Ningchao Gao
MSU,MS
Summary
- Specialized in multi time scale optimization and dynamic closed Loop Simulation of Power Systems with high levels of inverter-based resources (IBRs).
- Experienced in modeling and validating generation scheduling optimization models, production cost models, phasor-domain models, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) models of power systems.
- Skilled in using Python to create variety of simulation and analysis tools for conducting power system stability analysis, incorporating platforms like PSSE and CYME.
- Possess experience in testing line protection relay and transformer protection relay hardware, specifically SEL.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate III Internship
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
07.2022 - Current
- Develop frequency stability constrained unit commitment and economic dispatch model to secure the stability of high IBR grid.
- Modelling and evaluating various types of IBR models in generation scheduling optimization models, production cost models, phasor domain models, EMT models of power systems.
- Conduct multi time scale closed loop simulation from optimization to dynamic validate the stability constrained model with a high integration of IBRs.
- Perform multi time scale closed loop stability constrained hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing across multiple time scales, covering the entire spectrum from optimization to electromagnetic transient (EMT) domain and hardware.
- Develop tools in Python for simulating and analyzing system stability in the grid with a high penetration level of IBRs.
- Author and assist in the preparation of technical papers, quarterly reports, Journal papers, and conference papers.
Research Worker
University Of Denver
03.2023 - 05.2023
- Develop python API for the distribution software CYME
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Denver (DU)
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Provide more personalized instruction to students
- Grade assignments and papers.
- Prepare and present lecture slides and assignments
Power System Relay Protection Engineer
State Grid Shanghai Power Supply Company
08.2012 - 01.2017
- Installation testing and regular testing of protective relays include line and transformer relay to ensure their proper operation.
- Routine maintenance involves checking and updating relay settings.
- Restore system to normal operation, in event of power system disturbance or fault.
Graduate Student intern
China Electric Power Research Institute
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Examine technical challenges related to the planning and operation of a 750kV high voltage power grid.
- Investigate transmission solutions for efficiently delivering wind power from the resource to the load demand district.
Education
Ph.D. - Electrical Engineering
University of Denver (DU)
Denver, CO11.2023
M.D. - Electrical Engineering
North China Electric Power University (NCEPU)
Beijing, China06.2012
B.S. in Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineering
Yanshan University (YSU)
Hebei, China06.2009
Skills
- Python (PCAP-Certified Associate in Python Programming)
- PSSE
- PSCAD
- PHIL
- RSCAD
- CYME
- ANDES
- MATLAB
Research
- Developed a frequency stability constrained unit commitment and economic dispatch model. To develop this constraint, a comprehensive low-order frequency response models considers the fast frequency response, the droop response of Inverter-Based Resources (IBR), and the governor dynamics of conventional generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is derived. A method combine sensitivity-based correlation analysis and piecewise linearization (PWL) is utilized. This frequency stability constraint is validated through numerous simulations, including comprehensive N-1 contingency analysis and multi-timescale closed-loop PHIL testing that span from microseconds to months. Employed the phasor domain dynamic simulations, electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations, and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) tests.
- Propose an integrated alternating current optimal power flow (AC-OPF)-based generation scheduling and time domain simulation (TDS) closed loop simulation framework. Investigate fast real-time generation dispatch to schedule generation resources with a small time interval to promptly follow the change of load and renewable. Analyze secondary frequency regulation (SFR) requirements on generation cost and frequency response performance, particularly investigating the SFR provided by Photovoltaic (PV) generation. Address uncertainties in PV power output by incorporating chance constraints to ensure frequency regulation services.
Accomplishments
- Graduate Education Doctoral Fellowship for Inclusive Engagement for 2021-2023 at University of Denver
- PhD Scholarship in Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at University of Denver (2020.- 2023)
- Patent achievement award of state grid Shanghai electric power company (2017-ZL-D6-G12)
- The third prize of Shanghai enterprise management modernization innovation award (20151208)
- Obtained the patent of “A control method of voltage sag based on sensitive user” (ZL 2014 1 0698240.3)
- Obtained the patent of “Cable pliers for secondary cable work” (ZL 2014 a 0057212.3)
- 2015 advanced individual in news and publicity of Shanghai Power Supply Company.
- Five times of Academic Scholarship of Yanshan University (2006, 2007, 2008)
Papers
- 1] N Gao, D Gao, X Fang, “Manage Real Time Power Imbalance with Renewable Energy: Fast Generation Dispatch or Adaptive Frequency Regulation?” IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 5278-5289, Nov. 2023, doi: 10.1109/TPWRS.2022.3232759.
- 2] N. Gao, S. Dong, X. Fang, A. Hoke, D. W. Gao, J. Tan, ”Developing Frequency Stability Constraint for Unit Commitment Problem Considering High Penetration of Renewable,” 2023 IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference and invited for an oral presentation (PVSC50).
- 3] N. Gao, S. Dong, X. Fang, X. Liu, J. Peng, A. Hoke, D. W. Gao, J. Tan "Multi-Timescale Closed-loop Physics-informed Frequency Stability Constrained Grid Operation with IBR Fast Frequency Response," Under review by editor, Prepare to submit to IEEE Transactions on Power System.
- 4] S. Dong, X. Fang, J. Tan, N. Gao , X. Cui, A. Hoke, ”A Method to Directly Compute Frequency Nadir by Considering Three Types of Inverter-based Fast Frequency Responses,” Renewable Energy Grid Integration Week 2023 and invited for an oral presentation.
- 5] X. Liu, X. Fang, N. Gao, H. Yuan, A. Hoke, H. Wu and J. Tan ”Data-Driven Frequency Nadir Constrained Unit Commitment Model for High Renewable Penetration Island Power Systems,” under review by IEEE Transactions on Power System.(2023)
- 6] X. Fang, W. Wang, F. Ding, N. Gao, ”Distributed PV Hosting Capacity Evaluation Considering Equitable PV Accommodation,” 2023 IEEE Kansas Power and Energy Conference (KPEC) and invited for an oral presentation.
- 7] L. Kiboma, N. Gao, K. Sedzro, X. Fang, S. Kincic and J. Tan, ”Impact of Hydro logical Data to Hydro Model on Multi-time scale Planning and Operational Studies,” under review by 2024 Hydro Vision.
- 8] B. Tan, J. Peng, N. Gao, J. Zhao, J, Tan ”Comparative Study of Data-driven Area Inertia Estimation Approaches on WECC Power System” Prepare to submit to 2024 IEEE PES General Meeting.
- 9] X Fang, F Li, N Gao, Q Guo, “Available transfer capability of photovoltaic generation incorporated system” 2014 IEEE PES General Meeting| Conference & Exposition, pp.1-5
- 10] X Fang, F Li, N Gao, “Probabilistic available transfer capability evaluation for power systems including high penetration of wind power” 2014 International Conference on Probabilistic Methods Applied to Power Systems (PMAPS) pp.1-6
- 11] S Chen, C Wang, H Shen, N Gao, L Zhu, H Lan, “Dynamic Equivalence for Wind Farms Based on Clustering Algorithm,” Proceedings of CSEE, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 11-19, 2012.
- 12] N Gao, “Study on Capacity Credit of Wind Power Generation”. Master Thesis of North China Electric Power University. 2012
- 13] S Chen, N Gao, H Shen, “Affect Analysis of Power Grid Energy Quality for Zhejiang Coastal Wind Power Access,” Energy Procedia, vol. 12, pp. 752-760, 2011.
Volunteer Experience
- Apply and be approved as a volunteer of the 2022 IEEE PES General meeting.
- Organized the activity to promote green travel with low carbon emission. Organized the company employees to wear T-shirt with green commuting logo and ride shared bikes around the city to promote carbon-free transportation in daily life. The activity attracted hundreds of local citizens to participate. (2015)
Timeline
Research Worker
University Of Denver
03.2023 - 05.2023
Graduate III Internship
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
07.2022 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Denver (DU)
09.2020 - 06.2022
Power System Relay Protection Engineer
State Grid Shanghai Power Supply Company
08.2012 - 01.2017
Graduate Student intern
China Electric Power Research Institute
09.2010 - 07.2012
Ph.D. - Electrical Engineering
University of Denver (DU)
M.D. - Electrical Engineering
North China Electric Power University (NCEPU)
B.S. in Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineering
Yanshan University (YSU)
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