Incorporation of reactive capability curves and area interchanges in multi-area optimal power flow for operator training simulator
Most utilities use the operator training simulator (OTS) to provide power system operators with experience of dynamic response which they would observe on the on-line system. Although the current OTS has the capability of representing not only the network models of multiple interconnected systems but also the automatic generation control (AGC) of internal and all external systems, it still cannot optimize the external system voltage profile or represent the operational security concerns of external utilities. Serious deviations from such optimal or secure operating conditions may occur, thus making the simulator both inaccurate and unrealistic. To remove these limitations, OTS needs an embedded multi-area optimal power flow (MA-OPF). However, designing such a MA-OPF is not as straightforward as the normal OPF. The embedded MA-OPF needs to have the ability to handle some power system dynamic characteristics as well as multi-area operations. In this paper, the development of the MA-OPF embedded in OTS (MA-OPF-OTS) that would be a valuable tool to the restructured electric utilities is presented. Techniques to tackle the difficulties associated with MA-OPF-OTS are also proposed. Different multi-area operation modes are compared using the developed MA-OPF-OTS. Simulation results show that substantial economic saving can be achieved through the developed MA-OPF-OTS.
optimal power flow operator training simulator multi-area operations deregulation