Renewable Energy Integration for Sustainable Future: Part 2 Role of HVDC, FACTS and BESS.
Integrating renewable energy sources to power systems has become a priority. However, transitioning to a renewable energy system is not as simple as flipping a switch.
There are many technical challenges and complexities involved in integrating renewable energy sources into the existing grid infrastructure. Integrating intermittent, inverter-based distributed energy resources like wind and solar PV significantly impacts power system dynamics, raising concerns about reliability and resilience.
Addressing the complexities of renewables involves careful planning and using emerging technologies to build a more extensible infrastructure to support the energy transition.
This article discusses how the High Voltage Direct Current System [HVDC], Flexible AC Transmission System [FACTS], Battery Energy Storage System [BESS] solutions play a part in the most efficient method of renewable energy integration.
Grid Technology Solutions for Efficient Energy Transition
Grid technology solutions like HVDC [High Voltage Current Transmission System], FACTS [Flexible AC Transmission System] and BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] are required to address the most complex problems and network instability. These solutions required to manage current and future grid challenges while improving transmission system stability and performance.
FACTS Solutions
STATCOM
Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) technology is a dynamic solution for voltage control in the power grid by injecting and absorbing reactive power.
Reactive power significantly affects grid security as its impact voltages in the system. According to the regulations, it is necessary to have dynamically varying reactive power support during LVRT [Low Voltage Ride Through]. STATCOM systems provide a perfect solution to this challenge.
STATCOM Applications
- Fast voltage control under various load conditions during steady-state and dynamic events.
- Reactive power control
- Unbalance control.
- Power factor regulation
- Power oscillation damping
- Improved flicker reduction in industrial applications
SYNCON [Synchronous Condenser]
When large rotating generators that previously provided inertia are replaced by non-synchronous generation, inertia must come from other sources.
With an increasing share of renewable power generation and the shutdown of large conventional and nuclear power plants for environ-mental, economic, social, and political reasons, most power grids are experiencing a decreasing level of inertia and short-circuit power.
Inertia and short circuit power are integral factors for a capable system. Inertia reduces oscillation on grid frequency and prevents system blackouts, while short circuit power ensures reliable system protection.
Synchronous condenser [SYNCON] solution uses a generator to supply the necessary inertia with its rotating mass while also providing or absorbing reactive power. The generator is connected to the transmission network by a transformer and is started by a static frequency converter. Once the operating speed is achieved, the generator is synchronized with the network, behaving like a synchronous motor with no load and providing reactive power, short-circuit power, and inertia to the transmission network.
SVC PLUS Frequency Stabilizer
As the power infeed from inverter-based resources continues to replace conventional synchronous power generation, the grid frequency is becoming more sensitive due to the reduced amount of rotating machines. Grid operators face the challenge of providing sufficient system inertia with rotating equipment to stabilize the grid. Because inverter-based resources have minimal inertia and cannot be used for frequency stabilization, new solutions are needed.
SVC PLUS FS from Siemens Energy is combination of STATCOM and Super Capacitors.
By using a bulk number of supercapacitors, the SVC PLUS Frequency Stabilizer (SVC PLUS FS) is a cost-efficient, compact solution that can emulate system inertia by boosting high active power into the grid when needed. It also offers voltage support by means of reactive power compensation.
HVDC:
HVDC [High Voltage Direct Current System] transmission systems are designed to transmit large amounts of power over long distances with minimal losses, making them ideal for connecting offshore wind farms to the grid. Unlike traditional Alternating Current (AC) systems, HVDC systems are not subject to the same level of power loss over long distances. This is because HVDC systems transmit power as a direct current, reducing the resistive losses that occur in AC systems.
HVDC systems offer enhanced stability and control over power flow, making them invaluable for balancing supply and demand across interconnected grids. The precise control mechanisms of HVDC facilitate dynamic power flow adjustments, voltage regulation, and frequency stabilization, ensuring grid reliability even under fluctuating conditions.
By linking grids across regions or countries, HVDC facilitates cross-border electricity trading, enhances grid resilience, and fosters energy security through diversification of power sources.
A growing number of large-scale offshore wind farms needs to be connected to the grids, strained AC grids must be stabilized to ensure reliable operation, energy-hungry megacities require low-loss power supply solutions.
HVDC VSC system can be integrated into multi-terminal HVDC systems and future HVDC grids.
BESS [Battery Energy Storage System]:
Energy storage technologies, particularly battery storage, offer a viable solution to mitigate the intermittent nature of wind power. By storing excess electricity generated during high wind periods and releasing it during low wind periods, energy storage systems ensure a more stable electricity supply.
First, Battery storage help power producers or grid operators prevent a mostly involuntary reduction of energy output, also known as ‘curtailment’.
Second, they make energy arbitrage feasible. This means that producers can store energy when it’s cheap and sell it when prices are high. They’re also well suited for black-start capabilities or as backup solutions.
When energy is cheap, it can be stored to sell it when prices are high (so-called energy arbitrage).
Conclusion:
HVDC, FACTS, and BESS play critical roles in ensuring efficient renewable energy integration and addressing the majority of the issues and complications that arise as a result of growing renewable energy integration.
Siemens Energy offers solutions such as HVDC [High Voltage Direct Current Transmission System], FACTS [Flexible AC Transmission System] and BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] to address even the most complex problems and network instability. Siemens Energy is developing new solutions to manage current and future grid challenges while improving transmission system stability and performance.
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1yThank you Karikalan for sharing. It was an excellent read, extremely helpful and insightful.