Description
High voltage electric grids are some of the world’s most complex machines, whose present high levels of reliability have been achieved through careful planning. The purpose of this three day short course is to provide a comprehensive coverage of the processes used in doing this planning. The course philosophy is to provide a practical, hands-on approach to describing electric transmission grid planning, with abundant practical examples illustrating each stage in the process. Particular attention will be given to those studies driven by regulatory processes relevant to utilities in North America such as by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Throughout the course concepts will be illustrated using common industrial planning tools including PowerWorld Simulator with some hands-on exercises. The location for this course is Texas A&M Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR), 1041 RELLIS Parkway, Bryan TX. Collectively the three course instructors have decades of experience in doing electric power system planning, planning software tool development, and engineering education (Hours: CEU 2.1, PDH 21).
Program Requirements
A background in electrical engineering or experience in the electric utility industry is helpful.
Who Should Attend
Those interested in a practical, hands-on approach to describing electric transmission grid planning. Topics covered include an history and evolution of the electric grid, planning philosophies, development of electric grid models, planning studies and tools, and future directions in planning. Particular attention will be given to those studies driven by regulatory processes relevant to utilities in North America (i.e. FERC and NERC driven activities). Throughout the course concepts will be illustrated using the PowerWorld Simulator planning tool.
How You Will Benefit
High voltage electric grids are some of the world’s most complex machines, whose present high levels of reliability have been achieved through careful planning. The purpose of this three day short course is to provide a comprehensive coverage of the processes used in doing this planning. Instructors include José Conto, Principal of Dynamic Studies at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Tracy Rolstad, Senior Power System Consultant at Avista Utilities, and Tom Overbye, TEES Eminent Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Texas A&M University. Their unique experiences will come together to create a hands-on course applicable to real life situations.
Instructors
TEES Eminent Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University (TAMU)
BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Before starting his academic career, employed by Madison Gas and Electric Company, working in their planning and operations departments
Original developer of PowerWorld Simulator (a widely used power system planning tool)
Co-founder of PowerWorld Corporation
Author of a widely used Power System Analysis and Design book
Recipient of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Outstanding Power Engineering Educator Award, IEEE Fellow
Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering
Mr. Tracy Rolstad
Senior Power System Consultant at Avista Utilities
BSEE from the University of Idaho and a graduate diploma from the Naval War College
Early career in power systems in the US Navy.
Power system planning and modeling experience at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Bonneville Power Administration, and Avista.
WECC Technical Studies Subcommittee Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
WECC RAS and Relay Workgroup Chair.
Member of the IEEE and the VFW
Currently the Principal of the Dynamic Studies group at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
BSEE from the University of Engineers, Lima, Peru and MSEE from University of Tokyo
Worked on photovoltaic systems, electromagnetic fields analysis, and geomagnetic disturbance monitoring systems before joining ERCOT in 2000
Currently supports power system dynamic studies
IEEE Senior Member
Active on several industry groups including the NERC System Analysis and Modeling Subcommittee, and the North American Transmission Forum Modeling Group
Photos
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