Evaluating Transmission Technologies: Case of Bonneville Power Administration

The focus of this paper is on power transmission gridlocks, we studied Bonneville power administration (BPA) Transmission Technology Roadmap of September 2006 and focused on resolving transmission gridlocks problem, the methodology used in the paper was literature research along with 2 experts in the field, one expert is from BPA company and the second expert has more than 20 years experience in the industry. We present 3 technologies for short term (0-5 years) and 3 more disruptive technologies for the long term (5-10 years). It is highly important to make decisions in the early stage of technology development since there are many uncertainties. This paper applies technology assessment/acquisition methodology for the Power Transmission technologies required to resolve the gridlock and congestion problem. Most of the articles found in the industry literature, each technology were evaluated and assessed individually against the current power grid capabilities. This paper compares more than three technologies' capabilities against each other and the current grid capabilities for both short-term period long-term technologies. Since challenges to the expanded use of power electronics is the high cost and lack of proven performance, reliability and durability. More collaboration of academic researchers and the power transmission companies along with technology vendors to ensure that the most valuable ideas and technologies are considered. Thus, this study could be a base for further research and study to compare technologies and assess the best available technologies and ensure that the most valuable technologies are simulated quickly to the market. The paper combines an empirical approach, of looking at the real world, with literature review. It provides an interesting foundation for further research on the topic in the future which might look at a higher number of organizations. The scope of further research should also extend the scope of the analysis beyond power transmission gridlock and congestion.