November 3, 2017
Report

Adaptive RAS/SPS System Settings for Improving Grid Reliability and Asset Utilization through Predictive Simulation and Controls

Abstract

Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) or Special Protection Schemes (SPS) are used throughout the bulk transmission system as a non-wires method of increasing transmission transfer capability. However, as the population grows within the Western Interconnection, more power needs to be transferred with less ability to build lines. This leads to a greater number of RAS, and the subsequent interaction between these disparate schemes can have unintended consequences. While the large number of RAS within the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) protect for different things, which can range from the violation of thermal limitations to transient stability issues, they can be described by common methods of operation. In order to understand these methods, a survey was sent out to members of the WECC Modeling & Validation Working Group (MVWG). The response received provides a necessary base in which to understand and build models that can be used within WECC. This report provides information on the survey results regarding RAS/SPS modeling practices for planning and operational studies within the WECC footprint, which is foundational for on-going and future work on RAS. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and its industry partners are developing innovative methods for adaptively setting RAS parameters based on realistic and near real-time operational conditions to improve power grid reliability and grid asset utilization.

Revised: January 2, 2020 | Published: November 3, 2017

Citation

O'Brien J.G., E.L. Barrett, X. Fan, R. Diao, R. Huang, and Q. Huang. 2017. Adaptive RAS/SPS System Settings for Improving Grid Reliability and Asset Utilization through Predictive Simulation and Controls Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.