Electric System Operations: Evolving to the Modern Grid, Second Edition

Electric System Operations: Evolving to the Modern Grid being true to its name has evolved itself. The original book provided chapter and verse for modern electric system operations. The evolved 2nd edition includes key industry and technology updates. Dr. Vadari, highlights the convergence of systems required to meet the needs of the modern distributed grid, with increasing penetration of renewable energy, while ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency that we all expect. In addition to updating the discussion of existing key technologies (EMS, DMS, OMS) this edition introduces the emerging Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) and discusses how this should become an integral part of system operations. All this and real-life implementation case studies create a 2nd edition that should not be missed.

Dr. Vadari is skilled at articulating the heartbeat of operations of an electric utility, the system control center, in a way that is easy to understand and with an appreciation for the day to day complexity. He helps the reader understand today’s operating model and of the future, as the grid becomes more modern and more complex. Finally, with the introduction of providing energy through distributed generation and the use of non-wire alternatives in partnership with customers he helps to create a vision that is clear, albeit intensely complex that requires new skills and tools as the electric utility evolves.

With his simplistic style, Dr. Mani Vadari has once again demystified a complex topic for easy understanding by common man about Electrical Grid Operations. As the modern grid evolves from technical complexity to user accessibility, this book on electric system operations can be used as a reference guide from academicians and students to industry practitioners and policy makers. The global nuances and practices vary by countries and regions even at micro levels of urban and rural for electricity production, transmission and generation. For any system operator around the globe, this book can be a useful tool to plan a futuristic and sustainable system operation. For policy makers, this book reflects on how the global market is evolving and prepping for next phase. For academicians and especially students, it will help you get there in upgrading your academic knowledge with current and future market trends. Overall, it is a complete package of what you need to learn about the evolution of a modern grid and way forward. Congratulations Dr. Vadari!

This book is outstanding! It brings together fundamental basics and builds into a strategic positional-play roadmap that asks questions across the spectrum of stakeholders. It provokes a lot of profound thought about where the industry could go if “the collective act” can align on an energy strategy and approach for the future that is adaptable for the ever-changing market conditions, environment, and regional/geo-political landscape we are in. Bravo Mani!

Electric System Operations is one of the key areas in a utility that has moved the most especially with the advent of newer technologies in the grid. Key additions such as distribution automation, distributed renewables, storage, grid-edge technologies such as smart inverters and now IoT are just some of them and they have created a completely new set of challenges for the system operator. Dr. Vadari’s first edition of this book was the first in the industry to address the practical side of system operations. In the second edition, Dr. Vadari has taken it one step forward by not just updating the materials but also adding case studies of actual implementations around the world. These changes make the book an even more compelling read.

Electric System Operations: Evolving to the Modern Grid second edition is an essential "go-to" resource for business professionals, students, and anyone seeking foundational knowledge into the key workings of electric utility system operations. Dr. Vadari brings his deep experience, next-gen energy system thought leadership, and practical perspective to this well written and easy to understand reference. Vadari’s holistic perspective on today and tomorrow’s utility system operations highlights the interdependencies, implications, and opportunities for an energy industry that is simultaneously committed to safety, reliability, and great service while also transforming through clean energy technology, new capabilities, service offerings and business models.

Dr. Mani Vadari is one of the foremost experts in systems operations. In this book, Dr. Vadari manages to take a complex and technical topic and break it down in a clear, plain English guide for anyone wanting to enhance their knowledge of the space. The topic of systems operations has become central to utilities’ grid modernization journeys as companies seek to integrate distributed renewable energy sources and more effectively address the effects of devastating weather events. Most utilities have embarked on a journey to implement new distribution management systems, outage management systems, grid automation solutions, and this book provides a foundational body of knowledge to any executive wanting to better understand how systems operations are evolving in the context of a modern, more complex grid.

Another must-read from Dr. Vadari, who is an authority in the grid modernization space. A thought-provoking, insightful, and forward-looking perspective into the future of the utility industry. The case studies presented in this edition is a key improvement from the prior version. This book is a good resource for utility practitioners, academics, and others interested in learning more about the utility industry transformation we are currently undergoing.

In these exciting times of Smarter Grids and Grid Modernization, it is rare to see a single book that can articulate how that excitement translates into actual utility operations. I consider this newest addition of Dr. Vadari’s book an essential read for those facing the onslaught of grid modernization initiatives. It thoughtfully takes a step back, building the broader picture of how utility operations evolved over time, then fills in the details using people, process, systems and business operations dimensions so that the picture is more highly defined, and finally introduces the implications of newer subjects like DERMS and Microgrids. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with Dr Vadari over the decades and how he always uses real world examples to bring his thoughts and books to life.