17.3 Black start resources and procedures
4 min read•august 1, 2024
Power outages can plunge entire regions into darkness. are the unsung heroes that kickstart the grid back to life. They're specially equipped generators that can fire up without external power, providing the initial spark to restore electricity.
The process is a carefully choreographed dance of energizing transmission lines, powering up other generators, and gradually reconnecting loads. It requires precise coordination and planning to bring the grid back from the brink and keep the lights on for millions.
Black start concept and significance
Definition and importance
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- Black start refers to the process of restoring power to a power system or a portion of it without relying on an external power source after a total or partial shutdown
- Black start is crucial for power system restoration as it enables the grid to be restarted and power to be restored to customers following a widespread outage or blackout (e.g., 2003 Northeast blackout, 2011 Southwest blackout)
- The ability to perform a black start is essential for maintaining grid resilience and minimizing the duration and impact of power outages on society and the economy
Key components and process
- Black start resources are strategically located generating units that can start independently without an external power supply and are used to energize the transmission system and restore power to other generating units
- The black start process involves a sequence of steps, including energizing transmission lines, providing startup power to generating units, and gradually restoring load and reconnecting the system
- Successful black start requires coordination among system operators, black start resource owners, and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and efficient restoration process
Black start resource characteristics
Technical requirements
- Black start resources must have the capability to start up independently without an external power supply, typically using on-site or battery systems
- These resources should have sufficient capacity and be strategically located to energize the transmission system and provide startup power to other generating units in the restoration process
- Black start units must be able to maintain stable voltage and frequency control during the initial stages of system restoration when the grid is weak and loads are being gradually reconnected (e.g., maintaining frequency within ±0.5 Hz)
Operational and maintenance considerations
- Black start resources are required to have adequate fuel supply and storage to support extended operation during the restoration process, which may last several hours or even days
- Regular testing, maintenance, and training of personnel are essential to ensure the readiness and reliability of black start resources when needed
- Black start resources should have reliable communication systems and be equipped with the necessary protection and control systems to ensure safe and effective operation during the black start process
Black start procedure steps
Initialization and grid energization
- The black start procedure begins with the activation of the designated black start resources, which start up independently using on-site power supplies (e.g., diesel generators, battery systems)
- The black start units then energize the transmission lines and establish a stable island of power, gradually expanding the energized area by connecting additional transmission lines and substations
- System operators carefully monitor and control the voltage and frequency during the initial energization process to maintain stability and avoid equipment damage
Generator startup and load restoration
- The energized transmission system is used to provide startup power to other generating units, such as hydroelectric plants or gas-fired units, which can then begin the process of restarting and synchronizing with the grid
- As more generating units come online, the system operators carefully monitor and control the frequency and voltage to maintain stability and avoid overloading the partially restored system
- Load is gradually restored in a controlled manner, prioritizing critical infrastructure (e.g., hospitals, emergency services) and balancing the available generation with the connected load to prevent system instability or collapse
System reconnection and normalization
- The restoration process continues until all generating units are online, transmission lines are energized, and load is fully restored
- Once the system is stable and operating within normal parameters, it can be reconnected to neighboring grids if possible to further enhance reliability and resilience
- System operators continue to monitor and fine-tune the restored system to ensure stable operation and address any remaining issues or contingencies
Black start resource challenges
Reliability and readiness
- One of the main challenges is ensuring the reliability and readiness of black start resources, which requires regular testing, maintenance, and training of personnel to maintain the units in a state of preparedness
- The strategic location of black start resources is crucial to ensure effective system restoration, considering factors such as proximity to critical loads, transmission infrastructure, and other generating units
- The availability and reliability of fuel supply for black start resources, particularly for diesel generators, can be a challenge during extended outages or in situations where fuel transportation is disrupted
Coordination and cybersecurity
- Coordination and communication among system operators, black start resource owners, and other stakeholders are essential for executing a successful black start procedure, requiring well-defined roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols
- Cybersecurity concerns must be addressed to protect black start resources and the restoration process from potential threats or attacks that could compromise the system's ability to recover from an outage (e.g., Stuxnet, Ukraine power grid attack)
- Regular updates and improvements to black start procedures and resources are necessary to adapt to changes in the power system, such as the integration of renewable energy sources and the evolving threat landscape
Key Terms to Review (20)
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Battery energy storage systems are technologies that store electrical energy for later use, allowing for the stabilization and management of power supply and demand. These systems play a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, integrating renewable energy sources, and enabling black start capabilities, where power generation can be restored without external power sources after a blackout.
Black start: Black start refers to the process of restoring a power system to operation without relying on external power sources. This process is crucial in the event of a complete blackout, allowing for the sequential energization of generation units, transmission lines, and ultimately, the entire grid. Understanding black start is essential for ensuring a reliable recovery from outages and maintaining system stability during emergencies.
Black start drills: Black start drills are planned procedures carried out to restore a power system to operation after a blackout without relying on external electric power sources. These drills involve specific steps and resources, including designated generators and trained personnel, to ensure that critical infrastructure can be revived efficiently and safely, minimizing the impact of the outage.
Black start plan: A black start plan is a set of procedures and resources designed to restore a power system to operational status following a total blackout without relying on external power sources. This plan is crucial for ensuring that essential services can be resumed quickly and safely after a widespread outage, minimizing disruption to the electrical grid and enhancing overall reliability.
Black start resources: Black start resources are specialized power generation units capable of starting up without an external electrical supply, which is crucial in restoring power to the grid after a blackout. These resources are often used in restoration planning, as they allow for the gradual re-energization of the power system and help ensure stability and reliability during the recovery process.
Control Room Staff: Control room staff are the trained personnel responsible for monitoring and managing the operations of power systems in real time. They play a critical role in ensuring system reliability, safety, and efficiency, particularly during emergency situations such as blackouts, where their decisions can influence the restoration of power and system stability.
Diesel generators: Diesel generators are internal combustion engines that run on diesel fuel to generate electricity. They are widely used as backup power sources in various applications, particularly in situations where electrical grids are unavailable or unreliable, making them essential for black start procedures to restore power after a system failure.
Distributed energy resources: Distributed energy resources (DER) refer to small-scale power generation or storage technologies that are located close to the point of consumption. These resources can include solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems, and combined heat and power systems. DER plays a crucial role in enhancing energy resilience, enabling microgrid stability, and providing backup power during outages, particularly as the demand for cleaner and more reliable energy increases.
FERC Guidelines: FERC Guidelines refer to the standards and regulations set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable and efficient operation of the electricity grid. These guidelines play a critical role in maintaining the stability of the power system, particularly in areas such as frequency control, automatic generation management, and the restoration of power after outages. They are essential for promoting fair competition in wholesale electricity markets and protecting consumers from unjust practices.
Frequency Response: Frequency response is the measure of a system's output spectrum in response to an input signal, reflecting how the system reacts at different frequencies. It helps in understanding the dynamic behavior of power systems and is crucial for designing controllers and stabilizers to ensure system stability and performance across varying operational conditions.
Interagency coordination: Interagency coordination refers to the collaborative efforts among various governmental and non-governmental organizations to effectively manage and respond to emergencies or large-scale events. This process is vital in ensuring that resources, information, and strategies are shared seamlessly, enabling a unified response to complex situations like power system restoration after a blackout.
Islanding: Islanding is a condition where a portion of the electrical grid continues to operate independently from the main grid during an outage or fault. This can occur intentionally or unintentionally and involves localized power generation and load management. Understanding islanding is essential for ensuring the reliability and stability of microgrids, especially during restoration planning and in black start scenarios.
N-1 criterion: The n-1 criterion is a reliability standard used in power systems to ensure that the system can withstand the failure of any single component without leading to widespread outages or instability. This principle emphasizes the importance of system robustness and helps in planning and designing electrical grids to minimize the risk of cascading failures when a critical element fails.
NERC Standards: NERC Standards are a set of reliability standards developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation to ensure the reliable operation of the North American bulk power system. These standards cover various aspects of power system operations, including reliability management, data sharing, and performance monitoring, ensuring that utilities maintain stability and control in their operations.
Real-time monitoring: Real-time monitoring refers to the continuous observation and analysis of system parameters and performance metrics as they occur, allowing for immediate response to changes or anomalies. This capability is crucial in power systems to ensure stability, reliability, and quick restoration following disturbances. The integration of advanced technologies enables operators to visualize real-time data, enhancing decision-making processes related to grid management and response strategies.
Restoration sequence: A restoration sequence refers to the systematic process of re-establishing electrical power supply following a blackout or significant disturbance in a power system. This sequence outlines the steps taken to bring back generation units, restore transmission lines, and reconnect loads in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring stability throughout the grid. Effective planning and utilization of black start resources are crucial for the successful execution of a restoration sequence, as they allow for the gradual rebuilding of the system's operational capabilities.
Static Synchronous Compensator: A Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is a power electronic device used in electrical power systems to manage voltage levels by providing reactive power support. By rapidly injecting or absorbing reactive power, it helps maintain system stability during dynamic conditions, such as when restoring power after a blackout. This capability makes STATCOMs essential for enhancing the reliability and performance of black start resources and procedures.
System Operator: A system operator is an entity responsible for overseeing and managing the reliable operation of a power grid, ensuring the balance between electricity supply and demand. This role includes coordinating the various resources and infrastructure needed for energy production, distribution, and transmission, as well as implementing protocols for emergency situations like blackouts. The system operator plays a critical role in ensuring grid stability and reliability, especially when dealing with unexpected disruptions.
System restoration exercises: System restoration exercises are planned activities designed to simulate the restoration of power systems after a blackout or major disturbance. These exercises test the effectiveness of procedures, equipment, and personnel in restoring power and ensuring system stability, while also identifying potential weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Voltage Stability: Voltage stability refers to the ability of a power system to maintain steady voltage levels at all buses in the system after being subjected to a disturbance. This concept is crucial because voltage instability can lead to voltage collapse, where voltages drop significantly, causing widespread outages and affecting system reliability.