Grid Code Load Flow


Grid Code Load Flow

Grid Code Load Flow

Overview

This module is an essential Add-on for ETAP to easily perform renewable power plant reactive power capability studies, utilizing grid code and equipment rulebooks, that will generate comprehensive reporting and visualizations from just one study calculation.

Grid Code Load Flow is used to determine a renewable power plant's reactive power capability at the Point of Measurement (POM) under normal operating conditions. In just one Grid Code Load Flow calculation, hundreds of Load Flow scenarios are run at different voltage setpoints by incrementally adjusting the MW and MVAR output from each renewable source, a process also known as 'sweeping.' All results are then compiled to obtain the total output at the POM. Upon completion, Grid Code Load Flow generates a comprehensive report including compliance details, alerts, and all of the power plant assets input data. The report includes a visualization of the power plant P-Q and V-PF capability against grid interconnection requirements as an intuitive representation of any discrepancies and validate compliance.

Key Features

Dedicated Module: Integrated with ETAP Digital Twin modeling with unique capabilities for renewable power plant reactive power capability studies.

Equipment Rulebook:  Select from the ETAP Capability and Control rulebook, or directly enter assets’ reactive power capability curve.

  • P vs. Q or P vs. PF format, at different voltage levels
  • Allows the option to include an extrapolate curve when asset’s operating voltage falls outside the pre-defined range. 

Grid Code Rulebook:  Select a rulebook to validate if the power plant capability meets code requirements for your region.  ETAP is continuously adding new rulebook data to cover more regions. Alternatively, custom rulebooks can be added following this format: 

  • P-Q requirement: Grid required reactive power capability at different active power values
  • Q-V requirement: Grid required power factor capability at different voltage levels

Adaptive Capability Sweeping: Grid Code Load Flow performs hundreds of load flow studies in batches, also known as 'Sweeping'. Based on power plant settings and user defined sweeping data, Grid Code Load Flow runs P-Q sweeping and V-PF sweeping in batches. This adaptive sweeping approach reduces simulation time while maintaining accuracy.

  • Assign the assets' power dispatch priority and equipment capability curve either individually or globally through the study case. 
  • Define and save voltage setpoints for P-Q sweep, MW setpoints for V-PF sweep, and sweep resolution in study case.
  • Choose whether to consider or ignore critical and marginal alerts in the final sweeping result.
  • The study case is provided with non-zero default values that works for a typical P-Q and V-PF study. 

Comprehensive Reporting: The study result provides a detailed and visual report in excel format using the project data, study settings, device and grid capability rules used in the Grid Code Load Flow study. 

  • Clear visualization of power plant capability results against grid requirements in both tables and charts.
  • The charts help to easily evaluate compliance and identify discrepancies.
  • Tabulated alerts helps to determine assets that play role in limiting the capability curve. 

Benefits

  • Eliminate manual analysis with an easy-to-use study process - fully integrated with the ETAP model
  • Obtain comprehensive results from just one study calculation
  • Ensure accurate study results by using predefined rulebooks
  • Prevent operating constraints by implementing alert settings

Challenges that ETAP Grid Code Load Flow Solves

Ensuring that complex standards and codes are considered

  • This Add-on includes consideration for grid Interconnection requirements for renewable power plants and systems and numerous performance requirements, including but not limited to: 
    • voltage and frequency ride-through
    • active power control
    • reactive power control
    • dynamic active power support under abnormal frequency conditions
    • dynamic voltage support under abnormal voltage conditions
    • power quality
    • negative sequence current injection
    • system protection

Researching through standards, and convert them into the data for analysis can be challenging and time-consuming.

  • Avoids manual checks and time-consuming analysis
    • Ensuring compliance with grid interconnection requirements involves extensive manual work, including running numerous Load Flow scenarios and compiling the results. This manual process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring significant effort to address various operating limitations and ensure overall grid code compliance. 

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Testimonials

FAQs

    Unit Capability Validation, an Analytical Approach for MOD-25 Compliance

    Unit Capability Validation, an Analytical Approach for MOD-25 Compliance

    It is crucial to define the reactive power limits to evaluate the voltage support available under normal, abnormal and emergency operations with the unit's safe functioning. Published generator thermal capabilities curves, produced by the manufacturer, define the limits for safe operation based on the generator design's thermal limitations. Practically, the available reactive capability differs from the published equipment curves due to plant specific design and operating constraints. This presentation discusses a theoretical approach utilizing a simplified electrical distribution system and an ETAP model to identify and validate the plant-specific unit capability. 

    Play 23:34

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