Voltage Stability and Reactive Power Planning

Dr. Ali Moshref, P.Eng.

Partner, Principal Engineer, Power Systems and Testing, BBA Inc.

Dr. Moshref joined BBA in 2012 with over 39 years of power system experience in the energy industry, including power system planning, system operation, asset management, alternate energy resources for power generation, and software development for the analysis of power systems.

Previously at Powertech Labs, Dr. Moshref was the Power System Studies Manager and reported to the Smart Utility Business Unit Director. Dr. Moshref developed planning and operation strategies and policies for various utilities and industrial organizations. Early in his career, Dr. Moshref co-founded CYME International Inc., where he designed and developed more than 12 computer programs for power system analysis.

Dr. Moshref is the recipient of numerous awards from McGill University in Montréal, Quebec, the IDA World Congress on Desalination and Water Sciences in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the NSERC Industrial Fellowship, Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Dr. Moshref is Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (SMIEEE), IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer, Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS), Canadian Mirror Committee to IEC TC114 for Marine Energy, Guide for Evaluating AC Interference on Linear Facilities Co-Located Near Transmission Lines, IEEE Standard P2746™, and a seasonal lecturer at the University of Victoria (UVic).

Seminar Description

The course covers the theory, practical aspects, modeling, and analysis.  After completing the course, the students will be able to understand why voltage control is important, how it is achieved, and study methods used to assess voltage performance. Additionally, students will understand the theory of voltage stability, factors that influence stability, how instability can be prevented, and tools and techniques for its analysis. Upon completion, students will be equipped to perform basic studies to assess voltage control and stability.

Seminar Outline

Section 1

• Background
  • Function and Performance Requirements of Power Systems
  • Key Concepts in Planning and Operation
  • Definition of Stability
  • Classification of Power System Stability
• Factors Influencing the Transfer of Active and Reactive Power
• Reactive Power and Voltage Control
• Voltage Security Overview
• Production and Absorption of Reactive Power
• Voltage Profile

Section 2

• Introduction to Voltage Stability
  • What is Voltage Stability?
  • Transmission System Characteristics
• Factors Influencing Voltage Stability 
  • Transmission Line Characteristics
  • Generator Characteristics
  • Reactive Compensating Devices
    • Shunt Reactors
    • Shunt Capacitors
    • Series Capacitors
    • Synchronous Condenser
    • Static VAr Compensators
  • Under-Load Tap Changers
  • Loads
• Practical Aspects of Voltage Collapse and Incidents

Section 3

• Methods of Voltage Stability Analysis
  • Large Disturbance Voltage Stability Analysis
    • Dynamic Analysis
    • Steady State Analysis
    • Quasi–Dynamic Analysis
    • Small Disturbance Voltage Stability
• Practical Issues in Load Modelling

Section 4

• Study Procedures
• Case Studies

Optional Session (time permitting)

• On-line Voltage Security Assessment