Research GUPFC Compensation controlled via Synchrophasors to enhance operation in smart power system

Smart Power System Paper

Chapter 1: Commentary 1
Chapter 2: Case Study 2
Chapter 3: Critical Review of Literature 3
Chapter 4: Research 7
4.1 Introduction 7
4.2 Research Aim and Objectives 7
4.3 Research Methodology 7
4.4 Results and Analysis 7
4.5 Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendations 7
Chapter 5: Dissemination Artefact and Plan 7
References 8

Chapter 1: Commentary

Power electronic systems have served societies while improving the distribution and accessibility to power, while systems across the world have developed at different rates. Meanwhile, the plans for improved systems are continually considered in research. Potentially increased effectiveness, through a range of areas in transmission systems, have been increasingly realised in the field of power electronics. In this, unified power flow controllers and generalized power flow controllers (UPFC and GUPFC), synchronised phasor measurements, flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS), and other technologies have been reviewed, applied, and assessed; this has been done in attempt to improve power system operation amid its overall potential. This commentary introduces concepts, literature, case studies, and a research initiative designed to acquire original data in these areas. The entirety of the following discussion beyond this commentary spans an additional four sections: a case study section examines power electronic applications in existing systems (with emphasis on the aforementioned technologies), a critical review of literature addresses key technologies and concepts (including data results, recommendations, and potential for future applications), a description of the original research study undertaken (including design and results) in provided, and a dissemination artifact and plan covering findings and developing practice.

The original research designed and carried out emphasizes the potential for online analysis to provide enhanced coordination of controls across a grid utilising the FACTS, UPFC, or GUPFC . While online security and controls have been addressed in research such as that conducted by El Sayed et al. (2008), El Sayed et al. and others, there is a gap in literature regarding the direct emphasis of the potential for online analysis to improve coordination of advanced smart systems. Moreover, the area of emphasis for this research is Qatar, while the existing knowledge base for Qatar-specific operations is also below a desirable (and properly informative) level. With this, the research design was strategically created and implemented to collect and analyse unique data in this area. This data, analysis, and subsequent discussion and recommendations thereby providesprovide an extension of the knowledge base as well as potentially beneficial information regarding evolving power electronics.

Chapter 2: Case Study

This chapter provides a situational analysis of the current state of Qatar power electronics, power grids, and online systems. Examining the case of Qatar power is essential to provide a foundation in a research effort examining the potential and challenges for regional applications. El Sayed et al. (2010) examined Qatar amid his assessment of power systems, and determined there were both considerable challenges and potential. Perhaps one of the most significant challenges is the rising demand in the nation, as progressive development in other areas has thereby facilitated a two-fold increase in demand for power; even more importantly, this demand is expected to grow further in upcoming years. Clearly, this pressures power electronic technology and designs to become more efficient and effective as attempts at maximising distribution and accessibility are made. Figure 1 below displays a model of Qatar transmission, located within the western region network .

Figure 1: Transmission in Qatar (Adapted from El Sayed et al., 2010; see Appendix for higher resolution and inner details)

The Qatar transmission system provides a range of voltages from 33 kV up to 400 kV, while these 400 kV networks have replaced the previously dominant 220 kV networks as the primary force in supplying large and new organisations. The majority of facilities within these networks are located in the northern and southern regions of the nation. Meanwhile, network growth continues to span the western region, and the previous 132 kV plants supplying power to this area have been replaced by this growth. This is also shown in the Figure 1 located above. Larger systems have not yet been greatly extended to and across this region, as aspects of future development remain largely undecided and unknown. However, there are plans to expand some industrial facilities, but such plans are nonetheless impeded by common developmental challenges (such as a lack of resources). According to El Sayed et al. (2010), "all the major industrial customers have established their 132 kV substations and internal distribution network.

This together with other social issues such as identifying corridors for the 400 kV and 220 kV lines due to scattered farm lands and houses adds to the complexity of increasing supply to this region. However, a viable alternative network plan will be needed to ensure reliable supply if the demand in the region continues to grow especially in the established industrial areas" (p. 5). Some efforts, including El Sayed et al.'s (2010) study, have attempted to recommend improvement and optimise the 400 kV and 220 kV networks in the central and northern areas, but these efforts have only led to new challenges; central facilities have supplied power to the western region when the northern facilities were the intended suppliers, excess loading has become an issue in the connections between the central and western regions, thermal limits have become an issue in some areas, and other issues challenge development.

In addition to a more in-depth analysis of potential progressive development in Qatar (see critical literature review in following chapter for more details regarding this and other concepts), El Sayed et al. (2010) conducted a cost analysis for equipment implementation in Qatar transmission systems. Here, they stated "the total cost of 400 kV overhead lines and the terminal 400/132 kV substation about $165M. The firm capacity for this 400 kV overhead lines and substation will be limited to 500 MVA tentatively if two 400/132 kV transformers are used. This preliminary cost investigation shows that the UPFC installation is competitive and is technoeconomically a viable solution" (p. 5).

Chapter 3: Critical Review of Literature

Johnson et al. (2007) analysed synchronised phasor measurements and applications, attempting to develop an effective plan for a system that could maintain voltage (utilising static var compensation or SVC) while avoiding over-voltage. These researchers pointed out that previous utilisation of synchronised phasor measurements had only been applied to the monitoring or assessment of system operations, despite the evidence that the potential applications had a far wider range; potential applications include wide area control, remedial action schemes, and special protection schemes in the near future, with potential in still further areas in the more distant future. Citing the Southern California Edison's (SCE) efforts to develop an effective use of synchrophasors in power systems, Johnson et al. (2007) claimed that their research intended to apply SVC in a way similar to the objectives of the SCE project, emphasizing the minimisation of potential for over-voltage. Acknowledging that the SCE project was the first application of synchrophasor measurements which were used in a closed-loop scheme, the authors researched the integration of the voltage information provided by a phasor measurement unit with an SVC controller. To achieve this feat, the experiment utilised SCADA protocol, and the experiment also attempted to provide readers with recommendations for integration with other systems of energy management and state estimation (Johnson et al., 2007).

Following their review and description of their experiment, Johnson et al. (2007) provided 'lessons learned' in addition to their detailed recommendations and conclusions. They stated "several issues would have helped ease the commissioning of the SVC remote voltage. The first is that all equipment should have been tested off-line prior to deployment in the field. We were not able to do this because of the project schedule. We were able to overcome this restriction with a lot of support by personnel at remote locations to identify and resolve any issues. The second issue is that the communication channel should be tested using a high-speed digital communication channel ...When coupled with the information available from Wide-Area Monitoring utilising Phasor Technology, an SVC can be a very cost effective solution to maintain voltage stability of the high-voltage transmission network" (p. 6).

El Sayed et al. (2008) reviewed and analysed the potential effectiveness and applications of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) in modern power electronics. These authors pointed out that transmission networks attempt to optimise cost effectiveness through interconnectivity, and also to optimise peak non-coincidence and loads diversity; meanwhile, however, engineers and utility organisations were (and are) challenged by network restrictions and general demand. FACTS are proposed as a method of optimising systems, overcoming challenges, and thereby enhancing the capacity for facilities to operate while achieving distribution objectives, as these are known to assist in voltage control and maintenance. Meanwhile, development in FACTS gave rise to the consideration of further potential and applications, including the ability to enhance transient stability, improve load balance, decrease undesired loops in power flow, and even the potential to address undesirably high fault levels within a network (El Sayed et al., 2008). Although they claimed there were still further actual and potential benefits to developing FACTS integration in power networks, El Sayed et al.'s (2008) review and assessment focused on a range of FACTS equipment and compensators, in terms of their potential benefits and existing challenges in current power systems; a comparative analysis was conducted in attempt to provide the reader with a detailed list of potential methods of optimisation and design using a range of FACTS equipment. Ultimately, the authors provided an account of technological development and potential applications for FACTS, further providing comparisons, design potential, and recommendations for development and future research.

Discussing what they perceived as the future of facts, El Sayed et al. (2008) stated that "the recent advancement in FACTS is due to the successful application of the evolutionary voltage source converter (VSC) technology. Many established research and ideas on the basic to advance operations of this device have been published in the open literature over the last ten

years. The upcoming SiC technology is more efficient and is expected to supersede silicon technology...SiC technology has better characteristics compared to silicon, less losses, broader band and higher voltage blocking. The FACTS technology has been identified recently as one of key technologies needed for the successful implementation of emerging smart grid and micro grid" (p. 6). Concluding their study, the researchers reiterated that FACTS can assist power utilities in enhancing network operations in a range of areas, while flexibility in design development or integration grants organisations with multiple dimensions of freedom and potential. Meanwhile, as the rise in other technologies continues to reveal operational and distribution potential in other areas, the demand for new designs and integrations increases, and the use of FACTS is assumed to be a key element of designing and enhancing smart power systems. Considering these smart systems in terms of their developmental potential and demands, the authors stated that other important areas in research and progressive development include online analysis (for the sake of enhancing controls), wide-area control and monitoring (using phasor measurement units), and improved distributed generation and storage devices via software enhancements (El Sayed et al., 2008).

El Sayed, Sasano, and Lai (2009) examined threats to power electronic systems, asserting "the growing threat of electronic intrusion into utilities SCADA and LAN systems is motivated by different kinds of attacks such as hackers, espionage, sabotage, and electronic theft. Due to the complexity of interconnections between substations and SCADA systems, with the increased risk of illegal external access, it is essential to identify all the remote communications threats to conventional network with necessary mitigations and measures" (p. 1). Meanwhile, the developing standards were pressuring transmission system accessibility to be even more open, thereby potentially raising vulnerability levels. Targeting these as the problem and the justification for research objectives, this research team examined techniques and technologies capable of improving existing security systems, or otherwise adapting them to properly address demands and potential vulnerabilities. Presenting possible solutions for these concerns, the authors addressed the aforementioned areas as well as potential solutions for strengthening SCADA systems, LAN, distributed control systems (DCS), and other systems. The authors' first recommendations were relevant to the IEEE Standard 1402-2000, which states that measures to improve the security of computing systems thereby improves the power grid's general reliability, and recommended that critical control systems should be isolated (via sufficient security software such as firewalls, or by disconnection). Additionally, the authors recommended that best practices for password protection and access security be continually improved, and that organisations adopt a method to increase accountability by implementing a type of recording system for all actions (El Sayed, Sasano, and Lai, 2009).

Utility engineers had asserted that there had been no connection between SCADA systems and corporate LANs sufficient to warrant any concern in the area at the present time, but it was nonetheless recommended that protocol be developed and implemented to facilitate communication between applicable engineers, managers, administrators, and others as deemed beneficial. Other recommendations included thorough assessments of potential security threats, the strengthening of networks and equipment through protocol and software, adopting recommendations for securing a range of equipment (including SCADA, DSC, communications systems and IT, digital relays, IEDs, controllers, and others), routinely analysing IP-based field device configurations, and developing projects which consider changes to consumer demands and business in terms of security implications (El Sayed, Sasano, and Lai, 2009). Segmented network and point to point star topologies are also recommended to reduce vulnerabilities. Still further recommendations include analysing operating system configurations, the use of warning banners to deter a portion of attempts to violate integrity, the termination of active sessions to guarantee that potentially vulnerable areas are not so easily accessible, using two- or three-factor identification procedures to safeguard the SCADA systems, observing traditional security recommendations for computer accounts such as long passwords and frequent password changing, establishing a hierarchy of security which appropriately distributes access and privileges, assuring that passwords (adhering to the aforementioned traditional recommendations) are issued from within the organisation, increasing security awareness, establishing and integrating software alarms which properly notify individuals of protocol and access violations, and more (El Sayed, Sasano, and Lai, 2009). This review and assessment of vulnerabilities and potential in developing power systems demonstrated how the development and potential is moving towards new demands for security; these factors were assumed to play a key role in the demands for future designs and system organization.

El Sayed et al. (2010) researched the potential of dynamic flow power controllers implemented within transmission systems in Qatar, focusing on balancing power flow while assuring integrity through sufficient security. Considering equipment, the researchers emphasized unified power flow controllers and generalised power flow controllers (UPFC and GUPFC), and attempted to discern the potential for the controllers to address demands or be applied in new areas for new benefits in the future. Moreover, El Sayed et al. (2010) examined the potential for phasor measurement units and synchrophasors to be utilised for additional benefit. Lastly, the authors provided an assessment of current designs, existing challenges and potential, and cost analysis.

El Sayed et al. (2010) provided a cost analysis, recommendations, and conclusions following their reviews. In their cost analysis, they revealed a series of specific figures which demonstrate that the design and integration of UPFC is both plausible and cost effective, while their recommendations and conclusions provide a solid argument for the rationalisation of integration (in terms of benefit and potential). Introducing their conclusions, the researchers stated "the studies suggested that UPFC is a viable solution to alleviate the power flow constraints faced in the western region by increasing transfer from the north. The UPFC can make a change on the way the utility controls the power flow in part of the network. This will pave the way for smart grid implementation in the QTS. However, additional studies are required under the contingency events and the possibilities of using multiple UPFC or GUPFC" (El Sayed et al., 2010, p. 6). They acknowledged that the existing cost analysis should be complemented with a subsequent study, while they also stated that the investigation of demands for controls determined that "the UPFC can receive measured data via PMUs and synchrophasor units dispersed at certain locations of QTS," and "synchrophasor technology can enhance decision making process of the system operators for increased power delivery flow up to dynamic limit of transmission lines" (El Sayed et al., 2010, p. 6).

Chapter 4: Research

4.1 Introduction

This research effort was designed to assess the developmental potential of online analysis in Qatar smart power systems, with emphasis on coordinating FACTS, GUPFC, and UPFC. The research examines roles and potentials in Qatar, while the methodology, data collection, and analysis are provided in this chapter.

4.2 Research Aim and Objectives

The primary aim of this research is to assess potential, challenges, and strategies to address these areas in regards to the progressive development of Qatar transmission systems, using online analysis. Emphasis is placed on the potential for online analysis to effectively and efficiently coordinate GUPFC, UPFC, FACTS, and other areas which would be both a beneficial and cost effective enhancement to developing Qatar systems. With this, research objectives for this study include i) assess the potential for online analysis systems to be integrated with existing systems of power coordination, ii) assess the potential for these systems to benefit from FACTS and GUPFC, iii) examine potential and challenges with regards to other aspects of progressive development in this systems, and iv) recommend techniques and strategies to overcome existing obstacles and reach described potentials.

4.3 Research Methodology
4.4 Results and Analysis

4.5 Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendations

Chapter 5: Dissemination Artefact and Plan

This brief chapter provides a dissemination artefact and plan, considering both the literature and the research findings. It is therefore the intention of this chapter to outline all significant elements of research and findings in a communicable way, facilitating the expansion of the existing knowledge base as well as the continuation of developmental efforts and research. While development in power electronics and transmission outlined by El Sayed et al. (2008), El Sayed et al. (2010), and Johnson et al. (2007), the combined findings clearly demonstrated the potential for improvements and progressive development for power systems in the near future; These findings and recommendations support the findings and recommendations generated from this research and analysis.

References

El Sayed, H., Chan, K., Al-Jomali, A., Johnson, B., and Lai, L. (2010), 'Operation Enhancement by Power Flow Controller - An Investigation in the Qatar Transmission System', The IEEE 2010 Power and Energy General Meeting, London, UK, 25-29 July 2010.

El Sayed, H., Johnson, B., Lai, L., and Tse, N. (2009), 'Investigation into the advancement of FACTS and their implementation impact in a Utility' The 8th IET International Conference on Advances in Power System Control, Operation and Management, APSCOM2009. Kowloon Shangri La Hotel, Hong Kong, 08-11 November 2009.

El Sayed, H., Sasono, P., and Lai, L. (2007), 'Risk Assessment and Mitigations of Electronic/Cyber Intrusions into SCADA, DCS and LAN Systems of a Utility', 3rd GCC Cigre International Conference and Exhibition (GCC Power 07), London, UK, 05-07 Nov. 2007.

Indys, H. HVAC and Geothermal Systems in Tinley Park and Chicagoland. Illinois Energy Sources Today. Air Ease Leaks <aireaseleaks.org>.

Johnson, A., Tucker, R., Tran, T., Paserba, J., Sullivan, D., Anderson, C., and Whitehead, D. (2007), 'Static Var Compensation Controlled via Synchrophasors', Proceedings of the Western Protective Relay Conference, Spokane, WA, Oct. 2007.