What is the maximum duration for post-contingency thermal limits during an emergency?

The maximum duration for post-contingency thermal limits during an emergency is typically established at 30 minutes. This timeframe is critical in the context of power system reliability and management. After a contingency, such as the loss of a major generator or a transmission line, the system may experience increased thermal loading on certain components. Allowing up to 30 minutes enables operators to stabilize the system by redistributing loads, bringing additional generation online, or activating demand response resources to manage the situation effectively.

The 30-minute duration is aligned with operational practices that ensure reliability while also allowing for necessary corrective actions to prevent equipment overheating or failure, thereby maintaining system integrity. This duration reflects a balance between operational flexibility and the need to protect infrastructure from damage due to excessive thermal stress.