EXAM: Generator Operator Final Exam Questions Flashcards
1
Q
- What program would a generation owner system operator use to submit generator outages for PJM approval?
a. eDART
b. eMKT
c. e-mail system
d. eOutage
A
a. eDART
2
Q
- What tool is used by PJM operators for providing verbal alerts to PJM Transmission and Generation dispatchers?
a. Burst fax machine
b. PJM.NET
c. All-Call
d. eMKT
A
c. All-Call
3
Q
- When emergency procedures are implemented, the information is disseminated to Members via the All-Call system and which of the following?
a. eMarket
b. individual phone calls to all
c. selected PJM web pages
d. PJM morning report
A
c. selected PJM web pages
4
Q
- Which of the following, is the first reliability related action that a Generation Owner dispatcher should take when one of its generation facilities develops a problem that will require the generator to reduce its MW output?
a. Inform PJM dispatch and update eDART
b. Reduce MW sales and update unit information in eMKT
c. Self-Schedule the unit to reduce deviation
d. Submit a unit reduction maintenance outage request
A
a. Inform PJM dispatch and update eDART
5
Q
- A PJM Member has been granted a maintenance outage for one of their generators and has scheduled the generator to be removed from service at 2300 this evening. At 1900, the generator’s tube leak worsened, and the generator tripped off-line. The generator outage will be listed as:
a. A maintenance outage
b. A planned outage
c. An unplanned outage
d. A maintenance early extension
A
c. An unplanned outage
6
Q
- A generating unit trips off-line while operating as a mitigating action for a PJM constraint. The Generation Owner dispatcher should notify PJM and their Local Control Center when?
a. Before the end of the shift
b. Immediately
c. After procuring replacement MW’s
d. Within 10 minutes of the event
A
b. Immediately
7
Q
- Daily capacity numbers that are reported to PJM dispatcher throughout the operating day should be based on what generator limit?
a. Emergency minimum
b. Economic minimum
c. Economic maximum
d. Emergency maximum
A
c. Economic maximum
8
Q
- How many Synchronous reserve MWs should you report to PJM for a generator that has an economic minimum of 50 MW, economic maximum of 150 MW, current output of 100 MW, and can ramp at 8 MW per minute?
a. 8 MWs
b. 50 MWs
c. 80 MWs
d. 100 MWs
A
b. 50 MWs
9
Q
- Which of the following balancing area control modes is used by PJM under normal operations?
a. Flat frequency
b. Frequency bias
c. Flat tie-line
d. Tie-line bias
A
d. Tie-line bias
10
Q
- Which of the following influences does PJM consider when performing their system load forecast?
i. Weather conditions
ii. Self-scheduled generation
iii. Day of the week
iv. Day-ahead demand bids
a. 1 and 2
b. 1 and 3
c. 2 and 4
d. 3 and 4
A
b. 1 and 3
11
Q
- All of the following are limits that must be submitted to PJM for generating units EXCEPT:
a. Economic minimum
b. Economic maximum
c. Emergency maximum
d. Dynamic instability
A
d. Dynamic instability
12
Q
- If PJM experienced an event that caused the loss of a 1,000 MW generator, which of the following would most likely provide the quickest impact to improve the undergenerating Area Control Error (ACE)?
a. Remedial action reserve
b. Synchronous reserves
c. Non-synchronous reserves
d. Operating reserve
A
b. Synchronous reserves
13
Q
- Your system experienced an event that caused the frequency to drop below 60.00 Hz, what would be the most likely event that occurred?
a. A large load center was lost
b. A small hydro unit was brought on-line for testing
c. A substation RTU was lost
d. A generator on your system tripped off-line
A
d. A generator on your system tripped off-line
14
Q
- Based on a generator capability curve, in order to maximize the MVAR output of the generator, it may be necessary to:
a. decrease the MW output to economic minimum.
b. Increase actual frequency
c. Decrease the MW output of the unit
d. Increase the MW output of the unit
A
c. Decrease the MW output of the unit
15
Q
- Which of the following would NOT be a cause for a sudden deviation in the control area ACE?
a. Incorrect interchange number
b. Loss of a tie-line
c. Loss of internal load
d. Loss of adjacent control area generation
A
d. Loss of adjacent control area generation
16
Q
- The primary purpose for the balancing area to have Regulation is to correct for?
a. Large load increases
b. Loss of a generator
c. Steam lag
d. Small deviations in load
A
d. Small deviations in load
17
Q
- It is necessary for Generation Owner dispatchers to notify PJM of unplanned unit outages?
a. At least 12 hours prior to the event
b. As soon as practicable
c. Only when PJM requests the information
d. Within 24 hours after the event occurs
A
b. As soon as practicable
18
Q
- PJM should be made aware of any fuel shortage that a generator may experience. This information assists in analyzing the resources and reliably operating the system. A heightened awareness is expected during?
a. Periods of low hydro reservoirs
b. Periods when fuel costs are high
c. Extreme hot or cold conditions
d. Light load periods
A
c. Extreme hot or cold conditions
19
Q
- Generators are required to obtain PJM approval prior to removing a generating unit from service. The only exception is for?
a. Generators less than 500 MWs
b. Unit cost is less than LMP
c. Injury to personnel will be prevented
d. Planned outages
A
c. Injury to personnel will be prevented
20
Q
- Prior to removing a self-scheduled generator from service, the PJM member must first?
a. determine the impacts that the unit removal will have on LMP
b. provide PJM with a cost analysis of removing it
c. give PJM the option to take over the unit for the market
d. offer the unit to all members who are purchasing from external sources
A
c. give PJM the option to take over the unit for the market
21
Q
- When PJM experiences problems with their primary digital control signal, it sometimes becomes necessary for companies with the capability, to switch to the back-up signal. This back-up signal is known as:
a. Secondary SCADA
b. UDS auto control
c. Analog control
d. Digital 2x
A
c. Analog control
22
Q
- When PJM sends cost signals to generators in order to provide direction for increasing or decreasing the facility output, this signal that is sent is known as:
a. Operating rate
b. Regulation rate
c. Ramp rate
d. Dispatch rate
A
d. Dispatch rate
23
Q
- Under normal operating conditions, what is the limit that will provide the lowest output level of a generating unit?
a. Min gen limit
b. Regulation low limit
c. Emergency minimum limit
d. Economic minimum limit
A
d. Economic minimum limit
24
Q
- When PJM sends out a cost signal to generators to adjust their output, the generating personnel adjust the output of the unit based on the unit’s?
a. Frequency bias contribution
b. Price or cost curve incremental
c. Regulating capabilities
d. Most recent heat-rate test
A
b. Price or cost curve incremental
25
Q
- Which eSuite tool is used to maintain individual generator regulation data that is submitted by PJM members?
a. eGADS
b. eMKT
c. eData
d. eCapacity
A
b. eMKT
26
Q
- PJM’s ACE (Area Control Error) configuration is such, that when the ACE is positive (+) it indicates?
a. Too much generation
b. Not enough generation
c. Lack of regulation
d. Lack of reserves
A
a. Too much generation
27
Q
- If a generator is self-scheduled, what is the minimum notification time required in order for the MW output to be adjusted?
a. Notifications are not required
b. 20 minutes prior to the change
c. Within 10 minutes of the change
d. 30 minutes prior to the change
A
b. 20 minutes prior to the change
28
Q
- When corrections are made for time error and the system scheduled frequency must be changed to implement the correction, how much is the frequency schedule adjusted by?
a. +/- 0.02 Hz
b. +/- 0.20 Hz
c. +/- 0.22 Hz
d. +/- 1.1 Hz
A
a. +/- 0.02 Hz
29
Q
- When PJM runs their regulation tests, how long do the tests normally run?
a. 10 minutes
b. 20 minutes
c. 30 minutes
d. 40 minutes
A
d. 40 minutes
30
Q
- Your system has a 300 MW steam unit, but due to oil deliveries, the on-site fuel supply is diminishing. What is the hourly threshold for reporting to PJM that the unit cannot operate at its maximum capacity due to the fuel limitation?
a. 24 hours
b. 36 hours
c. 48 hours
d. 72 hours
A
d. 72 hours
31
Q
- What is the regulation requirement for the PJM balancing area during on-peak hours?
a. 425 MWs
b. 525 MWs
c. 700 MWs
d. 725 MWs
A
c. 700 MWs
32
Q
- What is the time requirement that a generator that wishes to self-schedule itself must provide to PJM?
a. 10 minutes
b. 20 minutes
c. 30 minutes
d. 60 minutes
A
b. 20 minutes
33
Q
- The PJM Peak Period Maintenance season occurs:
a. During the times of any peak load
b. Between the 24th & 36th wednesdays of the year
c. During the entire months of June, July, and August
d. Whenever PJM declares and energy deficiency
A
b. Between the 24th & 36th wednesdays of the year
34
Q
- Maintenance outage extensions may be granted provided that the request for an extension is made:
a. Prior to the start of the outage
b. Prior to the end of the outage
c. After the outages had ended
d. Within 48 hours of the start and 12 hours of the end
A
b. Prior to the end of the outage
35
Q
- What is the maximum time limit for maintenance outages that occur during the PJM Peak Period Maintenance season?
a. There is no maximum limit
b. 3 days
c. 5 days
d. 9 days
A
d. 9 days
36
Q
- Which of the following is NOT a control mode that PJM considers?
a. Flat frequency
b. Tie-line bias
c. Flat tie-line
d. Frequency bias
A
d. Frequency bias
37
Q
- What are the two NERC control Standards that PJM must score at least 100% in order to be compliant?
a. DCS and CPS1
b. CPS1 and CPS2
c. CPS2 and CBM
d. DCS and CBM
A
a. DCS and CPS1
38
Q
- When PJM activates shared reserves with NPCC, what is the normal ramp of the MWs when the event is activated?
a. 0 minutes
b. 5 minutes
c. 10 minutes
d. 15 minutes
A
a. 0 minutes
39
Q
- What is the regulation excess threshold that PJM uses in order to de-assign regulation economically?
a. Less than 15 MWs
b. 15 MWs or more
c. 1% of regulation requirement
d. 10 MWs or more
A
b. 15 MWs or more
40
Q
- When PJM participates in the VACAR Reserve Sharing, if requested by a group member, the reserves may be required to be provided for a period up to?
a. 10 minutes
b. 30 minutes
c. 1 hour
d. 12 hours
A
d. 12 hours
41
Q
- How often are LMPs calculated for in the real-time market?
a. Every 5 minutes
b. Every 30 minutes
c. Every hour
d. Every 2 hours
A
a. Every 5 minutes
42
Q
- Traditionally, what is the relationship between ambient temperature and the maximum output of a combustion turbine?
a. Higher output during periods of lower temperatures
b. Lower output during periods of lower temperatures
c. Higher output during periods of higher temperature
d. Ambient temperature has no significance on the output of the CT
A
a. Higher output during periods of lower temperatures
43
Q
- Your generator is scheduled for a planned outage to begin at 2300. When is it appropriate for the generation dispatcher to notify PJM and the LCC?
a. 2300
b. 2240
c. 1030
d. 1415
A
b. 2240
44
Q
- After the day-ahead market clears, which of the following is NOT an acceptable actions on the part of Generation Owners?
a. Change the bid on a unit that cleared the day-ahead market
b. Change the bid on a unit that did not clear the day-ahead market
c. Provide PJM with the generation capacities for the operating day
d. Bid the generator into the Regulation Market
A
a. Change the bid on a unit that cleared the day-ahead market
45
Q
- All planned outages must be submitted to PJM at least how many days prior to the start of the outage?
a. 2 days
b. 15 days
c. 30 days
d. 90 days
A
c. 30 days
46
Q
- If a 200 MW generator wants to operate during the operating day to satisfy a 100 MW transaction outside of the PJM RTO. What would be the best method of bidding the generator to ensure its operation?
a. Self-schedule the generator with 100 MW minimum and offer the remaining 100 MW to the market
b. Place the entire unit capacity in Max Emergency
c. Bid the unit into the market with its normal 20 MW minimum
d. Self-schedule the generator for 100 MW and take an outage on the remaining 100 MW
A
a. Self-schedule the generator with 100 MW minimum and offer the remaining 100 MW to the market
47
Q
- Which of the following is true about the cost capping of a generator?
a. Cost capping only occurs for steam generators
b. A unit is only cost capped for Reactive Transfer limits
c. A unit is only cost-capped for transmission related constraints
d. A unit is only cost-capped when prices are above $500
A
c. A unit is only cost-capped for transmission related constraints
48
Q
- According to the PJM Market Timeline, if a generator is not accepted in the day-ahead market, it can submit a new bid during what period?
a. 8:00AM to 12:00PM
b. 12:00PM to 4:00PM
c. 4:00PM to 6:00PM
d. 6:00PM to 10:00PM
A
c. 4:00PM to 6:00PM
49
Q
- If a company has a regulation obligation, which of the following is NOT an option for satisfying their obligation?
a. Purchase the regulation from the PJM Regulation Market
b. Self-Schedule a generator to provide regulation
c. Purchase the regulation from a generator outside of PJM balancing area
d. Enter into a regulation bilateral with another company within PJM
A
c. Purchase the regulation from a generator outside of PJM balancing area
50
Q
- If PJM has an estimated load forecast for the on-peak period of 85,000 MW and your company’s regulation obligation is 10%. What would be your company’s regulation obligation?
a. 70 MWs
b. 85 MWs
c. 105 MWs
d. 155 MWs
A
a. 70 MWs
51
Q
- If you own generators that you wish to bid in to the PJM Day-Ahead market, what PJM tool would you use to submit the bids?
a. eGADS
b. eMKT
c. eData
d. eCapacity
A
b. eMKT
52
Q
- Which of the following is an acceptable item for a Generation Owner to submit as part of their bid into the day-ahead market?
a. Cost of their planned outage
b. Start-up and no load cost
c. Transportation cost for fuel delivery
d. Cost for maintaining unit controls to run on AGC
A
b. Start-up and no load cost
53
Q
- What is the deadline for submitting generator bids into the Day-Ahead market?
a. 12:00
b. 16:00
c. 18:00
d. 20:00
A
a. 12:00
54
Q
- Which of the following items is NOT considered when clearing the Day-Ahead market?
a. Generation offers
b. PJM load forecast
c. Increment offers
d. Bilateral transaction schedules
A
b. PJM load forecast
55
Q
- PJM performs a Reliability Assessment Commitment starting with the results of the Day-Ahead market. What philosophy does PJM use when performing this RAC?
a. Minimize total production cost
b. Minimize start-up and no-load
c. Minimize the regulation market clearing price
d. Minimize market buyer exposure to price
A
b. Minimize start-up and no-load
56
Q
- During system restoration, where is the most effective operating point for those generators that are supplying regulation to the system?
a. At the bottom of their regulating operating range
b. At the middle of their regulating operating range
c. At their maximum economic dispatch point
d. At their minimum economic dispatch point
A
b. At the middle of their regulating operating range
57
Q
- If you have three 150 MW generators with each having an economic minimum of 50 MW and an emergency minimum of 20 MW, what would be the total Emergency Reducible amount that you would report to PJM?
a. 30
b. 50
c. 90
d. 450
A
c. 90
58
Q
- What would be the normal first step to be taken by the PJM Generation Dispatcher after a 1,000 MW unit tripping that caused the ACE to indicate and the balancing area to be in a situation of severe under-generation?
a. Order all generator to maximum MVAR output
b. Order all generators to load Synchronized reserve
c. Order all generator testing to be halted
d. Order all steam generators within 8 hours of synchronizing to start
A
b. Order all generators to load Synchronized reserve
59
Q
- During severe Geo-magnetic activity, PJM observes an indication of > 10 amperes at one of the transformers monitored for GIC flow that is confirmed by at a second monitored facility. The PJM operator should immediately implement?
a. Conservative operations
b. Synchronized reserve
c. Cold weather alert
d. Market suspension
A
a. Conservative operations
60
Q
- What emergency procedure would cause all Generation Owner Operators to submit emergency reducible information to PJM control center?
a. Minimum generation alert
b. Minimum generation event
c. Maximum emergency warning
d. Voluntary customer load curtailment
A
a. Minimum generation alert
61
Q
- PJM issues a Cold Weather Alert when the forecasted temperature is expected to be less than or equal to:
a. 0F
b. 5F
c. 10F
d. 32F
A
c. 10F
62
Q
- Which of the following facilities would be given a priority in restoring auxiliary power following a PJM system blackout?
a. A generator that was on-line and tripped but has a ruptured turbine disc
b. A drum-type oil fired unit that tripped during the event and has no damage
c. A combustion turbine that is remote and has a 30% dependability rating
d. A cold coal fired generator that was off-line, but can be on in <12 hours
A
b. A drum-type oil fired unit that tripped during the event and has no damage
63
Q
- What two components make-up Contingency Reserve?
a. Synchronized and Non-Synchronized
b. Quick-start and secondary
c. Synchronized and secondary
d. Quick-start and regulation
A
a. Synchronized and Non-Synchronized
64
Q
- Why is it important for PJM to know when a generator has limited fuel for operation?
a. To plan for the most optimal time to utilize the resource
b. To order additional fuel supplies
c. To know which units will be excluded from the market
d. To report to the DOE
A
a. To plan for the most optimal time to utilize the resource
65
Q
- Which of the following would be an acceptable action for PJM to request of a generator during periods of heavy flows and low voltages?
a. Lower real-power output to increase reactive power
b. Decrease reactive power output
c. Increase the generator reactive power absorption
d. Trip the generator in the load area
A
a. Lower real-power output to increase reactive power
66
Q
- Following a system shut-down, which of the following would have the highest priority in the restoration effort?
a. Load restoration of residential customers
b. Auxiliary power to a nuclear facility
c. Company critical loads
d. Auxiliary power to transmission substation
A
b. Auxiliary power to a nuclear facility
67
Q
- When PJM issues a Voltage Reduction Alert, which of the following is NOT an appropriate action for a Member dispatcher to take?
a. Take steps to expedite the reduction, if needed
b. Advise all station and key personnel
c. Notify management
d. Proceed on the basis that a voltage reduction will not be required
A
d. Proceed on the basis that a voltage reduction will not be required
68
Q
- What is PJM’s regulation requirement during a system restoration?
a. 1.0% of the forecasted peak
b. 1.1% of the forecasted peak
c. 2.0% of the forecasted peak
d. 2.0% of the current load
A
d. 2.0% of the current load
69
Q
- What is the major difference for PJM’s qualified synchronized reserve under normal and restoration conditions as long as it can be attained within ten minutes?
a. During restoration operation, manual load dumping can be counted
b. During normal operation, UF load can be counted
c. During normal operation, manually dumped load can be counted
d. During restoration operation, non-synchronous reserve can be counted
A
a. During restoration operation, manual load dumping can be counted
70
Q
- During minimum generation conditions, in addition to having excess generation on line, what is another problem that is usually incurred?
a. Low voltages
b. High voltages
c. High transfer flows
d. Low system capacitance
A
b. High voltages
71
Q
- During restoration conditions, what amount of load must be shed in order to attain an increase in frequency .1 Hz?
a. 1%
b. 6%
c. 10%
d. 15%
A
a. 1%
72
Q
- During restoration conditions, sufficient load and generation must be available due to reactive charging currents. What is the approximate MVAR per mile of transmission that should be anticipated?
a. 1.70 MVAR per mile
b. 2.50 MVAR per mile
c. 3.00 MVAR per mile
d. 3.50 MVAR per mile
A
a. 1.70 MVAR per mile
73
Q
- Following a system shutdown, system frequency during the restoration process should be maintained at which of the following levels?
a. Below 60 Hz
b. Between 58.00 and 59.50 Hz
c. Between 59.75 and 61.00 Hz
d. Above 61.50 Hz as much as possible
A
c. Between 59.75 and 61.00 Hz
74
Q
- Leading up to PJM emergency conditions, if PJM has the appropriate warning and time to implement all of their emergency procedures, what would be the typical order for issuing them?
a. Alerts, Warnings, Actions
b. Warnings, Actions, Alerts
c. Actions, Alerts, Warnings
d. Alerts and Actions
A
a. Alerts, Warnings, Actions
75
Q
- What is the dynamic reserve for a Generation Owner who has a steam generator on-line capacity of 1,000 MW and a combustion turbine on-line capacity of 200 MW assuming that the rule of thumb is steam 5%, CT 25%, and hydro 15%?
a. 50 MWs
b. 100 MWs
c. 150 MWs
d. 200 MWs
A
b. 100 MWs
76
Q
- Which of the following generators would qualify for synchronous reserve under non-restoration conditions?
a. A quick-start combustion turbine that can be loaded in 8 minutes
b. A 300 MW steam unit that is at full output
c. A hydro unit that is off-line
d. A 150 MW steam unit that is loaded at 75 MW
A
d. A 150 MW steam unit that is loaded at 75 MW
77
Q
- Following a system disturbance that caused a partial blackout, what would be the order of actions to be taken by the system operator?
- Stabilize the generators that survived the event
- Identify the sequence for restoring generation
- Identify which generators with require auxiliary power
- Assess system and determine surviving units
a. 1,2,3,4
b. 2,4,3,1
c. 3,2,4,1
d. 4,1,3,2
A
d. 4,1,3,2
78
Q
- What is the criteria for PJM to issue a Minimum Generation Alert?
a. Implemented when expected generation level is within 1000 MW of emergency minimum limits
b. Implemented when expected generation level is within 2500 MW of normal minimum limits
c. Implemented when expected load level is 1500 MW less than normal minimum limits
d. Implemented when expected load level is 1500 MW less than emergency minimum limits
A
b. Implemented when expected generation level is within 2500 MW of normal minimum limits
79
Q
- A 300 MW generator is capable of providing 60 MVAR at full energy output and be within the limits of its generator capability curve. The generator is currently operating at its maximum MW and MVAR output, when due to voltage problems PJM requests an additional 50 MVAR support from the generator. What action will have to be taken in order to accommodate PJM’s request?
a. Increase the MVAR output at the current MW loading level
b. There is no action to take because the MVAR output cannot be increased
c. The energy output will have to be reduced in order to increase the MVAR output
d. The generator will have to reduce to its normal minimum in order to supply the 50 MVAR
A
c. The energy output will have to be reduced in order to increase the MVAR output
80
Q
- PJM’s minimum source requirements state that in order to restore any 500 kV and 765 kV transmission lines there should be a minimum amount of close generation connected at 230 kV or higher. What is the minimum amount?
a. 300 MWs
b. 450 MWs
c. 600 MWs
d. 750 MWs
A
c. 600 MWs
81
Q
- All of the following is data that is sent from the PJM control center to market operation centers EXCEPT:
a. Regulation capability
b. Dispatch cost
c. Area control error
d. Regulation signal
A
a. Regulation capability
82
Q
- According to PJM requirements, which of the following is NOT required by PJM in providing adequate and reliable telecommunications?
a. Exclusive channels
b. Dispatch radio systems
c. Satellite phones
d. Secure networks
A
b. Dispatch radio systems
83
Q
- What are the three types of reserves that Operating Reserves are comprised of?
a. Spinning, contingency, and quick-start
b. Contingency, Regulating, and Quick-Start
c. Synchronized, Non-Synchronized, and Supplemental
d. Secondary, Regulating, and Dynamic
A
c. Synchronized, Non-Synchronized, and Supplemental
84
Q
- All of the following elements must be reported to PJM when an IRC (Instantaneous Reserve Check) is requested EXCEPT:
a. Operating reserves
b. Synchronized reserves
c. Generator MVAR reserves
d. Non-synchronized reserves
A
c. Generator MVAR reserves
85
Q
- When PJM issues a Max Emergency Generation alert and places Max Emergency MWs into the capacity, what reporting mechanism is also initiated?
a. Updated PJM Status Report (UPSR)
b. Reactive Reserve Check (RRC)
c. Instantaneous Reserve Check (IRC)
d. Supplementary Status Report (SSR)
A
d. Supplementary Status Report (SSR)
86
Q
- The criteria for a generator to be qualified as Non-Synchronized reserves is that the unit can be synchronized and loaded in how many minutes?
a. 5 minutes
b. 10 minutes
c. 15 minutes
d. 30 minutes
A
b. 10 minutes
87
Q
- How does the PJM dispatcher inform the Members of the PJM regulation requirements?
a. Burst fax to all simultaneously
b. Call them individually
c. eDART
d. all-call
A
d. all-call
88
Q
- In order for your generator to qualify to supply regulation in the PJM Regulation market, it must be able to respond and attain its desired output within how many minutes?
a. 2 minutes
b. 5 minutes
c. 10 minutes
d. 15 minutes
A
b. 5 minutes
89
Q
- PJM maintains a regulation quality standard which states that a generator may be certified to provide regulation only after it achieves three consecutive regulation test scores of at least what percentage?
a. 50%
b. 75%
c. 90%
d. 98%
A
b. 75%
