Robert J. Thomas

Bio: Robert J. Thomas is an academic researcher from Cornell University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electric power system & Electricity market. The author has an hindex of 43, co-authored 178 publications receiving 11807 citations. Previous affiliations of Robert J. Thomas include University of California, Davis & National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Restructuring the Electric Power Industry: Emerging Issues, Methods and Tools - Introduction.

Abstract: This report was prepared by the Energy Information Administration, the independent statistical and analytical agency within the Department of Energy. The information contained herein should not be construed as advocating or reflecting any policy position of the Department of Energy or of any other organization. Contacts This report, Challenges of Electric Power Industry General information concerning the report may be Restructuring for Fuel Suppliers, was prepared jointly by obtained from B.D. Hong (202/426-1126) of CNEAF, the Office of Coal, Nuclear, Electric and Alternate Fuels who coordinated the preparation of this report, and (CNEAF), the Office of Oil and Gas (O&G), and the technical information about the preparation and contents Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting (OIAF) in of the report may be obtained from the following the Energy Information Administration. iii Preface Section 205(A)(2) of the Department of Energy Organ-dience, including Congress, Federal and State agencies, ization Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-91) requires the the electric power industry, and the general public. Administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to carry out a central, comprehensive, and unified The legislation that created the EIA vested the organ-energy data and information program that will collect, ization with an element of statutory independence. The evaluate, assemble, analyze, and disseminate data and EIA does not take positions on policy questions. The information relevant to energy resources, reserves, EIA's responsibility is to provide timely, high-quality production, demand, technology, and related economic information and to perform objective, credible analyses and statistical information. in support of deliberations by both public and private The purpose of this report, Challenges of Electric Power purport to represent the policy positions of the U.S. Industry Restructuring for Fuel Suppliers, is to provide an Department of Energy or the Administration. assessment of the changes in other energy industries that could occur as the result of restructuring in the electric This report can be accessed from EIA's World Wide Web power industry. This report is prepared for a wide au-site at Executive Summary The current movement to restructure U.S. electricity Taking advantage of economic returns to scale will be generation markets and make them more competitive another important component of the cost reduction may lead to changes in the financial risks and demands effort. Small firms may be forced out of business, and on the supply and transportation infrastructures for the large firms are likely to continue increasing in size fuels used …

Bluenet II - a detailed realization of the algorithm and performance analysis

Abstract: The recent interest in ad hoc networks, in general, and in the Bluetooth technology, in particular, has stimulated much research in algorithms for topology control of such networks. In particular, the issue of scatternet formation has been addressed by a number of papers in the technical literature. In (Wang et al., 2002), we have proposed one such algorithm called the Bluenet algorithm. In this paper, we further investigate the realization and properties of the Bluenets algorithm. The performance of the resulting scatternets, such as, piconet density, usage of potential links, deviation of node degrees, average shortest path length, and maximum traffic flows are also studied. From the analysis, it is showed that the choice of p/sub 0/, the initial probability for each node to enter the page state, is very important. Since each performance index only reflects one side of the scatternet performance, we need to make trade offs when selecting p/sub 0/ to build Bluenets.

Toward a general power system voltage collapse model

Abstract: It is shown that the center manifold voltage collapse model encompasses many existing models for analyzing voltage collapse. It is then shown that the model can be extended to power systems with a slow increase in load demands both before and after a bifurcation. >

Introduction: Electric Power Systems Restructuring :Engineering, Economics and Policy Track

Abstract: This track seeks to explore methods at the frontier of understanding the restructuring of electric power system worldwide. It will focus on engineering, economics and policy issues that are at the forefront of current thinking.

Value of the Losses in the Delivery Process

Abstract: Electricity is a necessity for modern society. Similar to other commodities, electricity is generated and delivered to consumers through a transmission network. In the delivery process, it obeys Kirchhoff’s laws and undergoes losses. To determine a fair pricing in a deregulated electricity market, an exact analysis of loss is required. Several methodologies have been proposed to evaluate the nodal value of the system loss. However, losses over individual lines have different values. Consequently, the effect of losses on price is difficult to evaluate. In this study, analysts present a new methodology for allocating losses at each bus. Real power flow is decomposed into preserved power flow and lost flow, which are established by applying Kirchhoff’s law to each bus. With this procedure, it is possible to attribute how much power injection is used for preserved flow and loss and, consequently, to evaluate the component of losses in prices.

Random graphs

Abstract: We will review some of the major results in random graphs and some of the more challenging open problems. We will cover algorithmic and structural questions. We will touch on newer models, including those related to the WWW.

MATPOWER: Steady-State Operations, Planning, and Analysis Tools for Power Systems Research and Education

Abstract: MATPOWER is an open-source Matlab-based power system simulation package that provides a high-level set of power flow, optimal power flow (OPF), and other tools targeted toward researchers, educators, and students. The OPF architecture is designed to be extensible, making it easy to add user-defined variables, costs, and constraints to the standard OPF problem. This paper presents the details of the network modeling and problem formulations used by MATPOWER, including its extensible OPF architecture. This structure is used internally to implement several extensions to the standard OPF problem, including piece-wise linear cost functions, dispatchable loads, generator capability curves, and branch angle difference limits. Simulation results are presented for a number of test cases comparing the performance of several available OPF solvers and demonstrating MATPOWER's ability to solve large-scale AC and DC OPF problems.

Smart Grid — The New and Improved Power Grid: A Survey

Abstract: The Smart Grid, regarded as the next generation power grid, uses two-way flows of electricity and information to create a widely distributed automated energy delivery network. In this article, we survey the literature till 2011 on the enabling technologies for the Smart Grid. We explore three major systems, namely the smart infrastructure system, the smart management system, and the smart protection system. We also propose possible future directions in each system. colorred{Specifically, for the smart infrastructure system, we explore the smart energy subsystem, the smart information subsystem, and the smart communication subsystem.} For the smart management system, we explore various management objectives, such as improving energy efficiency, profiling demand, maximizing utility, reducing cost, and controlling emission. We also explore various management methods to achieve these objectives. For the smart protection system, we explore various failure protection mechanisms which improve the reliability of the Smart Grid, and explore the security and privacy issues in the Smart Grid.

Trends in Microgrid Control

Abstract: The increasing interest in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into microgrids presents major challenges from the viewpoints of reliable operation and control. In this paper, the major issues and challenges in microgrid control are discussed, and a review of state-of-the-art control strategies and trends is presented; a general overview of the main control principles (e.g., droop control, model predictive control, multi-agent systems) is also included. The paper classifies microgrid control strategies into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary, where primary and secondary levels are associated with the operation of the microgrid itself, and tertiary level pertains to the coordinated operation of the microgrid and the host grid. Each control level is discussed in detail in view of the relevant existing technical literature.