With just one year to go until the eyes of the world are on
The successful project, at Dersalloch windfarm in
So, using renewables to do this is not just an extraordinary achievement, but a pioneering world first that has the potential to transform how power could be restored to the network.
The project saw SPR partner Siemens Gamesa Renewables Energy (SGRE) to deploy the latest technology at the windfarm. SPR and SGRE worked in collaboration with SP Energy Networks (SPEN) when it was time to interact with the grid. This highly innovative project also received part-funding from the
It used 'grid-forming' technology called virtual synchronous machines (VSM) to regulate the frequency and voltage of the power from the turbines - essentially forming a stable network island - to keep the electricity system stable and balanced. The technology was then used to integrate that supply with the grid and restore the part of the system that had been blacked out.
'The
'This technology will be vitally important, not just in
'As wind is now the cheapest form of electricity generation, innovating our windfarms to be responsive zero-carbon power stations that enhance the network, improve system resilience and help deliver the cleaner and greener future needed to achieve net zero makes sense.'
'And this is just the start of the journey, which makes it so exciting. We will continue to work with SGRE at Dersalloch to ensure the VSM technology becomes a permanent feature, complemented by battery storage, to help us better meet the flexibility requirements of the network - and we expect that work to be well underway this time next year. We will also explore opportunities to incorporate the technology at other existing windfarm sites as well as build it into our plans for future developments, which will create a whole new era of pioneering windfarms.'
The trial allowed SPEN to gain knowledge about precisely how many turbines would need to be connected prior to attempting switching of the largest transformers and longer lines, which would be necessary to recover the wider network following a 'black start' event.
Frank continued: 'There is no doubt this technology can make an important contribution to our restoration strategy in the event of a 'black start', by building on work we are doing elsewhere across the energy system to ensure security and resilience of supply is maintained throughout the energy transition. I believe that, to provide the resilience required, all windfarms should be established with this capability in future.
'That's a significant step change and one that takes us closer to delivering the green and resilient grid system we all need and want. It is also testament to the innovative approach that's at the heart of everything we do at SPEN as we work to design and deliver the network of the future the network that will help deliver Net Zero.'
The success of the project provides the basis for Dersalloch to become the world's first 'black start' windfarm by 2022, with work to install new infrastructure and battery storage at the site expected to be underway by November next year, when
'There is no doubt this project has been an unrivalled success and demonstrates a significant step forward in the capability of renewable generation in the provision of grid services - not just here, but right across the world',
Contact:
Tel: 0141 614 4582
(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source