Case Study 1: Dynamic Load Balancing with 2-Level UPFC in a Transmission Corridor

Calendar icon.

May 27, 2025 | Blog

Diagram of dynamic load balancing using a 2-level UPFC in a transmission corridor, showing power plant, lines, and infinite bus.

Client: Confidential

Location: Southeastern USA

System Configuration: Single-machine to infinite bus system with parallel lines

Objective: Prevent line overload during rapid generation shifts

Background:

A power plant in the southeastern U.S. experienced overloading on its secondary transmission line (Line 1B) whenever active generation ramped up beyond 120 MW due to seasonal peak demand. The primary line (Line 1) was underutilized due to a lack of dynamic flow control.

Solution Implemented:

Keentel Engineering deployed a 2-level Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) on Line 1, as modeled in the referenced IEEE study. The UPFC’s series compensator regulated active power while the shunt branch maintained DC bus and voltage stability.

Technical Highlights:

  • Initial Generation: 75 MW (25 MW via Line 1, 50 MW via Line 1B)
  • Ramped Generation: 140 MW post 100ms demand spike
  • Power Re-routing: UPFC dynamically rerouted power to Line 1, reducing Line 1B stress
  • Control Strategy: Block diagram-based d-q rotating frame control as shown on page 2, Fig. 3

Results:

  • Maintained power flow within the 80 MW thermal limit of Line 1B
  • Enabled flexible generation ramping without reconfiguration
  • Improved system stability and minimized reactive power losses

Case Study 2: Voltage Support in Urban Substation Using Shunt Compensation

Client: Confidential

Location: Midwest USA

System Configuration: 400 kV ring bus with dual supply and dynamic RL load

Objective: Mitigate voltage sag at critical urban bus under fluctuating load

Background:

A major metropolitan area in the Midwest observed voltage dips at a distribution bus (Bus 2) when reactive-heavy RL industrial loads were introduced. The instability risked tripping protection relays and violating utility voltage criteria.

Solution Implemented:

Keentel Engineering integrated a 2-level UPFC at Bus 2 using the configuration described in page 3, Fig. 9. The shunt branch regulated reactive power injection, while the series branch maintained power flow balance across Line 1.

System Parameters:

  • Base Load: 80 MW
  • Disturbance Load: 5 MW + 75 MVAr RL load added at 0.02 sec
  • Control Mechanism: Reactive power control via d-q frame (equation 9, page 2)

Results:

  • Voltage sag was reduced by 12% compared to the non-UPFC case (Fig. 10, page 3)
  • Reactive power injected adaptively, peaking at 0.8 pu during maximum load
  • Voltage restored to nominal value within 50ms of disturbance

Man in a blazer and open shirt, looking at the camera, against a blurred background.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

Four workers in safety vests and helmets stand with arms crossed near wind turbines.

Let's Discuss Your Project

Let's book a call to discuss your electrical engineering project that we can help you with.

Man in a blazer and open shirt, looking at the camera, against a blurred background.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

Electrical substation with high-voltage equipment, wires, and insulators against a blue sky.
By SANDIP R PATEL November 26, 2025
Learn how to stay compliant with NERC PRC-004-6 and MIDAS reporting. Keentel Engineering provides misoperation analysis, CAP support, and audit-ready documentation.
ISO-NE DDMS Guide
By SANDIP R PATEL November 26, 2025
Technical guide to ISO-NE’s DDMS for power system engineers — model submissions, file formats (RAW/DYR), certification workflow, and annual recertification for MOD-032, MOD-026, MOD-027.
Learn how PRC-004-6 misoperations and MIDAS reporting work.
By SANDIP R PATEL November 15, 2025
Learn how PRC-004-6 misoperations and MIDAS reporting work. A complete NERC compliance guide from Keentel Engineering for utilities and power entities.
Solar panels field and power plant with smokestacks on a cloudy day.
By SANDIP R PATEL October 30, 2025
Learn how Generator and Transmission Owners meet PJM MOD-032 data submission requirements using Gen Model, Model on Demand, and ASPEN tools for NERC compliance.
An aerial view of a large battery storage facility with numerous white shipping container-like units. Wind turbines in background.
By SANDIP R PATEL October 27, 2025
Learn how utility-scale BESS meet IEEE 2800 voltage and frequency ride-through requirements with simulation, validation, and compliance reporting.
Diagram of a redundant power distribution system with utility, UPS, and critical/non-critical loads.
By SANDIP R PATEL October 19, 2025
Explore NERC’s 2025 review on simultaneous voltage-sensitive load reductions amid industrial electrification, data center growth, and crypto mining.
Diagram showing frequency monitoring and point of interconnection with a Tesla 400E box.
By SANDIP R PATEL October 16, 2025
Discover how the TESLA 4000 IED enables precise frequency monitoring at the Point of Interconnection for reliable, compliant grid operations.
Electrical diagram showing power distribution with utilities, switchgear, generators, and UPS systems.
By SANDIP R PATEL October 10, 2025
Discover how data centers, crypto, and EV hubs impact grid stability—and how Keentel Engineering mitigates emerging load risks.
An industrial power plant with multiple smokestacks at sunset.
By SANDIP R PATEL October 10, 2025
Learn how Keentel Engineering enhances industrial reliability and safety through power system analysis — including short-circuit, coordination, load-flow, stability, and grounding studies. Discover why these analyses are essential for optimized power performance.