Single User Real-Time Dynamic Geomagnetic Disturbance Simulations of Power Systems

Abstract

This thesis documents the process by which a single-user geomagnetic disturbance simulation scenario was designed. This includes modifications to the user interface designed to decrease human error factors such as change blindness and make the controls as intuitive and accessible as possible. It also shows the tools provided to the user during the simulation to help them operate the system such as frequency and voltage plots as well as voltage contours. Additions to the generator dynamics models including minimum power outputs and over- excitation limiters that are designed to make the case as realistic as possible are also discussed. The e-field inputs used to simulate the geomagnetic storm were taken directly from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation geomagnetic benchmark file. Finally, this thesis details the formulation of key performance metrics used to evaluate user performance, as well as associated visual representations. Some of these metrics are derived from the operational guide of the Electric Reliability Corporation of Texas and utilize the time series data of the system frequency and bus voltages. Other metrics include unserved load and generator MVAR reserve capacity. Finally, an evaluation from three different simulation runs, including a base case and an experienced operator case are included in the appendix along with the exact script used to calculate these metrics. As expected, the experienced operator had significantly better scores that the base case in which no control actions are taken before or during the geomagnetic disturbance event.