Consolidated Network Model Management System for ISO/RTO to support electrical transmission system model data

The introduction of new “smart-grid” related technologies has created a challenge that the electrical power industry has been slow to recognize: that being, vast amounts of data must be integrated into the operational decisions of those who manage the grid, and made available to those serviced by the grid. As these technologies evolve into commercial viability, new challenges emerge: data aggregation of phase-angle measurements, use of market products like distributed resources, analysis methodologies such as solar generation forecasting, and management techniques like those required for operating energy storage devices will need to be merged into the already complicated process of energy management. In addition, pressures from enhanced regulatory over-sight, the unwinding of the vertically integrated power industry model, and market pressures are pushing for transmission and generation systems to be operated closer and closer to their physical limitations. The objective of this research is to show that all of these issues may be dealt with, using a robust integration approach and constructing a unified modeling system capable of acting as a single source of data for supporting all facets of electrical power transmission system modeling. In general, this method relies on leveraging and extending a current industrial data-exchange standard into a single time-based data repository, and using that single data source to meet the needs of the applications supporting grid-management activities. The new system supports all aspects of the model life-cycle: including the data entry, validation, creation of power system models, testing and finalization, and archiving of model data changes. Additionally, the system has a flexible design that supports easy integration of new items. Therefore, this new method of data support allows for state of the art devices to be readily integrated into existing process data flows, reduces organizational adoption time, and produces a level of modeling consistency and accuracy that current industry practices are incapable of. Application of this methodology allows for the rapid operational integration of energy storage devices, the utilization of phase-angle measurements, the aggregation of smart-metering devices, and generally leads to greater operational awareness of grid conditions and the greater reliability of the system.