Frame

Meeting Summary - 02/21/2025 IBRWG Meeting

Grid Monitor AI
02/21/2025

<div class="news-image-container"><img src="/storage/docs/2025/02/IBR%20Hereo%2002:21:25.png" /></div> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=5c4ecd27-e8a2-46db-8d1e-e05a6ae6a4f2">▶️</a>1 - Antitrust Admonition / Announcement by Katie Rich</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Katie Rich (Vistra) reminded attendees about the direction from ROS regarding NOGRR272 and PGRR121, and that ROS decided to table these items pending further policy direction and review of a new NPRR.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It was suggested to skip the agenda items not directly related to the goals advised by ROS, but some members prioritized getting technical insights from OEMs.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Katie emphasized that today's input would not feed back into ROS or aid in making policy decisions.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Caitlin Smith (Jupiter Power), although an interested party, noted that working groups can pursue relevant topics and that sharing information is acceptable, given it won't directly influence the NOGRR.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">There was a consensus to proceed with OEM speakers discussing capabilities without delving into specific language of PGRR and NOGRR.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=6e5b4282-d267-40e0-adc9-df19db151d59">▶️</a>2 - PE’s GFM Capabilities and Perspective on ERCOT’s Advanced</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stephen Giguere, VP of Engineering at Power Electronics (PE), discussed grid forming (GFM) capabilities, highlighting the challenges and advancements in the technology.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Power Electronics, a Valencia, Spain-based company, focuses on solar and energy storage inverters, with significant work being done in grid forming, primarily in Australia and the UK.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A key challenge is the extensive modeling required before project approval, which can take up to 18 months.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Traditional inverters operate on constant current, but grid forming requires a shift to a constant voltage system, allowing better response to grid events.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Growth in renewable energy is pushing the need for more advanced grid forming systems, evidenced by historic moratoriums on solar due to high renewable penetration.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">PE’s approach involves converting existing inverters to support both grid forming and grid following modes with minimal hardware changes, using a hardware kit to enhance system LC filters.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Current models and implementations in Australia provide valuable lessons for potential adoption in the US.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For grid forming, a penalty exists with a 90% output rating versus full output in grid following, due to the emphasis on overload capability and reactive power support.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">PE has various demo sites in operation, showcasing their technology in both grid forming and following modes.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stephen Giguere acknowledged questions and emphasized Power Electronics' capability to provide PSCAD and PSSE models under NDA for testing.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussions included clarifications on inverter ratings and grid forming project tracking, highlighting PE's exclusive focus on their projects.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=8af50239-e7eb-4abe-bc2e-1f374c56e191">▶️</a>3 - SUNGROW’s GFM Capabilities Perspective on ERCOT’s Advanced Grid</h3> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/SUNGROW%20GFM%20Capabilities%20Perspective%20on%20ERCOT%20AGS-ESR_20250221%20to%20ERCOT.pdf">SUNGROW GFM Capabilities Perspective on ERCOT AGS-ESR_20250221 to ERCOT.pdf</a> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Introduction: Ling Chen, manager of modeling at SUNGROW USA, presented SUNGROW’s grid forming (GFM) capabilities and technologies, particularly their inverters' modeling and practical applications within ERCOT.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">SUNGROW's inverters utilize Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) technology, enhancing the response to grid voltage and frequency disturbances compared to grid-following inverters.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">GFM technology improves inverter responses to frequency disturbances, enhancing system stabilization.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussed the low voltage ride-through capability of inverters under weak grid conditions, and how GFM technology aids in better stabilization and reduced oscillations.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">GFM's capability to help with oscillation damping improves grid stability and power transfer capacities.</li> </ul> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">SUNGROW has developed second-generation GFM inverter models, which successfully passed multiple test scenarios as per ERCOT guidelines.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tests included flat ride-through test, phase angle jump test, and other frequency and oscillation response behaviors showing promising results.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Real-world applications of SUNGROW’s GFM technology include projects in Indiana, USA, and Saudi Arabia, among others, showcasing various grid-forming configurations and capabilities.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Daniel Friberg mentioned incorporating GFM does not require additional hardware upgrades but might entail software upgrades and modeling efforts.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stephen Giguere added that increasing costs could be around $4,000-$5,000 for additional components like filters.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=bbe02f52-8119-4176-8686-aef87fbb107a">▶️</a>4 - NOGRR272 & PGRR121 Comments Discussion</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Not discussed</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=bbe02f52-8119-4176-8686-aef87fbb107a">▶️</a>5 - Including HRL as an aggregated value of a defined IRR Group</h3> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/HRL%20Grouping%20units-%20Acciona%20Energy-2.21.2025.pdf">HRL Grouping units- Acciona Energy-2.21.2025.pdf</a> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ismael Moral Diaz from Acciona Energy presented potential improvements to enhance power injection into the grid using installed capacity.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acciona Energy operates globally with extensive experience in renewable technologies.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acciona Operates five wind facilities, two PV plants, and one BESS in ERCOT.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Issues were identified between the planning and operational phases of power generation, particularly regarding HRL (High Reasonability Limit).</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Currently, ERCOT focuses on individual unit HRLs, potentially leading to loss of power injection capacity during operations.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The proposal suggests aggregating HRL for grouped resources to maximize renewable energy utilization without affecting ERCOT's planning process.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group HRL would allow plants to operate at maximum capacity even if individual units are limited by clouds or other factors.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Such a change is compliant with ERCOT regulations and doesn't affect contracted power requirements.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The proposal received support from a plant systems integrator, Seth Maslowski, who shared insights on current group resource functionalities.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Next steps involve further discussions and possibly submitting a formal proposal to ERCOT.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=e0d77157-aef3-480b-af75-86e12b811b3b">▶️</a>6 - NERC Updates</h3> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/250221%20IBRWG_PRC029_NOGRR245.pdf">250221 IBRWG_PRC029_NOGRR245.pdf</a> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mark Henry from Texas RE provided updates on NERC standards, specifically PRC-029 and NOGRR245.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussion focused on the ride-through standards for inverter-based resources (IBRs), defining what IBRs are, and the applicability of standards.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">PRC-029-1 and PRC-029-4 are currently at FERC, open for comments until March 24th. It addresses ride-through conditions, including faults and voltage issues.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Comparison made between PRC-029 and NOGRR245 standards, highlighting differences in requirements for maximum capability and exemptions.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussion of requirements for IBRs to maximize capability, with existing differences in language between NERC and ERCOT standards.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">PRC-029 is consistent with IEEE 2800-2022, ERCOT preserves a portion of the legacy curve for low voltage conditions under NOGRR245 standards. Otherwise it is the same curve.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frequency ride-through requirements and the inclusion of additional steps by ERCOT were discussed.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Exemption processes differ between NERC and ERCOT, with specific conditions outlined by NERC.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Updates on generator registration programs affecting resources connected at certain voltages and capacities in Texas.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussion of new requirements affecting solar with capabilities of 20 MW or higher under NERC's generated availability data systems.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feedback from stakeholders indicated changes and clarifications in the PRC-029 exemption processes to include both voltage and frequency requirements.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=d604f556-f9b5-46ae-b4d4-fd512a25a784">▶️</a>7 - Other Industry Updates</h3> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/ERCOT_IBRWG_Industry_Updates_022125.pdf">ERCOT_IBRWG_Industry_Updates_022125.pdf</a> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt River Project (SRP) in Arizona released best practice specifications and test procedures for grid forming battery energy storage systems, effective from 02/14/2025, driven by the anticipated high percentage of inverter-based resources (IBRs) by 2030.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Grid forming battery storage is deemed necessary for reliability and stability in SRP's system, especially in weaker grid areas, and will be required on a case-by-case basis.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">SRP recognizes the need to comply with multiple IBR performance specifications and allows exemptions for challenges in meeting the standards, partly based on IEEE 2800-2022.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A collaborative study with ATC in Wisconsin and Michigan evaluated grid forming battery benefits in a realistic system, concluding it as a 'do no harm' solution that interoperates with existing grid devices and doesn't cause reliability issues.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The study demonstrated successful interoperability across multiple OEMs and suggested that grid forming can help defer other options like synchronous condensers.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">An ESIG spring workshop in Austin will feature technical sessions on oscillation, stability, and NERC projects relevant to the group's focus.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Large load integration is highlighted as a hot topic, despite not being directly relevant to the current scope.</li> </ul> <h4><a href="/sharing/?token=4a786d2d-c853-47b0-9e96-5f5dbd9085f1">▶️</a>7.1 - DWG and IBRWG Collaboration</h4> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/Dwg_Procedure_Manual_Revision_23_draft.pdf">Dwg_Procedure_Manual_Revision_23_draft.pdf</a> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Presentation of the procedure manual revision for DWG, emphasizing collaborative updates from ERCOT operations and Dynamics for planning.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Major update includes a restructured table in the initial section identifying technology types, required software, and relevant sections for each test.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Introduction of new sections for AGS ESR outlining changes in tests and performance requirements compared to non-AGS ESR tests.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emphasis on the unchanged requirements like flat start and voltage ride-through but noting new presentation and readability improvements.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Details on test structures covering description, setup, performance criteria, and acceptable performance from sections 3.1.5.11 onwards.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Introduction of new tests including voltage test, frequency change, inertia test, system strength test, phase single jump, and loss of the last synchronous machine test.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amendments to unit model validation language to ensure AGS ESR models meet new test requirements and settings.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=83a1601d-08ef-4ae2-bf84-8d864fc7e9d3">▶️</a>8 - AGS ESR Model Quality Tests - 12:30 p.m.</h3> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/ERCOT%20Response%20to%20Comments%20on%20AGS-ESR%20Test%20Requirement_02-2025%20IBRWG.pdf">ERCOT Response to Comments on AGS-ESR Test Requirement_02-2025 IBRWG.pdf</a> <a href="/storage/docs/2025/02/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions-AGS%20ESR_02-2025%20IBRWG.pdf">Frequently Asked Questions-AGS ESR_02-2025 IBRWG.pdf</a> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Focus remained on technical items; policy specifics were avoided.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stakeholders' comments were mostly addressed previously, but a FAQ document is available above.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussion on plant control and the necessity of including relevant controls to represent dynamic characteristics.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Clarification that model quality tests focus on ESR response at the POI and are a preliminary step in the interconnection process.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">ERCOT aims to cover adequate test scenarios; the seven specific tests provide a solid basis for AGS-ESR validation.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Questions from Stephen Solis about planning study assumptions and policy were noted but sidestepped as they relate to NOGRR272.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">No mandate from ERCOT on maintaining any ESR headroom in planning studies.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emphasis on model testing, focusing on whether ESR can provide advanced characteristics.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Exploration of fault types and scenarios in testing; it's a required process for IBRs.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Loss of a synchronous machine test was discussed with a focus on appropriate power response.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Clarification on the specific criteria for plant oscillation and converter control requirements.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Phase angle jump test criteria details were discussed, including clarification on Tesla's inquiries.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussion on the peak active power change and the assumptions regarding 10-degree and 25-degree angle jumps.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Clarification provided on test criteria and the flexibility available in meeting ERCOT standards.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A graph was presented to demonstrate theoretical initial p values against various plant impedances.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tesla's concerns about one-cycle rise time criteria were addressed.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acknowledgment that criteria apply under all conditions; language in the DWG manual was updated for clarity.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">FAQ document, slides, and redline documents have been posted on the IBR working group website for review.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Steven emphasized technical queries related to MQT, referencing a December 2021 NERC paper for further consideration.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="/sharing/?token=d7e9e762-d884-43b4-915f-45a3c14346db">▶️</a>9 - Adjourn</h3>