Sinclair Knight Merz was appointed to provide the CER with expert advice on issues that were threatening the on-going development of wind energy in Ireland. The CER requested that a Grid Code section for Wind Energy Generation projects be developed. SKM provided expert advice in relation to how new technologies may impact on the existing Grid Code, with special reference to the impact of wind generation. SKM provided a technical evaluation of the potential impact of different technologies on the expected performance of the transmission system and made recommendations on how these should be mitigated and managed.
SKM assess new generation technologies in terms of:
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Fault ride capability
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Ability to provide frequency control, voltage control
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Ramp rates capability
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Reactive power range; and
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The implication for existing protection schemes if new generations technologies were conducted.
In progressing the work, SKM met with industry members, had discussions with manufacturers regarding equipment capability. A final report was submitted that included comprehensive technical and economic advice, together with our recommendations on appropriate methods for connecting and operating new generation technologies in Ireland.
SKM further assisted the CER to review changes to the Grid Codes by Transmission System Operator in Ireland.