Modelling Alberta's power systems load using PMU data

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One major component in studying power systems is the electric load that consumes all the generated electricity in the system. Alberta's power system has expanded significantly over the past decade. The Alberta's system load and its composition has also changed as the system has grown. Properly modelling the load is important because it impacts the outcomes of system studies that are conducted to make technical decisions, from decisions to build new transmission lines to those concerning interconnection of new facilities to the system. With the deployment of phasor measurement units (PMU) in power systems over the past decade, there is an opportunity to use PMU data to improve existing load models. PMU data is more precise and has higher resolution compared to the data that previously existed. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has partnered with the University of Calgary in this collaborative research and development program to investigate and implement improvements to Alberta load models based on PMU data. In this research program, we propose to improve the existing load database for Alberta's power system. Based on the improved database, we will group the loads into a manageable number of load types that is inclusive and yet practically maintainable. PMU data will be used to identify, test and validate improved load models for Alberta's system. Attention will be paid to planning ares, type of studies for which the load models are to be used and seasonality of load variations. Two full-time and one part-time Master's level students will be trained through this program. The outcome of this program will be more accurate load models for Alberta power system studies. Those studies are the basis of making several technical decisions, from day-to-day system operation to long-term system planning. Making more informed, and thus better decisions will benefit Alberta ratepayers. Also, the experience gained in this research will help other Canadian power utilities improve their load models, and thus, benefiting Canadian electricity consumers.