awarded.  Pterra adheres to NERC Continuing Education Program Criteria.  

Next schedule: Sept 16-18, 2008

Description

In the accelerated environments of today’s electric energy markets, fast analyses of power flows are a must. Emerging real-time and day-ahead markets require that analysis of infrastructure capacity be performed in a compressed timeframe.  In this context, approximate but fast and consistent power flow solutions are preferred over accurate but unwieldy ones. Hence, the increasing popularity of linear approximations to the power flow.  The reason for widespread use may have to do with the fact that linear methods are much easier to apply, are not subject to convergence issues, and require less data.

In this introductory course, learn about the technology of linear power flows and apply them to real-world practical problems.  Use this technology in applications such as anticipatory analysis of pricing and demand signals, transactional analysis of power interchange and delivery, transmission loading relief and feasibility analysis.  In addition, learn about the limitations to these methods and the pitfalls to watch out for when applying these methods.  Come away with a working knowledge of the technology of linear power flows.
 

Attendees

The course is oriented to be of most benefit to

• Transmission Operators
• Reliability Operators
• Generator Operators
• Market Operators
• Operations and Planning Engineers 

Ratings

To ensure the quality and timeliness of our courses, Pterra asks participants to provide feedback and to rate each course.  This allows to adjust to the changing needs of the industry.  Assessment ratings are made on a scale of 5 with highest being 5.0.  Ratings are applied to individual topics, individual speakers and instructors, and aspects of course presentation such as materials, notes and interaction. 

Format

The training is presented in a classroom format, using lectures, hands-on exercises and review tests. In the lectures, concepts, methods and techniques for each learning objective are presented, with provision for Q&A sessions to address specific questions.  The exercises provide for a basis to apply the concepts in real-world simulation software, and interpret the results from a physical standpoint. The test reviews determine if there is sufficient retention of the course material to support the award of CE credits.

The course is presented over three days with two sessions per day. Each session comprises of 3 classroom hours.  Participants receive bound Course Notes which contain a copy of the material presented in the lectures, including supplementary material for reference, description of the exercises and answer sheets for the exercises.

The exercises are presented with an overview and explanation of the sample system and provided data, a list of questions and space for the participants to enter responses, comments and additional notes.  

Computers will be provided for course participants.  Participants who wish to bring their own laptops with their own licensed analytical software may do so.  Pterra's instructors can provide coaching for most software packages.    

Outline

Day 1: 

• Overview of Power Flows and Linear Power Flows
• Survey of Calculation Methods for Linear Power Flows
• Implementation of Linear Power Flows in Control Centers and Trading Desks
• Modeling Requirements for Linear Power Flows
• Case Study 1: a sample analysis of power injection capacity from a new power plant
• Exercise: Develop a linear power flow model of a sample system
• Exercise: Applications of power injection from new and proposed power plants 

Day 2:

• Introduction to Inter-Area Interchange Transactions
• Types of Transactions and Sales - Modeling in a Linear Power Flow
• Analytical Approach to Transactions
• Impact of Multiple Transactions
• Case Study 2 – Transactions in a large-scale interconnected network
• Exercise: Develop a model for transactions in a sample system
• Exercise: Applications of transactional analysis using linear power flows, including parallel transactions and multiple competing transactions

Day 3:

• Introduction to Transmission Loading Relief
• Linear Power Flows Applied to TLRs
• Feasibility Studies Using Linear Power Flows
• Case Study 3: Options for TLR solutions in a sample system
• Exercise: Applications of Linear Power Flows in TLR
• Exercise: Applications of Linear Power Flows in Feasibility Studies 

NERC CE Hours

NERC CE Hours are awarded for successful completion of the course based on attendance, graded tests and completed hands-on exercises.  Hours are allocated as follows:

• Full course:
  • 18.0 Hours on Operating Topics
  • 9.0 Hours on Simulation

Duration

The course is scheduled for 18 class hours over a period of 3 days.

Location

The course will be held at Pterra's Training Facility in Albany, New York, located 5 minutes from Albany International Airport on Wolf Road.  Over 20 hotels and restaurants within 10 minutes make this an accessible location.  Also, the location is within a day's driving distance from anywhere in the Northeast US and eastern Canada.

The course is also available for presentation at sponsored venues. Please contact Pterra for more information.

Further Information 

For more information, please contact info@pterra.us.