Emergency Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real SOPD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Procedures flashcards as text
When executing a controlled system separation to prevent cascading failures, the operator should separate the system along boundaries that:
Answer: Achieve near-equal load-generation balance in each island
System separation points should be chosen to create islands where generation and load are closely balanced to prevent immediate collapse of either island.
An operator receives a 'loss of field' alarm on a large synchronous generator. What is the immediate risk to the power system?
Answer: The unit may absorb reactive power and cause voltage depression
A loss-of-field condition causes the generator to operate as an induction generator, absorbing VArs from the system and depressing local voltage.
During a major blackout restoration, why must operators restore load incrementally rather than all at once?
Answer: Cold load pickup causes high inrush currents that can overload equipment and trip lines
Cold load pickup—the surge of inrush current when de-energized load is reconnected—can exceed equipment ratings and cause additional protective relay trips.
What is 'load shedding' as used in bulk power system emergency operations?
Answer: Deliberately disconnecting blocks of customer load to balance generation with demand
Load shedding is the intentional disconnection of customer load to prevent total system collapse when generation cannot meet demand.
A system operator observes that real power flows on several transmission lines are approaching emergency ratings. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Re-dispatch generation to relieve the overloaded lines before ratings are exceeded
Re-dispatching generation to shift power flows away from overloaded lines is the correct proactive response before thermal limits are exceeded.
Under what condition should an operator use the 'last resort' authority to shed firm load without prior authorization?
Answer: When the system is in imminent danger of total collapse and there is no time to obtain approval
NERC standards grant operators last-resort authority to shed firm load immediately when system collapse is imminent and delay would make the situation irreversible.
After a successful system restoration from a blackout, what is a key post-event responsibility for the system operator?
Answer: Document all actions taken and conduct a cause analysis to prevent recurrence
NERC and internal procedures require thorough documentation and post-event analysis to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.