Security applications and architecture for an open market

With increased energy use, very little new transmission, and open access, the electric power system is experiencing much greater levels of regional transfers. These new requirements push the system to its limits for maximum economic benefit, while maintaining adequate security margins requires online real-time network analysis. An interconnected system can collapse due to a number of different limits being exceeded: thermal, voltage stability, transient stability, and dynamic stability. EPRI has been developing the infrastructure to extract data from proprietary EMS systems, tools to collect and manage large amounts of modeling data, and advanced security applications. These applications will significantly improve the security and efficiency of the operation of the electric power grid for the benefit of all users. EPRI's Grid Operations and Planning department has been working with its members and with the North American Reliability Council to develop technology to: improve data exchange and data communication for security applications; develop transactions systems for tracking transmission reservations and energy schedules; and develop advanced security and reliability applications that use this technology. This article is a summary of technology that has been developed, or is in the process of being developed, that would be useful in improving real-time data modeling exchange for security applications and online security applications that use this technology.