Parameter visibility: Next-generation energy management [Guest Editorial

Abstract

In the aftermath of the 1965 blackout, the need for robust power system state estimators became apparent. Edward Teller, a member of the task force investigating the 1965 blackout, wrote “the electric power system is a dinosaur with a large body and a small brain.” The committee recognized the need to have a way of knowing the operating conditions of the power system in real time. Work following the 1965 blackout established many engineering principles by which we presently operate the electric power system. It is clear that the control and operation of power systems are primarily model based. State estimation provides the operating conditions as well as the real-time model of the system. Using the model and operating conditions, we compute control actions, including economic operation; the maximization of operational security; and other important operational controls.