Evaluates the performance, cost effectiveness and reliability of each two different types of leading prototype fault current controllers and will consider the advantages of passive versus active devices. Phase II will field-test a second-generation high-temperature superconducting fault current controller technology. The outcomes will provide guidance for future development of higher voltage fault current controllers.

This white paper describes the circumstances in California around the turn of the 21st century that led the California Energy Commission (CEC) to direct additional Public Interest Energy Research funds to address critical electric grid issues, especially those arising from integrating high penetrations of variable renewable generation with the electric grid. It contains an assessment of the beneficial science and technology advances of the resultant portfolio of electric grid research projects administered under the direction of the CEC by a competitively selected contractor, the University of California’s California Institute for Energy and the Environment, from 2003-2014.

Final Project Report prepared for CIEE and California Energy Commission

Develop and apply advanced signal processing algorithms on phasor measurement unit (PMU) data for oscillation detection and analysis. It will include testing and validation procedures based on simulation data and field measurement data. A real-time prototype tool is to be developed for monitoring and analyzing power grid oscillations.

Large amounts of distributed generation (DG), especially solar, and electric vehicles may cause technical problems related to power quality, safety and reliability on electric distribution circuits. These impacts are not yet well understood. Early evidence suggests that significant infrastructure upgrades and operational changes in utility distribution systems may be required as DG penetration levels reach a critical threshold. New empirical information gathered from the field is needed to better define these requirements and the potential need for new technology developments. Data from distribution circuits must be collected and analyzed at higher resolution and with greater specificity so that the effects of distributed resources can be better understood and mitigated if necessary.

This project developed and field-tested two methods of Adaptive Protection systems utilizing synchrophasor data. One method detects conditions of system stress that can lead to unintended relay operation, and initiates a supervisory signal to modify relay response in real time to avoid false trips. The second method detects the possibility of false trips of impedance relays as stable system swings “encroach” on the relays’ impedance zones, and produces an early warning so that relay engineers can re-evaluate relay settings. In addition, real-time synchrophasor data produced by this project was used to develop advanced visualization techniques for display of synchrophasor data to utility operators and engineers.

The aging of installed underground distribution cables is a looming issue facing electric utilities in California and throughout the U.S. A variety of technologies and tests are currently available to evaluate underground cables, but there is often little correlation between the diagnostic results and the actual deterioration. This project will evaluate existing diagnostic approaches used to detect or predict incipient failure and determine whether new innovative technologies can be utilized to improve diagnostic accuracy while reducing the costs.

Final Project Report prepared for CIEE and California Energy Commissio

Appendix C to Real Time Grid Reliability Management 2005 Report

Identifies future research activities related to equipment and devices which could facilitate the integration of renewable energy resources, increase the efficiency or capacity of the transmission infrastructure, and/or reduce emission of greenhouse gases that are directly associated with the transmission infrastructure.