1. How to Succeed at Grid Connections
Clean Energy Week - 25 July 2013
2. 2
Advanced Technology (PMDD Full Converter preferred)
Understanding of the Connection Process
Recent Experience in Connections
To succeed at grid connections, you need:
Mortons Lane Wind Farm
3. 3
“It was the PMG’s greater efficiency in part load operation that led GH to
conclude it was the superior generator for economic wind energy conversion”
-Garrad Hassan -
Trend Advantages
Full Power
Converter
Grid friendly
Greater control and operational flexibility
Better fault ride through capabilities
Enables the ability to satisfy future grid
codes and requirements
Direct Drive Eliminates gearbox failures
Eliminates gearbox energy losses
Less than half the number of components
required in the WTG
Permanent
Magnet
Generator
Eliminates slip rings and associated
maintenance
Eliminates secondary winding losses
Superior part-load efficiency as there are no
requirements for generator excitation
Reduction in size and mass of typical direct
drive generator
High power to weight ratio
Global Trend Away from Gearboxes and DFIG
4. AEMO analysed different turbine types and predicted the future mix of turbines
in the market.
AEMO outlined an optimistic scenario with a high proportion of full converter
turbines.
AEMO Network Predictions†
4†AEMO Wind Turbine Plant Capabilities Report – 2013 Wind Integration Studies – “type 3” and “type 4” changed to “DFIG” and “Full Converter”
“It is assumed that the largest NEM wind farms will be based on
[Full Converter] wind turbines, as these turbines have the
following characteristics:
Typically have a higher nameplate rating compared to [DFIG] …
Offer higher reliability and lower maintenance partly due to the
elimination of slip rings that exist in [DFIG] turbines …
Eliminate or at least minimise the need for dynamic reactive support
equipment which tends to occupy a larger footprint as the wind farm
size increases.
Have marginally higher efficiency at full load compared to [DFIG]
turbines, but significantly higher efficiency at partial load conditions.“
5. Static Capability
Reactive Power Capability;
Quality of Electricity Generated;
Fault Current;
Communication and Control Assessment.
Dynamic Studies
Response to Frequency Disturbances;
Fault Ride Through;
Frequency Control;
Impact on Network Capability;
Voltage and Reactive Power Control.
Connection Process – Technology Assessment
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6. Technology Needs in the NEM
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Mortons Lane Gullen Range
High Reactive Power Capability
Grid Flexibility
Advanced Fault Ride Through Capability
Park Level Voltage/Reactive Control
Active Power Control
PSS/E Models
Close Relationship with Grid Companies
Flexible Delivery Models
Innovation to Meet New Challenges
7. 7
Advanced Technology (PMDD Full Converter preferred)
Understanding of the Connection Process
Recent Experience in Connections
To succeed at grid connections, you need:
Gullen Range Wind Farm
8. Strength of network
What System Stability challenges are present?
Distribution or Transmission?
Connection assets delivery model
BOOT, Monopoly provider, Competitive?
Political and structural focus
Is the grid company being re-structured?
Is there a greater political goal?
Experience
Has the grid company dealt with these issues before?
Are the staff familiar with the proposed technology?
Process Considerations for Each Grid Connection
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9. Mortons Lane Gullen Range
High Reactive Power Capability
Grid Flexibility
Advanced Fault Ride Through Capability
Park Level Voltage/Reactive Control
Active Power Control
PSS/E Models
Mortons Lane Gullen Range
High Reactive Power Capability
Grid Flexibility
Advanced Fault Ride Through Capability
Park Level Voltage/Reactive Control
Active Power Control
PSS/E Models
Close Relationship with Grid Companies
Flexible Delivery Models
Innovation to Meet New Challenges
Technology and Process Needs in the NEM
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10. 10
Advanced Technology (PMDD Full Converter preferred)
Understanding of the Connection Process
Recent Experience in Connections
To succeed at grid connections, you need:
Mortons Lane Wind Farm
11. Review of Current Projects
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Mortons Lane Wind Farm
First MW scale PMDD windfarm in NEM
Located Western Victoria
13 wind turbines
GW82 1.5MW
Total capacity 20.3 MW
Connects to 66kV Powercor sub
Energised in November 2012
WTG Availability > 99% (Jan – Jun)
12. Review of Current Projects
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Located North West of Goulburn
73 wind turbines
56 x 2.5MW; 17 x 1.5MW
Total capacity 165.5 MW
Connects Transgrid 330kV line onsite
Construction started in Q3 2012
Energisation expected in Dec 2013
Gullen Range Wind Farm
13. Goldwind has acted as both the
Owner and Turbine supplier
Goldwind are better equipped to
assist Owners with grid connection
Goldwind’s Role
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Owner
NSP
AEMO
WTG
14. Connection Requirements
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Gullen Range Wind Farm
Major network connection area
– Largest NSW wind farm
– Transgrid not concerned about connecting
Goldwind technology at this location
– No additional reactive plant required
NEM Map
15. Connection Requirements
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Mortons Lane Wind Farm
Current Network Limit – 63 MW
Oakland Hill – 63 MW
Mortons Lane – 20.3 MW
Network Operating non-firm
– Runback schemes
– Voltage Control coordination
Lowest Short Circuit Ratio in the NEM
Powercor 66kV Network
16. Transgrid new connection process
– First wind farm offerred connection in NSW
since 2011
– New connection process
– Change from Proponent BOOT to Transgrid
build
Powercor Runback scheme
– First windfarm runback scheme of its kind
– First coordinated voltage/reactive control
AEMO Scada based dispatch
– AEMO transferring dispatch signals directly via
Scada
First MW Scale PMDD in the NEM
First Chinese WTG manufacturer to
achieve western bank finance globally
A First Time for Everything
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Gullen Range Connection Point – Under Construction
17. Engagement with grid companies
Engagement
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Transgrid, Goldwind and Catcon/CPP – GRWF Ground Breaking Ceremony
18. Goldwind have significant modelling expertise
– Powerfactory model
– PSCAD model
– PSS/E model – Senergy assisted Goldwind to meet
AEMO Modelling Guidelines
Benchmarked against type tests
– Goldwind conducts LVRT testing in house with its own
testing kit
Grid Models being used on 6 continents
Grid Models
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19. Mortons Lane Gullen Range
High Reactive Power Capability
Grid Flexibility
Advanced Fault Ride Through Capability
Park Level Voltage/Reactive Control
Active Power Control
PSS/E Models
Close Relationship with Grid Companies
Flexible Delivery Models
Innovation to Meet New Challenges
Mortons Lane Gullen Range
High Reactive Power Capability
Grid Flexibility
Advanced Fault Ride Through Capability
Park Level Voltage/Reactive Control
Active Power Control
PSS/E Models
Close Relationship with Grid Companies
Flexible Delivery Models
Innovation to Meet New Challenges
Recent Experience in the NEM
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20. To be Successful at Grid Connection
Proponents need:
Advanced technology (PMDD Full Converter preferred)
Understanding of grid companies and their processes
Partners with recent experience
Conclusions
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