EPS 2006: From Tesla’s AC Power System to the Smart Grid

Overview

 Nicola Tesla was born in July 1856 in Smiljan, Austria-Hungary. A prolific inventor, whose discoveries include the rotating magnetic field, AC motor, and poly-phase power distribution – advances that led to the practical implementation of AC power systems.  In the 1880s, in an epic battle between the advocates of DC and AC, Tesla’s AC system was victorious, thanks largely to the ability of AC to be transformed to higher voltages, enabling power to be transmitted long distances.  In the 1890s, Tesla installed his AC generation system at Niagara Falls, and ushered in the era of the AC power system.

 The AC power system, with electricity produced on demand, is a huge technological achievement. Vast interconnected networks have evolved which operate effectively as a single machine, its components rotating in Synchrony from Ottawa to Miami. The same power system structure – based on large central generating stations inter-connected through transmission and controlled from the centre – is standard world-wide. However, this traditional model is subject to an array of challenges ranging from rising costs and debt; aging infrastructure, merchant generation, generation competition, generation/transmission unbundling, fuel supply uncertainty, high efficiency co-generation, and distributed generation.

 Traditionally, large generation systems through large transmission systems have maintained the AC system frequency and voltage profiles and ensured synchrony across the networks. The centrally controlled entities have driven the development of system-wide measurement and communication structures -- generator and network automation -- and high-speed power network analysis tools.

 Distributed generation, on the other hand, generally assumes the presence of an intact AC system. They are not centrally controlled, do not contribute to frequency or voltage regulation, and may even be intermittent. Although small levels of distributed generation can be accommodated as negative load, higher penetrations can adversely impact on the system operation. Accommodating DG may require a new power system management philosophy involving real-time multi-generator control, utilizing a telecommunications overlay of the power network. In addition, with Distributed Generation often being close to loads, one of the primary advantages of AC over DC, namely its ability to be transmitted long distances, is reduced. Since much Distributed Generation, such as photo-voltaic, is DC, hybrid systems with local DC-networks connected via high-efficiency inverters to a central AC backbone may be next. 

 Smart technologies involving advances in network communication systems, measurement and sensing, interconnection and automation, analysis, and AC/DC conversion are pivotal to either type of grid. Interestingly, Nikola Tesla also pioneered many of these technologies, with radio and tele-automation amongst his other discoveries.  EPS2006 looks back at the development of the AC power system and forward to the future of the Smart Grid.

Introduction 

The electricity supply and demand balance anywhere in the world has rarely been in balance.  The electricity system (generation, transmission and distribution) components are deteriorating faster than their renewal or replacement.  More and more AC and DC distributed generation is entering the central generation model to secure local supply and diversify the energy mix.  No doubt about it, the current stable, reliable, and controlled electricity network we depend on is changing and will become evermore dynamic and challenging to manage in the traditional way.  Old solutions are sparking new ideas, smarter ideas.  Smart technologies involving advances in network communication, instrumentation and measurement, interconnection, and automation, plus analysis, and AC/DC conversion are pivotal to the security and reliability of the new grid. Interestingly, Nikola Tesla not just pioneered the AC system; he also pioneered many of these technologies.  EPS2006 looks back at the development of the AC power system and forward to the future of the Smart Grid. 

Over the two-days, selected tutors and speakers will provide strategic knowledge and insight into the evolving distribution system.  You are invited to meet, learn, and share in the important issues of interconnection and distribution system operation and management..

 As with each of the past five EPS’s, we strive and take pride in covering industry leading strategic topics through selected speakers at exceptional value as compared to others.