Energy Reports (Nov 2022)
Evaluation of the latest Spanish grid code requirements from a PV power plant perspective
Abstract
The integration of new renewable power capacity into the grid constitutes an important challenge. Control issues become more complex, and the behavior of the new installations must be carefully assessed. In this sense, countries are establishing strict technical requirements when integrating new generation facilities into networks. Within this framework, given the great importance of photovoltaic solar energy as a clean electricity generation technology that is experiencing an unstoppable increase, the present paper evaluates the compliance of a real solar photovoltaic power plant with a number of technical requirements established in the new Spanish grid code. The analyses are performed by means of a photovoltaic power plant simulation model representing the actual facility. Thus, the main contribution of the present work consists of mitigating the lack of information about the performance of real experiences on the commissioning process of new renewable power plants, as well as demonstrating the usefulness of simulation models towards the modernization of grid codes. The results reveal the compliance of the renewable facility with the requirements analyzed, showing a maximum deviation of 0.47% in the case of the power–frequency requirements, and very accurate responses of the power plant under the reactive power control requisites. The results also reveal the facility fully covers the reactive power capability requirements. This paper has served not only to deepen the process of compliance with grid codes, but also to obtain approval from the Spanish transmission system operator, Red Eléctrica de España, to commission the power plant under consideration, this being a contribution of special interest to industry.
