Real Time Operation
What is it?
Definition – in layman’s terms:
- As DERs and renewable energy resources connect to the grid, it’s important to have systems and technologies in place that act automatically on visible system data to improve grid operation and resilience.
- Grid modernization technologies available today can monitor and respond to grid conditions, immediately correcting operational problems related to voltage, current, frequency, and outages.
- These types of technologies provide real-time operational capabilities and enable DERs and other assets to support grid operations in ensuring optimal operation of the electric system.
More technically speaking – industry terms to know:
- Distribution automation: The use of digital sensors and switches with advanced communication and control technology to automate grid monitoring and operation.
- FLISR: Fault location, isolation, and service restoration – also referred to as ‘self-healing’—is an automated process that uses sensors and distribution automation to detect power outages and quickly restore power through line switching.
The Grid Today
The current grid was designed and built decades ago to facilitate power flow in one direction, from generation to end use. It is based on a hierarchical control structure that features large-scale generation far from customers, minimal energy storage, and unresponsive load. Many existing grid controls and technologies are installed with this type of grid in mind. Examples of some traditional technologies include SCADA systems, manual switching, and off-line analysis (analysis not conducted in real-time).
For a Modern Grid
As modern grid has significantly different operational, generation, and load characteristics. Sources of generation and storage are installed by customers at their own homes (and all along the grid), demand response programs and aggregation services offer incentives for load shifting, and more. In order to operate the grid in this new paradigm, flexible and agile technologies and systems are needed. Real-time operational capabilities required for a modern grid must facilitate and automate dynamic optimization of grid assets, integrate renewable and distributed energy resources, and quickly detect and respond to weather, cyber, or security disturbances.
Digitized technologies, autonomous switches connected with advanced distribution management systems and management systems, and advanced metering infrastructure are among needed components of the future grid. Note that these systems require enhanced, high-speed communications and data analytics to enable the high speed control necessary for managing the increasingly complex power system of the future.
Technology Examples
Explore examples of real-time operation in these technologies:
