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By Jesse Berst

 

In light of recent criticism of DOE spending (such as the Solyndra loan), it's nice to come to you with an example of a DOE investment that is paying big dividends.

 

In September 2011, I told you about Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's GridLAB-D simulator and its graphical contingency analysis tool. Now I'm back to report

additional progress from this DOE-funded lab.  PNNL is leveraging rich new data streams and high-computing horsepower to create a suite of analytic tools that will deliver new insights to control room operators -- insights that will allow unprecedented grid performance. Although currently oriented to the transmission system, I predict that many of these breakthroughs will make their way to distribution networks too.

 

1. GridOPTICS

Consider the grid-specific software architecture PNNL calls GridOPTICS, a platform that enables next-generation grid operation and planning in three key aspects:

·         Data networking and management

·         Modeling and analytics

·         Visualization and decision support

 

This grid-specific software architecture is fully compatible with high-performance computing (HPC) -- and it is HPC that lets PNNL and its partners push the limits. GridOPTICS, a concept conceived as part of PNNL’s Future Power Grid Initiative, already boasts cutting-edge applications such as dynamic state estimation and massive contingency analysis with more in the works.

 

2. Massive Contingency Analysis

PNNL is tapping into the Lab’s expanded HPC resources to parallelize contingency analysis. It has achieved a 9,600 times speed-up in contingency computations. With that speed-up, standard contingency analysis is transformed from a planning tool to an operating tool. Massive contingency analysis (N-x) can now be considered as a means of achieving unparalleled reliability and resilience.

3. Fast Dynamic Simulation

PNNL’s fast dynamic simulation also leverages HPC. It is a viable means of looking ahead in power grid dynamics to predict potential issues, thereby advancing the ability to operate nearer the margin.  The full topology simulation provides a high-fidelity view of the system and enables real-time performance rating for assets, dramatically increasing asset utilization.

 

4. Mode Meter

PNNL partnered with Montana Tech and the University of Wyoming to develop a new, real-time grid oscillation detection tool that combines PMU data with advanced signal analysis algorithms.  The Mode Meter detects oscillations and reports them to operators with an easy-to-read visualization tool.  Mode meter will be evaluated in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council control center as part of the Western Interconnection Synchrophasor Project.

 

5. Security assessment tool

PNNL was also an important part of a team that developed the new Department of Energy self-evaluation tool called the Electric Sector Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model, or ES-C2M2. The tool allows utilities to benchmark their own cyber security readiness. In addition to self testing, the model provides a common language and a way for utilities to anonymously share cyber security capability benchmarks.

Next page: Taking advantage of PNNL capabilities >>

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Current Comments (3)

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PNNL research on Synchrophasor technology

Thanks for a most informative article. It would be nice to see some of the mode meter displays and their success in detecting grid damping status. It is great to see that this tool will be test at WECC and I hope at BPA and CAISO

David Hawkins - 07/11/2012 - 09:42

Capabilities of PNNL

PNNL has some data and is potentially the most solutions oriented lab in the country. We have an innovative solution for negative peakers that could turn extremely low cost wind and electricity into substitute for far more fossil fuels. Jesse, we should talk. You and Gary Hunt are the two most relevant sources in the sector. We may be ready to work toward making our solutions public. Protecting secrets that are truly able to benefit the world just seems short sighted to me. On the other hand, the myth busters warning is appropriate

William Ross Williams - 07/11/2012 - 11:40

For Guest Blogger

I am glad to welcome you all to guest blogging in my blog http://globalinstruments.blogspot.com/ is about industries, industrial needs, manufacturers, suppliers, the new technology, industrial services and other categories suites the concept of the blog. You guest post your articles with your promotional links and your company, product/services and contact details. If you are not blogger then you can send your business details or can post business details in the comment box. Email me to advertisingservices16@gmail.com if you are interested. Wish you all the best

P.V. Rajasekhar Raju - 07/13/2012 - 03:19

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