Power system black start of a large and isolated power system
With increasing reliance on electricity and a growing complexity in modern power systems, the risk of a complete system shutdown is greater than ever. This session will explore the causes and impacts of total grid failure and delve into the technical and operational challenges of black start, the critical process of restoring power without external supply. We’ll examine how generation resilience, system inertia, severe weather, and auxiliary systems all play a role in shaping a successful system restart. Learn what it takes to bring the grid back online after a catastrophic outage, and why proactive planning and system design are more important than ever.
Learning outcomes
The technical challenges associated with standalone networks
Black start focusing on generation resilience and availability and then restart capability.
Power system with less inherent inertia being more vulnerable to disturbances and their susceptibility to compete shutdowns
About the Speaker
Senior Advisor, Western Power
Laurie has been working in the electrical utility industry for over 40 years. He has held Executive roles in Horizon Power and senior management roles in Western Power and in consulting practices such as SKM. He has had senior management roles in Network Operations and Network planning and development. After spending some years in field operations in the early parts of his career, he moved to distribution design and planning where he worked on pivotal projects such as the Perth CBD automation project. However, he has spent over a third of his career in network operations, emergency and crisis management during which time he managed the establishment of the NOCC control centre in Perth after the May1994 storms. He is currently working a senior advisor in that area as the industry progresses through the current energy transition. He Graduated in 1982 from the Western Australian institute of technology now Curtin university and hold a post graduate degree in Electrical engineering from the University of Western Australia as well as a post graduate diploma in management from Deakin university. Laurie is a fellow of Engineers Australia and a senior member of the IEEE. Laurie is also the Chair of the WA EESA chapter.
