Rizah Memisevic

Work domain analysis and ecological interface design for hydropower system monitoring and control

We describe a work domain analysis of a hydropower plant that operates in the two independent markets, the electricity market and the irrigation market. Based on the results of a work domain analysis, the authors develop configural displays that represent abstract functions of the hydropower system and that are intended as part of an ecological interface. The displays developed cover three critical segments of hydropower system operations: real time power supply operations, water storage management, and electricity trading. We provide detailed descriptions of the displays and of the expected improvements in control quality caused by the each of the displays.

Evaluating functional displays for hydropower system: model-based guidance of scenario design

We discuss the human role in hydropower system control, noting how it is different from other supervisory control environments and noting the typical shortcomings in current displays provided to hydropower system controllers. We describe steps towards evaluating proposed functional displays with industry hydropower controllers whose time with us was limited to a few hours. This involves selecting test scenarios that may maximally demonstrate advantages, if any, of the functional displays. Here we propose a scenario design approach based on a simplified human-control loop model. Starting from a basic human control cycle: detect→analyse→act→evaluate, we identify scenarios in which the functional displays are expected to provide information in a more effective way than current displays. Based on this approach, the prototype of new functional display was tested with industry controllers. The experimental method and subjective results are reported, and the lessons we learned are discussed.

Hydro Scheme Control in a Deregulated Environment: Cognitive Work Models and Design Implications

Most studies of the human supervisor in the power industry have focused on how the reactor operator monitors the energy source and the containment of radiation and controls thermodynamic cycles, while serving base electricity loads. In contrast, the human supervisor of hydroelectric generation in a dynamic, deregulated, market environment, where control activity is motivated increasingly by market forces, has a surprisingly different role. Our goal in this paper is to note the particularly challenging features of the hydro power plant controllers world, particularly when dealing with a multi-site, multi-storage facility, with complex hydraulic arrangements, large generating units, and a focus on serving peak rather than base loads. We present results of cognitive work analyses that are informing investigations into more effective interface design for hydro scheme control and note challenges in formulating a framework for design.

Investigating Human-System Interaction With an Integrated Hydropower and Market System Simulator

We present the design process of a highly portable integrated power system simulator developed to support investigation into human interface design for a complex hydro power system. The most important development phases of the simulator are described followed by insights that guided developers to the final version. The architecture of the simulator is explained in detail. The most important submodels are described to clarify the concepts and architecture used as well as minimal hardware requirements needed to run the simulator. Finally we present some of the results captured during experimental sessions performed with experienced controller-coordinator pairs

Analysing Cognitive Work of Hydroelectricity Generation in a Dynamic Deregulated Market

Much electrical generation in the developed world is now conducted within deregulated energy markets, providing new layers of uncertainty for human controllers and new challenges for analysts wishing to understand and support cognitive work. In this paper we outline some of the challenges encountered when attempting to describe the work domain of hydroelectric power generation in a dynamic deregulated electricity market. The market component of the work domain analysis appears not to be readily amendable to breakdown as a familiar functional structure. Control task analysis is complicated by the fact that the human operator is the frontline, real-time, manager of business risk. Different epochs of planning may require separate functional structures.

Assessing displays for temporal control quality in hydropower systems

This paper discusses the temporal fit of teams of controllers to a real world hydropower system (HPS) in a deregulated market environment, emphasizing how well displays support quality of control performance by industry controllers. The results of an empirical evaluation suggest that displays that integrate task constraints over appropriate time scales help controllers construct more immediate responses and more effective patterns of activity in handling contingencies. Copyright

Effect of nonlinearities on the dynamic performance of a synchronous generator — A case study

This article outlines some findings from studies and testing done for a 38MW generator connection to the transmission network of Powerlink Queensland, Australia. Connection studies are done to make sure that the online dynamic performance of the generator complies with the Australian National Electricity Rules requirements when generator is operated in the entire range of its capability diagram. Settling time of generator terminal voltage varies with operating point (active and reactive power output) of the generator and the system (network) conditions. The studies explained in this paper show that the dynamic response of the generator will also depend on the set point of the terminal voltage. The effect of generator and exciter saturation is discussed.