In modern electrical grids, having emergency response systems becomes more critical to maintain stability and ensure uninterrupted, safe operation of power supplies. For power generation facilities, especially those connected to the grid during emergency conditions, an effective emergency backstop mechanism is vital in preventing disruption. Jemena has developed an effective, robust, and dynamic emergency backstop for EG systems exceeding 200 kVA.
This article discusses Jemena’s approach to implementing an emergency backstop capability using a DoE solution instead of its existing SCADA system, which communicates via the DNP3 protocol.
Background
In Australia, regulatory requirements for EG systems, whether backup generators or renewable installations, mandate that any grid connection should respond to a disturbed grid without compromising power system stability.
For installations exceeding 200 kVA, there is no prescriptive regulatory requirement for emergency backstop technology. This flexibility allows utilities like Jemena to integrate their in-house systems and solutions.
Utilizing its SCADA infrastructure, Jemena meets these needs with a reliable, scalable, and adaptable platform for operating EG systems and dealing with emergency situations in real time.
Dynamic Operating Envelope (DoE)
Jemena’s Dynamic Operating Envelope (DoE) is the heart of the company’s emergency backstop solution. This is operational limits on power export and generation that are dynamically adjusted based on real-time grid conditions and operational scenarios.
The DoE ensures that the output of an EG system remains within controlled constraints, preventing excessive grid load or violations of limits such as size, stress, or environmental factors. The DoE is constantly adjusted according to system performance, generation capacities, grid needs, and emergency states so as not to compromise grid reliability with distributed generation through backup generators and renewable sources.
Use of SCADA as a Backup for Emergency
The SCADA system satisfies Jemena’s emergency generation monitoring and control requirements. SCADA allows for monitoring and control in real-time, allowing EG systems to function, and control to grid loads as needed.
- SCADA for Remote Monitoring: Enables remote monitoring and control of EG systems, providing a real-time response to grid demands.
- DNP3 Protocol: Jemena employs the Distributed Network Protocol 3 for reliable, secure communication between EG systems and SCADA, leveraging networks like 4G and dedicated modems.
- 4G Modem Connectivity: Ensures communication between field equipment and SCADA master stations, even in remote installations.
How the Emergency Backstop Works
- Data Collection: SCADA retrieves live data from EG systems, such as power generation and the state of the grid, which SCADA sends using 4G modems via the DNP3 protocol.
- Monitoring and Control: Operators remotely monitor EG systems and adjust generation limits during emergencies, according to the DoE.
- Emergency Response: The DoE mechanism can be used to limit power export to grid limits to ensure a stable operating environment, throttling of demand response capacity, or redistributing existing generation to suitable consumption.
- Continuous Adaptation: During events, the system adjusts in real-time to preserve grid stability and balance.
Advantages of Jemena’s Solution
- Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizes existing SCADA infrastructure, minimizing additional investment.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Supports various EG systems, including solar PV, diesel generators, and battery storage, and allows easy scaling.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Control: Enhances emergency response and grid resilience.
- Proven Communication Protocol: DNP3 ensures reliable and secure communication under challenging conditions.
- Remote Accessibility: Operators can monitor and control the system remotely via 4G modems, increasing operational flexibility.
Jemena’s SCADA-based emergency backstop mechanism, featuring the Dynamic Operating Envelope and the DNP3 protocol, exemplifies efficient, scalable emergency grid management. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the solution ensures power generation stays within safe limits during emergencies, enhancing grid reliability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
Why do we need an emergency backstop?
Occasionally on mild, sunny days when there is low demand for electricity, more solar is exported to the grid than we can use.
This can lead to:
- Unstable electricity supply
- Local voltage issues
- Possible outages.
The emergency backstop will make sure that solar exports can be safely managed and enable more households to get the benefits and annual bill savings associated with solar. It will help to avoid blackouts by enabling rooftop solar systems to be turned down or switched off when there is too much power in the grid.
Using the emergency backstop is a last resort. It will not affect the supply of electricity to your home.
As DER integration rises, solutions like Jemena’s backstop mechanism will be crucial for maintaining stable, reliable electricity grids.
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