Animated vectors for visualization of power system phenomena

Abstract

This paper presents an exact mechanical analog for an electric power system that proves to be a powerful visualization tool for studying power systems issues such as load flow, transient stability, and the effects of FACTS devices. Techniques based on color and highlighting that make the method applicable to the visualization of large systems are introduced. The analog provides a means for demonstrating complex issues to audiences with little or no background in power systems. For the power engineer, the analog provides unique insights into the hows and whys of power system behavior. To the control center operator, an accurate model of the dynamic modes may bring about improved understanding of system behavior after contingencies and illustrate the relative merits of various dispatch options.