Enhancing situation awareness in power system control centers

Abstract

Due to the growing size and complexity of modern grids, power system operators have to deal with several challenges to maintain the reliability of the electrical supply. Developing and maintaining a sufficient situation awareness is a key element in preserving this reliability. However, because numerous factors govern its formation in a power system control center, this can be a very complicated process. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of insufficient situation awareness on power systems operational reliability and provide an overview of best practices in supporting human operators. It first identifies the main sources of inadequate situation awareness in a control room, and then presents its impact on operational decision-making. Several measures for dealing with the problems related to situation awareness are discussed and their applicability to power systems is illustrated.