Showing papers in "IEEE Power & Energy Magazine in 2011"

Solar PV Integration Challenges

Abstract: Solar photovoltaic distributed generation (PV-DG) systems are one of the fastest-growing types of renewable energy sources being integrated worldwide onto distribution systems Many North American utilities, governed by state or provincial incentives and/or mandated by green-generation portfolio requirements, are facing installations of large PV plants with capacities in the order of several megavoltamperes (MVAs) that are owned either by the utility or by private power producers

Balancing Act

Abstract: The paper presents the functions of the Integration of Variable Generation Task Force (IVGTF) created by the planning and operating committees of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) in 2008. This is in anticipation of the substantial growth of renewable variable generation such as wind and solar resources.

Transportation 2.0

Abstract: Most of our current transportation system is not sustainable. It represents transportation 1.0, mainly dependent on fossil fuels. There is a fierce global competition to develop the next generation of vehicles, however, and the most promising and practical sustainable solution is clearly electrification- transportation 2.0. There is, in fact, an evolving paradigm shift in the transportation industry toward more efficient, more reliable, safer, smarter, and higher-performance vehicles that are more environmentally friendly.

Time Management

Abstract: This article presents the deterministic scheduling of a fleet of plug-in hybrid vehicles for distributed generation.This article seeks to quantify the following factors, which are very important for integrating distributed generation (DG) into the power system: typical driving patterns, battery characteristics and sizing for a PHEV with a 40-mi all-electric range, or AER (using the Chevy Volt as a base-case design), consumer preferences and PHEV penetration forecasts, and power system limitations.

Earth, Wind, and Ice

Abstract: An overview is provided of the damage to electric power grid infrastructure caused by three types of natural disasters that have taken place in the past few years in China: severe windstorms, ice and freezing rain, and earthquakes. Interruptions of electric service caused by these natural disasters have led to devastating economic losses in China and reduced the restoration and reconstruction speed of other related lifeline infrastructures, such as water supply systems and communication systems. The lessons learned from these disasters and their consequences for the Chinese power systems are described, as are actions taken to reduce the impact of such events in the future.

Dark Shadows

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, the Solar Electric Power Association, the Utility Wind Integration Group, and the U.S. Department of Energy hosted a day-long public workshop on the variability of photovoltaic (PV) plants. The workshop brought together utilities, PV system developers, power system operators, and several experts to discuss the potential impacts of PV variability and uncertainty on power system operations.

Currents of change

Abstract: The power systems in Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and Germany have some of the highest wind penetrations in the world, as shown in the paper. In this article, the situations of five countries with high wind penetration are briefly presented, with special emphasis given to their future needs with respect to accommodating targeted wind power amounts. The final section provides an overview of offshore grid developments and plans in Europe.

Toward a Solar-Powered Grid

Abstract: This article describes selected results from a study examining some of the benefits and challenges of meeting up to 20% of U.S. electricity demand with solar technologies. The discussion in this article will focus on the "20% scenario," which is part of the larger ongoing study of the barriers to large scale deployment of solar energy. (The larger study being conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technology Program with contributions from a large number of individuals in industry and academia is tentatively titled the Solar Vision study.) This is not intended to be a detailed integration study. Results to date, however, provide a preliminary examination of the issues associated with deploying solar energy on a large scale in the United States.

Wind Energy in China

Abstract: China is a land with abundant wind resources. According to the latest official release of the national wind energy resource assessment results, 50-m-high wind energy resource potential amounts to about 2,580 GW, of which 2,380 GW is onshore and 200 GW is offshore in the 5-25-m range of water depth. The areas suitable for developing large-scale wind power include Northeast, Northwest, and North China, as well as coastal areas in the provinces of Jiangsu and Shandong, where wind power potential accounts for about 80% of the wind energy resource potential of the whole country, as shown in Figure 1. (This article does not contain the data and information of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan region; maps are for illustrative purposes only.).

Currents of Change

Abstract: Electric ship propulsion systems could be found on marine vessels a century ago. In these early ships, the electrical propulsion system acted as a gearbox, and shipboard power requirements were dwarfed by those of propulsion. While electric propulsion systems later gave way to mechanical drive systems, the past two decades have seen a resurgence in electric ship technology.

Benefits of the Smart Grid [In My View]

Abstract: The smart grid is a transformative set of technologies and business models. With mutually supportive private and public investment and with governmental policies that accommodate entrepreneurial smart grid innovations, we can grow our economy, create new high-paying jobs, and help protect our environment. The convergence of these diverse benefits represents an unparalleled opportunity for policy makers to advance an agenda based on research and development, on innovation, and on economic development. Through continued advancement of the Illinois Smart Grid Regional Innovation Cluster, the state is positioned to be a leader in the development and deployment of smart grid enabling strategies, services and technologies.

Models for Change

Abstract: Not much more than a decade ago, the desired action for a wind generation facility was to shut down or disconnect electrically in the event of a disruption on the bulk electric system. This, of course, was a reflection of the novelty that was wind generation at the time, as well as prudent engineering judgment, as the loss of a small amount of generation-the wind plants that were in service at the time-posed little risk to system reliability.

Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract: This article focuses on the latest trends and enhancements emerging in system operations as wind penetrations grow. We discuss technical improvements, current and pending market changes for very high levels of variable generation, the value of forecasting improvements, and the collaborative work that may lead to improved forecasting. This is work at the cutting edge, gathering the latest examples that the authors believe to be of special interest, and we expect this area to remain vibrant and dynamic for many years to come.

Good Vibrations

Abstract: The electrical distribution system will be undergoing a major evolution over the next decade. The increasing use of renew able generation, the implementation of electric vehicle charging, the installation of energy storage devices, and changes in the character of customer loads will alter the way the distribution system is designed and controlled. Increased attention needs to be paid to securing the communication systems that monitor and control the smart distribution system as well. Interoperability and the use of standards are fundamental principles that will give the utility industry the flexibility to adapt to changing grid requirements while stimulating vendor competition, fostering innovation, and realizing lower costs. The workforce needs to be trained so that all of these new technologies can be implemented smoothly. New technologies are being developed at a rapid pace. Projects such as the Circuit of the Future and the Irvine Smart Grid Demonstration are important test beds that allow rigorous technology evaluation in a real-world environment. These new technologies promise to make the electric distribution system more efficient and reliable. Planning for these advanced smart grid systems needs to be done now, before all of the new generation and load devices are connected to the grid. Because utility planning is typically based on rate case cycles spanning several years (three years in California), steps need to be taken now to ensure funds are available for smart grid system improvements when they are needed.

Charge It

Abstract: This article discusses various aspects of future power systems, commonly referred to as smart grids, including resilience, energy storage, renewable energy harvesting, and environmental impacts.

Disaster Management

Abstract: In this paper its is discussed that the transmission and distribution facilities are more vulnerable to major earthquakes than the generation facilities. The design of the generation facilities usually adopts a higher design and building standards.

Sim City

Abstract: The most significant challenge in distribution management associated with the so called “smart grid” is that the distribution system becomes an active system-with distributed generation, smart customer loads, electric vehicle charging, smart inverters, distributed storage, and so on. The challenge of an active distribution system affects both the planning functions and the real-time operations of the system. The transition to an active distribution system does not change the need to maintain and improve reliability.

Model Makers

Abstract: Planning studies are conducted both to incorporate design modifications to the transmission and distribution system and to ensure continued reliable operation of the system. Validated PV system models are required to account for the effect of existing PV generation, evaluate the potential impact of proposed projects, and assess technical options for integrating even larger PV generation capacity in the future. There is a need to improve PV system models used for all four aspects of distribution and transmission system planning: power flow, dynamic, short-circuit, and transient. Planning models need to be more accessible to meet technical and process requirements of the interconnection and regional planning processes. Some industry efforts are under way, notably by the WECC, to address gaps in PV system modeling. Further progress will require continued support by utilities, manufacturers, and software developers.

Impact of Natural Disasters on Electricity Supply [Guest Editorial]

Abstract: The Security of Energy Supply has become a major concern worldwide, given modern society's strong dependence on its adequate delivery. Not only does the functioning of industry, transportation, and communication and computer systems depend on a continuous energy supply, but our complete style of living collapses when energy fails. Surges in fuel prices, political conflicts, wars, and natural disasters directly threaten energy supply, and important policy concerns are being implemented as countries look at ways to protect themselves.

Lines of communication

Abstract: In this article, we have attempted to highlight the network architectural considerations and communication technology options within the context of their infusion into SDGs so as to achieve the desired system-level objectives outlined in the various published strategic plans and road maps. Some of these are listed below.

Policy Directions for the Smart Grid in Korea

Abstract: Korea has launched a national smart grid project to achieve green growth in a proactive, transparent, comprehensive, and effective way. The project envisions laying the foundation for a low-carbon, green-growth economy by building a smart grid. It will thus serve as a yardstick with which to evaluate the future of Korea's green-growth economy. Korea's ambitious plan to build a smart grid is evidence of its determination to realize its low carbon and green-growth strategy. In this article, a national vision and road map toward the smart grid in Korea will be presented, followed by a discussion of future policy directions for the successful implementation of the smart grid.

Actions Before... and After a Flood

Abstract: After a flood, large amounts of water and mud can remain trapped in substation equipment, making the repair of such equipment a sizable task and lengthening the restoration task. Certain preventive measures and preparatory steps can help diminish such impacts and reduce restoration times. Extreme weather impacts, such as those from floods, need to be understood, and steps need to be taken to adjust system design, asset management, and operating practices. To effectively achieve such objectives, lessons learned from some utilities that have recovered from floods can be invaluable. The best advice is to plan ahead for the risk of flooding and do not wait until the last minute to put such plans and measures into action.

A Flight to Quality

Abstract: Early Airplanes had very few loads that required electrical power. Batteries supplied a few amps for radio communications and a couple of cockpit lights. Later, alternators were employed on piston engine airplanes to generate more electrical power. As aircraft evolved, increasing amounts of electrical power were required, and power quality standards were introduced to govern the distributed airplane voltage and frequency. Those standards specified either a 28-V dc system or a three-phase system with a regulated voltage at a constant frequency.

A Wider Horizon

Abstract: U.S. energy system investment during the next 40 years is likely to exceed US S3 trillion plus the cost of transportation-related electrification. The magnitude of this cost and its importance to economic competitiveness and to climate change mitigation create the need for highly robust, rigorous, and informative energy system planning processes. We see a great need for new tools, an area that will require significant investment in associated research and development. Finally, we highlight the large amount of recent activity in the United States at the state and federal levels in regard to crafting production tax credits, investment tax credits, and renewable portfolio standards; future policies might also include emissions taxes or cap-and-trade mechanisms. Although such policies are intended to move society from a less desirable equilibrium to a more desirable one according to some particular set of criteria, the complexities of the energy systems they intend to influence make their actual effects unknown, and there are potential negative effects and unde sirable interactions with competing policies. Policy design and evaluation tools are needed to more completely assess and understand the full impacts of these complex issues. New analytic tools must be developed to accomplish this goal.

Plug into the Future

Abstract: Developing an electric vehicle marketplace will be one of the most important building blocks in the continuing pursuit of environmental sustainability. The City of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, along with their many partners, have been taking actions to support the introduction of this innovative mobility option.

Driving Forces Behind Wind

Abstract: The regional transmission organizations (RTOS), independent system operators (ISOs), and utilities in the United States are coordinating interregional studies and planning their systems to facilitate wind plant deployment and to meet the ever-changing requirements of renewable energy standards. Individual states have passed renewable energy standards (RESs), set goals, and implemented other legislative and public utility commission regulations that require transmission to be built to deliver the renewable energy. Renewable energy grew significantly in the years 2006-2009, and changes, such as California's 33% renewable energy requirement and Indiana's renewable energy goal, continue to be made. RTO, ISO, and utility developments are reflected in modifications that have been made to the wholesale markets, operating practices, planning procedures, and transmission tariffs. Figure 1 shows the footprint of the ten North American RTOs and ISOs and includes the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) as well.

Tools for Success

Abstract: The power industry is experiencing a radical transformation as a consequence of the introduction of the smart grid concept. Some of the main features of the smart grid are increased participation by customers and the abilities to accommodate all generation and storage technologies; enable new products, services, and markets; provide increased reliability and power quality; optimize asset utilization and operating efficiency; provide self-healing capability in response to distribution system disturbances; and operate resiliently against physical and cyber attacks and natural disasters.

A Living Laboratory [The Business Scene]

Abstract: Whether driven by higher energy costs, concern for climate change, or the oil spill in the gulf, the national conversation is no longer a debate regarding whether the smart grid and renewable energy sources should be developed. Rather, the debate has shifted to how and, more importantly, how rapidly they can be implemented. With stimulus dollars available to fund projects and with aggressive renewable energy policy portfolio mandates in place, smart grid projects are being put in place all across the nation. The development of the IIT Smart Grid Education and Workforce Training Center is well timed to fulfill its mandate of engaging utilities, corporations, labor unions, veterans, K-12 students and educators, and universities and community colleges in a collaborative initiative to train the strongest workforce in the world to meet the global challenges in the smart grid, energy independence, clean environment, and sustainable energy.

Windy conditions [From the Editor]

Abstract: I am pleased to offer this issue devoted to the integration of wind-generated power into the electric grid. This is our fourth look at this subject, each coming at two-year intervals. When we last looked, wind power constituted 1.5% of worldwide electricity usage (according to 2008 figures); that number has grown to 2.5% (per 2010 figures). Several countries have achieved relatively high levels of wind power generation, notably Denmark (21%), Portugal (18%), Spain (16%), Ireland (14%), and Germany (9%). During that same period (2008–2010) China has installed approximately 30 GW, a almost four-fold increase in wind generation.