pwr_march-2024 - 38

TECHNOLOGY
events cannot be simulated on an operating
power plant as the grid frequency
and voltage at the plant is influenced
by the many generators and loads on
the bulk electric system.
ler code set. HIL testing would change
that. It enables corner case testing for
abnormal events to ensure that plants
will behave predictably at the most important
moments.
HIL's high-accuracy modeling enables
controls engineers to tune the power
plant controller to the power plant and
local grid's specific parameters before
deploying onsite.
For the plant undergoing testing,
alternate tests can be performed by
adding a bias signal or override to the
metering
measurements,
but
these
are not ideal, nor able to fully test ridethrough
voltage or frequency duration
curves. Additionally, this methodology
cannot fully test the interaction between
the power plant controller and
IBRs when the IBRs are responding
to a grid event and in a voltage or frequency
ride-through mode. Thus, current
standard testing approaches never
evaluate the plant's response to these
events when using the actual controlHIL
testing can also simplify and potentially
expedite the onsite commissioning
process for IBR-based projects.
Commissioning is a critically high-risk
period for stakeholders, with completion
dates, contractual obligations, high-cost
labor and equipment, and more, contributing
to pressure from all sides. Any reduction
of risk or cost in this period is of
high value.
Of course, identifying and rectifying
potential system issues before equipment
shipment can reduce commissioning
period risk, but the impact of
HIL extends beyond that. HIL's highaccuracy
modeling enables controls
engineers
to
tune the power
plant
controller to the power plant and local
grid's specific parameters before deploying
onsite. In some cases, onsite
adjustments may still be needed, but
the period required for that work will be
decreased. By de-risking and accelerating
the commissioning process, HIL can
minimize exposure to liquidated damages,
delayed completion dates, and other
common penalties associated with late
project completion.
With benefits across various stakeholder
groups, including engineering,
procurement, and construction (EPC)
contractors; owners; utilities; and customers,
HIL represents an opportunity
for the power industry to take proactive
action to minimize risk and maximize
grid reliability. Now is the time to implement
this approach as a standard across
IBR plants, ensuring reliability and resilience
as we continue the transition to
the future grid. ■
-Tina Dornbusch is the Director of
Product Engineering, Rohit Kumar is Grid
Integration and Compliance Specialist,
and Lars Johnson is Chief Technology
Officer, all with Merit Controls.
BRANDCONNECT
Reach your Target Audience with
Content that Resonates with
BrandConnect from POWER
POWER's BrandConnect allows you to connect directly with the POWER audience by placing your
content alongside relevant POWER editorial content, maximizing discoverability in context.
You benefit from aligning with the superior editorial expertise and journalistic integrity of the POWER
editorial team. Subscribers rely on the editors of POWER to deliver industry news, technology
fundamentals, and expert analysis of industry operations and trends. When we connect your brand to
our sophisticated and engaged audience, while associating them with the leading trends and respected
editorial experts, we get results.
CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ABOUT HOW BRANDCONNECT CAN WORK FOR YOU:
TERRY DAVIS
404-634-5123
tdavis@accessintel.com
38
CHRIS HARTNETT
713-343-1889
chartnett@accessintel.com
www.powermag.com
PETRA TRAUTES
+49 69 58604760
ptrautes@accessintel.com
POWER | March 2024

http://www.powermag.com

pwr_march-2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of pwr_march-2024