Thursday
Concurrent Sessions
8:15 a.m.–noon
Tutorial I – Ballroom A
Moderator: Emily Riggs
Co-Moderator: Aaron Demuth
Substation Planning Considerations
Joe Gravelle, Xcel Energy
From a power system perspective, a substation is the common interface for transmission, generation, and distribution systems. This tutorial will focus on substation planning considerations for developing project scope for budget estimates. The goal is to provide adequate scope to obtain the anticipated estimate accuracy expected by management, as well as the documentation needed to present the scope of the project. Xcel Energy recently created an integrated system planning group that has developed processes to handle projects from project initiation through the budget approval phase. The presenters are substation engineers who are responsible for providing guidance for the development of project scopes and budget estimates. We plan to review some processes that we have developed to provide consistency and improved accuracy for substation scope development and estimate accuracy. This presentation will review some substation project examples for generation interconnects, transmission, and distribution substation applications. Through the discussions we hope to present our new process for developing project scopes and to address some key points.
10:00–10:15 a.m. – Break
8:15 a.m.–noon
Tutorial II – Ballroom EF
Moderator: Dan Lysaker
Co-Moderator: Troy Knutson
Microgrid 101
Mahmoud Kabalan, Mohamed Moustafa, Shree Pandey, Jamal Shohan, Rakesh Patekar, Madhukar Airineni, Center for Microgrid Research, University of St. Thomas
As the grid advances toward greater resilience and renewable integration, microgrids are emerging as key players in building a flexible and reliable energy future. This tutorial immerses participants in real-scale, industry-grade microgrid operations through the Center of Microgrid Research (CMR) microgrid, demonstrating both grid-connected and islanded modes. Attendees will explore essential microgrid functions—including mode transitions, droop control, and blackstart—while learning how diesel generators and grid-forming inverters work together to maintain system stability. The tutorial also introduces the fundamentals of microgrid design and control, preparing participants to engage with the technologies shaping the next generation of smart, resilient, and sustainable energy systems.
10:00–10:15 a.m. – Break
8:15 a.m.–noon
Tutorial III – Meeting Rooms 1–3
Moderator: Mike Marz
Co-Moderator: Josh LaBlanc
HVDC Application and Design
Eugen Starschich, Siemens
The construction of new HVDC facilities has gained traction in the last decade both nationally and internationally, and the upper Midwest has historically had a large HVDC presence. This tutorial will guide participants through the foundational concepts and real-world applications of HVDC design, with a special focus on the integration of HVDC systems into AC grids. Attendees will explore various transmission topologies—including Symmetrical Monopole, Bipole with Dedicated Metallic Return (DMR), and Rigid Bipole—through detailed analysis and practical project examples. The session will also dive into critical design considerations for VSC-HVDC converters, covering semiconductor selection, key components, and control and protection strategies. As grid integration continues to grow in importance, the tutorial will address the dynamic performance and both operational and harmonic stability of VSC-HVDC systems, equipping participants with an understanding of the challenges in modern HVDC deployment.
10:00–10:15 a.m. – Break
8:15 a.m.–noon
Tutorial IV – Meeting Rooms 4–6
Moderator: Larry Brusseau
Co-Moderator: Chris Punt, Mike Crane
Transmission Design 201
Duane Phillips, Trebor LLC
This tutorial will walk through the detailed electrical study work required, and what design considerations there are, for detailed transmission line design. Key study areas to be discussed include: establishing design criteria, interconnection studies, TRV/TOV, economic conductor, insulation coordination, parallel circuit, induction, and grounding studies. Presentation will include the impact & importance on transmission line design.