Improving Power Transmission Efficiency and Reliability through Hardware/Software Co-design

Author

Bruce M. McMillin, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Daniel R. Tauritz, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
F. Liu
Badrul H. Chowdhury, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Jagannathan Sarangapani, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Mariesa Crow, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

The transmission systems of tomorrow must incorporate advanced hardware and software technologies to increase safe utilization of existing facilities to increase reliable long-distance power transfer. However, while hardware technologies can provide the muscle for improved transmission system capabilities, software technologies are also needed to provide the intelligence to use these hardware technologies safely, securely, and effectively. To prevent system failures, future transmission systems must incorporate a combination of advanced hardware and software technologies to increase the safe utilization of existing facilities to increase reliable long-distance power transfer. Improvements are also needed in system-wide monitoring and distributed computer-based control to determine and react to system conditions quickly. Technologies such as these can protect the grid not only against traditional threats to reliability (such as storms and other natural events), but also against deliberate disruptions. Employing robust transmission controllers effectively requires a close development relationship between power electronics engineers and computer scientists such that the hardware development, algorithm development, system assessment, and software development are coordinated to ensure optimal performance. This paper describes these activities at the University of Missouri--Rolla's FACTS Interaction Laboratory.

Recommended Citation

B. M. McMillin et al., "Improving Power Transmission Efficiency and Reliability through Hardware/Software Co-design," Proceedings of the Electricity Advanced Sensing and Control Conference (2006, Pittsburgh, PA), Jan 2006.

Meeting Name

Electricity Advanced Sensing and Control Conference (2006: Jan., Pittsburgh, PA)

Department(s)

Computer Science

Second Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Distributed Computing; FACTS; Computer Fault Tolerance; Power Transmission Control; Power Transmission Faults

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Publication Date

01 Jan 2006