Power Systems Engineering Research Center

Background on Grid Reliability

The following background papers, written by PSERC researchers, provide insights into grid reliability in power systems operations along with current issues affecting the economical and reliable delivery of power. They serve as a tutorial for individuals seeking a better understanding of how an interconnected power system works. They are not intended for power system experts.

1. Monitoring and Control of Power Grids: Looking Beyond Reliability Standards. Anjan Bose. Washington State University (Sep 20, 2003).
2. Modeling Post-Disturbance Consequences: Uncertainty in Power System Dynamic Simulation. Ian A. Hiskens, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Bernie C. Lesieutre, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. (Sep 16, 2003)
3. Automated Monitoring and Analysis. Mladen Kezunovic. Texas A&M University. (Sep 8, 2003)
4. Distributed Generation. Robert H. Lasseter. University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Sep 4, 2003)
5. Power System Operation and Visualization. Thomas J. Overbye. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (Sep 10, 2003)
6. What is Reactive Power? Peter W. Sauer. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (Sep 16, 2003).
• Simulation of a DC Voltage Collapse
• Simulation of an AC Voltage Collapse
• Simulation of a Voltage Collapse of the Eastern Interconnection Using a 1998 Power System Model
7. The New Electric Power Business: An Information-Based Revolution. Robert J. Thomas. Cornell University. (Sep 5, 2003)
8. The Protection System in Bulk Power Networks. James S. Thorp. Cornell University. (Sep 8, 2003)
9. Transient Stability and Control of Large Scale Power Systems. Vijay Vittal. Iowa State University. (Sep 4, 2003)
10. Analyzing out Events: Experience from the Major Western Blackouts in 1996. Mani V. Venkatasubramanian. Washington State University. (Aug 20, 2003)
11. Voltage Collapse Simulation (Eastern Interconnection Scenario). Dennis Ray, PSERC. (Oct. 1, 2003)