Horizon Power provides comprehensive requirements for computer models of facilities connecting to its networks to ensure safety, performance, and reliability. This article synthesizes key information from Horizon Power’s guidelines regarding the modelling requirements, assessment processes, and specific technical standards.

Overview of Modelling Requirements

Key Areas of Focus

• Model Functional Requirements: Specifies what the model needs to do.
• Model Performance, Accuracy, and Acceptance Criteria: Specifies the extent to which the model should perform.
• Model Evaluation Requirements: Information on what will be used to appraise models.
• Documentation Requirements: Specifications for supporting documentation.

Staged Modelling Methodology

• Access Application (R0): Models submitted at initial access application to initiate connection.
• Detailed Design (R1): Models submitted subsequent to detailed design, following required changes.
• R2 Commissioning Tests: Models submitted for final after testing to verify the performance.

Variables affecting the model development

• Quality and accessibility of the generic models provided by the vendor.
• Accessibility of the Balance of Plant (BOP).
• The identified model should suit the strength.
• Whether external controllers for this project are required or not.
• The technical rules based on capabilities of technologies presented for this project.

Modelling Technical Requirements

Modelling Consistency

• Consistency between SLDs and other schematics.
• Consistency of network data, including impedances and transformer specifications.
• Correct representation of the generating system or load specifications.

Model Performance Standards

• Correct representation of dynamic performance over at least 30 seconds post-event.
• Non-convergence warnings should be kept to a minimum to prevent problems from arising during simulations.
• For inverter-based systems, the model should represent harmonic emissions well and contain appropriate protective relays.

Model Evaluation Process

• An infinite bus model for some of the evaluations, so that evaluations can be made without any details on the connection point of the facility.
• A series of checks to adjust control systems, generally listed in an annex or table in the rules.

R2 Submission of Data

• Description of tests made.
• Variations in actual and accepted procedures.
• Performance on Technical Rules.
• Model validation performance, including overlays of the measured versus simulated responses.
• Full documentation, that includes block diagrams and a report on tuning.

Functional Needs for Models

• Run steady-state, dynamic (RMS), and harmonic simulations.
• Adjust active power, reactive power, and voltage setpoints.
• Have under/over voltage and frequency protection settings included.
• Have droop response settings included in line with Horizon Power’s Technical requirements.

Horizon Power’s modeling guidelines are an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to connect generating facilities to its network. Only with such an encompassing demand of these requirements would the involved projects meet not only compliance, but also provide better quality to the entire power system. In such a fashion, the gradual approach through clear performance standards and assessment processes help to avoid any form of threat toward both the energy provider as well as the community-at-large and allows the latter to make this shift in energy production.