Hydro-Québec

About: Hydro-Québec is a government organization based out in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Electric power system & Dielectric. The organization has 2596 authors who have published 4433 publications receiving 100878 citations.

Methodologies to Determine Operating Reserves Due to Increased Wind Power

Abstract: Power systems with high wind penetration experience increased variability and uncertainty, such that determination of the required additional operating reserve is attracting a significant amount of attention and research. This paper presents methods used in recent wind integration analyses and operating practice, with key results that compare different methods or data. Wind integration analysis over the past several years has shown that wind variability need not be seen as a contingency event. The impact of wind will be seen in the reserves for nonevent operation (normal operation dealing with deviations from schedules). Wind power will also result in some events of larger variability and large forecast errors that could be categorized as slow events. The level of operating reserve that is induced by wind is not constant during all hours of the year, so that dynamic allocation of reserves will reduce the amount of reserves needed in the system for most hours. The paper concludes with recent emerging trends.

Modeling of transmission line exposure to direct lightning strokes

Abstract: A new model for assessing the exposure of free-standing structures and horizontal conductors above flat ground to direct lightning strokes is introduced. A recently developed criterion for positive leader inception modified to account for positive leaders initiated under the influence of a negative descending lightning stroke, is discussed. Subsequent propagation of the positive leader is analyzed to define the point of encounter of the two leaders which determines the attractive radius of a structure or the attractive lateral distance of a conductor. These parameters are investigated for a wide range of heights and return-stroke currents. A method for analyzing shielding failure and determining the critical shielding angle is also described. The predictions of the model are compared with field observations and previously developed models. >

Optimal placement of multiple-type FACTS devices to maximize power system loadability using a generic graphical user interface

Abstract: Flexible AC transmission systems, so-called FACTS devices, can help reduce power flow on overloaded lines, which would result in an increased loadability of the power system, fewer transmission line losses, improved stability and security and, ultimately, a more energy-efficient transmission system. In order to find suitable FACTS locations more easily and with more flexibility, this paper presents a graphical user interface (GUI) based on a genetic algorithm (GA) which is shown able to find the optimal locations and sizing parameters of multi-type FACTS devices in large power systems. This user-friendly tool, called the FACTS Placement Toolbox, allows the user to pick a power system network, determine the GA settings and select the number and types of FACTS devices to be allocated in the network. The GA-based optimization process is then applied to obtain optimal locations and ratings of the selected FACTS to maximize the system static loadability. Five different FACTS devices are implemented: SVC, TCSC, TCVR, TCPST and UPFC. The simulation results on IEEE test networks with up to 300 buses show that the FACTS placement toolbox is effective and flexible enough for analyzing a large number of scenarios with mixed types of FACTS to be optimally sited at multiple locations simultaneously.

Intelligent-Based Approach to Islanding Detection in Distributed Generation

Abstract: This paper introduces a new intelligent-based approach for detecting islanding in distributed generation (DG). This approach utilizes and combines various system parameter indices in order to secure the detection of islanding for any possible network topology, penetration level and operating condition of the DG under study. Hence, every parameter index displays characteristics for a given set of events. The proposed technique uses the data-mining technology to extract information from the large data sets of these indices after they are screened off-line via massive event analyses using network simulations. The technique is tested on a typical DG with multiple distributed resources and the results indicate that this technique can successfully detect islanding operations. In addition, this technique can also overcome the problem of setting the detection thresholds inherent in the existing techniques by optimizing their settings