The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is conducting a consultation to develop a test procedure to determine the capability for inverters to ride through short duration undervoltage disturbances.
This consultation precedes the distributed Energy Resources (DER) ‘Initial’ Standard consultation (which is being conducted as prescribed by the proposed DER Minimum Standard Rule Change request), and seeks submissions specific to the test procedure.
The intent is for conformance with this test procedure to apply as an interim measure in South Australia prior to the DER ‘Initial’ Standard implementation, due to the pressing system security risks that have been identified in this region specifically.
Background
Levels of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) installed in South Australia have reached a level such that, given specific weather conditions and demand levels, a separation of the region from the wider NEM would put at risk power system security.
It has also been identified that inverters installed to the AS/NZS 4777.2:2015 requirements do not meet the implied short duration voltage disturbance ride-through (VDRT) capabilities that are outlined in the standard. AEMO views this capability as essential for limiting the exposure of the South Australian grid to power system events. These findings have been highlighted as part of the recently published Renewable Integration Study report and recognised by the South Australian Government and SA Power Networks (SAPN).
This consultation seeks feedback on an additional inverter test that confirms inverter capability to ride through a short duration voltage disturbance. It also provides a summary of how the test procedure and conformance will be managed.
Indicative Consultation Timeline
|
Process |
Indicative Date |
Status |
|
Draft test procedure, consultation paper and notice of consultation published |
5 June 2020 |
Complete |
|
Submissions close |
26 June 2020 |
Complete |
|
Final test procedure and process for implementation published |
July 2020 |
In progress |
Please reach out to DERProgram@aemo.com.au if you have any questions.
Meetings
AEMO proposes to hold a digital stakeholder forum on 12 June to provide an opportunity for discussion regarding the Test Procedure and consultation paper.
AEMO seeks expressions of interested from stakeholders who wish to participate in the digital forum to discuss the content of the Consultation and Test procedure. Expressions of interest should be provided prior to 10 June via DERProgram@aemo.com.au.
Following completion of this consultation, further stakeholder forums will be established to communicate key milestones and updates to industry. Please advise of your interest to stay informed by contacting DERProgram@aemo.com.au prior to 26 June 2020.
AEMO held a digital stakeholder forum on 12 June to provide an opportunity for discussion regarding the Test Procedure and consultation paper.
Consultation Documents
AEMO invites comments and submissions on the following documents:
Submissions should be emailed to AEMO by 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday 26 June 2020.
Submissions
All written submissions must be provided digitally and sent by email to DERProgram@aemo.com.au. Submissions must be received by AEMO by 5:00pm (AEST) on the day specified in the consultation timeline.
Public submissions will be published one week after submission close date. Any confidential submissions must be clearly marked, or any confidential information within a submission should be clearly marked, so that confidentiality can be maintained.