Ultra-Real-Time Algorithm Research for Transient Stability Analysis in Power Systems

Professor Introduction

S. C | Ph.D. in  Electrical Engineering

Home Institute：University of Alberta, Canada

[ Expertise ] Specialization in transient stability simulation and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation for power systems；Developed large-scale hybrid AC/DC grid simulation models；Proficient in parallel algorithms, including fine-grained relaxation algorithms, parallel iterative algorithms, variable step-size algorithms, and AI-based dynamic equivalent models for accelerating nonlinear differential equation solutions；Independently established a 17th-order nonlinear detailed model of an excitation synchronous motor for dynamic simulation of power systems；Skilled in C programming for simulation development and proficient in mainstream simulation software；Experience in hardware programming, implementing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation on FPGA, and real-time inter-board communication on FPGA
[ Publications ] First author of 7 papers (2 under review), second author of 3 papers

Project Description

The project focuses on the development of ultra-real-time (FTRT) algorithms for transient stability analysis in power systems. With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources due to rising environmental standards, the power grid faces significant technical and operational challenges. These challenges include severe congestion in major transmission corridors, voltage and frequency regulation issues, and transient stability and reliability concerns. The integration of large-scale dynamic simulation tools in energy control centers is essential to address these challenges. Specifically, the deployment of FTRT dynamic simulation tools can expedite planning processes, assess the impact of excessive energy penetration at critical locations, predict unstable blackouts, design updated control strategies, and enhance the overall security and reliability of the power grid.

Typically, transient stability simulation of AC systems involves the time-domain solution of a set of nonlinear differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). Current methods to accelerate transient stability simulations fall into two categories: 1) utilizing high-performance computing platforms; 2) developing advanced numerical integration algorithms. This project proposes a fully decoupled parallel integration method for faster-than-real-time dynamic simulation. The floating-point operations at the minimum resolution of the proposed algorithm are scalar in nature, completely avoiding any matrix operations.

The project will proceed as follows: First, after reviewing current research progress, a new numerical integration method will be proposed. Second, the proposed integration algorithm will be implemented in C or Matlab code to obtain actual execution times on a relatively small AC network. Third, a relatively small AC network model will be built in Simulink for comparative experiments. Finally, simulation results will be collected and analyzed to verify the accuracy of the proposed parallel algorithm.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1 : Introduction to Transient Stability in Power Systems
• Overview of Transient Stability and Its Importance in Power Systems
• Challenges Posed by Increased Renewable Energy Integration
• Introduction to Ultra-Real-Time (FTRT) Simulation Tools and Their Applications

Part 2 : Research Objectives and Hypotheses
• Investigating the Impact of Renewable Energy on Transient Stability
• Developing and Validating a New Numerical Integration Method for Faster-Than-Real-Time Simulation

Part 3 :  Review of Current Research and Methods
• Review of Existing High-Performance Computing Platforms and Numerical Integration Algorithms
• Identification of Gaps and Limitations in Current Methods

Part 4:  Development of a New Numerical Integration Method
• Proposal of a Fully Decoupled Parallel Integration Method
• Mathematical Formulation and Theoretical Justification
• Implementation of the Proposed Method in C or Matlab

Part 5 :  Simulation and Validation
• Building a Relatively Small AC Network Model in Simulink
• Comparative Experiments Using the Proposed Integration Algorithm
• Collection and Analysis of Simulation Results
• Verification of the Accuracy and Efficiency of the Proposed Parallel Algorithm

Part 6 :  Results and Discussion
• Graphical Representation of Simulation Results and Performance Metrics
• Interpretation of Results and Discussion of Implications for Power System Stability
• Comparison with Existing Methods and Discussion of Advantages and Limitations

Part 7 :  Conclusion and Future Directions
• Summary of Key Findings and Their Significance
• Identification of Research Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research
• Recommendations for Enhancing Power Grid Stability and Reliability

Part 8 :  Reporting and Presentation
• Writing a Detailed Research Report with Clear Structure, Concise Language, and Accurate Data Presentation
• Preparing and Delivering a Clear and Engaging Oral Presentation of Research Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions

Suitable for

High School Students:  
• Interest in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy :  Students with a strong interest in electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies.
• Basic Knowledge : Students with a basic understanding of physics and mathematics.

University students :  
• Relevant Major : Students majoring in electrical engineering, energy science, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• Proficiency in  Programming : Students with basic programming skills and familiarity with software tools like C, Matlab, or Simulink.

Researchers and educators:
• Advanced Knowledge :  Professionals with a deep understanding of power systems, control theory, and numerical methods.
• Teaching Integration : Educators who can integrate research findings and methods into their courses and teaching practices.