Topic:"Grid Modernization" in M12591

Why do this project? As the NS Power power system evolves to meet provincial and federal renewable energy and decarbonization targets, it will increasingly incorporate variable energy resources and phase out dispatchable coal-fired thermal...

AI summary This project aims to modernize NS Power's dispatch and communication systems to handle increased renewable energy integration and system variability. Manual processes are becoming unsustainable, and automation is needed for real-time system analysis, status updates, and economic optimization. The project also addresses recommendations from past audits and aims to align NSPSO with industry-standard tools.

CI C0032664 – Energy Control Centre – Optimization Tools (NSEB M12591) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-1: 28 generation sources such as wind and solar, and dispatchable grid-supporting 29 technologies such as Batte...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of the System Dispatch Dashboard (SDD) by NS Power to provide Market Participants with real-time visibility into grid conditions, enhancing transparency and decision-making. The SDD is part of the Energy Control Centre's optimization tools, aimed at improving grid management with renewable and variable generation sources.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 workflows for the sharing of information on the current state of the system. Use of the SDD by 2 System Operators to automate manual tasks will reduce cognitive load and improve situational 3 awareness and allow more att...

AI summary The document discusses the need for improved information sharing workflows and the implementation of the System Data Dashboard (SDD) and Outage Request Platform (ORP) to enhance system reliability and manage increased complexity from renewable energy integration and grid-enhancing technologies.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL ID Recommendation Deliverables & Technology short gas positions. This flexibility could address the inherent variances of timing in terms of when the gas market trades and the electricity market scheduling for the Day Ahea...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations related to gas market flexibility, real-time system optimization, and the integration of intermittent renewable resources. It emphasizes the need for Nova Scotia Power to enhance its analytical tools and IT platforms to support real-time system status and dispatch requirements.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 2 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY

AI summary The document is a final dispatch study conducted by NS Power, focusing on electricity generation and grid operations. It includes technical analysis related to power system reliability and performance, likely involving dispatch strategies and grid management practices.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 10 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY - 3. The Role of the Control Center and the Market Participants. Consistent with North American Electric Reliability Co...

AI summary This section discusses the role of the Control Center and market participants in Nova Scotia's power dispatch, highlighting the asymmetry of information between the Marketing Desk and the Control Center, and the need for improved communication channels to support economic dispatch optimization, particularly with increasing renewable energy integration.

4. Observations and Recommendations Concentric finds that the current practices for dispatch as implemented by NS Power are in alignment with industry's best practices and are appropriate for the current grid configuration. Recommendations...

AI summary Concentric Energy Advisors finds that NS Power's current dispatch practices align with industry best practices but recommends updates to prepare for a grid transition toward increased renewables and phasing out thermal generation within three years. The report emphasizes the need for future tooling and procurement processes to align with this transition.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 12 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Concentric conducted several interviews and reviewed numerous documents, including documents that informed the 2018-201...

AI summary Concentric Energy Advisors evaluated NS Power's dispatch practices and found them aligned with industry best practices. The report recommends upgrading analytical tools and communication platforms to handle increased complexity from renewable integration. Current practices are deemed appropriate, though future investments may be necessary.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 16 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platform should allow for full integration with existing databases. An example of suc...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations for improving the IT platform and dispatch processes at NS Power, including integration with existing databases, dynamic data updates, optimization of energy and ancillary services, and the use of specific tools like PCI's GenTrader® for real-time dispatch calculations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 21 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY difference in the dispatch from Marketing Desk and the Control Center reflects the short-term dynamics of the system. I...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's dispatch study, highlighting differences in dispatch information between the Marketing Desk and Control Center, the manual nature of communication between these entities, and the need for electronic communication platforms. It also outlines optimization elements in traditional electric systems and how NS Power currently manages energy and ancillary services dispatch.

4.8 Prospective Operation and Performance As noted above, Wreck Cove is one of NS Power's most flexible and valuable generating stations. Its value cannot be singularly assessed through its energy and capacity contributions, but rather nee...

AI summary Wreck Cove is a flexible generating station whose value extends beyond energy and capacity contributions to include ancillary services. Its operation depends on water levels and management, factors outside the control of operators. As NS Power adds more intermittent renewables, Wreck Cove's role will shift toward system support, with improved dispatch algorithms enhancing its efficiency.

a. Observations O7: Wreck Cove is currently configured within PortOps® to optimize its economic value for Day Ahead and Intraday markets and includes optimization of both its energy and ancillary contribution to the portfolio (see O1). As...

AI summary Wreck Cove is optimized in PortOps® for Day Ahead and Intraday markets, with dispatch increasingly determined in Real Time by the Control Center. As renewable energy grows, the dispatch differences between Wreck Cove and Tufts Cove's gas units will increase, but this is expected as both become swing units for the system.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 50 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY SECTION 5:

AI summary This section of the NS Power Dispatch Study discusses the final analysis and findings related to the dispatch process. It includes detailed information on energy control systems, real-time economic dispatch, and other related procedures used in power management.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 58 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY capacity to meet demand, it is possible that the most challenging period for reliability may not be in the peak load ho...

AI summary The document discusses the need for updated market rules to enhance communication between the System Operator and Market Participants, particularly as intermittent resources are added. It highlights how Alberta's Energy System Operator allows adjustments to available capability, which could inform improvements in Nova Scotia's system.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 64 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Real time economic optimization of ancillary services is performed by the System Operator referring to the economic dis...

AI summary The document discusses the real-time economic optimization of ancillary services by the System Operator using data from the Control Center and Marketing Desk. It highlights the current reliance on coal-fired and natural gas units for ancillary support and suggests future reliance on wind with AGC, transmission lines, and smart grid initiatives. The communication between departments is noted as being manual, with a recommendation for an IT platform to standardize and automate information sharing.

b. Recommendations R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch

AI summary The recommendation suggests investigating the creation of an IT platform similar to those in other jurisdictions to enable real-time sharing of system information, allowing the Marketing Group to update its dispatch processes more effectively.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 72 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Control the flows on interconnecting lines with neighboring systems in accordance with established schedules.113 The No...

AI summary The document discusses the requirements of the Nova Scotia Power System for ancillary services and grid reliability, referencing the PortOps® model and practices in the U.S. and California, particularly the CAISO's efforts to improve day-ahead market scheduling and introduce new products to manage real-time ramping needs and uncertainty.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 74 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY - O9: PLEXOS® is being used by the System Planning group to perform long-term resource planning and to support activiti...

AI summary The document discusses Nova Scotia Power's use of PLEXOS® and PortOps® in long-term resource planning and real-time dispatch, emphasizing the co-optimization of energy and ancillary services. It also addresses communication between the Control Center and Marketing Group and the challenges of integrating intermittent renewables into real-time dispatch.

b. Recommendations - R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platf...

AI summary The recommendations suggest creating an IT platform for real-time system information sharing and dynamically updating PortOps® with up-to-date energy and ancillary data to improve dispatch scheduling and operations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 75 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY requirements and prices.116 As the complexity of the system increases (see O9 above), new and additional options for an...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations for improving the optimization of energy dispatch and ancillary services in the Nova Scotia Power system. It suggests enhancements to the Marketing Desk and Control Center functions, data transfer between systems, and flexibility in natural gas procurement based on market conditions.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 76 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY R8: Real Time system optimization should remain in the exclusive domain of the Control Center and the Control Center sh...

AI summary The document emphasizes that real-time system optimization should be managed exclusively by the Control Center, which must have the necessary analytical tools to perform co-optimization within the specified timeframe, referencing 'R4' and 'R3'.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 77 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY contracts for renewable energy and ancillaries. Implementation of this inclusion within the optimization calculations i...

AI summary The document discusses recommendations for optimizing energy and ancillary services markets, including allowing the Marketing Desk to focus on Day Ahead and Intraday markets while the Control Center handles Real-Time dispatch optimization. It also suggests enhancing the Control Center's analytical capabilities to manage the dispatch of energy as more renewable capacity, specifically 350 MW of wind generation, is added.

6.4 Industry Tools Commercial software vendors continue to work to improve the quality and scope of the tools used for security-constrained economic dispatch. Because RTOs manage significantly greater resource fleets than vertically integr...

AI summary The text discusses advancements in industry tools for security-constrained economic dispatch (SCED) by commercial software vendors, with examples from NYISO and PJM. These tools help manage larger resource fleets and intermittent renewable energy sources, improving grid efficiency and reliability.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 83 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY interval. Under the long-term reforms, RT SCED cases will be manually selected by the PJM dispatcher in a new "pre-appr...

AI summary The document discusses the long-term reforms to RT SCED case approval processes under PJM, where manual selection by dispatchers or automatic approval by software will maintain the same periodicity as previous cases unless intervention is required. It also highlights future challenges and opportunities in grid management due to increased renewable penetration and technological innovations like AI and Big Data.

6.5 Observations and Recommendations As identified in section 5.7 above, the Control Center does not have the analytical capabilities for optimization during the Real Time market and largely takes the solution optimized by the Marketing De...

AI summary The Control Center lacks the analytical capabilities needed for optimization during the Real Time market and relies on the Marketing Desk's outdated solution. As system complexity increases, the Control Center will need its own tools to re-optimize for the Real-Time market and co-optimize energy and ancillary requirements.

b. Recommendations - R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platf...

AI summary The recommendations focus on enhancing IT platforms for real-time energy dispatch and improving analytical capabilities in the Control Center. The proposal includes creating an IT platform similar to PJM's Data Viewer and utilizing PCI's GenManager® for optimization. These changes aim to support the integration of renewable energy and improve market operations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 86 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY SECTION 7:

AI summary The document presents a final section of the NS Power Dispatch Study, focusing on the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and related operational systems such as the Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) and Real-Time Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (RT SCED). It references various energy management systems and technologies used in power dispatch operations.

7.1 Context Renewable energy procurements and grid modernization programs are becoming key features of the transition to a cleaner grid. Utilities are pursuing a range of solutions, including grid-scale investments in renewables and demand...

AI summary The transition to a cleaner grid involves renewable energy procurements and grid modernization. Utilities are investing in renewables and demand-side management, while managing challenges from intermittent generation and the retirement of baseload thermal generation. The distribution grid is evolving into a platform with advanced technologies to support system reliability and economic dispatch.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 88 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY evaluated several use cases, including the DERMS' ability to provide situational awareness, manage capacity constraints...

AI summary The document discusses the evaluation of DERMS systems, including a PG&E demonstration project that showcased DERMS capabilities in managing distributed energy resources. It also mentions the Smart Grid Nova Scotia pilot, highlighting the need for further evaluation of DERs and DERMS applications in grid operations.

7.3 Dynamic Line Ratings Project Dynamic line ratings ("DLR") allow transmission line thermal ratings to be calculated in real-time based on external system conditions using sensor technologies. DLR allows for more efficient use of transmi...

AI summary Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) use real-time sensor data to adjust transmission line thermal ratings, improving grid efficiency and potentially deferring infrastructure investments. While the technology has existed for over 20 years and has industry support, it is not yet widely adopted. PJM has tested and deployed DLR in several projects, though its economic benefits depend on specific transmission corridor conditions.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 89 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY element in the line," and that "DLR installations should be prioritized on the most heavily congested areas of a power...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) by NS Power, focusing on the CBX corridor. It outlines the benefits of DLR, such as reducing transmission congestion and enabling more cost-effective generation dispatch, while also noting potential challenges, including impacts on equipment lifespans and the need for system-wide impact assessments.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 90 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY AESO has also identified DLR technology to have an impact on Alberta's grid going forward. As a result, it is launching...

AI summary The document discusses Nova Scotia Power's dispatch study and mentions Alberta Electric System Operator's (AESO) initiative in 2022 to assess Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) technology for economic deployment on Alberta's grid.

M E M O R A N D U M TO: Peggy Green, Nova Scotia Power FROM: Ruben Moreno, Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc. ("Concentric") DATE: January 31, 2023 RE: QUANTIFICATION OF ECONOMIC BENEFITS FROM INCREMENTAL INVESTMENTS IN AUTOMATIZATION AND OP...

AI summary This memorandum from Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc. to Peggy Green of Nova Scotia Power discusses the quantification of economic benefits from incremental investments in automation and optimization tools at the NSPSO level.

Current Economic Dispatch In its current process, NSPI Marketing creates a Day Ahead and Intraday, (up to 4 hours ahead) Optimized Dispatch Plan using the PortOps® solution. NSPI Marketing provides this Plan to the NSPSO, and it becomes th...

AI summary NSPI Marketing currently creates a Day Ahead and Intraday Optimized Dispatch Plan using PortOps® and provides it to the NSPSO, which manually optimizes and dispatches in real-time. However, with the addition of wind and battery storage, NS Power seeks automation tools for near real-time optimization to ensure grid reliability and economic efficiency.

Concluding Thoughts This memorandum defines the economic impact of investing in Automation and Optimization Tools to manage a portfolio that may be dominated by non-dispatchable resources. As the wind-speed changes, the wind availability w...

AI summary This memorandum discusses the economic impact of investing in automation and optimization tools for managing a portfolio with non-dispatchable resources, such as wind. It highlights the uncertainty in wind availability and its effect on grid reliability, noting that economic benefits depend on wind speed likelihood and that the estimate of $15 million in benefits is an understatement.

REDACTED 1 Request IR-9: 18 19 reporting, and communications must be incorporated to accommodate the planned increase in variability of system conditions that will occur. This 20 capability is vital to maintain the economic optimization of...

AI summary The document outlines the need for improved technology solutions to manage the increasing complexity and variability of renewable energy resources, emphasizing the importance of real-time communication and automation to maintain grid reliability and economic optimization of dispatch processes.

including New Brunswick Power. The proposed technologies would replace these manual updates with automated functions. NS Power explained the function and requirements of the three software solutions. The Energy Control Centre Portfolio Opt...

AI summary NS Power is proposing the implementation of three software solutions to optimize energy control and grid management. These tools aim to automate manual processes, improve real-time system monitoring, and support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. The tools will enhance economic optimization, streamline dispatch processes, and improve information sharing between System Operators and Market Participants.

Request IR-16: In "Why do this project?", NS Power stated the following: Currently, real-time dispatch optimization of the power system relies on optimized plans provided by NS Power Marketing several hours in advance, combined with operat...

AI summary NS Power is requesting clarification on the current and future management of renewable resources, the sustainability of manual processes, and the benefits of proposed technology solutions for dispatch optimization and grid reliability, particularly as system variability increases.

Request IR-17: - NS Power noted that "Equipping System Operators and System Security Engineers with the tools to manage a larger fleet of variable energy resources, more complex maintenance plans and schedules, along with a diminishing fle...

AI summary NS Power argues that investing in new optimization tools is necessary to manage a growing number of variable energy resources and declining coal-fired generators. The request asks for evidence that these tools are compatible with those used by other system operators, how they will be used by other teams, and their benefits to reliability, cost, and regulation.

t functionalities. This implementation will help to support anticipated future system complexities.” 1. Please explain the possible impact to customers and NS Power’s overall reliability performance. Please explain how the proposed new tec...

AI summary The text requests explanations regarding the impact of new technology solutions on customer reliability, their alignment with the Evergreen IRP and renewable targets, details on deliverables, matter numbers related to studies, and operational challenges faced by NS Power ECC. The focus is on understanding the proposed technologies and their role in system modernization.

dering that the former system was a manual system. 14. If yes, please describe how the Energy Control Centre would operate during the absence of the system to avoid deterioration of economic optimization and system reliability concerns. 15...

AI summary The text discusses the need for upgrading the Energy Control Centre's dispatch optimization system due to increased renewable energy variability and system growth. It requests information on contingency plans, alternative optimization tools, system compatibility, and examples of other utilities that have implemented similar automated systems.

rces over the next 2-3 years, maintaining an effective dispatch optimization and managing both planned and unplanned outages using existing technologies and manual processes will become unsustainable. … from the system operator to NS Power...

AI summary The document highlights the need for automation in managing system variability and dispatch optimization, as manual processes will become unsustainable. Automation is essential for maintaining grid reliability and economic efficiency in an increasingly complex environment.

x, variable, and labour-intensive operating environment could result in inefficient real-time dispatch and may lead to deterioration of economic optimization and increased system reliability concerns. 1. Please explain the volume of tasks...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's need for new technology solutions to manage increasing numbers of variable renewable resources and complex maintenance schedules, as well as the potential benefits of these tools for economic optimization and grid reliability. It also asks for explanations on the current and future volume of tasks and technologies involved.

including New Brunswick Power. The proposed technologies would replace these manual updates with automated functions. NS Power explained the function and requirements of the three software solutions. The Energy Control Centre Portfolio Opt...

AI summary NS Power is proposing the implementation of three software solutions, including the Energy Control Centre Portfolio Optimization tool and the System Data Display (SDD), to automate manual processes and improve real-time grid management. These tools aim to enhance economic optimization, streamline dispatch processes, and improve information sharing, particularly with the increasing penetration of variable renewable energy sources.