POWER PLANT CONTROLLER(PPC)

Reliable grid code compliance

FOR IMPROVED GRIDINTEGRATION AND RELIABLECOMPLIANCE PROCEDURES:

HOW TO IMPROVE GRIDSTABILITY WITH CERTIFIED PVPOWER PLANT CONTROL ANDTHUS GUARANTEE GRID-FRIENDLY PV SYSTEMCHARACTERISTICS

CERTIFIEDACC. TO

VDE-AR-N4110 / 4120

Flexible. Modular. Scalable.

The wide range of functions can also be expanded asnecessary and can be adapted to the system topologyfor each specific project. Because all interfaces have amodular design, the application is highly scalable. Withactive and reactive power control, a Zero Feed-In (ZeroExport) solution and reactive power compensation,many typical requirements are already implemented.

IT security

The X-Series ensures IT security thanks to user accessmanagement without standard users, integrated remoteaccess with TLS encryption as well as configurationand data transmission with end-to-end encryption.Guaranteed security even after the router.

High transparency – greater planningsecurity

With the blue’Log® XC, grid code compliance becomesa calculable factor, guaranteeing smooth approvalprocesses for the grid connection – all thanks to thecertified power plant characteristics of the Power PlantController (PPC) and the provision of simulationmodels when necessary. This ensures maximumtransparency during grid integration and reduces theplanning risk. In light of the European grid codeharmonization and the enactment of the TechnicalConnection Rules for medium voltage (VDE-AR-N4110) and high voltage (VDE-AR-N 4120) in Germany,meteocontrol has already obtained the necessarycomponent certificate for the Power Plant Controller(PPC) based on the controller blue’Log® XC.

Easy commissioning: parameterizinginstead of programming

Commissioning requires no programming knowledge.Thanks to clear user guidance and the industry-specificmenu structure, even complex grid connectionregulations can be complied quickly and easily by theuser. Easier configuration reduces the commissioningcosts and makes investments safe – from planningthrough to operation.

Full control over data with backups andanalysis

The blue’Log® XC stores the recorded data for the PVsystem locally for at least 100 days. In combinationwith VCOM, the system solution offers unlimitedlongterm archiving. The control of the power plant canbe analyzed in real-time on the controller itself and onbasis of historic measurement values which can beexported from the system.

Manufacurer-independent and future-proof

Whether it is a mixed PV power plant with differentinverter types or a heterogeneous PV system withinverters from different manufacturers, the flexibleall-in-one driver of the blue'Log® X-Series copes easilywith the large number of different communicationprotocols. Regular updates continuously expand thecompatibility of the system for a sustainable, future-proof solution.

OVERVIEW BENEFITS

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POWER PLANT CONTROLLER

© 2019 meteocontrol GmbH

The reliable way to bring PV systems grid-connected. Anywhere in the world.

Every grid operator, every region and every countryimpose different technical requirements when it comesto connecting photovoltaic power plants to thetransmission or distribution system. International gridcodes differ from German ones but on the Europeanlevel the Network Code (NC) Requirements forGenerators (RfG) harmonize all national gridconnection requirements across Europe. Within the EUall national grid codes have to be in-line with the NCRfG since April 27, 2019. The internationalrequirements are continuously increasing and theirdiversity is enormous.

Some countries are very lax when it comes to powersystem security. PV systems shoot up out of theground and maximum solar energy is fed into the gridwhich leads to a high PV penetration mostly in thedistribution grids. This might work for a while with good-quality electricity grids. But the end is in sight. Othercountries are aware of the need for action due toraising fluctuating feed of renewable energies such assolar energy and have set themselves ambitiousdevelopment targets. For these countries, grid stabilityis already a matter of top priority.

POWER PLANT CONTROLLER (PPC)

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VCOM

Power PlantController (PPC)

SCADA Center

Grid operator

Turnkey solution for monitoring and power plant control

As the system constructor is faced with a highdiversity of components, the right solution forcontrolling the planned system is needed. It must becompatible with the components installed, meet theexisting requirements and be able to adapt quicklyand flexibly to changing needs. An all-in-onesolution is ideal here.

Regardless the used inverter topology or even when it comesto a retrofit and the necessity to replace existing inverterswith new ones from other manufacturers, the blue’Log® XCassures a precise control with the best dynamic behavioreven for heterogenious pv power plants.

After all, EPC companies and investors benefitdoubly from a turnkey system for monitoring andplant control. It is economical and offers certaintyduring the planning phase and commissioning.

meteocontrol offers such a solution: the Power PlantController (PPC) in conjuction with the controllersand data loggers from the blue’Log® X-Series, thecloud-based monitoring platform VCOM and theSCADA Center for local operation and maintenance(O&M).

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POWER PLANT CONTROLLER

FLEXIBLE. MODULAR. SCALABLE.

The core system of the meteocontrol Power Plant Controller (PPC)

Thanks to extensive further developments,meteocontrol now offers significantly greater expertisewhen it comes to plant control. The blue’Log® XC isthe core system of the meteocontrol Power PlantController (PPC). It features a new transparentcontroller core and makes control behaviorunderstandable even under laboratory conditions. As aresult, it can be ensured in advance that the localrequirements can be met.

The possibility of providing the simulation model of theplant controller also allows support for the gridoperator´s or certification bodies system studies (e.g.compliance system studies). Further expansions suchas the integration of a VPN client offer key benefits,

especially for the solar power trading interface which istypical in Germany. As a result, you save time andmoney.

Furthermore, the blue’Log® XC with its high focus onusability allows an easy commissioning process. Thegraphical assistance ensures a quick configurationwithout the need of having programming knowledge.Even complex grid connection requirements can beconsidered through parameterizing the controller. Theconfiguration of characteristic curve control (e.g.reactive power-voltage Q (V) characteristic curve) givesthe user a direct feedback regarding the desired controlbehavior. The risk of misconfiguration can be reducedto a minimum.

BLUE’LOG XC

USABILITY & SIMULATION MODEL

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Model Type

� Symmetrical steady-state(RMS) model

Distributed energy resource penetration studies

Impact on network security (Imbalance / Overload) through:

� Absolute Production Constraint (APC) / Active Power Curtailment

� Power Gradient Constraint (PGC) / Ramp Rate Limiting

� Automatic active power adjustment P (f) at frequency deviation(over- / under-frequency)

Impact on network voltage stability through:

� Reactive Power (Q) Control

� Power Factor Control

� Voltage Control

Software Environment

� MATLAB/Simulink

� PowerFactory

� PSS/E

POWER PLANT CONTROLLER

SIMULATION OF PV POWER PLANTCHARACTERISTICS

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POWER PLANT CONTROLLER

CERTIFIED GRID CODE COMPLIANCE

The controller blue’Log® XC is certified according to theTechnical Connection Rules for medium voltage (VDE-AR-N4110) and high voltage (VDE-AR-N 4120) valid in Germany.

The electrical characteristics and functions of the controllerwere measured according to FGW TG3 and successfullyawarded with a component certificate by the independent,accredited certification body DNV GL RenewablesCertification according to FGW TG8.

The simulation model validated according to FGW TG4 can beused for system certification in order to evaluate the controlbehaviour of the active and reactive power control already inthe planning phase.

COMPLIANCE TESTS

Different control dynamics according to:

� VDE-AR-N 4110 (TCR) medium voltage� Settling time Tsettling, 95% = 6 ... 60s

Source: FGW TG3 test report: ‘Measurement of a PGS controller according

to FGW TG3 Rev. 25’, Report No.: 10108385-A-1-A, DNV GL, 2019-02-28