Streamline grid connection approval

ABB solutions for smooth and cost-efficient grid code compliance

In today's society, the electric grid's significance cannot be overstated; it serves as the backbone, delivering electricity to industries, homes, and businesses, and propelling societal progress.

As the demand for electricity surges and the shift toward decentralized, renewable energy sources accelerates, the resilience and reliability of the grid become paramount challenges for transmission (TSO) and distribution (TDO) operators and regulators. This is where grid codes step into the global spotlight. They establish the vital technical prerequisites for assets connecting to the grid and define the requisite procedures. In doing so, grid codes play a pivotal role in strengthening the grid's robustness and dependability.

In certain regions, grid codes are notably intricate, making compliance a multifaceted process, demanding a multitude of tasks and verifications to secure a Final Operational Notification (FON).

What does this mean for utilities?

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Cost implications

Compliance with grid codes often requires additional investments in consulting services, infrastructure, and technology, which can impact the budgets of power utilities and plants.

Financial penalties

Failure to comply with grid codes may result in penalties from the TSOs/DSOs, loss of earnings due to operational disruptions, and reputational damage. Adherence is crucial for business.

Regular check-ups

Grid codes adapt over time to accommodate shifting energy demands and evolving technologies. Regular compliance verifications are necessary, which can lead to added expenses and challenges for utilities.

Need for in-depth expertise

Grid codes are intricate and exhibit regional variations. Grasping their implications and assembling the necessary deliverables for TSOs and DSOs demands specialized technical expertise, which is often lacking within utility companies

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Solutions overview

We understand the challenges that power utilities and plants encounter when striving to meet grid code requirements. That's why our comprehensive portfolio of simulation, modeling, and commissioning solutions is designed to effectively address these challenges and provide support to our customers.

Grid code compliance studies
Modelling & Validation
Compliance testing and supervision
Training & Support
Worldwide, TSOs and DSOs in countries like Australia, Finland, Denmark, the UK, the USA, Canada, and more require extensive power system studies to ensure grid code compliance and issue Initial Opera-tional Notifications (ION) for power plants. 

These simulations evaluate system performance during transient events like Fault-Ride-Through (FRT), Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF), grid frequency and voltage fluctuations, and system os-cillation damping, typically managed by Power System Stabilizers (PSS). 

ABB's Grid Code Compliance Studies adapt to the network operator's platform and cover all required simulation scenarios, including frequency and voltage considerations.
Modeling and simulations are powerful tools for preliminary system evaluation, but physical tests are essential to validate these studies. Compliance tests, specified by each grid code, have the final say. These tests, varying by country, typically cover voltage regulation, reactive power, PSS damping, frequency regulation, and protection concepts.

With extensive experience in the field, ABB offers Compliance Testing & Supervision services for UNITROL voltage regulators. ABB's field service engineers guide customers through certification and compliance testing campaigns to ensure adherence to grid code requirements.
Utilities must supply dynamic simulation models for their power plants, detailing various assets like synchronous machines, transformers, and more. These models are essential for integration into a larger grid model, allowing TSOs and DSOs to analyze and plan effectively.

Ensuring the accuracy of these models involves validation against on-site measurements and adapt-ing to different simulation software formats. ABB's Modeling & Validation services address these requirements, offering expertise in developing and validating dynamic equipment models across various simulation platforms.
 
Understanding and complying with complex grid codes can be challenging for plant engineers. Period-ic proof of compliance is required, involving investments in external resources. 

Training engineers to assess grid code compliance and liaise with network operators is crucial.

ABB offers tailored training and expert support for power system stability and compliance.

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Supported applications

 

Conventional power plants

Coal- and gas-fired power plants, combined cycles, nuclear power plants, diesel and gas engines

Renewable power plants

Offshore and onshore wind parks, photovoltaic parks, solar thermal plants, hydro power plants.

Hydrogen and Power-to-X

Hydrogen production plants directly connected to the TSOs grid, Power-To-X (PtX) plants for green hydrogen production

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Why ABB

 

Minimized compliance costs

With ABB's extensive global exposure to grid codes, achieving compliance becomes a seamless process. This minimizes the overall compliance project costs.

Technology expertise

As a pioneering technology leader, ABB's application knowledge ensures that simulation models faithfully represent real equipment, expediting the awarding of Initial Operational Notifications (ION).

Peace of mind

ABB offers comprehensive support throughout the grid connection project, from the application phase to the ION and Final Operational Notification (FON) awards. This assistance helps customers understand grid codes and facilitates discussions with Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs).

Discover more

ABB TechTalk
The role of grid codes in today power system - Basis, requirements, and their applications

A free introductory webinar to the theme of grid codes and their impact on plant owners with Giacomo Cavallini, ABB's Energy Industries expert in Grid Code Compliance solutions
White paper
A digital path to grid code compliance

Helping utility companies keep the power grid secure in the unpredictable age of renewables
ABB launches world-first grid code compliant excitation system

UNITROL 1000 is the world first excitation system certified by TÜV NORD compliant to the VDE-AR-N 4110 and VDE-AR-N 4120 standards

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