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Renewable Power Plant Controller (PPC)

Author: Justin

May. 06, 2024

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Renewable Power Plant Controller (PPC)

Reduce Costs, Maximize Revenue

Ensure the delivery of a consistent energy output by effectively utilizing intermittent resources and nearly eliminating energy wastage. The PXiSE Renewable Power Plant Controller achieves this by:

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  • Autonomously managing real and reactive power as measured at the point of interconnection (POI) to facilitate participation in energy markets and ancillary services.
  • Incorporating demand response programs and peak-load energy shifting parameters seamlessly.

Additionally, by digitally overseeing power flow, our software safeguards equipment and extends the operational lifespan of capacitors, inverters, relays, and gears. It also enhances capacitor efficiency, thereby reducing the number needed for power quality management.

PPC for Inverter-Based Resources

The pressing need to cut Green House Gas (GHG) emissions is accelerating the adoption of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). As global policymakers craft and enact strategies to achieve deep decarbonization of the power sector, the share of variable renewable energy (VRE) is set to surge in the coming decades. According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050, solar photovoltaics and wind are projected to contribute 70% of global electricity generation by 2050. The IEA's Electricity Market Report Update Outlook for 2023 and 2024 anticipates global electricity demand to ease in 2023 and rebound to 3.3% in 2024. This shift denotes a significant reconfiguration of the electricity system, encompassing generation, transmission, and storage.

Managing a power system with an increasing proportion of renewable generation, particularly variable Inverter Based Resources (IBRs), presents a technical challenge. System operators need to maintain a stable and reliable grid. To address this, grid codes have been established to ensure stability and harness the capabilities of renewable plants. Compliance with these grid codes is essential for renewable energy plants to begin monetizing energy. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or disconnections.

Grid codes, typically set by Independent System Operators (ISO)/Transmission System Operators (TSOs), dictate the grid integration requirements for electrical power generators. As the grid transitions to 100% VRE generation, these codes are continually evolving. The previous part of this article discussed how grid code requirements can be met through voltage regulation, frequency regulation, fault ride-through regulation, and ramp rate regulation.

Voltage Regulation

To comply with grid code requirements, RES power plants must help maintain grid voltage levels. Operators can achieve this through:

  • Reactive power setpoint: Issued by the system operator for exchange at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC).
  • Voltage droop curve: Specified by the operator with predefined reactive power based on the voltage level at PCC.
  • Power factor setpoint: Sent by the operator to be established at the PCC.

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Reactive power control mode manages voltage on the power system through three main types: reactive power control, power factor control, and voltage control.

Frequency Regulation

Maintaining grid frequency within specified ranges is crucial. In some regions, frequency support may require an energy storage system. Frequency support is achieved through:

  • Active power setpoint: Sent by the system operator to be injected at the PCC.
  • Frequency droop curve: Specifies a curve for increasing or decreasing active power at PCC based on measured frequency.

Active power control mode adjusts the produced active power concerning system frequency, curtailment to avoid equipment overload, and active power reserve management. Managing the rate of active power change is vital to prevent rapid shifts that could destabilize frequency.

Fault Ride Through (FRT) Regulation

FRT is a crucial grid code element, affecting the performance and rating of power system apparatus. It defines electric power generators' performance during and after faults. FRT is particularly important for solar PV and wind turbines, the main RES sources. Fault support specifies dynamic reactive power injection under fault conditions and the time the power plant must remain connected depending on voltage and frequency levels during the fault.

Ramp Rate Regulation

Ramp rate refers to the speed at which a generator can increase or decrease generation. Active power variation may be limited by ramp rate during transitions if the plant lacks an energy storage system like BESS. For RES plants with BESS, power output variation can be restricted anytime. Ramp rates can also apply to reactive power output.

ISOs/TSOs monitor power at the plant level, treating the RES plant as a single generation entity, although comprising multiple generators. Power Plant Controller (PPC) interfaces with the system operator, who dynamically defines and transmits operating modes and setpoints. The PPC's primary role is to distribute real and reactive power commands to each inverter, maintaining the declared setpoint at the POI. Additionally, the PPC can provide normal and abnormal status conditions to the SCADA system for operation and maintenance. PPC performs control algorithms for grid code compliance and must be flexible, reliable, and scalable as grid codes evolve.

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