Utility Applications of Smart Online Energy Systems: A case for Investing in Online Power Electronics

The backbone of any power grid, the transmission and sub-transmission networks, should be flexible, robust, resilient and self-healing to cope with wide types of network adverse conditions and operations. Power electronic applications are making a major impact on the present and future state of power systems generation, transmission and distribution. These applications include FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission), HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) in transmission and Custom Power devices in distribution. FACTS devices are some of the advanced assets that network planners can use to make the transmission grid become more flexible and robust. Many established research ideas to advance operations of these devices have been published in the open literature over the last ten years. The most recent publications in this field are reviewed in this thesis. A critical analysis of literature and existing conditions reveals a range of potentials that are ideal for development in Qatar’s increasingly strained electricity network. As a result of demand surge in Qatar in recent years and the forecast to grow in the same rate, the need for improvement in Qatar Power Transmission System (QPTS) is great and significant. Conventional planning and operational solutions such as conductor up-rating, and fixed series capacitors (FSC) are considered. However there are growing challenges on getting new rights of ways for new overhead lines and even corridors for new cables. Advanced FACTS devices are considered for dynamic control of power flows and voltages, such as TCSC (Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor) and GUPFC (Generalized, Unified Power Flow Controller). The research in this thesis examines the potential for QPTS to improve and develop, with emphasis on increased output through integrated online energy systems, online FACTS and HVDC controllers based on synchrophasor measurements. The devices are modelled in Siemens PTI’s PSS®E software, through steady-state mode case study to investigate power flow control and voltage support. Comparison between similar FACTS technologies, such as SVC and STATCOM, is also presented. The improvement in power flow imbalance between transmission lines with different ratings and lengths is studied. The FACTS devices are tested for voltage support to enhance the network voltage profile and hence increase security and reliability to important industrial customers. Optimization techniques of the FACTS devices allocation and rating are generally discussed considering the voltage improvement and optimal power flow control. The results achieved showing the network improvement with using the FACTS are presented in the case studies. In a separate case study, applying medium voltage custom power devices to convert DC battery storage and photovoltaic energy into AC energy using a power conversion system is discussed. The dynamic mode of the STATCOM is modelled in QPTS in the succeeding case study using the same software and compared with the capacitor banks. This is followed by another case of HVDC analysis modelled with and without STATCOM present. The thesis discussed the real time operation and control of power system physical parameters in QPTS using capacitors, FACTS and HVDC. The key contribution of this thesis is the application and resting of all sorts of FACTS and HVDC in QPTS. The system wide area, coordinated control of FACTS (Online Power Electronics-OPE) is a new concept. Another major contribution is being able to look at a system wide approach for a transmission smart grid application. The results of thesis are presented in international conferences in USA, Hong Kong, France, Portugal, and locally in the Arabian Gulf (Dubai, Oman and Qatar). The thesis’s papers are listed in the ‘References’ section and in Appendix-F

Validação de modelos de simulação de sistemas de energia elétrica utilizando dados fasoriais sincronizados

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Elétrica, Florianópolis, 2013O planejamento e a operação de Sistemas de Energia Elétrica (SEE) são baseados nos resultados de simulações computacionais nas quais os elementos da rede elétrica são representados por modelos matemáticos. Portanto, a qualidade dos modelos e dados utilizados nessas simulações é essencial para garantir uma operação segura, confiável e econômica dos SEE. A partir do desenvolvimento da tecnologia de Medição Fasorial Sincronizada surge uma nova e valiosa ferramenta para a melhoria na realização da validação de modelos em SEE. Isto porque, a disponibilidade de medidas sincronizadas de grandezas elétricas em instalações distantes geograficamente e a altas taxas de amostragem (da ordem de 60 amostras/segundo), pelos Sistemas de Medição Fasorial Sincronizada (SPMS - Synchronized Phasor Measurement Systems), melhora consideravelmente a observabilidade da dinâmica dos SEE, e, sobretudo, fornece a infraestrutura necessária para a realização de estudos de validação, utilizando a abordagem de Validação de Modelos de Sistemas (System Wide Model Validation), onde todo o sistema é representado. Neste trabalho, o uso da Medição Fasorial Sincronizada na validação de modelos e dados de SEE é abordado. Os principais aspectos e o estado atual das práticas de validação de modelos utilizando essa tecnologia são discutidos. Um estudo de validação de modelos e dados do Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN) é também realizado utilizando a abordagem de Validação de Modelos de Sistemas. Dados obtidos do registro de eventos ocorridos no SIN por um SPMS de baixa tensão, com PMUs (Unidades de Medição Fasorial) instaladas em 15 universidades pelo Brasil, cobrindo as cinco regiões geográficas do país, foram utilizados para a validação. Os resultados desse estudo de validação confirmam o potencial da aplicação da tecnologia de medição fasorial sincronizada e o seu valor para a validação de modelos em SEE. A qualidade dos modelos e ferramentas de simulações utilizadas nas análises de transitórios eletromecânicos e estabilidade a pequenas perturbações do SIN também pode ser avaliada a partir desses resultados. O estudo também identifica melhorias necessárias a fim de que a metodologia de Validação de Modelos de Sistemas seja incorporada com sucesso como uma ferramenta para o planejamento e operação do Sistema Interligado Nacional. Abstract: The Power Systems planning and operation are based on results of computer simulations in which the elements of the grid are represented by mathematical models. Therefore, the quality of the models and data used in these simulations is essential to ensure a safe, reliable and economical operation of Power Systems. From the development of the Synchronized Phasor Measurement technology emerges a new and valuable tool for improving the realization of Power Systems model validation. This is because the availability of synchronized measurements of electrical quantities in geographically distant facilities and at a high sampling rate (approximately 60 samples per second), by the Synchronized Phasor Measurement Systems (SPMS), improves the observability of the Power Systems dynamics, and provides the necessary infrastructure for conducting validation studies, using the approach of System Wide Model Validation, where the entire system is modeled. In this work, the use of Synchronized Phasor Measurement in Power System model and data validation is tackled. The main aspects and the current state of practice of model validation using this technology are discussed. A validation study of the models and data of the Brazilian Interconnected Power System (SIN) is also performed using the Systems Wide Model Validation approach. Data acquired by a Low Voltage Phasor Measurements System (LVPMS), with PMUs (Phasor Measurement Units) installed in fifteen universities throughout Brazil, covering the five geographic regions of the country, were used for the validation. The results of this validation study confirm the potential of the application of the synchronized phasor measurement technology and its value for Power System model validation. The quality of the models and simulation tools used in the analysis of electromechanical transients and small-signal stability of the Brazilian Interconnected Power System can also be evaluated from those results. The study also detects needed improvements in order that the methodology of System Wide Model Validation be incorporated successfully as a tool for the planning and operation of the Brazilian Interconnected Power System