Showing papers in "IEEE Power & Energy Magazine in 2010"

The path of the smart grid

Abstract: Exciting yet challenging times lie ahead. The electrical power industry is undergoing rapid change. The rising cost of energy, the mass electrification of everyday life, and climate change are the major drivers that will determine the speed at which such transformations will occur. Regardless of how quickly various utilities embrace smart grid concepts, technologies, and systems, they all agree onthe inevitability of this massive transformation. It is a move that will not only affect their business processes but also their organization and technologies.

Demand Dispatch

Abstract: In this article we touch on some background requirements for demand dispatch and how the Internet can be used for communication and control. In addition, we review some of the basics of the operation of the electric power grid. We show how loads that meet the communication and control requirements can be aggregated and dispatched-turned on or off-to help manage the grid. Aggregated loads will be able to perform many of the same ancillary services for the grid that are provided by power plants today. We describe some benefits of load-based ancillary services, such as the potential for very fast response, and explain how some characteristics of load-based services differ from power plants. Finally, we give a concrete example of demand dispatch as it can be applied to plug-in electric vehicles: smart charging.

A New Car, a New Grid

Abstract: The paper gives an overview of electric vehicles and the impact of its energy usage on the electric grid. The paper discusses the possibility for electric vehicle charging being a part of an integrated electric system with the ability to adapt to varying conditions.

Getting Smart

Abstract: We live in a very critical and exciting time in the evolution of the electric power industry. Society in general and the power industry in particular are faced with the challenges and opportunities of transforming the power grid ushered in by Nicola Tesla some 120 years ago into a smart grid. A smart grid will help the world manage demand growth, conserve energy, maximize asset utilization, improve grid security and reliability, and reduce its carbon footprint. Smart grid technology is not a single silver bullet but a collection of existing and emerging standards-based, interoperable technologies working together. Controllable technologies for supply, demand, power flow, and storage provide the means to implement decisions made by smart control algorithms and thus create value. ABB already provides its customers with many of the smart grid technologies described here and continues to research and develop power control technologies as well as smart grid applications.

Get Smart

Abstract: Energy generation, consumption, and conservation are at the root of many of the most pressing issues facing society today. It is the thesis of this article that the achievement of energy conservation and, hence global emission reductions can be significantly accelerated by integrating smart, energy-efficient appliances into a "smart" electricity grid - the so called "smart grid". And a key feature of this smart grid is demand response.

The Future of Power Transmission

Abstract: This paper discusses the future of power transmission in U.S. The revolution in distribution must be accompanied by the continued evolution of the transmission system. It is to find the political alignment that is needed to accept the vision and move forward aggressively. For transmission, that means recognizing that new lines, not just better lines, will be needed. United States has allowed fragmented responsibility for transmission additions to slow the process to an unacceptable extent.

Taking Demand Response to the Next Level

Abstract: This paper looks at the potential of smart grids in demand response. The smart grid enables customer choice and lets customers react during periods of high energy prices.

The Green Effect

Abstract: This article contributes to the discussion by assessing some general market and economic impacts of renewable generation in some electricity markets in Spain, Germany and Latin America. The need to diversify away from fossil fuel generation due to concerns over energy security, fuel price volatility, and the climate challenge is driving the deployment of nonconventional renewable (wind, small hydro, solar, tidal, geothermal, and in some cases waste) or "green" energy worldwide.

Remote Control

Abstract: Power engineering today is an amalgam of the latest techniques in signal processing, wide area networks, data communication, and advanced computer applications. The advances in instrumentation, intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), and Ethernet-based communication media, coupled with the availability of cheaper automation products and the standardization of communication protocols, have led to the widespread automation of power systems, especially in the transmis sion and distribution sector.

The New Centurions

Abstract: The current group of young people entering the workforce belong to the so-called "millennial generation". Each generation has certain characteristics that have defined its interaction with the world; the millennials have been called the "Net generation". They are the first generation that has never known life without the Internet. As a result of their protected, structured, and positively reinforced upbringing, the millennials are an exceptionally accomplished, positive, upbeat, and optimistic generation. The millennials are the quintessential multitaskers, and they are used to having the world at their fingertips through online search engines. If organizations use the best of the millennials' traits and effectively embrace the less appealing ones, they will undoubtedly emerge stronger and more prepared for the future.

Plug In, Turn On, and Load Up

Abstract: Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging is going to affect both electricity distribution company local loads and independent system operator/regional transmission organization (ISO/ RTO) regional loads. This conclusion was reached in a recent study jointly performed by Taratec and the ISO/ RTO Council that projected electrical loads based on forecast concentrations of PEVs in the ISO/RTO regions once a significant overall deployment of PEVs exists. For the analysis, the team chose a national vehicle penetration level of 1 million vehicles, consistent with U.S. President Barack Obama's five-year target. From the viewpoint of the electric utility industry, it is important to understand both potential loads and the time frame available for preparation.

Engineering the Future

Abstract: A collaborative effort to strengthen the U.S. power and energy workforce. Some of us are old, some of us are young, and some of us refuse to acknowledge the difference. At any age, electric power and energy engineers contribute to the sustainability of life on this planet and the future growth of technology and society on all fronts. At a time when the U.S. economy is still struggling to employ more people, the power and energy sector worries about new talent to replace retiring experience. This article introduces readers to the Power and Energy Engineering Workforce Collaborative (PWC), an initiative on the part of IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES). The PWC was created to strengthen the U.S. power and energy workforce needed for the smart grid of the future and related technologies. Much of the material included here comes from the document shown in Figure 1. As these workforce issues greatly affect the United States, this work is being closely coordinated with IEEE-USA.

High-wire act

Abstract: This paper discusses how Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) balances transmission flows for Texas-size savings using its dynamic thermal ratings application. Competition in a deregulated environment requires companies to take advantage of all their transmission resources to the fullest extent possible to maximize profits.

Generator Fault Tolerance and Grid Codes

Abstract: In large interconnected power grids, it is incumbent on each generating plant to do its fair share in maintaining the security and reliability of the grid. Recently, fault ride-through (FRT) requirements have been receiving the most attention. The article review the roots of transient stability requirements and recent developments in FRT requirements for wind plants. It discusses how wind plant FRT requirements are being imposed on conventional plants with synchronous machines and how interpretations of FRT requirements have been growing to cover some aspects of transient stability. It was concluded with a discussion about how FRT requirements should complement the established reliability criteria that provide the basis for the transient stability of power grids.

Making Room for the Boom

Abstract: The need to facilitate the connection and integration of renewables will require fundamental changes in the technical, commercial, and regulatory arrangements associated with electricity networks, however. In this framework, the article presents three study cases: the United Kingdom, focusing on transmission, and Brazil and Chile, covering both transmission and distribution networks. These experiences illustrate a diverse array of network impacts due to the increasing amount of renewables, including network design, access, pricing, and regulation.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Abstract: Demand response (DR), in broad terms, is a change in electricity use by end-use customers within a day or less in response to some type of incentive or price signal. Measurement and evaluation are important for DR operations and improvement. In the context of DR programs, measurement typically refers to estimation of demand reduction for specific customers or for the program as a whole. This is the focus of the discussion here. Other customer and system effects associated with the reduction may also be measured. Some types of DR require explicit measurement of each customer's reduction as a basis for calculating the customer's incentives and/or penalty payments.

Batteries Included

Abstract: The system at Balls Gap did require minor adjustment in the sensing circuits to ensure proper coordination of the reclosers and automated feeder switches. Actual islanding events have occurred with successful operation of the batteries in islanding mode.

Winds of Change

Abstract: This article highlights how market integration becomes even more urgent and indispensable to ensure a sustainable and secure power system in the face of increasing levels of intermittent generation. It presents risks and solutions for Integrating large-scale intermittent renewable sources into the EU electricity system by 2020.

Sensing the Future

Abstract: A wide range of applications can benefit from the development and implementation of sensor technologies including safety, workforce deployment, condition-based maintenance, asset management, increased asset utilization, and forensic analysis. Although a variety of sensors are being applied today, there is significant opportunity to increase the range of available sensors and their cost-effective application. A number of challenges exist, including development of the sensing element, power harvesting and storage, sensor mechanical design and packaging, communications, algorithms, data visualization, and alarming. One of the other major challenges is integrating sensor data with the utility information communication infrastructure and database. Three applications of technologies in demonstration were described in this article, but there are many more demonstration projects under way by EPRI and other organizations. It is vital that these demonstrations be performed and experience collected in multiple applications and environments. It is through these demonstrations that sensor designs are improved, enabling utilities to apply these technologies with confidence in the future. In addition, it is through these demonstrations that vital data are gathered for the development of algorithms and alarms.

The Wind at Our Backs

Abstract: This article examines the design and operation of a cross section of electricity markets in the United States. Experience with the evolution of such markets in the recent past to accommodate limited amounts of variable renewable energy is discussed. Based on this experience, insights into what is necessary for these markets to be able to accommodate significantly higher levels of variable renewable energy generation in the future are provided.

Taking Credit

Abstract: This article presents some general concepts about capacity credit values, which are illustrated by theoretical examples as well as practical experience from the Swedish electricity market. The capacity credit of a wind generating unit (or a block of generating units) represents the contribution of the unit to the supply adequacy of the system. The capacity credit of a power plant is an abstract quantity based on probability calculations and requires knowledge of the probability distributions for available generation capacity and load. To secure the reliability of supply, the Swedish system operator was given the responsibility to purchase annual contracts for a "power reserve".

Taking Credit : The Impact of Wind Power on Supply Adequacy-Experience from the Swedish Market

Abstract: This article presents some general concepts about capacity credit values, which are illustrated by theoretical examples as well as practical experience from the Swedish electricity market. The capa ...

Staying in Shape

Abstract: Advanced sensor technologies can help keep aging transmission and distribution systems in good condition. Electricity is the lifeblood of our economy, as it provides comfort and makes possible most of our recreational activities. In addition to the unwavering expectation of making electricity available at any time, we recognize the technical and economic challenges for meeting this expectation as the electric grid is operated closer to its physical limits and major power-delivery components reach the end of their expected lifetimes.

Fuel cells and HVDC [review of Modeling and Control of Fuel Cells: Distributed Generation Applications (M. H. Nehrir and Caisheng Wang; 2009)] [Book Reviews]

Abstract: This book is a good introductory text for a course on fuel cells (FCs) in the graduate power engineering curriculum and a handy reference for practicing engineers working in FCs and their integration to power grids as distributed generation (DG) sources.

Demanding Standards

Abstract: Market operators are relying on demand resources for a larger fraction of the peak demand-fighting "tool kit"-and using these resources more often. In addition to reducing peak load, demand resources are beginning to provide services to the wholesale markets, where they compete with generation supply resources. Demand resource participation will continue to increase with the introduction of new and improved technologies in areas such as advanced building HVAC control systems and local energy storage.

Needed: ASAP Approach

Abstract: Risk assessment and management are key elements in any well-developed asset management plan, and an increasing number of utilities are devoting resources to the tasks of improving their understanding of and capability to make risk-based decisions. Consequently, there is growing interest in the tools and methodologies required to better assess equipment performance and risk and provide quantitative information to drive asset management decision processes. In addition, risk and performance assessment tools can be integrated into smart grid implementations, turning smart-grid-generated equipment status data into information and providing timely equipment and system condition and risk exposure metrics in order to improve operating reliability efficiency. A suite of integrated risk and performance tools for substation equipment has been developed and demonstrated with the application of algorithms to power transformers and high-voltage circuit breakers.

Demand Response the other side of the curve [Guest Editorial]

Abstract: FOR DECADES, ELECTRIC POWER planning and operations dealt with an inelastic demand curve; the classic demand-supply equation had a vertical line on the demand side. In the past decade this has begun to change as various mechanisms have developed to enable consumers, first large ones but increasingly smaller commercial and now residential, to respond to market mechanisms and reduce their consumption at peak hours, reduce spot peak prices, relieve congestion, and supply reserves during reliability events.

The Importance of Modern Teaching Labs

Abstract: Engineers in Large Numbers are Needed to Realize the promises of renewable power generation, energy storage, reliable delivery, efficient end use, and the smart grid. However, many professional, trade, and research organizations including IEEE, Edison Electric Institute, and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are predicting massive workforce shortages in the electric energy area. Just when inevitable large-scale retirements loom in the power industries and an effective power education system is most needed, power programs at many universities have stagnated and are in need of major reform, and power faculty members are nearing retirement age.

If It Ain't Broke...

Abstract: As requirements for service reliability have increased, many utility asset managers are also facing pressures to reduce maintenance costs while squeezing more performance from existing-and often aging-equipment. High-voltage circuit breakers provide a case in point. Not only are high-voltage breakers essential to the protection of other system components under fault conditions, their reliable switching operation is necessary for maintaining optimal system conditions. A breaker's failure to operate as required can result in equipment damage, increased system disturbance, and loss of load. With many years of experience, utilities have established programs for maintaining circuit breakers in good operating order. Because of their sheer numbers, however, breakers represent a significant portion of a utility's power delivery maintenance budget. The maintenance challenge is made more complicated by the fact that many breakers, including breakers that have been in service for decades, remain idle for extended periods during normal system conditions. In response to pressures to reduce maintenance expenses, many utilities have moved away from the original manufacturer's maintenance recommendaticondition-based approachesons, which were principally based on time in operation and number of operations, and toward reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and condition-based approaches.