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Grid Code Compliance for Integrating 50 MW Wind Farm into Dhofar Power
Grid

Conference Paper · August 2016

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Grid Code Compliance for Integrating 50 MW Wind Farm into

Dhofar Power Grid

H. A. S. Al Riyami1*, A. G. Kh. Al Busaidi1, A. A. Al Nadabi1, O. H. Abdalla2,

K. Al Manthari3, B. Hagenkort4, and R. Fahmi5

1
Oman Electricity Transmission Company, Oman
2
Helwan University, Egypt
3
Rural Area Electricity Company, Oman
4
Masdar, Abu Dhabi
5
Tractebel Engineering, Dubai
* [email protected]

Abstract: This paper addresses the impact of the first 50 MW wind farm project on the Dhofar network. The
wind farm consists of 20×2.5 MW wind turbines and will be integrated into the 132 kV Dhofar network which is
connected with the Maim Interconnected System through the Petroleum Oman Development grid. A model of the
entire power system of Oman is developed for steady-state and dynamic studies using DIgSILENT software.
Two types of generators are considered: doubly-fed induction generator and asynchronous generator with fully
rated converter technology. Simulation results are presented including load flow, short-circuit, contingency and
stability analyses. No adverse effects ware identified due to the wind farm connection to the Dhofar
network. The currently applicable Grid Codes in most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are focused
on the connection of conventional synchronous generators but recently increasing number of non-synchronous
renewable generators are being commissioned in the region. The results of this analysis can provide a basis in
the future for updating existing OETC Grid Code elements and for assessing future non-synchronous
connections.

Key Words: Grid Code, Wind Farm, Oman Grid.

1. Introduction conventional synchronous plants, however with the

introduction of non-synchronous plants, the Grid
The connection of potential renewable technologies Code has to be revised to cater for the connection
to the power system grid in the Gulf countries is of non-synchronous plants i.e. solar PV plants and
one of the most energy efficient ways of meeting wind turbine. In cooperation with a number of
future climate change targets and moving towards a international consultants the requirements for
sustainable future [1]. The majority of the integrating renewable technologies to the grid has
Transmission System Operators (TSO’s) in the been addressed in the technical requirements
region are currently reliant on conventional oil and defined in the Connection Conditions of Schedule 2
gas plants for meeting their energy demands. The Draft 5 entitled “Technical Criteria for Wind Farm
majority of these plants are located far from the Power Stations Connected to the Transmission
main demand centres with growing concerns over System” [3]. This will be eventually integrated into
the security of supply and the amount of fuel the OETC Grid Code to cater for any new future
reserves found in the region [1, 2]. The potential of renewable projects. The aim of this paper is to
connecting renewable generation in this region is assess the potential Grid Code requirements and
large, however the technical requirements for compliancy of the first 50 MW Dhofar wind farm
connecting asynchronous plants to the regional on the OETC Dhofar network via the technical
power systems have yet to be fully established in requirements defined in the Connection Conditions
the region. Oman Electricity Transmission of Schedule 2 draft 5. The requirements include
Company (OETC) has committed to connect a technical elements in the form of power factor /
number of pilot plant renewable schemes to the reactive control requirements, fault ride through,
main interconnected system as well as Dhofar in power-frequency control and power quality
Oman. To date the OETC Grid Code provides a requirements (Voltage unbalance, flicker and
technical guidance on the connection of harmonics). The majority of these technical

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Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

elements are necessary for the connection of AVR has been considered on the 132/33 kV
renewable generation due to the technologies transformer and a station controller have been
deployed being non-synchronous plants. All system defined as shown in Figure 1. The AVR of the
studies of the paper were performed by using the 132/33 kV OLTC transformer (tap range -19/+1) is
DIgSILENT professional software version 15.2. used to control the 33 kV collector bus bar. The
33/0.69 kV transformers of the wind turbine (tap
The paper is structured in the following sections: range -2/+2) have been considered as not equipped
Section 2 provides a detailed overview of the with AVR and on fixed position for the study. The
Dhofar 50 MW wind farm and the basic station controller controls the reactive power
requirements for meeting compliancy under the outputs of the wind farms. It is set to control either:
Connection Condition of Schedule 2, and control the power factor, reactive power or voltage at the
structure. Section 3 presents the results of power point of common coupling. Each of the three
factor/reactive power/voltage control at the Point of control modes can be selected.
Common Connection (POC). Section 4 describes
the fault ride through performance of the wind farm Two different technologies have been deployed for
while Section 5 describes the power-frequency assessment; these are the Double Fed Induction
control performance of the wind farm. Section 6 Generator (DFIG) and Full Rated Converter (FRC)
presents a high-level overview of the power quality wind turbines. The requirements of the Connection
requirements. Section 7 summarizes the main Conditions of Schedule 2 Draft 5 for power
conclusions. factor/reactive power/voltage control are shown in
the Figure 2 and Figure 3. The dotted line indicates
2. Technical Requirements and Wind a constant power factor of 0.95 lead and lag during
Farm Layout the entire MW output of the wind farm (Points A-
D-E). Thus for example at rated power output; the
The Dhofar wind farm consists of 20 x 2.5 MW corresponding reactive power output (Q/Pmax) will
wind turbines consisting in total of three arrays. be + 0.33 lag and - 0.33 lead (This corresponds to
Each wind turbine has a 33/0.69 kV transformer 50 MW with ± 16.5 MVAr range) which indicates
which feeds the power into the 33kV wind farm a 0.95 lead/lag requirement. For reactive power
cable network. The total power of the wind park is control (Points A-B-C-D-E), the requirement is that
then collected at the 33kV collector substation, of a constant MVAr output (Q/Pmax) of - 0.33 lead
which then exports the power to the 132 kV and + 0.33 lag, which corresponds to ± 16.5 MVAr
network in Dhofar via a 132/33kV transformer. For over the operating range of Pmax to 0.2 Pmax. Any
all intents and purposes the point of connection is MW output below 0.2 Pmax is subject to a ± 0.606
at the 132 kV busbar within the wind farm gradient.
substation. For the Grid Code compliance study, an

Figure 1: Dhofar Wind Farm Layout.

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Figure 2: Power Factor Requirements at POC

Figure 3: Reactive Power/Voltage Requirements at POC

The wind farm must be capable of providing its full being able to control is leading capability from 0 to
reactive range for lead and lag over a voltage range + 0.33 pu lag. If the system voltage of is above 1.06
of 0.9 to 1.1 pu, as shown in Figure 3. If the voltage pu, it will only require to provide its maximum (Q /
is in the range of 0.94 to 1 pu, it must be capable of Pmax) lead limit.
providing up to its (Q / Pmax) limit of + 0.33 lag, but
being able to control its leading capability from 0 For the Fault Ride Through requirements: the fault
to - 0.33 pu lead. Below a system voltage of 0.94 will be at the POC using a three phase to ground
pu, it will only require to provide its maximum (Q / fault lasting for 500 ms, where the voltage recovery
Pmax) lag limit. If the system voltage is between the must reach 90% of its nominal voltage within 3
range of 1 to 1.06 pu, it must be capable of seconds and remain connected. Figure 4 shows the
providing up to its (Q / Pmax) limit of -0.33 lead, but requirements of the fault ride through at the POC.

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Figure 4: Fault ride through requirements at POC

Figure 5: Power Factor capability at the POC

Under Power-Frequency requirements; the wind

farm as a whole must meet the primary frequency
response. The Connection Condition Schedule 2
Draft 5 stipulates that the wind farm must provide
primary response (available in 5 seconds and
sustained for 30 seconds): 60% of its expected MW
output based upon droop characteristics. Thus
when acting to control transmission system
frequency, the wind farm shall provide at least 60%
of its expected additional active power response
within 5 seconds, and sustained for 30 seconds
from the start of the transmission system frequency
excursion outside the range of nominal frequency
[3].
Figure 6: Reactive/Voltage capability at the POC
The final technical requirements for power quality
analysis are based on the OETC Grid Code [4], as The results from the series of load flow simulations
summarized in Table (1). are shown graphically in Figure 5. It can be easily
seen that the wind farm can meet the 0.95 lead/lag
Table (1): Power Quality Limits capability for dispatches below <100% over the
Power Quality voltage range of 1.1 to 0.9 pu. However at full
Limits dispatch the maximum lagging reactive power
Aspect
Voltage 1% (max 2% under abnormal achieved is 13.7 MVAr, even though each wind
Unbalance conditions) turbine is producing its full MVAr output of 1.2
0.8 (Short Term) MVAr. This is predominantly due to the losses in
Flicker
0.6 (long Term) the wind farm’s LV network. This is evident under
THD 2% (No individual a point of connection voltage of 0.9 pu. Thus as a
Harmonics minimum a mechanically switched capacitor
harmonic greater than 1.5%)
(MSC) of around 3-4 MVAr is required.
3. Power Factor and Reactive/Voltage
A similar result to that of the power factor mode is
Control
presented in Figure 6, where a maximum MVAr
The purpose of the power factor control mode is to output of 13.6 is achieved at the POC even though
assess the steady state power factor capability of the wind turbines are at full reactive capability.
the Dhofar Wind Farm connection; as stipulated by
the Connection Condition Schedule 2 Draft 5 [3]. 4. Fault Ride Through
This will be assessed for the voltage range of 1, 1.1
and 0.9 pu respectively. Under power factor control In order to evaluate the full effect of the fault ride
mode, the wind turbines were dispatched via the through performance as specified in the technical
station controller under 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, requirements for the Connection Conditions of
20% and 0% of active power dispatch over three Schedule 2 Draft 5 “Technical Criteria for Wind
system voltages of 1.1, 1 and 0.9 pu. This will Farm Power Stations connected to the
assess whether the wind farm is capable of reaching Transmission System” [3]. Voltage performance
0.95 lead/lag over these conditions at the point of was controlled in such a way (at POC), that it
connection. follows exactly the requirement as shown in Fig 7.

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Figure 7: Fault Ride Through capability at the POC

It can be seen that in both cases all wind turbines Both wind farm technologies are capable of
remain connected even if the voltage at the point of meeting the technical connection requirement of
connection responds to the voltage profile of the Connection Condition Schedule 2 Draft 5 [3]. The
connection condition. This was carried out for 60% power reduction/increase based on the droop
different grid strengths and all gave rise to similar setting is 19.5 MW and 9 MW respectively. This is
results. This suggests that both wind farm based on the assumption that there is sufficient
technologies (via their specified control system) are wind speed for this operation. Both technologies
compliant against the technical criteria for fault technically meet the requirements within 5 seconds
ride through. and it is sustained for 30 seconds.

5. Power Frequency Control It should be noted that the FRC meets the response
faster due to the control system being deployed,
Primary response analysis was carried out against while the DFIG has a slower response to reach its
the equivalent grid and the Dhofar network model. default full MW output steady state value. This is
Under the Dhofar network model, every generator predominately due the control system deployed, its
on the system will respond to a step response to response and ramp rates being used, but in theory
both voltage and frequency: based upon their can be set to meet a faster steady state value.
control characteristics. Thus an equivalent model
ensures that the wind farm is tested to its full The Dhofar network model was used to study the
capability under a frequency deviation. The results wind farm response with other generators on the
of the DFIG & FRC models are shown in Figure 8 system. The loss of approximately 30 MW was
and Figure 9 to a frequency step change using the considered sufficient for demand disconnection
equivalent grid. during the winter period, while the largest unit loss
was considered adequate for generation loss.

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Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Figure 8: DFIG Primary Frequency (Under frequency) capability at the POC

Figure 9: FRC Primary Frequency (Over frequency) capability at the POC

The results for the loss of generation and demand Dhofar network. Similar responses were recognised
are studied. Figure 10 shows the system response by both wind farm technologies (DFIG and FRC).
to a loss in demand. The top graph shows the From the results it can be seen that the wind farm
system frequency, the middle shows the active responds well to the Dhofar network model
power of the wind farm and the bottom graph accompanied by other generators.
shows the response of the other generators in the

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Figure 10: Primary Frequency (Under frequency) capability with respect to the Dhofar network

6. Power Quality Assessment studies listed, to capture the level of asymmetry

found in overhead lines. The tower dimensions are
The following studies are required for power shown in Figure 11, and have been applied to all
quality assessment in accordance to the OETC Grid overhead lines in the Dhofar region.
Code [4]:

(a) Voltage Unbalance (Negative Phase

Sequence): This is a measure of unbalance on
the OETC network based on unbalanced loads
and tower asymmetry.
(b) Flicker: A measure of visible change in
brightness of a lamp due to rapid fluctuations
in the voltage of the power supply.
(c) Impedance Frequency Scan and Harmonics: A
measure of possible series and parallel
resonances which can occur within the
network, which can lead to the voltage and
current waveform distortion.

A high level group of studies were conducted to

obtain a view on the possible issues for the Dhofar
wind farm connection prior to the detailed design
stage.

Modelling Requirements:
A generic 132 kV tower has been used to improve
the accuracy of the power system model for the
power quality assessment. This enables the lumped
overhead line parameters to be converted to an
Impedance matrix based on phases, height and Figure 11: Generic 132 kV Tower dimension
tower type. The modelling is essential for all the

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

DIgSILENT software is used to calculate the (c) Power Factor Correction: This is the total
natural impedance matrix in ohm/km leading for a power factor correction of the demand and
double circuit three phase line construction with a of the low voltage network.
one earth wire [6]. Twin YEW 400 mm2 conductor (d) Resistive MW is the total amount of
132 kV line, has the following characteristics and resistive damping applicable at harmonic
has been used as reference. The sequence phasors frequencies.
(PPS-Positive phase sequence, NPS-Negative
phase sequence and ZPS-Zero phase sequence) per Voltage Unbalance: Figure 12 shows the negative
circuit per tower can be determined as: phase sequence voltages calculated for an intact
network, under a planned outage condition with
V1 PPS   Z11 Z12 Z13 Z14 Z15 Z16   I1 PPS  and without Dhofar wind farm at maximum
V   I 
 1 NPS   Z 21 Z 22 Z 23 Z 24 Z 25 Z 26   1 NPS 
conditions. It can be seen that under all conditions

V1 ZPS   Z 31 Z 32 Z 33 Z 34 Z 35 Z 36   I1 ZPS  specified that under a planned outage, the level of
     voltage unbalance increases for all sites from its
V2 PPS   Z 41 Z 42 Z 43 Z 44 Z 45 Z 46   I 2 PPS  intact pre-fault values. The SFZ substation tends to
V2 NPS   Z 51 Z 52 Z 53 Z 54 Z 55 Z 56   I 2 NPS 
      have the highest reading, predominately due to high
V2 ZPS   Z 61 Z 62 Z 63 Z 64 Z 65 Z 66   I 2 ZPS  power flows as well as being the connection point
of Octal Petrochemicals. However in all conditions
V, Z, I are the voltage, impedance and current the level of voltage unbalance is below 1%, making
phasors, while the numerical subscripts relates the it compliant against the Grid Code. The worst
self and mutual impedance between each phase of condition for the Dhofar WF Substation is when the
each circuit. PDO interconnector is out of service, as this leads
to a 0.25% increase in NPS voltage at Dhofar WF
The complete overhead line model is based upon a Substation.
frequency dependant distributed model, as this
gives rise to the highest accuracy for the impedance
matrix which is ideal for all studies listed [6]. The
frequency dependant model is based on the
Bergeron´s method in where the characteristic
impedance and propagation constant has to be
determined.

A simple harmonic load model shown in Figure 12

is applied to all loads within the Dhofar region
which in essence captures an element of the series
and parallel resonances within the network [7, 8].
At each substation the harmonic load model
consists of a step-down transformer-usually to 11
kV, cables and OHL coupled with a shunt Figure 12- Voltage Unbalance Results
capacitor. At the LV bus a lumped equivalent of the
downstream system has been inserted. Flicker:
A flicker study was conducted for the wind farm.
33 kV LV
The purpose of this study is to ensure that the wind
132 kV
farm it is compliant with IEC 61400-21 Standard
C
C [5]. To calculate the flicker levels at Dhofar 132 kV
R and at the 33 kV collector substation transfer gains
Dhofar were used based on the 33 kV collector substations.
Grid Grid Tx XL R+jXL The study was based on the minimum fault level at
Transformers Harmonic Load Model these sites as this leads to maximum flicker level
which could be possibly encountered. The X/R
Figure 11- Harmonic Load Modelling ratio at the 33 kV collector site was in the region of
9 to 12 for off-peak and peak respectively. This
The equivalent model consists of: leads to a network impedance phase of 79 degrees;
thus the standard value of 85 degrees has been used
(a) Harmonic Capacitance: This represents as in accordance to the IEC Standard. Generic wind
the total capacitance of the DNO’s farm compliance test data were used to obtain an
circuits. appreciation of the flicker emissions. The results
(b) Harmonic Inductance: This represents the are presented in Table (2). The flicker study
impedance of the DNO’s transformers to demonstrated that Dhofar 132 kV would be within
400V. limits set out in IEC 61400-21Standard [5].

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Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Table (2): Flicker Severity Results. used to calculate the voltage (%) distortion at each
Wind IEC harmonic level. The results for the FRC are shown
Flicker C(ΨK,va) Compliant
Farm Limit below based on standard harmonic injections for
Pst: 33kV 1.11 0.085 0.6/0.8 YES this type of technology.
Pst: 132kV 1.11 0.1087 0.6/0.8 YES

Impedance Scan and Harmonics:

The first step in conducting a harmonics study is to Figure 14 shows the Voltage Harmonic distortion
conduct a frequency scan for the point of due to the FRC wind farm throughout the Dhofar
connection over a range of frequencies in the network. The FRC is based on VSC HVDC
Dhofar region. This is referred to as the self- technology in where the rotor is directly connected
impedance and it has the advantage that it can to the converter. This in essence lowers the number
calculate the impedance at any number of given of harmonics produced. It can be seen that this type
frequencies, including 50 Hz. This is then repeated of wind farm has high harmonic voltage distortion
with all mutually coupled impedances (known as at the 5th, 7th, 11th and 23rd harmonic frequency.
the transfer impedance). The transfer impedance is
the voltage at a point in the network induced by 7. Conclusion
current injected at a remote point, with no other
sources present. This has been done for maximum The paper has presented Grid Code compliance
(peak) as well as the winter (off-peak) backgrounds studies of the first Dhofar 50 MW wind farm in
as well as a number of network configurations accordance to the technical requirements of the
under N-1 conditions. Connection Condition Schedule 2 Draft 5 as well as
It can be easily seen that a number of series and the OETC Grid Code. The results have shown that
parallel resonances occurs. Once the self and about 4 MVAr capacitor should be installed at the
transfer impedances are determined the transfer 33kV collector to meet the 0.95 lead/lag capability
gain can be determined. at the POC at full export conditions. Both wind
It can be easily seen that number of series and farm technologies (DFIG and FRC) were found to
parallel resonance occurs. Once the self and be capable of meeting the primary frequency
transfer impedances are determined the transfer response requirements as well as the fault ride
gain can be determined. This transfer gain exists as through requirements based on the dynamic models
a function of frequency and can be calculated for used. Power quality analyses have shown that both
any number of harmonic orders/frequencies. A voltage unbalance and flicker are compliant at peak
transfer gain is the ratio of transfer impedance to conditions whilst the 5th, 7th, 11th and 23rd harmonic
self-impedance. Thus the transfer gain in our case frequency are being predominate for FRC.
is the ratio of the harmonic voltage distortion at the
point of common coupling to the harmonic voltage
distortion causes at a remote node. This is then

Figure 13: Transfer Impedance Results

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Proceedings of the 12 GCC-Cigre International Conference and the 21 Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC-Power,
Paper A 204, pp. 152-161, 8-10 November, 2016.

Figure 14: Voltage Harmonic Distortion Results

8. Acknowledgement “Technical Criteria for Wind Farm Power Stations

Connected to the Transmission System”, March
The authors would like to thank V. Joshi, W. 2015. www.omangrid.com
Baslaib from Masdar as well as K. Mubarak Al- [4] Oman Electricity Transmission Company: “The
Grid Code – Version 2”, April 2010.
Manthari from RAEC for their participation on this www.omangrid.com
project. [5] IEC 61400-21: “Wind Turbines” - Part 21:
Measurement and assessment of power quality
9. References characteristics of grid connected wind turbines, IEC,
2008.
[1] L. El-Katiri, and M. Husain, Prospects for [6] DIgSILENT version 15.2, Technical Reference for
Renewable Energy, in GCC States: Opportunities Overhead Line Models, March 2011.
and the Need for Reform, University of Oxford, [7] T. A. Morgan and N. D. Walters, "Study of
September 2014. Optimisation of Reactive Power Compensation in
[2] Oman Electricity Transmission Company “5-Year the UK Distribution Network", CIRED 1983.
Annual, Transmission Capability Statement” (2015- [8] L. C. Campbell "Determination of Harmonic
2019), 2015. www.omangrid.com Impedance at the Point of Common Coupling",
[3] Oman Electricity Transmission Company: UPEC, Aberdeen, April 1984.
Connection Conditions of Schedule 2 Draft 5:

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