We provide advanced electrical consultancy for renewable energy projects

Services

Advanced Electrical Consultancy

At Barlovento Applus+, our electrical consultancy department carries out advanced electrical studies to verify compliance with grid codes and determine the impact of connecting electricity generation facilities to the grid in different countries.

In addition, we have ENAC accreditation to carry out complementary simulations and simulations for model validation according to NTS and model validation according to IEC 61400-27-1, IEC 61400-27-2 and FGW TG4 standards.

Our main services include:

Grid Integration Studies

We carry out simulation studies on different software platforms, such as PowerFactory (DIgSILENT), PSS/E, PSCAD, and MATLAB-Simulink, etc.:

  • Power flow study: the aim of this study is to check the bus voltages and loads of the power equipment and transmission lines of the electrical grid for several operation scenarios to determine if the connection of the power plant in the grid is feasible. It is also used to determine the maximum or statistical active power losses in each element of the network, for its optimization.
  • Reactive power capability study: The main objective of this study is to analyse the reactive power capability of the PV plant in relation to the requirements defined in the grid code. The aim is to quantify the reactive power capacity that inverters can supply and absorb within their active power generation range.
  • Contingency analysis study: the bus voltages and loads of the power equipment and transmission lines are checked for several grid contingencies (N-1, N-1-1, N-2).
  • Short-circuit analysis: the aim of this study is to check the maximum short-circuit current that may occur in the electrical grid due to the power plant connection for several operation scenarios.
  • Power quality study: this study aims to determine the power quality at the power plant’s point of connection to size harmonic filters if needed.
  • Transient stability study: the objective of this study is to assess the transient response of the power plant in case of grid disturbances and define the parameters to comply with grid code requirements.
  • Dynamic studies: this study aims to assess the active power-frequency control and the reactive power control modes of the power plant controller, determine if a STATCOMs is required and its characterization, and define the parameters to comply with the grid code requirements.
  • Electromagnetic transient (EMT) study: the objective of this study is to determine the inrush current and voltage transients due to the energization of transformers, lines, capacitors, or other elements of the power plant, and propose specific operation protocols or elements to reduce the impact.
  • Grid code connection compliance studies: we have a wide experience in assessing grid code connection compliance in different countries, such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Bolivia Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, Ethiopia and South Africa, among others.
  • Electrical studies for problem solving: Once the power plant is connected to the grid, additional studies could be developed, such as commissioning tests, or specific studies to determine a particular parameter or to solve a problem in a power plant.

Advanced Electrical Studies

We carry out advanced electrical studies on different platforms, such as PowerFactory (DIgSILENT), PSS/E, PSCAD, ANATEM, ATP-EMTP etc. The studies we offer include:

  • Technical audits of wind farms
  • Dynamic simulations of wind farms
  • Power plant operating limits (P-Q Curve)
  • Studies for the adaptation of old wind farms to the new grid codes
  • Dynamic simulations of wind farms
  • Behavior of the wind farm

Validation of Simulation Models

The validation of the simulation model is intended to show that a mathematical model behaves dynamically in the same way as the real element when faced with the same disturbance, reproducing its response.

Currently, most operators worldwide are requesting the provision of plant simulation models that meet or that are validated for the operating conditions at their site. These models include simulation models of PV inverters, storage systems, wind turbines, simple or hybrid plant controllers, STATCOMs, etc.

We carry out tests for the validation of the models and all simulations for design and parameterization to meet the local operator’s requirements. The IEC 61400-27 standard validates wind turbine simulation models for dynamic power system events. We are accredited for IEC 61400-27-1 validations and we have contributed to developing its editions. Since 2007, we have pioneered model validations per Spanish and German standards, specializing in accurate electric simulation model validation for renewable energy systems.

OTHER SERVICES FOR SPAIN

ACCREDITED TESTS AND SIMULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NTS FOR NEW CONVENTIONAL AND HYBRID POWER PLANTS IN SPAIN

We have been accredited by the Spanish National Accreditation Entity (ENAC) to carry out tests, complementary simulations and simulations for model validation in accordance with the technical standard to monitor the conformity of electricity generation modules in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (NTS), becoming the first entity that provides NTS-accredited tests and supplementary simulations.

The scope of NTS accreditation includes the services required by NTS for new renewable energy plants, such as:

  • Simulations for the validation of the UGE and CAMGE model according to NTS.
  • Complementary simulations for obtaining the final MGE certificate.

POWER OSCILLATIONS DAMPING FOR POWER PARK MODULES

This is an additional requirement for NTS compliance, and simulations and the required report do not have to be carried out by an accredited entity.
The aim of this study is to verify that the power park module is capable of:

  • Damping frequency power oscillations between 0.1 Hz and 1.5 Hz via a control system for this purpose,

or, if it does not have such a control system,

  • not deteriorating the damping of existing power oscillations at the connection point between 0.1 Hz and 1.5 Hz.

STUDIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH OPERATION PROCEDURE P.O. 9 IN SPAIN

We also carry out the following studies required by P.O. 9.0:

  • Harmonic distortion and flicker analysis at the grid connection point according to IEC 61000-3-6.
  • Validation of dynamic models of generating units and additional dynamic components of the plant (PPS, STATCOM, SVC…).

SPECIALIZED CONSULTANCY RELATED TO TENDERS AND ACCESS AND CONNECTION PROCESSES IN SPAIN

Our team of electrical engineers actively participates in working groups through the national operator and different professional associations to know, analyse and suggest improvements in the various technical alternatives for access and connection to the grid in Spain, according to the current regulations RD 1183/2020, Circular 1/2021, RD 647/2020. The following activities are developed:

  • Valuation and optimization of the project to increase the probability of success in the access and connection process in case of nodes called for tenders.
  • Analysis with manufacturers of the best technologies and their CAPEX (POD, STATCOM, synchronous condensers, etc).
  • Previous studies and simulations, if needed.
  • Development of the required engineering and documentation as established by the operator.
  • Technical support for data upload to the operator’s platform.
  • Follow-up and accompaniment in any consultation by the operator in the process.

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