How ETAP Microgrid Controllers manage the Red Sea Utility off-grid Microgrids in Tabuk

The Red Sea Utility Grid is in the Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia. The site is a vast 33,000 km2 of islands, lagoon, coastal plain and mountains with extremely diverse marine life and terrestrial landforms. The grid is divided into four off-grid microgrids. The focus of this presentation is about three of the microgrids that are very similar in size and operation. Each of these microgrids includes two PV generation (total 6 MW), two battery storages (total 5MW, ~18 MWh), and two emergency backup diesel generators (~ total 3.8 MW). The system is designed to achieve high reliability by having redundancy at various levels.

Reactive Power based LCOE Analysis

High penetration of solar PV energy fed into an electrical grid brings its share of challenges making the grid volatile which requires stabilizing variable energy. This presentation addresses one such challenge, of voltage profile improvement with reactive power compensation at the point of interconnection. A solar PV plant is rated in terms of power (either AC or DC) and is typically not rated for their reactive counterparts (MVAr). IEEE 1547/UL 1741 compliant inverters will typically not have reactive power capability and operate with a unity power factor. Although modern inverters have a capacity to supply reactive power in the range of +0.9 lead/-0.9 lag, the PV plant is rated based on the AC power supplied by the inverter at unity PF. Operational data sourced from various plants in India suggest that a typical utility-scale PV plant provides reactive energy in the range of 7% to 10%. This leads to an inherent error in the per-unit cost calculation, as when the inverter providing the reactive power, the active power is hampered. This paper showcases a cost-to-benefit analysis of various scenarios, such as unity power.

Using ETAP to Evaluate Ground Fault Trips in a Microgrid

Adding distributed generation sources to existing power distribution systems and the implementation of islanding microgrid capability introduce protection and control challenges if not properly designed. Each new generator may present a new source ground fault current to the system, which can result in unanticipated breaker operation. Energy Systems Group, was using ETAP to model the system and check coordination of local and remote breakers can reduce downtime and troubleshooting.

Modeling and Analysis of a Microgrid for a Wastewater Treatment Plant - AECOM

Engineering and operation objectives of mission-critical facilities require a reliable and secure power supply system. Microgrids have become the leading technological solution for a resilient and sustainable supply of electricity for critical infrastructures. This paper presents ETAP-based power system studies of a microgrid designed for a mission-critical facility, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The microgrid consists of a behind-the-meter (BTM) solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a battery energy storage system (BESS), a combined heat and power (CHP) generator, and standby diesel generators. We modeled this microgrid by leveraging the ETAP software and performed power system studies for both grid-connected and islanded modes of operation. Several scenarios were created based on different loading conditions and power source combinations, which are utilized to validate the power system studies. We will discuss the model of the power system investigated, operational strategy and sequences of operation, findings, challenges, lessons learned, and future works.

Seamless Transition of Microgrids - From Grid-Connected to Islanded Mode

This webinar outlines how ETAP Microgrid Control Solution devises and implements adaptive strategies to enable a smooth transition between grid-connected and islanded modes during unplanned islanding.

Harmonic Mitigation Project in Steel Plant

This presentation aims to explain the necessary steps to comply with national grid code standards; an exemplary case of a steel manufacturing plant with intensive use of induction furnaces and a THD that exceeded the Grid Code's limits. This presentation highlights compliance, analysis, engineering (electrical power system studies), and equipment designed to comply with the technical criteria and mitigation. ETAP was used to size a filter to mitigate harmonics and improve the power factor for 34.5 kV transformers for grid code compliance. 

Remedial Action Scheme for Integrated G-T-D System

Due to system shutdowns stemming from drastic frequency decline associated with the loss of relatively large generating units, Fortis TCI embarked on exploring opportunities to curtail these events to improve system response. This was achieved through detailed modeling and validation of system parameters with event data gathered from previous events.  Carefully implemented Remedial Action Schemes are currently explored to provide cost-saving benefits; significantly improving frequency response, without the need for larger spinning reserves and minimize investment costs for BESS.

Unit Capability Validation, an Analytical Approach for MOD-25 Compliance

It is crucial to define the reactive power limits to evaluate the voltage support available under normal, abnormal and emergency operations with the unit's safe functioning. Published generator thermal capabilities curves, produced by the manufacturer, define the limits for safe operation based on the generator design's thermal limitations. Practically, the available reactive capability differs from the published equipment curves due to plant specific design and operating constraints. This presentation discusses a theoretical approach utilizing a simplified electrical distribution system and an ETAP model to identify and validate the plant-specific unit capability. 

Intelligent Microgrid Management - Part 2

This webinar examines the microgrid controller’s architecture, hardware deployment workflow, and a range of advanced monitoring tools. Learn how ETAP Digital Twin platform enables the design and deployment of ETAP's Intelligent μGrid™ solution.

eOTS™ - Operator Training Simulator

This webinar demonstrates how eOTS™ helps to develop and improve operator competency through real-world simulated learning, resulting in improved power system design and operation.

Stability Studies for Power Systems with DERs

As more Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are added and mixed into the grid, the need to effectively evaluate and validate the dynamic response of power systems has become essential for grid resiliency, reliability, and security. In this webinar, learn how ETAP Transient Stability Analysis addresses needs and challenges of stability studies for power systems with integrated DERs.

Intelligent Microgrid Management - Part 1

ETAP's μGrid™ solution combines model-driven microgrid controller hardware with advanced power management software to unlock system resiliency, optimized cost, security, and sustainability. This webinar focuses on microgrid design and software-based validation.

Battery Energy Storage Systems

This webinar demonstrated how the integration of battery energy storage systems improves system reliability and performance, offers renewable smoothing, and can increase profit margins of renewable farm owners.