On-line Dynamic Stability Analysis using distributed computing

Dynamic stability analysis (DSA) software allows for computing transient and dynamic responses to a large number of potential grid system disturbances (contingencies). Typically, using past tools, DSA analysis is performed off-line since the simulation process took hours to compute the simulation of a large number of contingencies for a large interconnected power system. This paper presents a new online DSA tool using distributed computing, which dramatically reduces the computation time for on-line DSA calculations when there is a large number of contingencies to be investigated for a large interconnective power system. Grid operators will thus be able to use this new DSA tool to perform dynamic stability analysis on-line, for real-time operating conditions and for a large set of contingencies. The new DSA tool can also be used for studying the effectiveness of candidate operating procedures, system protection schemes or possible corrective or preventative operator control actions that could be used to control the grid during emergency conditions (terrorist induced or dasianaturepsila induced). This paper describes the technical approach used for the distributed computing architecture used in the new DSA tool. Extensive testing was performed using a 16,000 bus and a 20,500 bus system with a large number of contingencies. The computational time and performance test results from these tests are also described herein. The new on-line DSA tool can thus be used for performing on-line or off line dynamic stability analyses; and, the new tool can be used to validate appropriate corrective or preventative control actions, or operating procedures, a grid operator can use to mitigate various emergency conditions and to prevent potential large scale cascading blackouts.