Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the modern power sector, where increasing renewable energy penetration, decentralized generation, and the imperative for enhanced grid resilience are paramount, Energy Management Systems (EMS) for Smart Utilities have become the central nervous system for efficient and reliable grid operation. Traditional EMS, designed primarily for centralized control of transmission networks, are undergoing a profound transformation to incorporate the complexities introduced by smart grid technologies. A modern EMS integrates vast amounts of real-time data from across the grid, employing advanced analytical tools and sophisticated algorithms to provide grid operators with comprehensive situational awareness, optimize power flow, manage contingencies, and facilitate economic dispatch across diverse generation sources. Without a state-of-the-art Energy Management System (EMS) for Smart Utilities, power companies face significant challenges in maintaining stability, optimizing operational costs, and effectively managing the dynamic interplay of conventional and distributed energy resources, jeopardizing their ability to meet future energy demands. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Energy Management Systems (EMS) for Smart Utilities.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, grid operators, system planners, IT professionals, and utility managers with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to implement, utilize, and manage advanced Energy Management Systems (EMS) for Smart Utilities. Participants will gain a deep understanding of EMS architecture, explore various applications such as state estimation, optimal power flow, and contingency analysis, learn about data acquisition and communication protocols, and acquire skills in integrating EMS with other critical utility systems like SCADA and ADMS. The course will delve into topics such as cybersecurity for EMS, the role of AI and machine learning in advanced EMS functionalities, wide-area monitoring and control (WAMC), market integration features, and the evolving challenges of managing high renewable penetration and distributed energy resources (DERs). By mastering the principles and practical application of Energy Management Systems (EMS) for Smart Utilities, participants will be prepared to drive operational excellence, enhance grid resilience, and contribute significantly to the development of highly intelligent, efficient, and sustainable power networks of the future.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Power Engineers
• Grid System Operators and Dispatchers
• Power System Planners
• SCADA/EMS/ADMS Engineers
• IT Professionals in the Energy Sector
• Control Center Supervisors
• Utility Managers and Executives
• Researchers in Power Systems
• Renewable Energy Integration Specialists
• Cybersecurity Analysts in Utilities

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and evolution of Energy Management Systems (EMS).
• Learn about the architecture and core functionalities of modern EMS for smart utilities.
• Acquire skills in data acquisition and communication protocols essential for EMS.
• Comprehend techniques for Power System State Estimation and its role in EMS.
• Explore strategies for performing Optimal Power Flow (OPF) for economic and secure operation.
• Understand the importance of Contingency Analysis and Security Constrained OPF (SCOPF).
• Gain insights into Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and economic dispatch.
• Develop a practical understanding of Wide-Area Monitoring and Control (WAMC) and PMU integration.
• Learn about cybersecurity measures for critical EMS infrastructure.
• Master the integration of EMS with SCADA, ADMS, and market systems.
• Acquire skills in managing high renewable energy penetration within EMS.
• Understand the challenges and solutions for Distributed Energy Resource (DER) management in EMS.
• Explore advanced AI and Machine Learning applications in EMS.
• Develop proficiency in interpreting EMS outputs for real-time operational decisions.
• Prepare to implement and optimize EMS solutions for future smart grids.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Energy Management Systems (EMS)

• Evolution of power system control centers and EMS.
• Definition and core functions of a modern EMS.
• Role of EMS in grid operation: efficiency, reliability, security.
• Components of an EMS: hardware, software, human-machine interface (HMI).
• EMS in the context of smart grids and digitalization.

Module 2: SCADA System Integration with EMS

• Overview of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Data acquisition from RTUs, IEDs, and sensors.
• Communication protocols: DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870, IEC 61850.
• Data flow from SCADA to EMS: real-time data collection and processing.
• Challenges and best practices for robust SCADA-EMS integration.

Module 3: Power System Modeling for EMS

• Network model: bus-branch vs. node-breaker models.
• Representation of generators, transformers, lines, and loads.
• Parameter validation and model updates.
• Topology processing and network connectivity analysis.
• Importance of an accurate and up-to-date network model for EMS applications.

Module 4: Power System State Estimation

• Purpose and methodology of state estimation (SE).
• Weighted Least Squares (WLS) algorithm for SE.
• Measurement types and measurement redundancy.
• Observability analysis: determining the measurable state of the system.
• Bad data detection, identification, and suppression.

Module 5: Real-time Network Analysis (RTNA)

• Real-time load flow and power flow calculations.
• Voltage security analysis and reactive power management.
• Contingency analysis: N-1, N-2 criteria, impact assessment.
• Sensitivity analysis and performance index calculations.
• Role of RTNA in providing situational awareness to operators.

Module 6: Optimal Power Flow (OPF)

• Definition and objectives of OPF: cost minimization, loss reduction, voltage profile optimization.
• OPF formulation: objective function and constraints.
• Solution methods for OPF (e.g., non-linear programming, interior point methods).
• Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF): ensuring optimal dispatch under contingencies.
• Applications of OPF in real-time grid operation and planning.

Module 7: Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and Economic Dispatch (ED)

• Principles of AGC: maintaining frequency and tie-line power.
• Load Frequency Control (LFC) and area control error (ACE).
• Economic Dispatch (ED): allocating generation to minimize fuel costs.
• Unit commitment and economic scheduling in short-term operation.
• Integrating renewable energy sources into ED and AGC.

Module 8: Voltage Control and Reactive Power Management

• Importance of voltage stability in power systems.
• Reactive power sources and sinks.
• Coordinated voltage control using generators, tap changers, and FACTS devices.
• Voltage security limits and violations.
• Reactive power optimization functions within EMS.

Module 9: Wide-Area Monitoring and Control (WAMC)

• Introduction to Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and Synchrophasors.
• Applications of PMU data in EMS: enhanced state estimation, oscillation detection.
• Wide-Area Situational Awareness (WASA) through WAMC.
• Real-time oscillation damping control.
• Challenges of PMU data integration and utilization.

Module 10: Cybersecurity for Energy Management Systems

• Identifying cyber threats specific to EMS and control centers.
• Cybersecurity standards and regulations for critical infrastructure (e.g., IEC 62351).
• Network segmentation, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
• Authentication, authorization, and access control for EMS users.
• Incident response and disaster recovery planning for EMS.

Module 11: EMS Integration with Market Systems

• Role of EMS in electricity markets (e.g., day-ahead, real-time markets).
• Data exchange with Market Management Systems (MMS).
• Supporting bidding strategies and financial settlements.
• Congestion management and transmission rights.
• Economic benefits of integrated EMS and market operations.

Module 12: Managing Renewable Energy and DERs in EMS

• Challenges of high renewable energy penetration: variability, intermittency, reduced inertia.
• Forecasting renewable generation for EMS applications.
• Integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into the EMS network model.
• Coordinated control of DERs and conventional units.
• Future role of Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) with EMS.

Module 13: Advanced EMS Applications and Analytics

• AI and Machine Learning for predictive maintenance of grid assets.
• AI/ML for enhanced forecasting and anomaly detection.
• Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) and transient stability analysis in real-time.
• Probabilistic power flow and risk assessment.
• Decision support systems for grid operators.

Module 14: EMS Deployment and Project Management

• Project lifecycle for EMS implementation: requirements, design, testing, commissioning.
• Vendor selection and system integration challenges.
• Training and change management for control center personnel.
• Performance testing and validation of EMS applications.
• Best practices and lessons learned from EMS modernization projects.

Module 15: Future of EMS for Smart Utilities

• Cloud-based EMS and distributed EMS architectures.
• The digital twin concept for real-time grid modeling.
• Autonomous grid operations and self-healing capabilities.
• Integration of EMS with smart city initiatives and electric transportation.
• The evolving role of the grid operator in a highly automated future.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.