Analytical Services

USE is well versed in all the computer programs commonly used in the industry – namely APSEN (OneLiner), GE (PSLF), PTI (PSS/E and CAPE), and TARA. USE staff consists exclusively of electrical engineers with extensive experience in power systems analysis and related power industry issues.

Specific analytical services that we provide include:

Bulk Electrical System Disturbance/Outage Forensic Analysis
Power system & dynamic data modeling (base case preparation)
Transient stability analysis
Post-transient voltage stability analysis (including reactive margin Q-V and P-V analysis)
Steady-state power flow analysis (including comprehensive contingency modeling and processing)
Operational impact analysis
Switching clearance analysis
Remedial action scheme arming & design studies
Short circuit, relay & protection analysis
Preliminary transmission cost estimates
Grid system efficiency analysis
Transmission & distribution avoided cost estimates
EMF analysis
Net Qualifying Capcity (NQC) analysis
Curtailment Studies
Area Assessment Studies (TPL)
Bulk Electric System Definition Studies
Physical Security Studies (CIP-014)
Operational Studies
Development of Restoration Plans
SOL and IROL Studies
Base Case Data Preparation
Generator Model Verification
UFLS Study or Data Preparation
UVLS Studies and Data Preparation
SPS Studies and Review Assistance
NERC TPL-07 Studies (analysis)
TPL-001-4 Compliance
TPL-001-4 Studies (analysis)
CIP-014-2 Compliance
CIP-014-2 Studies (analysis)
Short Circuit studies using both Aspen OneLiner and CAPE
PSCAD Modeling and Simulation
Broader studies supported by these analyses include: grid option testing for transmission capital planning, generator interconnection assessment for transmission impacts, base case preparation, path rating studies, OTC (operational transfer capability) studies, motor starting studies, and NERC reporting compliance studies & data preparations.

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1) Mapping of Transmission Lines and Proposed Generation Resources

We can create a Map or Maps of your area(s) of interest with information relative to the prosecution of a generator interconnection. These maps are created from GIS data bases and other resources available to USE and can show the following:

Existing transmission lines and substations, including names, voltage and ownership;
Proposed generation projects from the generation interconnection queues of the local utility or utilities;
Proposed transmission lines and substations in the area;
Delineation of regions of renewable energy resource potential where applicable; and,
Identification of sensitive land uses and possible environmental constraints

2) Generation Interconnection Queue Analysis

We can provide a Queue Analysis and Summary of the applicable generator interconnection queues from the generation interconnection queues of the local utility or utilities. This queue analysis and summary can identify the utility a proposed generator has filed with, as well as their size, type (wind, solar, gas, geothermal, etc), in-service date, etc.

3) Generator Interconnection Procedure Assistance

We can provide a Review and Summary of the ever changing and evolving Generator Interconnection Procedures (GIP) found within the tariff(s) of the local utility or utilities. This GIP Tariff Review and Summary can include among other things, delivery options, types of studies required, amounts of deposits, policies on cost caps and reimbursement of costs, and any additional studies that may be required for such things as deliverability.

4) Review Proposed Transmission Projects

We can provide a Review of the various proposed transmission lines, substations and other projects that may be in your area which may ultimately affect a proposed generation facility, including their status, sponsorship, regulatory approvals, proposed in-service dates, etc.

5) Initial Screening Study

We can perform a initial screening study to identify potential generator interconnection points (substations) and which ones can best accommodate new generation and at what size, including the limiting generating size and limiting contingency. This screening study is high level view and only provides a first, quick look at sites that don’t appear to be constrained at just the point of interconnection. It is not even close to being as exhaustive as the interconnection studies (such as the Feasibility, System Impact or Facility Studies) and it is not a substitute for them. Once a location has been determined a more detailed analysis can be run if you wish, but of course, even this more detailed analysis will not be a substitute for the interconnection studies.

6) Assistance with the Preparation, Filing and Prosecution of Generator Interconnection Application(s)

We can provide help with the completion and prosecution of your Generator Interconnection Request(s) including such things as working with you, your engineering design firm and the equipment manufacturer to gather the technical data required (for among other things the steam turbine, governor, generator, excitation system, power system stabilizer, step-up transformers, and short circuit impedance data), selection of a point of interconnection, site map, as well as the power flow and dynamic stability models now required by most utilities. Although, we are not an Engineering Design Firm, or an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firm, we have relationships with some design firms and EPCs and can facilitate that for you as well to get the needed single-line diagram and schematics, if needed.

7) Assistance creating and testing power flow and transient stability modeling data

More and more utility tariffs are requiring the generation developer to provide the model input data required to study their proposed generation facility. We can provide the necessary power flow input files (*.epc files) that represent your facility. These facility representations will follow the applicable WECC Guidelines for representation of collector systems (such as photovoltaic systems) in large-scale power flow simulations as developed by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) Renewable Energy Modeling Task Force (REMTF). We will create and test this *.epc file. We can also use the Inverter parameters and any other dynamic data to create dynamic transient stability models (*.dyd) files which represents a given facility. This dyd file will be tested against the recent WECC approved base case that the epc has been imported into, to ensure that it results in:

A flat, no-disturbance run

A stable contingency simulation, wherein the system remains stable and the PV plant remains on-line for a fault at or near the point of interconnection (POI) and subsequent outage of an existing major line connected to the POI.

This testing can be critical, as some utilities have proceeded with the interconnection studies without running transient stability studies on those developers who failed to provide good, usable stability data.

8) Assistance with the Preparation, Filing and Prosecution of other studies that may be needed to sell power, such as Transmission Service Studies

Finally, we can provide help with the completion and prosecution of any other applications or request for other studies that may be required to sell your power or otherwise get it to market.

Comments from Clients

“I just wanted to thank you for your support and help in closing out the affected systems. We were quite happy with the report, results and format. Just wanted to thank you for your guidance and support on this.”

“I want to let you know what a pleasure it was to work with you on this project. Your expertise benefited this project greatly. Your timely deliverables, constructive input, and clear explanations of complex concepts (to us non-EEs) made the iterative process of developing our project study much easier and more pleasant than it could have been. I hope we have the opportunity to work with you again soon!”