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Power System Simulation Training: IncSys Partnership

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Overview: In partnership with North American power grid simulation specialist, IncSys, we are creating programs that feature online, self-paced study, virtual tutorials hosted by Subject Matter Experts, and simulated power grid scenarios.

Our new training series addresses the principles and practices of Australian power grid dynamics and how it impacts the renewable energy generation industry.

Our first series of power grid simulation training focus specifically on the renewable generation sector and the roles, responsibilities and challenges for wind and solar generators.

Who should attend

The training is targeted to renewable plant/site managers who are monitoring their site electrically, and senior decision makers managing renewable portfolio assets. These programs can be customised for all renewable stakeholders depending on the required focus and degree of technical complexity.

Our Partnership with IncSys Academy

We have sought a highly experienced partner to work with in this journey, by joining forces with North American power grid simulation specialists, Incremental Systems Corporation (IncSys) and PowerData Inc.
The IncSys Academy, in collaboration with PowerData Inc., has 25 years of experience in the application of power grid simulation for power systems training. Together, they have developed PowerSimulator™, one of the leading generic and custom simulation platforms in North America. PowerSimulator™ is used worldwide for restoration planning and drills, North American System Operators certification and emergency operations training.
As a leading educator in renewable power in Australia, Thomson Bridge, together with IncSys Academy, has consulted with AEMO and experienced Power Systems Controllers, to develop training programs to provide renewable stakeholders with a detailed understanding of principles, practices and problems associated with power grid dynamics and how it impacts the operations of a renewable generator as well as the local and wider grid.

Course content

This power systems operations training for renewable stakeholders will feature instructor-led courses and workshops as well as a subscription based service to enable participants to access IncSys PowerSimulator™ simulation scenarios designed to reflect realistic power grid situations. This is high end, and yet affordable, software simulation delivered on demand to the desk top, without complex system requirements.
This training is aimed to equip renewable stakeholders with the necessary technical and operational knowledge to perform your obligations as a generator. It will provide insight into the dynamics of voltage control, security and reliability that impact on decision making. Specific topics include:

Regulations, responsibilities and obligations that renewable generators have to AEMO and the Energy regulator
Gaining an understanding of the effects your system has on the local and wider networks i.e. voltage and var control, system security, meeting your outputs per your bid profile.
Manage critical events such as simultaneous single/multiple network faults, and storm events of various magnitudes. (This includes liaison procedures with multiple operating authorities. It also encompasses monitoring of safe access to the network and invoking crisis management procedures and mutual response plans).
Operate, monitor and control HV apparatus on the network via SCADA control;
Co-ordinate and direct switching the HV and LV system on the electrical network (including coordinating switching between operating authorities)

This course also prepares operators to handle interactions with AEMO and the network control (transmission and distribution) during normal and emergency operations.

Training options will include face to face, instructor facilitated workshops, online, self-paced modules, backed by virtual classrooms and simulator models.

IncSys software simulation

The IncSys software simulation enables scenario based training in an interactive environment for site supervisors and energy control coordinators to diagnose faults, determine restorations and communicate with transmission, distribution and AEMO control room personnel.

Background

Australia’s energy landscape is undergoing rapid and unprecedented levels of change. This change is being driven by an evolving power supply mix, ageing infrastructure, changing technologies, weather, consumer preferences, along with government and international desires to move to a lower reliance on fossil fuel consumption.

Renewable generation is a significant part of this transforming power system and energy industry. AEMO’s recent Renewable Integration Study forecasted that (at certain times) as much as 75 per cent of energy could be provided by wind and solar resources by 2025.

Renewable generators operating within this complex power grid must be responsive to the requirements of transmission and distribution network owners under their connection agreements and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), who manage the electricity markets and system security across Australia.

More about IncSys

IncSys founder and CEO, Robin Podmore says “PowerSimulator™ is the only operator training simulator on the market to offer an affordable approach to achieving the high performance and user flexibility necessary to tackle today’s diverse training and planning challenges. Our realistic models allow operators to experience emergency operation conditions without the risks of interacting with a live power system.”

IncSys has a long history of facilitating scenario based workshops for large and small network operators. For example, North American wholesale electricity market operator, PJM Interconnection, have used the IncSys PowerSimulator™ since 2003 to support its annual System Operator workshop. In 2019, this workshop included more than 1,000 operators across several states where the PowerSimulator™ enabled planning, contingency analysis and restoration drills to put system operators’ knowledge to the test; ensuring they have the skills to deliver power reliability of the east coast high-voltage electricity grid which services more than 65 million people.

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