Guide to Connecting a Distributed Generator - Sustainability Victoria

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Appendix 4: Types of generators and equipmentThe following definitions and descriptions in this sectionhave been sourced from Customer Guidelines for EmbeddedGeneration of rating up to 1MW, prepared by Powercor Australia, September 2006.Synchronous generatorsA synchronous generator is an AC machine in which the rotor speed and, hence, the frequency of the output voltage isconstant. The magnetic field of the machine is produced by a DC current, the generation of which requires an auxiliarypower supply to the generator.Synchronous generators can operate connected to the grid or independent of it. When connected to the grid,a synchronous generator is electrically locked in phase with the external grid.To connect to the grid the following equipment is needed:• synchronising equipment (usually automatic)• automatic Voltage Regulator which controls the field current• a governor which automatically controls the fuel input to the engine/turbine to keep speed and power output atthe set levels.Synchronising equipmentIn the case of synchronous generators, the generator voltage and the grid voltage (both AC) must remain in phase(synchronised) at all times. If a generator is connected to the grid and a disturbance causes the generator to losesynchronism, the generator voltage, current and power will fluctuate greatly. Other customers connected to the gridwill be disturbed and the generator and the engine / turbine may be damaged.A synchronising relay is required to ensure that the generator is synchronised with the grid prior to connection.A pole slipping relay detects the loss of synchronisation and can be used to initiate the disconnection of a generator.In the case of asynchronous generators, synchronising equipment is not needed.Asynchronous generatorsAn asynchronous or induction generator is an induction motor driven above synchronous speed. Asynchronousgenerators usually maintain their magnetic fields by drawing magnetising current from the external grid, which can placeadditional demands on the grid. They are not capable of operating in isolation of the grid, i.e. as islanded or stand-bysystems. When connected to long overhead lines, safety problems due to over voltage may occur.Inverters and power convertersPower converters and inverters are being used increasingly with distributed generation typically involving technologies thatuse micro turbines, photovoltaic systems and wind generators. Micro turbines in the range of a few kWs to a MW are nowavailable in the market. Most micro turbines generate AC frequencies in the range of 1000Hz to 3000Hz that needs to beconverted to line frequency (50Hz) before the generated power becomes usable. In many cases high frequency powerfrom the generator must be converted to DC using power converters before the inverter provides voltage supply at lowerfrequency required for grid connection. Inverters are commonly used in applications where energy storage like batteriesor ultra capacitors is involved. Power converters can also provide valuable ancillary services including voltage supportand static volt-amp-reactive (VAR) compensation.32 - Guide to Connecting a Distributed Generator in Victoria
Protective systemsProtective devices are required to prevent damage to the generator if a fault occurs on the generator or close to it.The types of protection used depend on the size and the importance of the generator. The feasibility study will identifythe type of protection equipment needed for the DG connection. While protection equipment and fault limiting plant isused to protect the network in general, the following issues need to be covered for the generator and the local electricalservices (typically up to 1MW). Check with DNSPs on larger sized systems for any additional requirements.• Over current• Reverse power• Under / over voltage• Rotor earth fault• Stator earth fault• Under / over frequency• Loss of synchronism (pole slipping)• Loss of mains.Where the generator is connected to the grid via a distribution feeder equipped with automatic reclosing, the generatormust disconnect in a time less than that taken by the reclosers to repower the line (typically three seconds).Guide to Connecting a Distributed Generator in Victoria - 33
Page 2 and 3: AcknowledgementsSustainability Vict
Page 5 and 6: 1. IntroductionThis guide aims to h
Page 7: Figure 1: Victorian DNSP operationa
Page 11 and 12: Power FactorPower factor is a measu
Page 13 and 14: 4.5 Generator size or power outputT
Page 15 and 16: 4.7 Connection voltageThe generator
Page 17 and 18: 5.1 National Electricity Rules and
Page 19 and 20: Step 2: Connection studies and enqu
Page 21 and 22: CHECKLIST - Step 2: Connection enqu
Page 23 and 24: Step 4: Connection agreement and ge
Page 25 and 26: Applicant tasks and milestonesDNSP
Page 27 and 28: Appendix 1: GlossaryTechnical terms
Page 29 and 30: Appendix 2: Setting the contextThe
Page 31: Environmental considerationsConnect
Page 35: Guide to Connecting a Distributed G

Guide to Connecting a Distributed Generator - Sustainability Victoria

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?