Presenters and topics

 

Co-ordinated Blackstart (and other services) from distribution zones using WAMPAC
Presenter: Douglas Wilson | GE, United Kingdom

Abstract: This presentation describes the Synergy project led by SP Energy Networks, in collaboration with the generation and storage companies, with GE Digital providing a synchrophasor-based wide area monitoring and control system linked to the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). The project involved the implementation of monitoring, control, and live trials of two zones of the network in Scotland, and trials of a system restoration service that involves startup, island growth and load pickup, and resynchronization of the zone to the wider grid. The zones include quite different technologies, with one zone starting from distribution-connected small hydro units, while the other zone has a grid-forming battery energy storage system as its anchor. As well as proving the ability to blackstart and control the zones as islands, the project also demonstrates that the zone can be used as a resource for other services. The ability to control active and reactive power at the zone boundary, and achieve rapid response enables the zones to be used for services such as frequency response that is sensitive to the location of the disturbance from wide area monitoring. The resource could also be used for network-related services such as constraint relief.

 

HVDC grid protection
Dr. Fainan Hassan – GE Grid Solutions, Head of NTI

Abstract: The majority of HVDC transmission systems operating today interconnect two AC system nodes, either in the same (synchronous) AC system or in different (asynchronous) AC systems.  However, with the growing need to move large amounts of renewable energy from where it can be generated, for example, offshore wind, to where the load centres are requires an evolution of the application of HVDC, away from ‘point-to-point’ and towards ‘multi-terminal’. However, with the realisation of multi-terminal HVDC grids comes the challenge of mitigating the impact of faults on the HVDC grid and consequently the impact on the connected AC systems.  The presentation will look at present day protection methods and the growing expectation that future grids will utilise HVDC breakers.  The performance expectation of future HVDC breakers is, today, not defined in any standard but will influence both the design of the HVDC breaker and future HVDC converters connected to such multi-terminal systems.  What magnitude of fault current should be considered for a multi-terminal HVDC system and how fast should the breaker operate?  How will these requirements impact on the HVDC converter operation?  Can the HVDC converters temporarily block when a fault happens in the HVDC system are they expected to ride-through the fault, and what does ride-through mean?  In the presentation these questions will be explored.

 

Automatic parametrizing protection and testing                                                                  Milan Jankovski | Stedin, the Netherlands

Abstract: As the energy transition is approaching at a fast pace, and the number of substations is rapidly increasing, the need for more efficient and faster protection testing methods is rising. One of the ways that Stedin increases the testing efficiency, without losing on quality, is by implementing IEC 61850 in their testing protocols as a standard. In this way, more information about the operation of the protection functions can be retrieved compared to traditional hard-wired testing, thus avoiding interference of conflicting functions. Furthermore, the well-established IEC 61850 protocol also allows the simulation of signals, making testing distributed protection schemes much simpler and faster. In addition to using IEC 61850 in the testing protocols, a Python script was also developed internally at Stedin, which takes the protection settings and the SCD file as inputs and then outputs standardized OCCs, along with the appropriate XRIO files for the relay settings and the GOOSE configuration files for the IEC 61850 testing. In this manner, the process of creating the testing protocols is automated in a greater sense, which makes the process less error-prone. This presentation explains the benefits of using IEC 61850 as part of the testing protocols and shows how a Python script can be used to automate these tests as much as possible. Furthermore, a demonstration is presented to see how distributed schemes can easily be tested using this automation and IEC 61850 testing and how that can drastically decrease the testing time without losing quality. 

 

From new system needs to new connection network codes 
Mario Ndreko | TSO TenneT, Germany

Abstract: The environmental and geostrategic need to decarbonise and electrify the European energy and transport sector urges for a vertical transformation of the way transmission and distribution systems will be planned, designed and operated. This transition towards and green and inverter dominated power system has created new system needs, which are translated to new connection requirements for all new grid users such as generation and demand facilities and high voltage direct current transmission systems. Connection network codes are the regulatory that define the technical requirements and capabilities of grid users to meet the system needs, as defined by system operators.  Connection network codes are not written in stone and their periodical amendment and modernisation aims to meet future system needs. This presentation aims to discuss the key system needs and present how they are reflected to the new connection network codes for generators, demand and HVDC systems.

 

Demystifying System Strength and Voltage Stability in Evolving Power Systems 
Aleksandar Boricic | TSO TenneT, The Netherlands

Abstract: With the ambitious energy transition plans, power systems experience unprecedented evolution. On the generation side, robust and well-understood synchronous generation is replaced by numerous inverter-based resources with fundamentally different static and dynamic behavior. Furthermore, on the demand side, electrification of energy-intensive sectors is accelerating, resulting in more complex loads with a significant impact on system dynamics. These two trends pose significant risks to power system stability and dynamic security that need to be understood and prepared for. This presentation will primarily explore the intricate and often misunderstood dimensions of system strength. Its definition, classification, and growing importance in evolving power systems will be discussed, followed by an introduction of novel methods for system strength evaluation. Furthermore, the close relationship between system strength and voltage stability of modern grids will be explored, as well as the growing risk of short-term instabilities. Finally, the important role of data-driven methods in alleviating the presented challenges will be addressed.

 

Centralized AC/DC Protection

Ernst Wierenga | DNV, The Netherlands

Abstract: In future AC grids centralized protection will be common practice to protect busbar system, cable and overhead line. Protection system for DC-grids will follow the developments of AC-protection. Why do when need new concepts based on centralized protection? And what are the challenges to move toward these new concepts? In this presentation together with the audience we will try to get the answers. Not only new protection concepts will be discussed, but also how to test a centralized protection system and train the engineer or specialist. At the end of the presentation a small demonstration will be given: Testing a protection concept using the DigitalTwin. 

 

A look into how Energy Automation future way of working could look like

Marco Battaglia | Siemens AG, Robert Koenderman | Alliander/Qirion

 

Abstract: Substation engineering requires a huge amount of data. A lot of data needs to be exchanged between the grid operator and its supplier of substation systems. Exchanging this data in a defined digital format avoids manual data processing. This increases efficiency and avoids human errors. Integrated engineering is based on the digital data exchange between grid operators and suppliers but as well throughout the supplier process, from systems planning, engineering, and parameterizing right through to testing and commissioning. Digitalization simplifies these processes because important data can be made available throughout the entire lifecycle of a Digital Substation. Within the supplier-internal engineering process, data need to be provided for various tasks and in many different tools and systems. From primary engineering, secondary engineering, configuration of protection relays, RTUs, substation automation controllers, and control centers till test books need to be engineered. These tasks may be simplified by a single master data set that is used by all tools and systems and for all of these work steps. This ensures that the data used by all the various engineering disciplines involved is always correct and avoids redundant data entries. Speeding up the overall process to build a substation.