Project Directory

This project was designed to study the effects of control algorithms and frequency measurement error on electric system behavior.

The purpose of this work was to develop a plan to explore the implications of issues on electricity systems infrastructure caused by dependence on Earth-based and Space-based Timekeeping and Navigation (ESTN) systems.

The project builds upon earlier work to assess current available metrics, perform a comparative assessment of data on metrics used by different Independent System Operators (ISOs) and regions, identify gaps in available metrics, define metrics needed to address all elements of the grid and markets, validate the metrics with industry stakeholders, develop prototypes using CERTS technology platform for performance monitoring, field test, implement and perform periodic comparative assessments.  

This research focused on control issues associated with the bulk power system—initially control-area management and transmission reliability. This project aimed to develop an information flow model for interchange schedules and real-time grid operating data, and to develop a description of the concepts and relationships that can exist in an agent community for information management.  

FERC staff commissioned LBNL to study how a critical aspect of reliability—the control of power system frequency during the period immediately following the sudden loss of a large conventional power plant—can be better measured to assess the adequacy of frequency control in the interconnections currently and be used to manage the reliable integration of new resources, including variable renewable generation.

This project was designed to address several emerging issues for the Western US and the context of the WECC: (1) Will multiple concurrent market-based policies necessarily benefit renewable producers at the expense of consumers and coal-based producers? (2) What is the relationship among prices of electric energy, emissions permits, and renewable energy credits (RECs)? (3) Will multiple concurrent market-based policies grant a greater magnitude of incentive for companies to manipulate markets in their favor (i.e., market power)?

CERTS assembled an interdisciplinary team to assess the research needs associated with a range of topics related to the use of load (or demand response) as a system reliability resource, mainly to provide ancillary services.

The purpose of BAL-001(-1) (Real Power Balancing Control Performance) is to maintain Interconnection steady-state frequency within defined limits by balancing real power demand and supply in real time. The purpose of BAL-002(-1) (Disturbance Control Performance) is to ensure the Balancing Authority is able to utilize its Contingency Reserve to balance resources and demand and return Interconnection frequency within defined limits following a Reportable Disturbance.

This research aims to develop novel algorithmic tools to efficiently manage the variability that renewable energy resources bring to bear on power system operations at scale. Specifically, this work aims to (1) develop distributionally robust control algorithms to enable the near-optimal dispatch of uncertain power networks; and (2) design stochastic market clearing mechanisms to provide a competitive medium through which renewable power producers can sell their variable supply on equal footing with conventional power producers and flexible demand.

Market power gives certain market participants the ability to manipulate the market to their advantage.  In our research we identify resources which have the potential for market power either individually or within a small group based on sensitivity information that can be obtained from an optimal power flow.  Specifically we cluster generators with the ability to adjust prices without affecting dispatch, potentially enabling them to set prices.  This project was designed to develop and demonstrate robust algorithms that can be applied to ISO-scale systems.

Devices called Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) report the values of (for example) amplitude, frequency and phase of the power system. These parameters describe a mathematical entity called a phasor.  But the power system quantities are not phasors—they are 'phasor-like.' Their frequency and amplitude are not constant, and constant parameters are a requirement of a phasor. Further, the word phase is not even defined as a parameter relating two signals of different frequencies, and yet that is a required output of a PMU.