For post-contingency thermal limits under normal conditions, what is the specified duration?

The concept of post-contingency thermal limits is integral to ensuring the reliability and stability of the electric grid, particularly in operational contexts like those managed by PJM. Under normal conditions, following a contingency event (such as a sudden loss of generation or transmission line), there is an established protocol regarding how long certain thermal limits can be exceeded.

In this context, the specified duration for thermal limits to be exceeded due to post-contingency conditions is recognized as having no applicable limit under normal operational circumstances. This is because while a system may exceed its thermal limit temporarily due to a contingency, operational protocols prioritize returning to safe thermal limits promptly and efficiently. Therefore, the correct interpretation in this scenario is that there is no assigned duration reflecting a definitive time limit for exceeding thermal limits after a contingency under normal conditions.

This understanding reflects the importance of maintaining system integrity and ensuring that operators respond swiftly without a pre-defined long duration that might encourage complacency in returning to normal thermal conditions.