The power transmission system is considered to be playing a major role in India’s growth and development by smooth delivery of power requirements of the population.The Ministry of Power has set up the taskforce in the year 2021 which was chaired by the Chairman of Powergrid and representatives from different central and state power utilities. It also included the Ministry of Electronics and Information  System and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). 

Recommendations of Power Sector Modernization by the Task Force

The government bodies of the nation have been working on the modernization of the power sector as recommended by the task force associated with it. The nation’s government has paved the way for modernizing the power transmission sector by promoting real-time tracking, and automation in the grid operations as well as increasing the integration of renewable energy sources. The recommendations by the task force on power transmission systems in India are divided into the following factors.

 

1. Modernization of the present system of power transmission
2. Using advanced technologies in the process of operations, management, supervision, and construction of the power transmission systems.
3. Future-ready and intelligent systems of power transmission
4. Workforce upskilling

Modernization of the Power Sector in India

Technology Implementation

Implementation of advanced technologies in the power transmission systems in India includes the following benefits.

• To improve the resources of renewable energy generation and storage and also the electrical transmission enhancement.
• Improving the control, monitoring, and protection accompanied by different software solutions
• Introduction of electronic technologies and devices to the power grids for the transformation of passive electrothermal and electronic grids into active with the capability of dynamic control

Innovation of the station of central power generation

The efficiency of fossil fuel-burning in central generating stations keeps getting better. These days, combined cycle and other natural gas-fired generator types with heat rates less than 5,800 BTU/kWh are the standard. Better flexibility is also offered by these producing units, such as quick-start capabilities, which makes it easier to integrate fluctuating resources. Reduced carbon emissions are achieved by the early retirement of less efficient coal and oil-fired power plants due to the development of natural gas-fired generators. Modern gas-fired generators, on the other hand, have smaller inertias, which negatively impacts the network’s frequency response. It’s also necessary to discuss how the natural gas system interacts with it, including scheduling.

The rise of wind and solar electricity signifies a dramatic shift from the conventional resource mix. Both generate emission-free energy at steadily declining capital costs. The total fluctuation observed by the whole power system is decreased by the greater installation of various resources over large areas. Modern designs save maintenance costs while extending the life and efficiency of solar and wind energy sources. Significant advancements in controls improve frequency and voltage responses and enable the general development of resources. New technologies for solar, wind, and onshore wind are developing at a breakneck speed.

Innovation in power transmission

Since renewable resource development frequently takes place far from load centers, transmission transfer restrictions may need to be raised. However, the transmission system is subject to a broad range of operating conditions because of the changeable nature of wind and solar resources combined with changing demand. Improved operation flexibility and better use of restricted rights-of-way are offered by new technologies.

Facts and HVDC

Power electronics are used in HVdc and FACTS, which are expected to increase rapidly. Applications for HVdc meet the following needs:

• Real power, voltages, and auxiliary controls that regulate frequency and dampen dynamic oscillations and transient stability swings are all controllable over the network.
• An asynchronous network architecture
• Transmission across extended distances
• Avoiding network bottlenecks and adding electricity at individual spots
• Applications for submarines
• Minimizing excessive short circuit contributions; meeting right-of-way constraints.

Structures of Transmission

Higher voltage facilities installed in place of older transmission circuits have historically enabled greater power transfer within a given area. Current patterns indicate that switching lengthy AC lines to HVDC can be a cost-effective fix. Installing the following is one of the additional cutting-edge techniques for obtaining larger power transfers via restricted rights-of-way:

• Compact structural designs that offer greater thermal capabilities, higher voltages, and higher levels of surge impedance
• Dynamic line rating technologies, particularly for integrating wind farms; new forms of overhead conductors with enhanced ampacity
• Underground cables that may be self-contained or even superconducting, which are easier to site and environmentally beneficial;

Environmental restrictions must be met by transmission infrastructure. Innovative ways to coexist peacefully with wildlife, particularly tower-nesting birds, improve operating stability and ease of sighting. Lower structures and stronger conductors reduce the number of spans per mile in designs, saving money and minimizing unfavorable visual effects.

Substation Tools

Utilizing the significant advancements in substation technology allows for more efficient use of the transmission infrastructure and available land. Substation prices and their detrimental effects on the environment have decreased due to new materials and creative designs. It is no longer necessary for new gas-insulated substations to solely use sulphur hexafluoride, a strong greenhouse gas. Improved dependability and more efficient use of already-existing facilities are two benefits of performance monitoring, which is crucial for aging infrastructure. Utilizing modern surge arrester designs prolongs the life of the equipment by protecting it.

Innovation of Microgrids

Microgrids have long been a feature of large industrial sites, academic campuses, military bases, and other critical infrastructure locations. Their development was prompted by a number of factors, including the need for very high reliability, research goals, and the economics of demand response and distributed generation (DG) of power. These days, the idea of a microgrid is viewed as an alternative to improve resilience, make Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration easier, and provide isolated or remote locations with electricity efficiently. Sophisticated scheduling and control systems that can optimize energy use, production, and grid sales and purchases throughout the day are planned and implemented by larger microgrids. Microgrid systems’ versatility and complexity will only increase as they interact more with smart buildings and smart Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging systems.