SOPD Power Grid Operations & Management 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of automatic generation control (AGC) in power grid operations?

Accepted Answer

Automatically adjust generator output to maintain system frequency and scheduled tie-line flows

Answer

AGC automatically adjusts generator MW output to correct Area Control Error (ACE), maintaining frequency at 60 Hz and keeping net interchange on schedule.

Question 2

During a voltage collapse scenario, which corrective action should a system operator take FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Energize shunt capacitor banks and request reactive support from neighboring areas

Answer

Energizing capacitors and obtaining reactive support restores reactive power margin and arrests voltage decline before more drastic actions are required.

Question 3

A transmission line's thermal limit is reached at 115°C conductor temperature. What does this limit protect against?

Accepted Answer

Excessive sag that could reduce ground clearance below safe minimums

Answer

High conductor temperatures cause thermal elongation and increased sag, reducing ground clearance and creating a safety hazard.

Question 4

What does the term 'N-1 reliability criterion' require of a transmission system?

Accepted Answer

The system must remain stable and within thermal limits following the loss of any single element

Answer

The N-1 criterion requires that the bulk power system remain secure and within all limits after the sudden, unplanned loss of any single contingency element.

Question 5

When a large generating unit trips offline unexpectedly, what is the immediate grid response?

Accepted Answer

System frequency declines as load exceeds available generation

Answer

Losing a large generator creates a power deficit; system frequency begins to drop until governor response and AGC restore the balance.

(SOPD) System Operator/Power Dispatching Practice Test

(SOPD) System Operator/Power Dispatching Practice Test

SOPD Power Grid Operations & Management 2