Power System Studies

Distributed Generation System Impact Studies

A System Impact Study, sometimes referred to as a Connection Impact Assessment is a detailed assessment of a project’s impact on the grid.

Our experts have worked with the early adopters of grid integration who have been interconnecting hundreds of Distributed Generation (DG) plants. These studies typically get triggered based on an initial screening process by the utility that shows that there may be some cause for concern based on the grid stiffness, protection coordination issues, adjacent loads and generating capacity and many other factors.

We have helped pioneer the development of impact studies for DER interconnection. Our technical report includes an outline of the project's feasibility, the technical specifications needed for the project, and an assessment of the impacts the project would have on the distribution grid. Furthermore, we are versed in leading edge procedures for such studies as outlined in the IREC Model Interconnection Procedures 2023 Edition.

Grid Modernization – Grid Impact Studies

Demand capacity planning studies can help utilities plan and optimize available capacity to ensure reliability and security of supply. Conventional load growth modeling is based on historical data, population growth, economic trends and so on. However, new loads (such as Electric Vehicles EVs) and DERs (such as rooftop PVs) add uncertainty that must be considered during a utility’s capacity planning studies.

Conventional system capacity planning studies conducted by utilities need to adapt to accommodate these scenarios, as their integration into the existing electricity grid is expected to increase significantly in the future. The challenges utilities are facing are related to the uncertainties associated with DERs, such as their location on the grid and their expected output (kW), and EVs, such as their location, charging time and many more.

Capacity planning studies combined with impact assessment of future load growth can help utilities prepare for future challenges. With the study results, we will identify areas where capital investment may be needed – such as infrastructure or equipment upgrades – and system expansion. This can prevent overloading of the existing grid/equipment, and consequent potential grid failures leading to outages.

NERC Compliance Consulting Services

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards require careful monitoring and prompt reporting to effectively manage system risk and mitigate the North American power grid’s exposure. The standards have come into force over several years and have transformed over time. NERC standards now cover several areas including Protection Relay and Control (PRC), Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), System Modeling (MOD), amongst 11 other categories.

Our team has a complete understanding of the standards, and we are at the forefront when supporting you with your NERC compliance requirements. We provide a full spectrum of NERC Compliance Services and are experienced in assisting load-serving systems, transmission owners and operators, balancing authorities, and generation owners and operators.

Power System Transient Study

Power system transients caused by utility switching activities or lightning strikes to electric facilities have significant potential to damage equipment or disrupt normal operation of the power grid. We provide transient stability studies, preparing the system to swiftly respond to disturbances such as the loss of generation, line-switching operations, faults, and sudden load changes immediately after a disturbance.

As you are aware, the electrical power system is nonlinear and is dynamic by its nature. The state of the system is continuously changing due to load demand response, circuit breaker operation, switching, fault, and atmospheric disturbances. In such events, the system is forced to transition to a new state. During this transition, the electrical equipment will be exposed to fundamentally different voltages and frequencies, resulting in higher stress. This added stress may lead to equipment failure and poses an increased risk to system reliability.

Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Studies can provide great insight of expected power system overvoltages and overcurrents resulting from lightning strikes, switching operations, and fault conditions. EMT is a computer-based analysis and simulation tool used to determine voltage, current, frequency, and torque during the transient state of a power system.

Electromagnetic Transient Studies

Knowing the vulnerabilities of your system is critical to ensure its ability of returning to normal or stable conditions after a disturbance. With results from our analyses and appropriate actions taken, we can ascertain stable, safe, and reliable power distribution.

Our EMT studies are supported by a state-of-the-art Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and the results from tests undertaken in our specialized high-voltage laboratory. We have the capabilities of performing the following studies in full compliance with IEC, IEEE, as well as other applicable standards the global standards of IEC 61850 and, achieve significant savings with in-house integration and a “plug and work” approach. We also provide comprehensive functional testing services for protection and control systems that is compliant with both IEC 61850, as well as legacy protocols.

We have a full suite of capabilities including:

• Real Time Digital Simulator with Full Station and Process Bus Simulation
• State-of-the-art Omicron CMC356 Test Set with Full Net-1 Option Capability
• Test suite for GOOSE, and Sample Value Message Generation
• Background Traffic Simulation
• Protocol Analysis
• Environmental Testing
• Site Commissioning

Ensuring Compliance with IEC 61850 Standards

With expertise based on decades of field experience in protection and control systems, we are uniquely qualified to service your interoperability testing needs as you transition to IEC 61850 based substation automation systems.

System Integration Testing

Testing and verifying the accuracy of device configuration, project engineering, and interoperability of devices from different manufacturers.

Functionality Testing

• Single device protection setting, timing, protection zone reach
• Multiple devices protection scheme
• Single/multiple devices, local/remote control schemes and interlocking

Real-Time Digital Simulator Services

We have unmatched expertise and facilities that enable us to provide testing and consulting services using a Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), a digital twin system that models your power system. Our RTDS application and facility are optimized for power system simulations with the scalability and flexibility to test new innovations and future devices.

Using RTDS, we can offer:

• Protection System Testing
• Power Electronic Hardware In Loop (HIL) Testing for Control Systems
• Wide Area and PMU Application
• HVDC & FACTs
• Digital Substation Automation Testing (IEC 61850)
• Assessment of Abnormal Power System Operation
• Establish Optimal Settings and/or Component Configurations