Generating unit model validation: WECC lessons and moving forward

This paper describes WECC´s (formerly WSCC) experience in generator testing and model validation. WSCC introduced a generator testing requirement following failure of simulations to reproduce events that occurred in the summer of 1996 in the Western Interconnection. The benefits of generator testing have been indisputable. The generator model data has been improved significantly in many cases. It has also been recognized that testing alone may not provide all the information required for power plant modeling, and that the models need to reflect power plant operating practices.