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CG and NTTG Dig Deep into Integration
Published: April 23, 2009:Author: ColumbiaGrid Staff
ColumbiaGrid and NTTG have formed a study group to delve into details of operations and planning that support connecting wind generation to the grid. In a collaboration spawned by the JI and the Wind Integration Forum, the two will look into potential constraints on dynamic scheduling, as well as new planning methodologies that are geared to variable resources.
The Wind Integration Study Team (WIST), formed in February, is moving forward on a work plan to evaluate system constraints that attend the use of dynamic scheduling, according to Jeff Miller, ColumbiaGrid VP and manager of planning. Dynamic scheduling poses new issues in terms of the ability of the system to support large and rapid changes in power transfers, he said. WIST will identify the limits that will need to be in place for dynamic schedules and may also identify system additions that could increase these limits.
WIST will also be looking at the value of accessing remote wind resource areas, such as Montana and Wyoming, versus continuing to develop the wind areas along the Columbia River Gorge. The economic benefits that come from a more diversified wind fleet (lower balancing costs and higher overall capacity value) may be substantial enough to justify the additional transmission costs, Miller said.
The study team, made up primarily of transmission owners and wind developers, has met twice to chart its course and get the work under way. Miller, who is co-chairing WIST with Rich Bayless of NTTG, said the team may tackle other issues in the future, but for now, the focus is on the two initial tasks.
WIST will produce a technical study that identifies limits that need to be placed on dynamic schedules to ensure there is no risk to system reliability. The study for the British Columbia to the Northwest portion of the system, known as Path 3, is scheduled to be completed by February 2010. The studies on other paths will follow.
