UK Transmission

Generation Compliance Process

Ian Nuttall
Helge Urdal
Generation Dynamic
Performance
Operations and Trading
Background on Generator Controls
Compliance process overview
Project Timeline
Post-Event Analysis examples
Compliance process to accommodate Power Parks
Main Topics
Conventional Power Stations
Synchronous Machines - Voltage Control
Field Voltage, EFD
Excitation
System
b
c
a
b
c
Automatic
Voltage
Regulator
a
The Purpose of the AVR is to Control the Machine
Terminal Voltage - This is achieved by adjusting the
setting of the Excitation System which ultimately adjusts
the field voltage seen by the machine
In the UK it is common practice to use the AVR to fix the
terminal voltage of the machine and adjust the HV Grid
Voltage by tapping the Generator Transformer
Generator
Transformer
with Tap
Synchronous
Machine
To Grid
(400 kV)
Signals to Measure
Terminal Voltage, Vt
Conventional Power Stations
Synchronous Machines - Frequency Control
Grid
(400 kV)
Power
Signal
Frequency
Signal
Governor
Control
System
Controlled
Torque
Power
Turbine
Frequency Control is achieved by the
governor control system. The
Governor will sense variations in
system frequency and adjust the
power output accordingly.
The Governor will initiate changes to
the turbine not the Machine.
Power Output from Machine
Single Line Representation
Fuel & Air
or Steam
Synchronous
Machine
Overview of Compliance Process
Technical appraisal of critical control systems and Analytical /
Modelling work
Compliance Testing
Life-time compliance / Event Investigation / System monitoring
Main Aims:
Purpose of Compliance
Ensure compliance with Regulatory and Commercial documents
(CUSC, Grid Code, BCA, MSA)
Avoid connection of plant with inherent design or commissioning defects
Excitation failures can lead to:
- Pole slipping or Generator instability
Governor control defects can lead to
- Generators responding erratically with frequency
- Risk of generator trips at times of system stress
Typical Project Timeline
3 Months
18 to 24 Months
6 to 12 Months
Application
&
Offer
Tender
&
Construction
Commissioning
&
Approval
Preliminary Studies
Functional Spec.
Offer
Data Analysis, Model
Simulation, Operational
Notification Process
On-site Testing
Model Verification
Model to Database
Duration Project Milestones NGC Activities
Lifetime Ongoing

Compliance
System Incident
Analysis
Stage
1
2
3
4
Timeline Stage 1
Application and Offer
Development of New Technology
Liase with manufacturers on their plant compliance issues
Understand changes in technology
Ensure compliance process evolves to meet changes within the
industry
Discuss with developers the compliance issues related to any unusual
proposals
Application and Offer
Timeline Stage 2
Tender and Construction
Technical Appraisal of Generating Plant
Operational Notification Process
Discuss compliance issues with project developers
Ensure any problems are identified and addressed early
Tender and Construction
Appraisal of Excitation Control Systems
Excitation Control System Specification to meet the Grid Code and
Bilateral Agreement
Ceiling voltage
Exciter type (static or brushless)
With or without Power System Stabiliser (PSS)
Manufacturers PSS tuning study results
Appraisal of Governor Control Systems
Governor System / Module Load Controller details
Droop settings
Target frequency setting facility
Module frequency operating range 47 to 52Hz
Governor deadband
Load rejection / island mode operation
Compliance with CC6.3.3 / BC3.7.2
Timeline Stage 3
Commissioning and Approval
Compliance Testing
Commissioning and Approval
Compliance Testing
Why do we need to test?
To confirm that what is expected from the design is put in place
.... and the right place!
Are the systems working correctly ?
Verify the stability and performance of the control systems
Check the model supplied accurately represents the plant as connected
Typical Excitation System Tests
Open circuit and full load step responses
Step test with and without power system stabiliser if applicable
On load power spectrum analysis for PSS applications
Under and Over-excitation limiter functionality
Typical Governor System Tests
On load frequency injections at a number of loading points to
determine;
Control System robustness
Governor deadband and droop
CC6.3.3 functionality
Plant frequency response capability data to populate a MSA frequency
response matrix
Load rejection tests to determine the capability to regulate frequency in
a power island
Timeline Stage 4
Ongoing Compliance
When do we get involved ?
Event based analysis of performance
Requests to changes in machines response capability
Changes to key performance affecting components
Ongoing Compliance
Event Analysis
Investigate events of non-compliance or unusual plant behaviour
Check responsive plant against contract for frequency events outside
operational limits
For significant frequency deviations conduct a review against CC6.3.3 /
BC3.7.2 requirements
Good Response Performance
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
105%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TIME (mins)
G
E
N
S
E
T

O
U
T
P
U
T

(
%

o
f

R
e
g

C
a
p
)
49.8
49.9
50
50.1
50.2
50.3
F
R
E
Q
U
E
N
C
Y

(
H
z
)
CAPPED COMMITTED LEVEL (MW) MEL FREQUENCY
Event Analysis example (Response)
Good Response Performance
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
105%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TIME (mins)
G
E
N
S
E
T

O
U
T
P
U
T

(
%

o
f

R
e
g

C
a
p
)
49.8
49.9
50
50.1
50.2
50.3
F
R
E
Q
U
E
N
C
Y

(
H
z
)
CAPPED COMMITTED LEVEL (MW) EXPECTED RESPONSE (MW) MEL FREQUENCY
Good Response Performance
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
105%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TIME (mins)
G
E
N
S
E
T

O
U
T
P
U
T

(
%

o
f

R
e
g

C
a
p
)
49.8
49.9
50
50.1
50.2
50.3
F
R
E
Q
U
E
N
C
Y

(
H
z
)
GENSET OUTPUT CAPPED COMMITTED LEVEL (MW) EXPECTED RESPONSE (MW) MEL FREQUENCY
Event Analysis example (Response)
Poor Response Perfomance
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
105%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TIME (mins)
G
E
N
S
E
T

O
U
T
P
U
T

(
%

o
f

R
e
g

C
a
p
)
49.8
49.9
50
50.1
50.2
50.3
F
R
E
Q
U
E
N
C
Y

(
H
z
)
GENSET OUTPUT CAPPED COMMITTED LEVEL (MW) EXPECTED RESPONSE (MW) MEL FREQUENCY
Event Analysis example (Oscillations)
Example of unexpected oscillations
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TIME (mins)
G
E
N
S
E
T


P
O
W
E
R

(
%

R
e
g

C
a
p
)
49.8
49.9
50
50.1
50.2
50.3
50.4
F
R
E
Q
U
E
N
C
Y

(
H
z
)
GENSET OUTPUT CAPPED COMMITTED LEVEL (MW) SEL FREQUENCY
Summary
Our compliance process and the team aims are to:
work with Generators to achieve an understood compliance position
adopt a pragmatic approach to confirming compliance
witness compliance tests to confirm the expected performance
investigate events which could indicate failure of plant to maintain
compliance
Maintaining compliance throughout the plant
lifetime is vital to transmission system integrity
A new Era
World of Wind - What difference does it make?
Compliance of Power Park Modules
Key Issues
Compliance task - different requirements & project characteristics
Process reviewed
Guidance Notes for Power Park Developers
Help available to get started - site specific documentation
Your feedback on process awaited
Compliance task
Different requirements - New issue of Grid Code
Different project characteristics
Thermal Power station - few large synchronous plant
Power Parks - many asynchronous generators
Different types of asynchronous generators
Extensive use of power electronics
New Grid Code - 1 June 2005
web address < www.nationalgridinfo.co.uk/grid_code/index.html >
Requirements based on Point of Connection - variations size & location
New topic - Fault Ride Through
Projects characteristics
Size range extended from 5 MW to 1000MW+
Volume of projects - 10 fold increase.
Compliance Process review
Fresh look at process starting with objectives. For:
System Operator / Transmission Owner
Generator / Developer
Contractor / manufacturer
Compliance moved from Generator Terminals to Point of Connection
Generic Review of Type information
Strong emphasis on self certification
Minimise expensive site activity
Less predictable source of power
Consideration of part move to remote access to live data during testing
Guidance Notes for Power Park Developers
Guidance notes on how to demonstrate compliance - now issued
web address < www.nationalgridinfo.co.uk/grid_code/mn_associated.html >
Intended to provide Project Managers with clarity
Practical methodology to save resources for 3 interest groups
by maximising reuse of compliance material
providing a clear path to Operational Notification
Uniform compliance review by standardised summary & compliance sheets
Help available to get you started
project specific compliance sheets - removes N/A requirements
Compliance
.... and at sea
On land .
Any questions about Compliance
for Generators - Contact us
We will both be around through lunch
In NGT House in Warwick
By telephone to the team phone on (01926) 654601