WIDE AREA MONITORING, PROTECTION AND CONTROL IN THE FUTURE GREAT BRITAIN POWER SYSTEM

Abstract

The growing issue of power-grid congestion and a global increase in disturbances have emphasized the need to enhance electrical power networks using Wide Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control (WAMPAC). This is a cost-effective solution for improving power system planning and operation. In addition to these existing issues, the Great Britain (GB) power system is facing significant changes, in terms of both power transmission technology and the nature of the generation mix, that will cause the operation of the future GB power system to become more unpredictable and complex. Therefore, developing a WAMPAC system will be essential to enhance the stability and optimise the operation of the future GB power system. The main objectives of the research presented in this thesis are to design a GB WAMPAC system and develop solutions to overcome the challenges that will be involved in the initial stage of the GB WAMPAC project.As Synchronized Measurement Technology (SMT) is the most essential element and enabler of WAMPAC, this thesis first provides a study of SMT and its applications. This study also reviews the state of the art of these SMT applications, and worldwide experience with the operation of WAMPAC in terms of system architecture, communication technologies and data management.After the basic study of WAMPAC, this thesis presents a new methodology for designing a roadmap that will ensure the future GB WAMPAC system will be developed in a logical and economic manner. This methodology takes into account the international experience with WAMPAC project management and the practical challenges faced in the future GB power system. With this new methodology, the GB strategies for the development of WAMPAC are devised.Two major SMT applications are then developed that can form main parts of the proposed future GB WAMPAC system. These applications are developed to enhance the small signal stability of the future GB power system.1. Wide Area Inter-area Oscillation Monitoring using Newton Type Algorithm.2. Wide Area Inter-area Oscillation Control using Power Electronic Devices.Finally, the operation of a proposed GB WAMPAC system is demonstrated using the DIgSILENT software package. The proposed real time applications are tested and evaluated using dynamic simulations of a full GB power system model. In addition, some key factors that will influence the operation of the future GB WAMPAC system will be analyzed and discussed.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Vladimir Terzija (Supervisor)