Insights
Essential Technologies Powering the Future of Renewable Energy
October 4, 2024
As the world embraces a cleaner, greener future, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming key players in our energy landscape.
However, with this surge in renewable power comes a pressing challenge: how do we ensure that this energy is harnessed effectively and delivered reliably?
At CSE Uniserve, we have a suite of solutions specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by renewable generators – ensuring regulatory compliance, grid stability and optimised asset performance.
Generator Performance Standards (GPS) Compliance
A key requirement for renewable energy generators is meeting the strict Generator Performance Standards (GPS) set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
CSE Uniserve offers comprehensive solutions to help renewable energy generators meet these standards while enabling a higher renewable penetration.
The Elspec Power Quality Analysers continuously monitor and record a generator’s output, providing essential data to confirm compliance with GPS.
Elspec’s advanced monitoring devices offer real time communication at various protocols for real-time power plant control. In addition, continuous waveform recording enables advanced diagnosis and root cause analysis for data driven decision making. When coupled with Elspec’s PQSCADA software, data from different sites and sensors is consolidated and managed in one place, enabling the generation of rich data visualisation and detailed reports.
In addition, Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) are vital for maintaining system stability. When fluctuations in the grid frequency occur, AEMO-approved generators play a crucial role in either increasing or decreasing their output to stabilise the grid. Elspec meters enable real-time recording of these responses, delivering validated data that supports compliance for this service.
Ensuring Secure, Stable Grid Connection
Power system protection and control are essential for maintaining a reliable and secure connection to the grid. Without effective protection, the entire energy system can become vulnerable to faults, outages and inefficiencies that can affect both generators and consumers.
The GE Multilin Relay range is designed to ensure that renewable energy generators can integrate with the grid while maintaining optimal performance and safety.
L90 Line and T60 Transformer Protection safeguard critical infrastructure like power lines and transformers from faults, ensuring reliability and minimising downtime. The N60 Network Protection Relay with Multistage Oscillation Detection (MSOD) enhances network stability and provides early warnings to prevent cascading failures in the grid.
For a more compact solution, the GE Multilin Agile Relay offers economical protection for feeder and collector systems, with advanced functions for renewable integration.
Centralising and Automating Asset Performance and Fault Management
As the complexity of modern power grids increases, automation helps streamline operations, optimise resource use and enhance response times in the event of faults or fluctuations.
Solutions like the GE G500 and the GE Power Gateway (GPG) allow renewable energy generators to optimise performance, monitor operations in real time and swiftly respond to changing grid conditions.
The GE G500 is a powerful automation platform enabling centralised control of substation operations, providing the intelligence needed to maintain grid stability and performance. This Multi-function Controller Platform hosts multiple functions and applications such as SCADA Concentrator, Remote Terminal Unit, Human Machine Interface, Advanced Cyber Security features, Non-Operational Data Storage and more.
This advanced substation gateway allows operators to gather, manage and relay data (metering, status, events and faults) between renewable energy sources and the grid. Specialised applications like dynamic ramping help balance energy supply and demand, ensuring the smooth integration of renewable energy sources with fluctuating outputs.
Simplifying Asset Monitoring
Monitoring assets like transformers is critical for detecting potential issues before they lead to failures or costly downtime. As renewable energy systems grow in scale and complexity, the need for advanced monitoring solutions to safeguard these key assets becomes even more important.
At CSE Uniserve, we offer advanced transformer monitoring solutions, including single gas and multiple gas monitoring systems, which provide early warnings of faults, optimise maintenance schedules and extend asset life.
The DGA900 PLUS for 9 Gas Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) provides insights into the health of transformers and helps prevent failures before they occur. It offers enhanced accuracy and early fault detection, monitors bushings, insulation and cooling systems, and identifies partial discharges.
Mitigating the Risk of Fault Currents
As renewable energy systems expand, the increased power feeding into the grid can raise fault current levels, leading to potential damage to equipment and safety risks.
The G&W Electric CLiP Current Limiting Protection solution helps mitigate the impact of fault currents by reducing the current that flows through the network during fault events, preventing excessive stress on switchboards and other equipment.
This system provides significant benefits for renewable energy generators by reducing the need for overrated switchboards, limiting the contribution to grid fault currents and adapting to changing fault current levels. It also enhances safety by minimising arc energy damage to equipment, leading to reduced operational costs, improved system stability and extended equipment lifespan.
Unlock the full potential of renewable energy with CSE Uniserve’s tailored solutions for greater stability, performance and compliance. Contact our team to learn how we can help you navigate the challenges of renewable energy generation.