Work Packages
The project includes the following Work Packages:
- Work Package 1.1 - Network Modelling for Pre-connection Compliance Assessment
- Work Package 1.2 - Plant Modelling for Pre-connection Compliance Assessment
- Work Package 2 - Post-connection Compliance Assessment
- Work Package 3 - Assessment of Harmonic Distortion Compatibility Limits
- Project Outcomes
It is clear that there is considerable uncertainty related to methods of determination and provision of the network impedance data to be used in pre-connection compliance studies. Work Package 1.1 will undertake sensitivity analysis of the methods used to determine network impedance to establish a consistent, technically robust and unambiguous framework for the provision of network impedance data.
Work Package 1.2 will undertake a sensitivity study using measurement data to investigate the impact of network operating conditions on the emissions produced by inverter-based resources. Engagement will also be undertaken with OEMs to better understand their testing processes and identify where improvements with respect to the accuracy of supplied data may be achieved.
The outcome of the work undertaken in Work Package 2 will be a prescriptive methodology for field monitoring that can be used to determine if an installation is complying with the emission limits allocated at the planning stage. Provision is made in Work Package 2 for deployment of power quality monitoring infrastructure along with a gathering of data from existing monitoring systems.
Work package 3 will undertake a broad review of the harmonic voltage planning limits in use in Australia and will include:
- A review of harmonic voltage planning limits applied nationally and internationally
- An extensive program of consumer and industrial equipment evaluation to assess susceptibility to harmonic voltages with emphasis on assessment of the ability of equipment to tolerate higher order harmonic voltages while continuing to operate as expected
The project outcomes will be as follows:
- A pre- and post-connection harmonic compliance assessment process that is consistent, prescriptive, technically robust and fair for all stakeholders
- A recommendation for harmonic voltage planning levels which are based on technically sound concepts and can be shown to be acceptable for equipment presently connected to electricity networks
The outcomes of this project will include development of proposals to facilitate changes in rules, regulations and practices that will be beneficial to both network operators and renewable energy proponents. This includes changes to regulations such as the NER and also the Australian and international standards relevant to management of harmonic compliance assessment particularly in the context of high penetration of large renewable energy generators.
