Technical Papers
The Benefits of Innovative Grid Technologies
Consentec published this study on how innovative grid technologies can reduce network congestion and contribute to Europe’s Fit for 55 targets. The study and the related scenario show that the combination of Dynamic Line Rating, Modular SSSC and Superconductors reduces the congestion and redispatch costs by more than 90% and the congestion-related curtailment of renewables infeed by 3 TWh in 2030
Publishing Entity
Consentec
Increase transfer capacity, improve energy security, renewable integration, Modular FACTS
Unlocking the Queue with Grid-Enhancing Technologies
The Brattle Group quantified the impact that three Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) can have on the grid. In Kansas and Oklahoma alone, these technologies can make room for 5,200 MW of wind and solar generation currently looking to connect before 2025. This is more than double the development possible without these technologies.
Publishing Entity
The Brattle Group
Increase transfer capacity, improve energy security, renewable integration, Modular FACTS
Making the most of Europe’s grids: grid optimisation technologies to build a greener Europe
WindEurope’s position paper explains that while grid expansion is crucial and needs to accelerate, grid optimization and timely solutions must also be considered. Grid optimization technologies can maximize the use of transmission capacity by increasing thermal and/or system limits or optimally addressing conservatively set margins. This can mitigate renewables variability, accelerate their integration and minimize their curtailment. The paper includes an assessment of grid optimization technologies, a variety of case studies and recommendations for regulatory changes to incentize large-scale adoption of these technologies.
Publishing Entity
WindEurope
Increase transfer capacity, improve energy security, renewable integration, Modular FACTS
Global Innovations from the Energy Sector 2010-2020
This paper, from the World Economic Forum’s International Energy Community in China, presents an opportunity to reflect on some of the energy industry’s successful innovations since 2010. The innovations highlighted here were selected following a competitive process based on a number of factors including their contribution towards accelerating the energy transition.
Publishing Entity
World Economic Forum
Technology overview, renewable integration, increase transfer capacity, Modular FACTS
Modular Power Flow Control Enhancing German Transmission Grid Capacity: An Investigation
The German Network Development Plan includes several PSTs in the next few years. Since many network expansion efforts face delays, these projects are designed to help TSOs ‘buy time’ and increase transfer capacity by maximizing the use of the existing grid.
The Institute of Power Systems and Power Economics (IAEW) at RWTH Aachen University conducted a study to explore the system impacts of replacing four of these PSTs with m-SSSCs (modular static synchronous series compensators). The study found that compared to PSTs with the same capacity, m-SSSCs could provide double the system benefit. These benefits were possible because of the modularity and flexibility of the m-SSSCs. These characteristics allow TSOs to install the solution quickly, scale the deployments, reduce substation space and relocate the devices as necessary, ultimately allowing TSOs to better manage uncertainty compared with PSTs.
Publishing Entity
Institute of Power Systems and Power Economics, RWTH Aachen University
Authors
- Dr. A. Moser
- Dr. A. Klettke
- Dr. J. Mehlem
Renewable integration, techno-economic studies, power flow studies, power system planning, cost-benefit analysis, optimize economic dispatch and reduce renewable curtailment, increase transfer capacity, Modular SSSC
Evaluation of SmartValve™ Devices Installation at Central Hudson
EPRI observed a SmartValve installation at Central Hudson to evaluate the installation and operation of the technology and identify areas for improvement. EPRI focused on the following key areas: installation process, communication and controls, cybersecurity, impact on system protection, and impact on power system operations and reliability. This report provides valuable insights regarding the capabilities and performance of SmartValve technology and can assist entities seeking to make informed decisions about the use of this technology for various transmission system applications.
Publishing Entity
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Authors
- A. Del Rosso
- G. Drewry
- J. Herman
- B. Green
- S. McGuiness
Installation evaluation, Modular SSSC
Improving Transmission Operation with Advanced Technologies: A Review of Deployment Experience and Analysis of Incentives
The Brattle Group and Grid Strategies LLC jointly produced a report discussing the benefits of grid enhancing technologies to the transmission system. These technologies can provide economic benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars and cost much less than conventional transmission upgrades. However, the existing regulatory structure in the US lacks sufficient incentive for utilities to capture the value these technologies can provide to the overall system. Hence, a modified regulatory framework that ensures the greatest societal benefit is worth considering.
Publishing Entities
The Brattle Group and Grid Strategies LLC
Authors
- T. Bruce Tsuchida (The Brattle Group)
- Rob Gramlich (Grid Strategies LLC)
Technology overview, increase transfer capacity, cost-benefit analysis, renewable integration, Modular FACTS
An Efficient Algorithm for Dispatch of Modular FACTS devices in Transmission Planning
This paper develops an efficient method to optimally dispatch multiple variable-impedance power flow control deployments to resolve post-contingency overloads from a planning perspective. The dispatch method is based on a PTDF DC power flow formulation and illustrated on the IEEE 39-bus test system solving with full AC power flow assumptions.
Publishing Entity
IEEE
Authors
- W. Su (University of Michigan)
- T. Nudell
- H. Pourbabak
Presented at
PES-GM, 2019
Power system planning, Optimal dispatch of multiple devices, Modular FACTS
An application of modular FACTS devices to relieve transmission constraints and accelerate wind farm connections and firm access
This paper explains how modular power flow control can be used to quickly create additional capacity in ways not previously deemed cost effective or possible. This technology can alleviate grid constraints that limit renewable generation on the transmission and distribution grids.
Publishing Entity
Wind Integration Workshop
Authors
- R. Fenlon
Presented at
Wind Integration Workshop, 2019
Technology overview, renewable integration, transient stability, series compensation, sub-synchronous resonance, increase transfer capacity, Modular SSSC
Strategic Transmission Investment using Modular Static Synchronous Series Compensators
Duke Energy, a major US utility, describes the application of modular SSSCs to enable strategic transmission investment. Modular SSSCs mitigate risk by alleviating overloads that could occur due to deferred projects. Duke evaluates the use of modular SSSCs to defer a reconductor for several years and finds this solution is lower cost, smaller footprint and greater flexibility than alternate forms of power flow control.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- E. Scott (Duke Energy)
- M. Longoria
- C. Heier
Presented at
Capital deferral, construction and maintenance outage windows, risk mitigation, outage coordination, increase transfer capacity, Modular SSSC, Mobile power flow control
Increasing Bulk Power Transfer of Renewable Generation with Modular FACTS to Lower Wholesale Costs to Consumers
This paper describes how three Australian network owners, TransGrid, AusNet and ElectraNet, plan to leverage modular FACTS to facilitate the bulk transfer of renewable energy across regional boundaries. Using modular FACTS to improve the utilization of existing networks means reduced of wind generation curtailment, improved market access for hydro generation, and a lower probability of unserved energy following retirement of fossil fuel generators.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- J. Bridge (AusNet)
- A. Kingsmill (TransGrid)
- H. Klingenberg (ElectraNet)
- P. Harrington
- B. Kelly
Presented at
Improve energy security, optimize economic dispatch and reduce renewable curtailment, increase transfer capacity, renewable integration, cost-benefit analysis, increase transfer capacity, Modular FACTS
Advancements in Distributed Power Flow Control
Many considerations for implementing advanced power flow control in real grids have been neglected in the past. This paper breaks down these neglected considerations. It proposes an agent-based power flow control system, including necessary hardware components, control algorithm, monitoring underlying distribution grids, communication technology and protocols, and the interface with the grid operator’s control center.
Publishing Entity
IEEE
Authors
- O. Pohl (TU Dortmund)
- F. Rewald (TU Dortmund)
- S. Dalhaues (TU Dortmund)
- P. Jorke (TU Dortmund)
- C. Rehtanz (TU Dortmund)
- C. Wietfield (TU Dortmund)
- A. Kubis (PSI Software)
- R. Tamgue (PSI Software)
- D. Kirsten (ACCANTAS Ltd)
Hardware testing, communication and control, Power system operation, increase transfer capacity, Distributed FACTS, Modular FACTS
Use of Power Flow Controllers to Enhance Transmission Network Utilisation on the Irish Transmission Network
EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator in Ireland, evaluated planning options to maximize utilization of the existing network. EirGrid created a new grid development strategy which places particular emphasis on identifying technologies that can help resolve network issues. This paper presents the study findings for the application of power flow controllers to relieve system constraints.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- A. Soroudi (EirGrid)
- B. O’Connell (EirGrid)
- J. Kelliher (EirGrid)
- J. O’Sullivan (EirGrid)
- B. Kelly
- M. Walsh
- F. Kreikebaum
- Y. Meyer
Presented at
Power system planning, techno-economic studies, power flow studies, increase transfer capacity
Trends in Transmission Planning Uncertainty and the Impacts and Value of Leveraging Flexible Investment Strategies and Technologies
This paper proposes a scorecard that was developed via input and review from dozens of utilities across the globe. It contains monetized and non-monetized metrics that represent best practices from throughout the industry. This tool offers a way for utilities to compare flexible solutions against traditional options, evaluate transmission investment decisions and improve their decision making process.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- M. Longoria
- T. Bloch-Rubin
- J. Erwin
- E. Fan
- A. Martin
- T. Nudell
Presented at
Risk mitigation, Power system planning, risk evaluation
Study Results of the Impact of a Modular SSSC to Transmission Line Protection Schemes
DNV-GL completed a study to understand the impact of modular SSSC technology on line protection. The modular power flow control technology based on SSSC combined with a unique method for rapid bypass during line faults was found to have minimal impact on line protection.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- S. Natti (DNV-GL)
- M.Y. Xue (DNV-GL)
- A. Braham (DNV-GL)
- L. Kovalsky
- H. Khalilinia
- G. Chavan
Presented at
Power system protection, Modular SSSC
On Developing Automated Tools for Reliability Planning
This paper describes the process of developing automated tools for transmission planning to address the challenge of uncertainty and leverage the ability of new, heterogeneous smart grid technology to overcome these challenges. The development process is illustrated with a simple case study of a tool to cluster thermal overload projects across a CAISO study area.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- T. Nudell
- J. Yu
- E. Fan
- A. Martin
Presented at
Power system planning, Automation, Multi-Scenario Planning
Using Modular Flow Control to Improve Transfer Capability, Reduce Constraints on Renewable Generation and Alleviate Congestion
ElectraNet, the Transmission Operator in South Australia, describes an economic application of modular power flow control devices to alleviate congestion on transmission lines, improving the power transfer capability of transmission corridors by increasing their average utilization. The analysis considers the capital cost of equipment against fuel cost-savings achieved by displacing gas-fired generation with renewable generation sources.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- B. Parker (ElectraNet)
- B. Harrison (ElectraNet)
- M. Longoria
- Y. Meyer
- P. Harrington
Presented at
Renewable integration, techno-economic studies, power flow studies, power system planning, cost-benefit analysis, optimize economic dispatch and reduce renewable curtailment, increase transfer capacity, Modular FACTS
Comparative Performance of Smart Wires SmartValve with EHV Series Capacitor: Implications for Sub-Synchronous Resonance (SSR)
EnerNex used the IEEE Second benchmark Model for SSR to compare the performance of the SmartValve with a conventional passive series capacitor. Simulations showed that active voltage injection from the SmartValve provides reactive compensation at line frequency like series capacitors. However, unlike series capacitors, the SmartValve does not inject voltage at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency, and hence does not create network conditions that could lead to SSR.
Publishing Entity
Enernex
Authors
- RM. Zavadil (Enernex)
Series compensation, Sub-synchronous resonance, Modular SSSC
Integration of Series FACTS into Interconnect-scale Production Cost and Long-term Planning Tools
A power system simulation and planning platform called PLEXOS® was augmented to simulate five types of series FACTS devices. NYISO, ISO New England and PJM footprints – 14,000 buses and 2,500 generators – were evaluated for deployment locations. Results indicate that series FACTS devices can be optimally planned across an interconnect-scale system and the operation of the series FACTS devices can be simulated for an interconnect-scale system.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- A. Wang (Energy Exemplar)
- S. Broad (Energy Exemplar)
- F. Kreikebaum
Presented at
Power system planning, Techno-economic studies, increase transfer capacity, Modular FACTS, Modular SSSC
Assessment of applicability and cost savings of deploying Smart Wires power flow controls to integrate renewable energy in PJM
DNV GL performed an economic assessment of Smart Wires power flow control technology for improving transmission capacity on existing high voltage transmission lines in the PJM market. Results show that if Smart Wires is used in conjunction with conventional transmission enhancements, transmission cost savings of nearly 50% are possible along with equal or better operational performance in terms of power prices, deliverability of renewable energy, transmission congestion and system costs.
Publishing Entity
DNV GL
Power system planning, power flow studies, techno-economic studies, renewable integration, increase transfer capacity
Smart Wires – A Distributed, Low-Cost Solution for Controlling Power Flows and Monitoring Transmission Lines
Distributed FACTS technology allows utilities to increase power transfers in meshed networks by increasing average line utilization. It is projected to have significantly lower cost and lead time than new line construction, reconductoring, or conventional FACTS technology. This paper summarizes the prototype development and demonstrates the feasibility and impact of the technology.
Publishing Entity
IEEE
Authors
- D. Das (Georgia Tech)
- Y. Yang (Georgia Tech)
- F. Lambert (Georgia Tech)
- D. Divan (Georgia Tech)
- F. Kreikebaum
Hardware testing, communication and control, power flow studies, Techno-economic studies, renewable integration, increase transfer capacity, Distributed FACTS, Modular FACTS
FACTS and D-FACTS: The Operational Flexibility Demanded by the Transmission Expansion Planning Task with Increasing RES
This paper analyzes the effects of changing dispatch scenarios to transmission expansion planning and operation, and the associated financial impact. Case studies based on the Brazilian system are utilized to compare the ability of available technologies to realize the transmission expansion planning objectives. The expansion plans are compared based on operational performance and total investments.
Publishing Entity
CIGRE
Authors
- R. Perez (PSR)
- G.Olivieira (PSR)
- M. Pereira (PSR)
- D. Falcao (UFRJ)
- F. Kreikebaum
- S. Ramsay
Presented at
Power system planning, techno-economic studies, renewable integration, increase transfer capacity, Distributed FACTS