Theses and Dissertations Collection

This thesis has two research topics. The large focus of this thesis is the development of a microgrid model. However, the first topic studies the impact of a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) on distance protection in a transmission line. The power system and a STATCOM device are modeled and simulated by using an emtp-type program. In addition, a distance relay model is used in order to calculate the effective impedance seen by the relay with and without the presence of the STATCOM. The results show that the distance relay performance is affected by the fault location relative to the location of the STATCOM. During a capacitive current injection by the STATCOM, the simulation results show that the mho relay underreaches for faults applied beyond the STATCOM location on the line.

The second topic is the development of a microgrid energy management scheme for a Pacific Northwest City. An emtp-type model is used to represent the power system and the control systems of the microgrid. The microgrid model includes hydroelectric generators, a photovoltaic (PV) system, a storage system, and variable loads. Several cases examine the microgrid during both seasonal and hourly variation. Generation and load profiles are compared with a storage system profile in order to characterize the shortage during islanded mode. Simulation results are presented. Suggested solutions and planning considerations are discussed for managing the power and energy inside the microgrid.