August 21, 2019 (11:52)

Innovative approaches in restoring the functionality of the energy system

Given the rapid increase in the share of RES and the decommissioning of traditional power plants, the UK has become the first country in the world to begin the search for technologies to restore the functioning of the energy system after full or partial so-called “blackouts”.

During the first half of 2019, an assessment of the theoretical capabilities and the modeling of the technical characteristics of the current and future energy system was carried out, which confirmed the possibility of using distributed generation as a basis for the so-called “black start” – that is, startup of the energy system after partial or total emergency shutdown of all generating capacities and consumers.

At the end of 2018, British energy market regulator Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) has donated GBP 10.3 million from the state-owned Network Innovation Competition trust fund to realize the world’s first research of full or partial restoration of energy system through distributed generation.

Such measures are aimed at preparing the British energy system to work in the prevailing conditions of RES and the absence of traditional means of restarting the system at partial or total blackouts.

The project is implemented by National Grid, Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and TNEI consulting firm. The purpose of the study is to investigate and test a new approach to restoring the energy system by restarting through distributed generation of distribution networks first, then transmission networks, and up to resumption of large power plants that may still remain in the national energy balance after 10-15 years. In doing so, the new technology must meet the requirements of decarbonisation, decentralization and effective management through digital solutions. The project should provide a comprehensive concept for the introduction of such technology in the UK’s national energy system by March 2022 and a list of recommendations that can be used to disseminate British experience to other countries.

The main aspects that are taken into account during the project implementation are the following: 

1. The technically distributed generation in the UK is ready to serve as the basis for energy system renewal and has a capacity of around 4 GW, which is sufficient to run 33 kV distribution networks as base generation island systems. In the coming years, it is expected to double the capacity of distributed generation. 

2. The uneven location of distributed generation, the specifics of operation and dispatching create technical difficulties that need to be addressed in each specific region.

3. A prerequisite for each base island system generation is a 33 kV AC synchronous generator with a load unit for safe start and frequency and voltage control. 

4. RES facilities must be fitted with inverters with a minimum fault level on dispatcher’s command, with warranties of their reliable operation and the ability to control (for alternative configuration of this equipment) provided by manufacturers.

5. Distributed generation facilities must be equipped with backup power supplies for safe shutdown.

6. Some distributed generation facilities will require revision of the requirements for maximum CO2 emissions to work effectively in the transition between start and finish.

7. New grounding transformers are required in all 33 kV island systems to ensure the safety of operation of network transformers.

8. It is necessary to change the settings of the safety relays or to install additional ones for the needs of “black start” on 11 kV, 33 kV and 132 kV lines.

9. The functionality of the SCADA system and its survivability in the absence of power supply for at least 72 hours, as well as other telecommunication and control systems will be of key importance.

The UK is demonstrating a systematic approach to ensuring energy supply and sustainability of the energy system under the conditions of significant change of the generation structure by increasing RES and reducing the share of traditional power plants. One of the main tasks in modern conditions is considered to be the possibility of starting the power system at partial or full blackout. The national transmission system operator National Grid has begun testing the feasibility of using this distributed generation, which can be a prototype of a new approach to black start implementation and prepare a list of universal requirements for any network in third countries.

 

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