Reactive Power Management in Real-Time at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Abstract

Reactive power is especially important in electric power systems supporting the flow of real power through the bulk transmission system. However, reactive power monitoring is still often overlooked in real-time analysis and operations. Bigwood Systems, Inc. has developed and implemented a best practice solution called VAR Management Systems (VMSs) for monitoring and maintaining adequate reactive power reserves. This tool leverages algorithms for voltage stability analysis and steady-state power flow to deal with potential reactive power issues. The VMS tool seeks to define localized reactive power “zones”, then monitor and ensure sufficient reactive reserves are available locally. In addition to monitoring and analysis, a control recommendation engine for mitigation is provided to enhance reactive reserve zones. The VMS tool was first introduced in 2011 at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and has since evolved into a key part of their standard operating procedures. Auditing organizations have deemed the VMS a “best practice solution” for electric utility reactive power management.