Title: David Roberts
1Grid Connection of Embedded Generators
- David Roberts
- Dulas Ltd, UK
DULAS
2Grid Connection of Embedded Generators
- This presentation will
- Outline the issues concerned with the grid
connection of embedded generators - Outline the work undertaken in Sri Lanka in the
year 2000 on the grid connection of embedded
generators
DULAS
3What is Embedded Generation? Embedded generation
describes any generation system that is connected
to the distribution network. It derives from the
generation being embedded into the distribution
network. There is no formal definition of what is
a distribution system and what is therefore an
embedded generator. Commonly systems up to 33 kV
are described as distribution systems, where
either consumer loads or lines leading to
consumer loads are present.
DULAS
4Why is this a subject requiring
attention? Distribution networks are primarily
designed to distribute power from a central
transmission system down to consumer loads
connected to the distribution system, the power
flow is one way With embedded generation the
power flow is more complex and may be both
ways There are plans for the implementation of
increasing amounts of smaller grid connected
generation systems.
DULAS
5- What are the key factors to be considered?
- Grid stability and security
- Fault Level
- Interconnection Protection
- Islanded Operation
- Voltage levels
- Earthing
- Load flow
- Connection application process
- Testing and maintenance of protection
DULAS
6Grid stability and security
- Maintenance of grid stability and security are
prime requirements for the specification of
interconnection equipment and regulations. - The grid supply system may be subject to
- increasing load demand
- low availability of spinning reserve
- load shedding to maintain system security
- an increasing use of embedded generation
DULAS
7Grid Stability
- Connection and disconnection of embedded
generation may cause grid disturbances which may
affect grid stability and reliability. - This is particularly the case if there is the
loss of a large amount of embedded generation at
one time and embedded generation may be a
significant contribution towards overall
generation capacity. - There is usually no central control over embedded
generation operation
DULAS
8Grid Security
- There will be increasing amounts of embedded
generation in Indonesia - This is likely to lead to an increasing
proportion of the grid load being supplied by
embedded generation. - The security of supply of the embedded generation
will become more significant for the security of
the grid as a whole.
DULAS
9Fault levels
- The connection of embedded generation will
contribute to the fault levels in the system - This may require changes to the protection
equipment on the distribution system - This is usually only a factor when there are
large sizes or large numbers of embedded
generators in one area.
DULAS
10Interconnection Protection
- There is a requirement for some electrical
protection at the point of connection to ensure
that - Operation of the generator will not compromise
the safety of the grid system - Deviations in the grid system will not damage the
generator equipment - Safety on the distribution system and at the
generation station is maintained - Islanded operation of sections of the
distribution system is prevented
DULAS
11Islanded operation
- Islanded operation is where
- a section of the distribution network is
separated from the rest of the network (islanded)
and - the supply to the separated section is maintained
by embedded generation - This is potentially dangerous in that there is
little control on voltage or frequency and the
protection systems of the distribution network
may not operate due to the limited capacity of
the embedded generation
DULAS
12Voltage Levels
Embedded generation will cause changes to the
voltage levels in the distribution system
generally it will raise the voltage at points
along the distribution network. This voltage rise
must be limited to ensure that the supplies to
consumers remain within statutory and safe
working limits
DULAS
13Earthing
Embedded generators ususally genrate at low
voltage (400V 3 phase) and require suitable
earthing for their safe operation The connection
points will usually include switch gear and
transformers which require suitable high voltage
earthing These earthing systems must be separated
to ensure the safety of the plant in fault
conditions
DULAS
14Load Flow and Grid System operation
Embedded generators will change the load flow in
in the distribution system. In some cases power
will be fed from the distribution system into the
transmission system These changes in load flow
may cause transmission and distribution system
voltage control and protection devices to operate
incorrectly.
DULAS
15Connection process
- A standard process is required for an embedded
generator to - Apply for a connection
- Agree the connection requirements, specifications
and costs - Implement and test the connection protection
- Operate and maintain the connection protection
DULAS
16Testing and Maintenance
The connection protection and earthing needs to
be maintained and tested. The distribution
system will rely on the operation of the embedded
generation protection for safe and reliable
operation Maintenance and testing requirements
need to be defined and implemented
DULAS
17Typical connection arrangement
DULAS
18- The Sri Lanka Guide to Interconnection
- Of Embedded Generators 2000
- The work undertaken in Sri Lanka included
- Meetings and discussions with many departments of
the Ceylon Electricity Board, existing and
prospective embedded generation companies and
consultants working in the field of embedded
generation. - The man outputs were
- The production of a Guide
- Training courses for CEB and private generation
company personnel
DULAS
19The Sri Lanka Guide to Interconnection Of
Embedded Generators 2000 The work was
undertaken by a consortium of companies and
consultants from Sri Lanka and the UK. The lead
partners were Resource Management Associates in
Sri Lanka Dulas Ltd in UK The work was funded by
the World Bank through the Pre Electrification
Unit of the CEB
DULAS
20Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
SriLanka
Studies and Information Requirements
- The CEB will need to undertake studies to
ascertain the acceptability and requirements for
the connection of a new embedded generator. - These studies will require information from the
proposed generating company. - The generating company will also require some
information from the CEB to design suitable
protection arrangements and maybe to modify
proposed designs to suit particular grid
requirements.
DULAS
21Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Studies to be undertaken by the CEB at the time
of a connection application
- The following studies may be conducted by the
CEB - Stability
- Fault Level
- Grid protection
- Voltage levels
- Earthing
- Load flow
DULAS
22Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Stability
- The affect on local stability of new embedded
generation capacity should be analysed when the
capacity of the new plant exceeds 5MW, or when
the total capacity on a single distribution line
exceeds 5MW. - For small generators, typically less than 1MW,
the requirement for stability information from
the Generating Company may be waived. - The Generating Company shall provide a model of
the AVR of the proposed generators where the
capacity exceeds 5MW.
DULAS
23Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Fault Level
- The cumulative effect of of the embedded
generator(s) on the design fault level for the
distribution system shall be assessed by the CEB. - A study should be undertaken when the cumulative
fault level reaches 90 of the rating of the
associated switchgear, or the design fault level. - The CEB may require more detailed information
from the generator than that specified in Annex
3.
DULAS
24Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Protection
- The effect on the distribution system protection
ratings and settings shall be studied if any of
the following apply - the proposed generating site maximum short
circuit current is greater than 20 of the
distribution system short circuit current - the cumulative short circuit current from all
embedded generators on a distribution line will
exceed 30 of the distribution system short
circuit current - there will be a net export of power from the
distribution system to the 132 kV transmission
system.
DULAS
25Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Voltage Levels
- The nominal voltage at the Point of Supply (POS)
shall be stated by the CEB in the LOI. - The voltage rise at the POS must be within
operational limits. - A two stage approach shall be made to studies
- 1) Exclude load connections
- 2) Include load connections
- The stage 2 study is required when the stage 1
study indicates a potential problem.
DULAS
26Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Earthing
The Guide provides information on acceptable
earthing practices and earthing requirements for
a variety of situations. An Annex on earthing is
included to provide background information on
earthing. The Generating Company shall provide
information about the proposed earthing
arrangement to the CEB. It is the responsibility
of the Generating Company to provide adequate
earthing at a generating site. The
interconnection of generating site and CEB earth
systems should be considered for each site
situation with reference to the Guide.
DULAS
27Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Load Flow
To assess the load flow at the distribution
transformer the maximum cumulative generation
capacity and the minimum captive load on the
distribution line shall be calculated. This will
indicate if there are conditions under which
there will be an export of power from the
distribution line to the 132 kV transmission
system. If export is likely to occur the
protection at the sub station will need to be
studied.
DULAS
28Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information Requirements
- The initial information to be provided by the CEB
and the generating company are given in a pro
forma in Annex 3. - This information exchange is to follow the issue
of an LOI. - The Generating Company shall later provide the
following information, prior to acceptance
testing - the proposed interconnection protection
implementation - protection test procedures
- drawings showing the protection arrangements
DULAS
29Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation
Synchronisation means the minimisation of the
difference in magnitude, frequency and phase
angle between the corresponding phases of the
generator output and the grid supply prior to the
connection of the two supplies. Synchronisation
can be achieved either manually or automatically,
the latter is preferable. It is very unlikely
that new installations will include only manual
synchronisation. If manual synchronisation is
suggested its safe and reliable operation should
be seriously considered and implemented carefully.
DULAS
30Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation (2)
- Voltage Fluctuation
- During Synchronisation of a single generator, the
induced voltage fluctuation on the grid should
not normally exceed 3 at the Point of Common
Coupling, - The requirements of voltage step and flicker
given in Section 11 should also be met.
DULAS
31Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation of Synchronous Generators
- Generator output frequency must be the same as
the grid frequency. - The phase angle between the generator output and
the grid supply must be less than specified
limits - The rate of change in phase angle between the
grid and the generator must be within specified
limits - Then the generator may be connected to the grid
DULAS
DULAS
32Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation Methods for Synchronous Generators
- Control motive power to generator to achieve
synchronisation. - Usually indicated with Synchroscope lights or
indicator. Problems of controlling large rotating
masses and motive power - Control of the load on the generator to achieve
synchronisation. This is usually done with an
Electronic Load Control (ELC) system - Requires a dump load, it provides very smooth
an accurate synchronisation.
DULAS
DULAS
33Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Synchronisation of Generators
Synch Check relays
- A synch check relay must be used to check that
the synchronisation of the generator and the grid
is within the specified limits - The relay must operate on at least two, and
preferably all three phases to ensure phase
rotation is correct
DULAS
DULAS
34Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators-
Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation limits
- The limits specified in the Guide for allowing
synchronisation are - Phase angle /- 20 degrees
- Maximum voltage difference 7
- Maximum slip frequency 0.44
DULAS
DULAS
35Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
-Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation of Induction Generators
- Two main methods of synchronisation
- Use of electronic soft start unit to motor the
generator up to synchronous speed - Mechanically drive the generator up to
synchronous speed. - Once at, or slightly above, synchronous speed the
generator may be connected to the grid.
DULAS
36Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators
Synchronisation of Generators
Synchronisation of Induction Generators (2)
Inrush Current There will be a large inrush
current when the generator is connected. This
current is building up the field in the
generator. The inrush current may be reduced
by adding series resistance for a short time
after connection. A large inrush current will
cause problems to the local grid, which must
provide the current
DULAS
37Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Grid protection
- The addition of embedded generation may change
the requirements for grid protection. - There will be a fault level contribution from the
embedded generator, though this is usually small. - It is important that grid system protection will
operate when required. - If a grid sub station becomes a net exporter of
power to the 132kV system the operation of
voltage control and distance protection systems
will require study and modification.
DULAS
38Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators - Sri
Lanka
Hazards of Islanding
- The hazards created during islanded operation
are - Unearthed operation of the distribution system
- Lower fault levels
- Out of synchronisation reclosure
- Voltage levels outside statutory limits
- Reduction in quality of supply
- Risk to maintenance personnel
DULAS
39Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Islanding
- Due to the hazards listed the operation of an
islanded situation is to be avoided. - There may be an advantage to consumers, and
generating companies, to allow islanded operation
in the maintenance of supply when a line has been
disconnected. This advantage is small and the
hazards outweigh the advantages.
DULAS
40Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Detection of Islanded operation
- The onset of an islanded situation will be
accompanied by a disturbance in the grid. - The detection of islanded operation relies of the
detection of this disturbance. - The disturbance may take the form of
- a change in voltage or frequency
- a single shift in voltage vector
- a change in reactive power flow
DULAS
41Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Common Cause Tripping
- A prime consideration in the development of the
detection and protection requirements is to
minimise the potential for multiple tripping of
embedded generators due to grid disturbances or
faults on adjacent lines which may not require a
generator to be disconnected. - This multiple tripping is known as Common Cause
or Common Mode tripping.
DULAS
42Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Avoiding Common Cause Tripping
- The protection types and settings specified in
the Guide are designed to avoid Common Cause
tripping. - For larger generating sites (gt5MW) inter tripping
from the grid sub station, and possibly
distribution breakers, should be used to ensure a
generator is disconnected when an islanded
condition occurs. - For sites lt 5MW Loss of Mains (LoM) protection
may be used to detect an islanded condition and
disconnect the generator. For these smaller
generating sites the remaining small possibility
of common cause tripping is considered acceptable.
DULAS
43Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection
- All sites require under / over voltage and under
/ over frequency protection - Other Loss of Mains protection may be provided
by - Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF)
- Voltage Vector Shift
- Reverse VAR
- Other novel techniques
DULAS
44Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Islanding Detection and Protection (1)
- Voltage
- The voltage of all three phases shall be
monitored. - The limits for operation are
- for HV connection /- 10
- for LV connection /- 14
- The relay should have a time delay to avoid
spurious trips due to remote faults. - The maximum total tripping time shall be 0.5
seconds
DULAS
45Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Islanding Detection and Protection (1)
- Frequency
- The frequency of the supply shall be monitored,
this can be single phase. - The limits for operation are
- 4, -6 (i.e. 52Hz to 47Hz)
- There is no requirement for a time delay.
- The maximum total tripping time shall be 0.5
seconds - The low frequency limit may be reduced to 46Hz,
this may require additional generator frequency
protection.
DULAS
46Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection (1)
- Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF)
- True ROCOF detects the islanded condition
rather than the onset of islanding. - Some ROCOF relays may also be sensitive to an
initial change in voltage vector. - The limits of operation are
- 2.5 Hz/second. This high level is specified to
ensure minimum spurious tripping. - There is no requirement for a time delay.
- The maximum total tripping time shall be 0.5
seconds
DULAS
47Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection (2)
- Voltage Vector Shift
- Voltage vector shift detects the onset on an
islanded condition. - It is susceptible to spurious tripping due to
grid distrurbances - The limits of operation are
- 6 degrees in a half cycle.
- This may be de-sensitised to up to 12 degrees.
- There is no requirement for a time delay.
- The maximum total tripping time shall be 0.5
seconds
DULAS
48Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection (3)
- Reverse VAR
- Reverse VAR relays detect the flow of reactive
power from the generator to the grid. This will
occur when during an islanded condition of a
single generator. - Generators must have stable power factor control
to use reverse VAR protection. - The limits of operation are to be agreed between
the generating company and the CEB. Typically
1-5 of the magnitude of maximum kW export. - A time delay of up to 5 seconds may be required.
DULAS
49Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection (4)
- Intertripping
- Intertripping is a direct means of islanding
protection. It can provide a reliable method of
tripping isanded generators without any common
cause problems. - A trip signal is sent from the circuit breaker or
recloer responsible for the islanding. - The reliability is dependant upon the security of
the trip signal communication method. Reliability
should be assessed for each particular site. A
fail safe method of communication should be used.
DULAS
50Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection (5)
- Fault Thrower
- This is a special application of a fault thrower.
- The fault thrower would be installed at the
source sub station and would operate following
the opening of the source circuit breaker. - Operation would be delayed to allow generator
relays to operate if sufficient load imbalance
exists. - It is only effective for generators connected
between the source breaker and the first auto
recloser.
DULAS
51Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Loss of Mains Protection (6)
- Other novel techniques
- The Guide does not preclude the use of novel
techniques that may be developed to achieve a
dependable and reliable loss of mains function. - An example is the use of sensitive ROCOF blocked
by voltage vector shift to prevent operation
during general grid instability.
DULAS
52Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Islanding Network Protection
- Detection of islanding will not be possible in
all situations, for example a perfect load /
generator balance may exist. - Secondary protection may be used such as
- dead line or synch check on auto reclosing
devices - Neutral Voltage Displacement (NVD)
- NVD is a dependable means of satisfying safety
requirements and mitigating the risks of islanded
operation. - Details on NVD protection are given in the Guide.
DULAS
53Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection Requirements
- The type and size of generator connection is
classified into five cases and the protection
requirements defined for each case. - The factors that define which case applies are
- Generation site capacity
- Generator type
- Ratio of minimum captive load and maximum
capacity - Capacity and interconnection protection of other
generators on the same distribution line and sub
station.
DULAS
54Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection Requirements Summary
DULAS
55Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 1
- All types of Generator
- The maximum cumulative export capacity is less
than half the minimum distribution line (or
captive) load - the maximum export capacity is less than 5MW.
- Protection Required
- Under and over voltage
- Under and over frequency
- Optional
- Three phase vector shift, subject to generator
preference
DULAS
56Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 2
- All types of generator
- The maximum cumulative export capacity is less
than 0.8 times the minimum captive load, and - the maximum export capacity is less than 5MW.
- Protection Required
- Under and over voltage
- Under and over frequency
- 3 phase vector shift
- Optional
- True RoCoF may be used as well as vector shift
DULAS
57Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 3
- All types of generator except mains excited
generators defined in Case 5. - The maximum cumulative generation export capacity
is greater than 0.8 times the minimum captive
load, such that load/generator balance is
possible, and - the maximum export capacity is less than 5 MW.
- Protection Required
- Under and over voltage
- Under and over frequency
- 3 phase vector shift, or true ROCOF
- NVD
- Dead line check
DULAS
58Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 3 (2)
- Alternative Protection
- As a replacement for the combination of Vector
shift and NVD any one of the following may be
used - Intertripping
- Fault thrower
- Reverse VAR, where applicable
- NVD is not required when the maximum export
capacity is less than 1MW if the cumulative
export capacity on a line is less than 0.8 times
the minimum captive load.
DULAS
59Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 4
- All types of generator
- The maximum export capacity of an Embedded
Generation site is greater than 5 MW. - It is preferred that the Embedded Generator is
connected directly to the primary bus rather than
teed into an HV distribution feeder. - Protection Required
- Under and over voltage
- Under and over frequency
- Intertripping from primary bus intake
- Parallel earthing or NVD protection
DULAS
60Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 4 (2)
- If the Embedded Generator is teed into a
distribution feeder, the following is also
required - Intertripping from the feeder breaker or
- Fault throwing or
- Reverse VAR protection where applicable.
- Generators larger than 5 MW will be encouraged to
obtain more secure connections. For large
generators remote from the primary bus, adequate
security may only be achieved by double circuit
connection to the primary bus.
DULAS
61Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 5
- Mains excited asynchronous (induction) generator
with local power factor correction less than the
reactive power demand, or a line commutated
inverter. - The CEB network/circuit capacitance is not
sufficient to self excite the generator. - The maximum cumulative connected generation
export capacity is greater than 0.8 times the
minimum captive load. No synchronous generation
or self-excited generation are connected.
DULAS
62Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Case 5 (2)
- Protection Required
- Under and over voltage
- Under and over frequency
- 3-phase vector shift
- The total generation connected to a primary
substation using the vector shift method for loss
of mains protection shall not exceed 20MW.
DULAS
63Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Interconnection Protection, Self Commutated
Static Inverters
- Some wind turbines and photovoltaic system
inverters are examples of this type of generator. - The general requirements are covered with
synchronous machines in cases 1-4. - However inverters commonly include proprietary
protection methods, including ROCOF. - It is the responsibility of the Generating
Company to demonstrate that the protection meets
the acceptable levels of dependability and
reliability.
DULAS
64Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Test and Acceptance Procedures
- It is the responsibility of the Generating
Company to organise, agree procedures with the
CEB and undertake protection equipment testing. - Prior to testing, the Generating Company will
certify that - the earthing system conforms to the provisions in
this Guide and other relevant standards. - the design and implementation of the protection
system complies with the requirements of the
Guide, and any protection specified in the PPA. - the generating system is safe to operate and
complies with all the relevant requirements for
electrical installations.
DULAS
65Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Test and Acceptance Procedures (2)
- It is the responsibility of the Generating
Company representative to provide and complete
the test forms. - Testing is to be witnessed by the CEB
representative. The CEB representative is to
certify by signature that the protection tests
were witnessed as successful. - The CEB may provide staff and/or equipment to the
Generating Company to enable tests to be
undertaken. - A standard form to be completed during testing is
included in Annex 5 of the Guide
DULAS
66Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Test and Acceptance Procedures (3)
- The required grid connection protection is to be
tested prior to acceptance of new generation
plant for connection to the grid. Short term
connection may be allowed to set up and test the
protection equipment. - Retesting at intervals of no greater than three
years or - Following any significant change in generation or
protection equipment. - Following any maintenance or repair, which
involved the disconnection or rearrangement of
any protection equipment.
DULAS
67Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators -
Sri Lanka
Thank you for attention Any Comments or
Questions?
DULAS
68Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information to be provided by the CEB
DULAS
69Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information to be provided by the CEB (2)
DULAS
70Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information from the Generating Company(1)
DULAS
71Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information from the Generating Company(2)
DULAS
72Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information from the Generating Company(3)
DULAS
73Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generators Sri
Lanka
Information from the Generating Company(4)
Where a total generating capacity is less than
500 kW there is a reduced requirement for
information from the Generating Company. This
information requirement is listed on page
A34 Where Induction, or Asynchronous,
generators are proposed the same information
should be provided where relevant to the
induction type generator.
DULAS