Voltage and VAR (Volt-VAr) optimization applications, which rely upon capacitor bank operations, are becoming more prominent on electric systems because of their smart grid benefits. All Volt-VAR equipment operations are directed by a central controlling algorithm that determines actions based upon metered data from the system. Unfortunately, capacitor bank operations can produce harmonic resonance sufficient to impede Volt-VAR operation. Existing methods for identifying harmonic resonance conditions are not programmable within typical Volt-VAR control algorithms because of their limited scope or human interface requirements. Within this presentation, a novel programmable method for identifying harmonic resonance at multiple system locations is described. The method employs integer nonlinear programming optimization in conjunction with power system modeling to develop an objective function that not only identifies the occurrence of harmonic resonance, but also identifies the means to prevent or minimize harmonic resonance impact. To complement the harmonic resonance procedure, a novel approach for monitoring smart grid system attributes is also introduced.
Kerry McBee is a Principal Engineer for Xcel Energy. With fifteen years of engineering experience, he has worked in the areas of power system planning, smart grid development, power quality mitigation, and forensic engineering. He obtained a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 2014 and a master’s degree in electric power engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2000. His research interests lie broadly in the area of modern electric power systems, with specific focus on smart grid functionality, power system optimization, and renewable energy integration.