Model Enhancements for Real- Time Transient Stability Assessment in Western Interconnection

Power grid is evolving toward a larger, more complex network and power system models are becoming increasingly inadequate for representing real-time operating conditions. Therefore, ensuring consistency between real-time and off-line models is essential for real-time applications which were developed to accommodate the efficient and reliable operation of the grid. In this paper, we describe recent model enhancement efforts implemented to improve the model for Peaks real-time Transient Stability Assessment Tool (TSAT). The model validation process and applied modifications are explained using different case studies and system events in Western Interconnection. The results confirmed the accuracy and trustworthiness of the models in TSAT. Further investigations explored the sensitivity of the operation models to the accuracy of unit baseload flag, unit status, and governor settings. Beside event-based model validation, other accuracy checkpoints for models in TSAT were also discussed. These studies can provide a great insight into insufficiencies which need to be addressed for real-time operation models in power systems.