Specific Grid Requirements for Australia Wind Plants

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Contents
Literature Review..................................................................................................................................3
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3
Specific Grid Requirements...................................................................................................................4
Detailed Technical Data.........................................................................................................................4
Wind Farm Control................................................................................................................................5
Fault Ride Through................................................................................................................................5
Frequency Control.................................................................................................................................6
Reactive Power and Voltage Control.....................................................................................................6
References.............................................................................................................................................8
Literature Review
Introduction
According to Ackermann, (2015) the global energy problem and the demand for clean energy
have sparked an unprecedented interest in renewable energy in the recent decade. Wind
power is a key source of renewable energy because of its advanced technology and clean and
cheap properties. Worldwide wind power capacity doubled every three years between the
early 1980s and the end of the 1990s, while energy costs from wind power dropped to around
one-sixth of what they were in the 1980s. In addition, the global installed capacity has grown
from 39 GW at the end of 2003 to 318 GW at the end of 2013 at an average annual growth
rate of around 21.4% since 2008.

Campbell, (2014) stated that many parts of Australia's coasts, notably in the southwest,
southeast, and southeast, as well as certain outlying islands in the east, have strong wind
resources. To meet its 2020 renewable energy objective, the Australian government has
adopted legislation requiring the use of at least 20% renewable energy sources. From 1999-to
2000 and 2011-to 2012, the Australian use of wind energy for power grew by an average of
35.9 percent each year. A recent study confirms that Australia's fastest-growing renewable
energy source is wind power production. As of the end of 2012, there were 66 big wind farms
in operation in Australia with a total installed capacity of 2.584 GW, a 40.6 percent share of
Australia's total wind installed capacity. Transmission system operators (TSOs) began to
develop grid regulations that require wind farms to be able to ride through faults and maintain
the stability of nearby networks when faults occur as the penetration of wind power into
networks expanded significantly. Most of Australia's wind farms are concentrated in the
states of South Africa, Victoria, and Western Australia. Australia's energy market operator,
AEMO, sets grid-connected wind farm technical requirements, while Western Power (WP),
the TSO for Western Australia's network, is in charge of compliance. Even though the TSOs
listed above are all located in the same nation, they each have their own set of restrictions.

Ullah, (2007) analyzed that as a result, before the introduction of grid code standards for
wind farms, they were only concerned with protecting them from damage. International grid
regulations, on the other hand, no longer allow wind farms to be disconnected during network
disruptions; instead, they must stay in place to assist surrounding grid stability during faults
and inject reactive power after the faults have been cleared out. Depending on the features of
the existing networks and the available resources, these codes might vary greatly from nation
to country. Although grid codes have been studied in a variety of academic journals, they are
always being updated. Australia's western and eastern power markets are the subject of this
article, which gives a comprehensive international grid code update. A comparison with
international grid codes will also be explored to provide a wider perspective. As a result of
the study, Australian TSOs will be able to compare current laws to those of other countries. It
will also provide information to wind energy developers and manufacturers on how to better
their services and/or products to meet the most current Australian standard requirements.

Specific Grid Requirements

Chen examined that grid codes relate to huge wind farms connected to the transmission
system rather than smaller stations linked to distribution networks. Wind turbines (WTs) are
dynamic systems, and their behavior grows more complicated as they are integrated into the
grid. Accordingly, the transmission system operators (TSOs) enforce tight grid rules to
preserve the quality of energy services and the security and stability of the market's supply.
Because wind conditions and market demand fluctuate so often, it is imperative for Wind
Turbine (WT) manufacturers to continually enhance their technology. Grid codes for wind
integration are determined by TSOs such as in Spain and Germany either via a strict mandate
or financial incentives.

According to Mueen, (2009) detailed technical data, wind farm control, fault tide through
(FRT), active power and frequency control, voltage, and frequency operating range, reactive
power control, voltage regulation, and other requirements such as a virtual type test to verify
wind turbine behavior during fault are the most common technical requirements presented in
most grid codes. In the following sections, we'll look at the specific technical requirements
for Australian grid codes.

Detailed Technical Data

Tsilli, (2009) pointed out that it is important to note that the Wind Code requires the
generator to produce a computer model of the WTG that may be used for power system
analysis [5]. Some TSOs choose to construct their models based on the mathematical
description of the WTG, rather than relying on the WTG itself. This, on the other hand,
places the onus of accuracy on the TSO, making it both impractical and labor-intensive given
the current level of modeling expertise. KOSTT, like many other TSOs, places the burden of
responsibility on the developer. We can't expect wind farm developers to be able to create
such a model on their own—wind turbine manufacturers are likely to do so (which in turn
opens up confidentiality issues). KOSTT will employ generic user models given by PSS/E if
the wind farm developer does not provide a WTG model (PTI).

Wind Farm Control

Mokui, (2014) examined that even though wind farms' producing capacity is limited and
unpredictable, many TSOs mandate in their Grid Codes that wind farm operators restrict or
regulate their active power production to a level specified by the TSO or one that they
designate themselves. An extremely severe condition to which developers may object is
likely to be challenged—even if acceptable in certain situations (island systems, exposure to
high winds, high wind power penetration, etc.). A prior proposal for 140 MW of wind
production in transmission and Kosovo's low potential make this not essential at this time if
we consider these factors. What is required is a way to reduce the production of a wind farm
in response to a signal from the TSO, and to shut it down altogether in the event of certain
system circumstances. For the sake of system balance and error management, wind farm
operators should be required by KOSTT to provide an accurate prediction of production.
Currently, the output nomination is made 36 hours before delivery, which is less precise than
a prediction made shortly before actual time because of wind speed unpredictability. This
necessitates that the wind farm's active power management delivers a revised production
prediction about 60 minutes before the actual time, so that the TSO may take remedial action
in the balancing mechanism. Active power control must be able to operate automatically if
wind farms are left unattended.

Fault Ride Through

According to Ullah, (2007) conditions under which wind turbines must remain connected and
can be disconnected, are normally represented in time by the FRT curve at the point of
connection, voltage support requirement during the disturbance, active power provision
during the fault, and restoration of active power after fault clearance are four main
characteristics defined by most grid codes in determining contingency performances of wind
turbines. The wind turbine's FRT capacity refers to the wind turbine's ability to stay
operational in the event of an emergency. By examining its dynamic stability during fault
initiation and clearing, may be examined. The strictest high voltage ride-through (HVRT) and
low voltage ride-through (LVRT) rules are found in Spain and Australia. Both WP and
AEMO require generators to allow for identical levels of excess voltage, although WP does
so for substantially longer periods. This means that the Western Australian grid has stricter
requirements than the eastern network governed by the Australian Energy Market Operator
(AEMO). However, WP states that even if a fault is resolved during an auto-reclose process,
wind turbine generation (WTGs) must be able to survive voltage transients induced by high-
speed automatic line closures.

Mohseni, (2011) analyzed that asynchronous and synchronous machines are often seen in
modern WTGs. Due to its inherent behavior, such as reactive power consumption in the event
of a network breakdown, certain governments have specified FRT capability requirements for
the aforementioned equipment. Limits 1 and 2 in German, for example, are two profiles. As
long as the minimum reactive current support and the resynchronization time are met, the
producing plant is authorized to run under limit line 1 by negotiation. Continuous,
uninterrupted functioning is required by both the Australian Energy Market Operator
(AEMO) and Western Power Distribution (WPD).

Frequency Control
Ioy, (2007) pointed out that whenever voltage and/or frequency excursions occur within or
beyond the typical operating limitations, wind farms must continue to operate. It is typical for
time limits to be implemented outside of normal operating conditions, which might affect
output power generation. The spinning masses of synchronous machines have a significant
impact on the system's frequency control stability and control. Governor actions regulate
frequency, whereas inertia of the synchronous machines limits frequency change in the event
of a power failure Power electronics separate rotating weights from grid frequency in
contemporary WTGs like DFIGs and FCWGs (full converter wind generators). Failures in
the power converters of the machines may have an enormous impact on the overall system
regulation capabilities.

Sorknæs, (2013) analyzed that most TSOs, including WP and AEMO, include frequency
control in their grid criteria because of its importance. The rate of change of frequency
(ROCOF) restrictions are specified in various grid codes in addition to the range of
frequencies at which WTGs must remain linked. WP's frequency operating capabilities for
the Australian grid at 50 Hz as the base frequency. If you want to use a frequency lower than
47.5 Hz for more than 10 seconds, you may do it in WP with a maximum frequency of 52.5
Hz. WTGs may also be disconnected from the network in the event of a catastrophic failure.
Reactive Power and Voltage Control
According to Electrica, (2008) the current grid regulations mandate the wind farms to inject a
set amount of reactive power in reaction to voltage loss, which is connected to reactive power
control. When it comes to reactive power, various kinds of wind turbines are capable of
differing amounts of reactive power. Different grid codes provide different reactive power
capacity specifications for the same network node, such as the voltage range of the node in
question, as well as the amount of reactive power that must be present.

Christiansen, (2006) stated that wind farms must provide 4 percent of their reactive current
component (Iq) support for every 1 percent reduction in their voltage at the point of common
coupling (VPCC), according to Australian grid codes, while WP mandates that wind farms
either have reactive current compensation settable for droop or install remote point voltage
control. Codes in Denmark dictate the number of wind farms that may be connected to the
grid. For a wind farm to continue generating electricity, it must meet Area A's requirements
which is VPCC > 0.9 p.u. for grid connectivity. The wind farm must offer reactive power
assistance and keep its network connection in Area B (0.2 power units > VPCC > 0.9 power
units). A 1% reduction in voltage at the PCC necessitates a 2% reactive power supply in this
region. When the wind farm is in Area C (VPCC 0.2 p.u.), it is allowed to disconnect from
the grid. When the PCC voltage drops 1%, the German grid code mandates that the voltage
control must deliver a 2% reactive current on the low side of the transformer to compensate.

Wind turbine connection standards in Australia, including comparisons with foreign grid
regulations, are explored in length. Both AEMO and WP insist on stringent grid
interconnection criteria for WTGs. GCC certifications and grid codes must be harmonized
due to differences in foreign standards. The three parties (TSOs, manufacturers, and
operators) must work together throughout project commissioning to ensure compliance with
grid regulations. An example of a solution that has been tried and tested by wind-related
firms to meet the needs of the Western Power grid is the Collar wind farms.

Finally, stakeholders' involvement is required in sustaining a sustainable ecosystem.

Government policies have a significant impact on the rising popularity of wind power. Wind
power installations and incentive programs are necessary to meet the Australian 2020
renewable energy goal.
References
Ackermann, T. (2005). Wind power in power systems (Vol. 200, No. 5). New York: Wiley.

Campbell, B. C., Gong, S., George, S. C., & Midgley, D. J. 6.5 Campbell, B. Geochemical
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Chen, Z., Guerrero, J. M., & Blaabjerg, F. (2009). A review of the state of the art of power
electronics for wind turbines. IEEE Transactions on power electronics, 24(8), 1859-
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Christiansen, W., & Johnsen, D. T. (2006). Analysis of requirements in selected Grid

Codes. Prepared for Orsted-DTU Section of Electric Power Engineering, Technical
University of Denmark (DTU).

Electrica, R. (2008). Technical Requirements for Wind Power and Photovoltaic Installations
and Any Generating Facilities Whose Technology Does Not Consist of a Synchronous
Generator Directly Connected to the Grid. Red Electrica, Madrid, Spain, Report.

Iov, F., Hansen, A. D., Sørensen, P., & Cutululis, N. A. (2007). Mapping of grid faults and
grid codes.

Mohseni, M., Masoum, M. A., & Islam, S. M. (2011, July). Low voltage ride-through of
DFIG wind turbines complying with Western-Power grid code in Australia. In 2011
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Mokui, H. T., Masoum, M. A., & Mohseni, M. (2014, October). Review on Australian grid
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Muyeen, S. M., Takahashi, R., Murata, T., Tamura, J., Ali, M. H., Matsumura, Y., ... &
Matsumoto, T. (2009). Low voltage ride through capability enhancement of wind
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Sorknæs, P., Andersen, A. N., Tang, J., & Strøm, S. (2013). Market integration of wind
power in electricity system balancing. Energy Strategy Reviews, 1(3), 174-180.

Tsili, M., & Papathanassiou, S. (2009). A review of grid code technical requirements for
wind farms. IET Renewable power generation, 3(3), 308-332.
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