Modules · Interconnection studies · Module 048
ERCOT Interconnection Module Package
Modeling and support through every phase of an ERCOT interconnection request, from application to energization.
About this module
What this module covers.
This package covers modeling and support for one or more interconnection requests in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region. Navigating the interconnection process correctly requires engineering expertise in how to design, build and plan across each phase of the process. The package supports you through the four stages of the Generation Interconnection or Change Request (GINR) process.
At a glance
Module: 048
Kind: Interconnection studies
Governing body: ERCOT
Applies to: Before and after commercial operation
Typical time: Follows the ERCOT interconnection calendar
Dashboard capabilities
- Automated Compliance Workflow for ERCOT MQT
- Model Workspace Management: your plant's simulation model files kept in one dashboard workspace, with version tracking
- PSCAD Simulations
- PSS/E Simulations
Support services
What GridStrong does inside this module.
Stage 1: Generation Interconnection Request Application to Quarterly Stability Assessment (QSA)
- Support you through the interconnection process, providing regulatory support and guidance through the project scoping, security screening study (SSS), and full interconnection study (FIS) stages.
- Develop plant-level models including steady-state power flow, positive-sequence root-mean-square (RMS) dynamics, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) models.
- Coordinate with generator and plant-level controller manufacturers to ensure proper alignment throughout the interconnection process.
- Develop plant-level stability models per Planning Guide Section 6.2 as well as Dynamics Working Group (DWG) Procedure Manual Revision 25.
- Provide modeling support over the course of the FIS to resolve potential plant instability identified in the stability portion of the FIS.
- Perform all model quality tests (MQT), both legacy and preferred, as required in ERCOT's Dynamics Working Group Procedure Manual Revision 25, including: Flat Start, Small Voltage Disturbance, Small Frequency Disturbance (With and Without Headroom), Low Voltage Ride Through (Both "Legacy" and "Voltage Dip" Tests in both Leading and Lagging Initial Power Factors), High Voltage Ride Through (Both "Legacy" and "Preferred" Tests in both Leading and Lagging Initial Power Factors), System Strength, Phase Angle Jump (PSCAD Only).
- Benchmark the results of each test from different simulation model(s) by overlaying the responses and tuning the dynamic models to achieve alignment.
- Develop a detailed collector system load flow model and perform the reactive study according to the ERCOT reactive study scope document to determine the reactive devices needed to meet the ERCOT voltage support requirements.
- Calculate the gross dynamic reactive capability and fill out the reactive device inventory.
- Calculate the net reactive performance capability of the plant at the point of interconnection (POI) at eight operating points described in the reactive study scope document.
- Help you with mitigation plans and model tuning to address issues identified in the ERCOT Subsynchronous Resonance (SSR) study.
- Help you with Resource Integration and Ongoing Operations (RIOO) substation data entry, as needed.
Stage 2: Registration and Modeling
- Update the models based on the modifications to the project.
- Reconduct MQTs of the updated models according to ERCOT's Dynamics Working Group Procedure Manual Revision 25.
- Help you with RIOO substation data entry and attend meetings with ERCOT for RIOO substation data review.
Stage 3: Energization, Synchronization and Commissioning
- Update the plant model based on as-built design parameters.
- Reconduct the MQT by comparing the overlaid simulation results of the as-built model against the QSA model, in accordance with ERCOT's Dynamics Working Group Procedure Manual and Planning Guide Section 5.5(4).
- Prepare a parameter verification report after commissioning including compiling attestations, gathering plant documentation, ensuring model quality, meeting model quality requirements and checks per Dynamics Working Group Procedure Manual, verifying as-built protection and control settings, etc.
- Conduct model validation studies from staged test results:
- Reactive Power capability test (both leading and lagging) in accordance with Operating Guide section 3.3.2.2.
- Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) test in accordance with Operating Guide section 2.2.5.
- Primary Frequency Response (PFR) test in accordance with Nodal Operating Guide Section 8, Attachment C.
Stage 4: Post-Commissioning
- Update models after modification to any IBR control settings or equipment, or where field tests, inspections, event analysis, or other information demonstrate that the dynamics data should be changed to accurately represent the dynamic characteristics of the facility.
- Reconduct MQTs of the updated models by comparing the overlaid simulation results of the updated model against the old model, in accordance with ERCOT's Dynamics Working Group Procedure Manual and Planning Guide Section 5.5(6).
Final deliverables
Stage 1: Generation Interconnection Request Application to QSA
- Plant model files in PSS/E and PSCAD format including tuned parameters during the FIS and completed universal dynamic model and PSCAD templates.
- An MQT report, including overlaid simulation results from PSS/E and PSCAD.
- A reactive power study report.
Stage 2: Registration and Modeling
- Updated model packages in PSS/E and PSCAD format; updated universal dynamic model and PSCAD templates.
- An MQT report, including overlaid simulation results from updated PSS/E and PSCAD models.
Stage 3: Energization, Synchronization and Commissioning
- Updated model packages in PSS/E and PSCAD format based on the as-built settings and data and completed universal dynamic model and PSCAD templates.
- An MQT report, including overlaid simulation results comparing the as-built models with the QSA models for PSS/E and PSCAD.
- A parameter verification report.
- A model validation report.
Stage 4: Post-Commissioning
- Updated model packages in PSS/E and PSCAD format based on the changes identified and completed universal dynamic model and PSCAD templates.
- An MQT report, including overlaid simulation results comparing the old and the updated PSS/E and PSCAD models.
What we need from you
- Project information such as resource site code, POI, Unit name, and additional information as needed to complete the excel universal dynamic model template.
- Turbine PQ curve at the design temperature for the site and at various terminal voltage.
- Turbine datasheet including MVA ratings at the design temperature for the site.
- Turbine short circuit impedance data.
- Previously submitted modeling package or Resource Asset Registration Form (RARF), if available.
- Single-line diagram of the project.
- PSS/E model of the turbines and power plant controller from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
- PSCAD model of the turbines and power plant controller from OEMs.
- User manuals and documentation from OEMs including instructions for setup and running the PSS/E and PSCAD models.
- Test reports or nameplate pictures of unit step up transformers and main station transformers, as well as the transformer load tap changer or de-energized tap changer (LTC/DETC) data sheet, as applicable.
- Balance of plant (BOP) data including cable scheduling or parameters of the collector system, auxiliary loads, gen-tie data, switchable shunt devices, etc.
- All necessary control narratives and protection settings.
- Other information may be required during the execution of this project, if deemed necessary.
Assumptions and considerations
How the scope is bounded.
- The models will be provided compatible with PSS/E version 35.
- We rely on timely, accurate information from you, your OEMs, third-party engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms and other stakeholders, and assume no responsibility or liability for its accuracy.
- We do not guarantee the accuracy or quality of any models supplied by the OEMs. Correcting OEM-specific modeling errors requires OEM engagement.
- This scope includes one round of corrections with the OEMs and EPC contractors per task for data, models or other information provided; further rounds to address model deficiencies may require a change order.
- We assume no liability for the timely delivery of OEM or other third-party provided information and details necessary for supplying the deliverables.
- We use engineering judgment and best practices to correct or otherwise provide guidance on model deficiencies we identify.
Other modules
Every module runs on the same record.
Run this module on one site.
Tell us the plant and the deadline. An engineer confirms the inputs, the schedule and what the Dashboard needs from you.