Showing papers in "IEEE Power & Energy Magazine in 2009"

Grid of the future

Abstract: Many believe the electric power system is undergoing a profound change driven by a number of needs. There's the need for environmental compliance and energy conservation. We need better grid reliability while dealing with an aging infrastructure. And we need improved operational effi ciencies and customer service. The changes that are happening are particularly signifi cant for the electricity distribution grid, where "blind" and manual operations, along with the electromechanical components, will need to be transformed into a "smart grid." This transformation will be necessary to meet environmental targets, to accommodate a greater emphasis on demand response (DR), and to support plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as well as distributed generation and storage capabilities. It is safe to say that these needs and changes present the power industry with the biggest challenge it has ever faced. On one hand, the transition to a smart grid has to be evolutionary to keep the lights on; on the other hand, the issues surrounding the smart grid are signifi cant enough to demand major changes in power systems operating philosophy.

The evolution of distribution

Abstract: In this paper discussed the advanced distribution management system for smart grid With smart grids, confidence and expectations are high To various degrees, utilities are putting smart grid initiatives in place, and many of the technologies paraded under the smart-grid banner are currently implemented in utilities The smart-grid initiative uses these building blocks to work toward a more integrated and long-term infrastructure If all goes as expected, smart grids will provide tremendous operational benefits to power utilities around the world because they provide a platform for enterprise-wide solutions that deliver far-reaching benefits to both utilities and their end customers

Measurements get together

Abstract: This article deals with the synchronized measurement technology that has the potential of becoming the backbone for real-time monitoring system. The secure and reliable operation of modern power systems is an increasingly challenging task due to the ever-increasing demand for electricity, the growing number of interconnections, penetration of variable renewable energy sources, and deregulated energy market conditions. Power companies in different parts of the world are therefore feeling the need for a real-time wide area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) system. Synchronized measurement technology (SMT) has the potential of becoming the backbone of this system. The major advantages of using SMT are that 1) the measurements from widely dispersed locations can be synchronized with respect to a Global Positioning System (GPS) clock, 2) voltage phase angles can be measured directly, which was so far technically infeasible, and 3) the accuracy and speed of energy management system (EMS) applications increases manifold.

Capturing grid power

Abstract: Making electricity grids "smarter" and modernizing them so that they can accept large amounts of renewable energy resources are fairly universally accepted as steps necessary to achieve a clean and secure electric power industry. The best way to achieve this goal is a topic of debate among power system designers. Although energy storage in utility grids has existed for many decades, the impact of storage in future grids is receiving more attention than ever from system designers, grid operations and regulators. The amount of storage in a grid and its value is also a subject of debate. Understanding the leading storage technologies and how they can affect grid operations is an important first step in this assessment.

Wind power myths debunked

Abstract: The natural variability of wind power makes it different from other generating technologies, which can give rise to questions about how wind power can be integrated into the grid successfully. This article aims to answer several important questions that can be raised with regard to wind power. Although wind is a variable resource, grid operators have experience with managing variability that comes from handling the variability of load. As a result, in many instances the power system is equipped to handle variability. Wind power is not expensive to integrate, nor does it require dedicated backup generation or storage. Developments in tools such as wind forecasting also aid in integrating wind power. Integrating wind can be aided by enlarging balancing areas and moving to subhourly scheduling, which enable grid operators to access a deeper stack of generating resources and take advantage of the smoothing of wind output due to geographic diversity. Continued improvements in new conventional-generation technologies and the emergence of demand response, smart grids, and new technologies such as plug-in hybrids will also help with wind integration.

Keeping the lights on and the information flowing

Abstract: We proposed a new framework for analyzing the impact that failures in the information infrastructure can have on the quality and reliability of the electricity supply. An analysis of major incidents using the proposed framework shows that information failures are quite often a significant contributing factor in their development and severity. We identified some of the challenges posed by the increasing reliance on information flow in the course of power system operation. We also identified some mitigating measures which could reduce the risks associated with failures in the power system information infrastructure.

Catch the wave to electricity

Abstract: The ocean are largely an untapped source of energy. However, compared to other energies, power fluctuations for ocean waves are small over longer periods of time. This paper present a grid-oriented approach to electricity production from ocean waves, utilizing a minimal amount of mechanical components.

Testing the technologies

Abstract: The penetration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Japan has been on the rise. Two factors have been promoting the increase: improved generation efficiency of PV modules and governmental subsidies for the initial cost of residential PV generation systems. As a result, the cumulative installed PV capacity has increased exponentially; however, the cumulative installed PV capacity by 2007 was only about 40% of the target for 2010 (4,820 MW). Reaching the target and promoting larger installation capacities in the future will require further installation in the residential sector and the construction of large-scale PV systems. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan has conducted several demonstration projects to investigate technological issues regarding the large penetration of PV generation systems and to develop new technologies for using PV generation systems effectively. One of NEDO's demonstration grid-connected PV projects is the Ohta Project, a cluster of PV systems in a residential development. Another is the Wakkanai Project, the largest central-station PV system in Japan.

A mighty wind

Abstract: Developments in the world of wind continue to happen at record speed. The world as a whole is in the midst of grappling with an epochal transition from a system dominated by fossil and nuclear fuel to one that relies much more heavily on renewable energy. No technology breakthroughs are required for the United States to achieve the scenario of 20% of electricity from wind by 2030. Instead, many evolutionary steps executed with technical skill, which can cumulatively result in a 30-40% improvement in the cost effectiveness of wind technology over the next few decades, are expected to occur.

Where the wind blows

Abstract: The power systems in Denmark, Spain, Ireland, and New Zealand have some of the highest wind penetrations in the world. The management of the different power systems to date, with increasing amounts of wind energy, has been successful. There have been no incidents in which the wind has directly or indirectly been a major factor causing operational problems for the system. However, there are a number of parameters that are being monitored that indicate the need for active management in the near future (and in some cases already today). In this article, we briefly describe the situations in these four countries, giving special emphasis to the market integration of wind power, the use of wind forecasting, and curtailment experience. The final section provides an overview of the main wind forecasting methodologies and challenges.

Harnessing the sun

Abstract: Now is the time to plan for the integration of significant quantities of solar energy into the electricity grid. Although solar energy constitutes a very small portion of our energy system today, the size of the resource is enormous: The earth receives more energy from the sun in one hour than the global population uses in an entire year. In addition, the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is growing very rapidly, sustaining an annual growth rate of more than 40% for the last decade. The combination of this rapid growth, falling costs, and a vast technical potential could make solar energy a serious contender for meeting our future energy needs.

Wanted: A more intelligent grid

Abstract: This paper presents keys in avoiding total system collapse though enhancing grid reliability and stability with a better, smarter, faster SCADA system.

Changing the electricity game

Abstract: AEP views energy storage as a strategic investment for its future grid. The company has recognized that, in the long run, storage has the unique ability to act as a buffer between the grid and generation that is either intermittent or not controlled by the utility. Besides its strategic value, electricity storage offers many more tangible values that, if added up, would exceed the cost of deployment. AEP started with the capital deferral (peak shaving) value in its 2006 project, added service reliability (backup power) value in 2008, and is now exploring the addition of frequency regulation to the stack of values that need to be realized in order to make electricity storage an economically viable solution. Although electricity storage technologies have changed substantially over the past decade, making them economically feasible remains the greatest challenge for utilities. The key: utilities need to learn how to realize more than a few storage values at a time.

Plugging into the Zeitgeist

Abstract: Germany is the country with the largest installed PV capacity in the world. As a result, Germany needs to be one of the first countries to look at adequate network integration. To tackle the challenges of the power system with regard to high PV penetration in the future, incentive systems are already formed and prepared that go one step further with regard to system integration. Also, grid codes for grid connection to the distribution network are defined that require grid-supportive behavior from PV systems. Real network integration by providing ancillary services for system operation is the aim of these new measures in Germany. Integration studies with different perspectives are performed in Germany.

The view from the top

Abstract: The challenge of integrating large amounts of renewable energy resources into the electric sector requires updated transmission analysis techniques. Economic planning, primarily in the form of value-based planning over interconnection-wide areas, is needed before performing the traditional single-hour, capacity-based reliability analyses. This article looks at the transmission planning processes of leading organizations from various sectors - regional transmission organizations (RTOs), investor-owned utilities, and regional organizations-within the United States to illustrate what changes to the traditional transmission planning process are required to meet the present challenges.

Change in the air

Abstract: With the higher levels of wind power and other renewable generation now included in the North American electrical system, operational information plays an increasing role in the decisions that grid operators are asked to make on a daily basis. While wind forecasting was something that was considered a luxury only a few years ago, it is critical to today's operation. There are other solutions that the industry is developing to incorporate high levels of wind, such as demand-side management, developing flexible resources to accommodate ramping and cycling needs, and developing larger BAs and market tools to allow the development of ancillary services. But wind forecasting will always be a crucial part of the solution and the primary tool that grid operators will rely on to implement policies and procedures to reliably and economically operate the system.

Sun Also Rises: Planning for Large-Scale Solar Power

Abstract: Wind, solar, and other renewable energy are an important part of any present-day energy. The portion of energy they supply will certainly be increasing over the next few years. Arguably, large-scale wind power has reached technological maturity, and with more than 100 GW of capacity, ample experience exists on integrating wind systems. Solar technologies, on the other hand, are emerging, and substantial R&D investments are being made to achieve parity with retail electricity costs in the near future. As this happens, annual capacity additions of solar power will become significant.

Reactive power pricing [The Business Scene]

Abstract: Reactive power is one of the least understood ancillary services in the competitive markets. Reactive power is necessary to balance the total demand with the least amount of power flowing in the transmission lines. The line limits and the line losses are a function of the total current, both the real and the imaginary. Minimal power factor correction at the demand increases the reactive source requirements on the transmission system as more distant reactive sources are used. Reactive power is a balance between the capacitance and the inductance of the system components as energy is alternatively stored in electric and magnetic fields. Thus, reactive power is a localized commodity, and the goal of any system is to reduce the size of the local community as much as possible. The goal is to enable real power flows without causing congestion and without increased losses. The selection of reactive power sources can cause congestion and thus can be used as a tool to increase the use of more expensive generation. Reactive power is an integrated market with the real power market as discussed in the following word. This work shows the dependency of real power on reactive power and discusses alternative implementations.

Finding a bright spot

Abstract: The photovoltaic (PV) industry has been a steady bright spot through economic ups and downs, and the future is looking brighter than ever. PV deployment has grown rapidly - from 0.3 MW in the 1980s to an expected 3,000 MW by 2010. Fueled by technical, economic, environmental, and social drivers, the contribution of PV to the U.S. electricity supply mix will likely be several times that amount by 2020. PV power systems and the utility industry have had a 25-year courtship with many different types of engagement. Utilities participated in the first ground-mounted power plants and rooftop installations on residences, schools, airports, hospitals, and other public buildings. These projects included U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored residential experiment stations in Maine, Florida, and New Mexico in the 1980s; early PV plants in California and throughout the Southwest; and grid connection, demonstrations, inverter and system testing, and related standards development. Electric service providers are well positioned to expand their engagement in deploying PV systems. Many have found themselves in a bright spot relative to solar business opportunities. However, most providers are still facing the decision of whether to modify traditional business models for active engagement or maintain a reactive stance relative to PV and grid integrations. In either case, R&D that will lead to a more flexible and interactive electric distribution system is needed. A near-term priority for individual utilities is to define the grid-interactive and grid-independent applications and markets that offer the greatest potential risks and rewards and to develop plans for addressing them. This is particularly important in areas with excellent solar resources, strong incentives,or both. And this may hold true across the country under current policy and market conditions.

Planting the seed

Abstract: In the United States and around the world, interest in concentrating solar power (CSP) is growing rapidly and its use is increasing. This solar thermal technology can meet a significant share of our electricity demand. Yet, while CSP's market share rises, concerns about the potential impact of CSP-generated electricity on the stability and operation of the U.S. power grid might create barriers to its future expansion in America.

Up with wind

Abstract: In this article, we focus on three important aspects of large regional wind-integration studies: wind data development, transmission analysis, and the modeling of wind-integration scenarios. Careful development and validation of the wind data inputs to an integration study are essential to obtain meaningful results. New transmission will be required for much of the future wind development; hence, it is imperative to plan for this transmission because it takes longer to build new transmission than it does to build wind plants. The transmission analysis can include a transmission-expansion plan to be done as part of the wind-integration study or can use existing transmission plans and analyze potential congestion. Finally, scenario modeling investigates the operational impacts of wind variability and uncertainty. The production cost models can be either deterministic or stochastic in nature. They can examine a wide range of sensitivities.including unit commitment and operating reserve considerations, different market scenarios, carbon reductions for different scenarios, storage considerations, forecasting, and the contribution of wind to system reliability.

Unity for all

Abstract: This article describes the evolution of energy policy in the European Union (EU). It is divided into three sections, which provide answers to the following questions: 1.) What was the evolution of energy-related initiatives in the construction of the EU? 2.) What are the obstacles to the existence of a truly pan-European energy policy? 3.) What should be the roles of markets and government regulation in achieving the objectives of an EU energy policy?

Smart grid expectations [In My View]

Abstract: A smart grid integrates advanced sensing technologies, control methods, and integrated communications into the current electricity grid.

Putting an action plan in place

Abstract: In December of 2008, The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC) delivered its "smart grid" and storage reports to Congress. They are available on the DOE Web site, and interested readers are encouraged to read the storage report. In writing the report and making its recommendations on storage for the U.S. electricity industry to the Energy Secretary, the EAC was fulfilling two objectives. The first was to counsel the Secretary of Energy and the Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability on implementing the Energy Policy Act of 2005, executing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), and modernizing the nation's electricity delivery infrastructure. The second objective was to fulfill the congressional requirements of EISA Section 641(e)(5)(B). According to the requirement, no later than one year after the date of the Act's enactment and every five years thereafter, the EAC, in conjunction with the Secretary, "shall develop a five-year plan for integrating basic and applied research so that the United States retains a globally competitive domestic energy storage industry for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution." The Energy Storage Technologies Subcommittee of the EAC was established in March of 2008.

Large-scale solutions

Abstract: For more than a century, we have accepted the premise that once electricity is produced, it cannot be stored. This lack of storage causes extreme electricity price volatility (compared with other commodities) and hourly fluctuations in wholesale market prices, and has prompted specialized real-time markets that provide price fluctuations in 5- or 10-min intervals. The hourly volatility reflects the widely disparate costs of production from different resources that lead to a steep supply curve in most markets; that steep supply curve, coupled with highly variable demand and an inelastic demand curve in today's markets, makes for high volatility.

Behind the buzz [In My View]

Abstract: The smart grid is a hot topic at utility executive meetings and broader transmission and distribution (T&D) utility forums across the country. The concept still elicits mixed reaction, but there is increasing agreement on a common definition of "smart grid," as well as an emerging confidence that the smart grid embodies a set of technology investments that can transform the way service is delivered to customers. In addition to cost and service quality improvements, the smart grid is increasingly being linked to environmental goals, including attaining renewable-energy targets and reducing carbon emissions. A wide variety of players--venture capital companies, software and application providers, niche engineering firms--have entered the smart-grid value chain with material investments. Utilities are getting bolder in their program designs and in integrating smart-grid investments with their aspirations for energy efficiency and renewables. State regulators have been approving pilot programs and building precedents with favorable investment decisions. With the development taking real shape, there are still areas to be cautious about, however. Systematic, wide-scale deployment of demand response has yet to be demonstrated. Systems integration is a considerable challenge. Worries regarding technology obsolescence continue, with new twists as new communications capabilities emerge.

Balance of power

Abstract: This paper discusses the challenges in the procurement of electricity. The primary challenge faced by the countries in Latin America is to ensure sufficient capacity and investment to reliably serve their growing economies. The turn of the century brought different challenges to the energy supply in the region and to its market policy emphasis, coupled with a worldwide rocketing up of fuel prices.

Island breezes

Abstract: Due to the isolation of the Hawaiian Islands and the fact that all fossil fuel used in the islands must be imported, residents and businesses in Hawaii are especially vulnerable to political and economic forces that affect the price and availability of fossil fuels. HECO and its subsidiaries, HELCO and MECO, are on the leading edge of integrating renewable resources into their grids. The difficulties are great, but the opportunities and rewards are just as great if we are up to meeting the challenge.

This sustainable lsle

Abstract: This paper article looks into the regulated power market industry despite United Kingdom's green policy.

Electrifying India

Abstract: The paper presents the efforts of the Indian government in the electrification of its urban and rural areas considering its impact on the environmental preservation. Some of the current initiatives undertaken by the Indian government in response are discussed and the roles of energy efficiency and renewable energy (RE) in meeting these challenges in the future are examined.