Testing and Certification

Procedure for Distributed Power

Generating Units According to
the New CEA Regulation for Grid
Connectivity in India
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Executive
summary

This paper presents a testing and certification procedure for the evaluation of grid compliance of
power generating units (mainly wind and inverter-based solar stations), according to the amended
regulation released by the Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) in February 2019.

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Introduction
Recently, a substantial upgrade of the grid connection a particular engineering recommendation (EREC G99)
requirements for power generating units (PGUs) has to provide requirements for the connection of PGUs to
been taking place worldwide. New requirements for the distribution networks in the U.K., where particular
PGUs are introduced in most countries to ensure advice for the compliance testing is also included13. A test
robustness and frequency/voltage support on the grid, procedure according to the European Network Code1 is
such as overvoltage ride through capability (OVRT) and currently under development by CENELEC Working Group
the frequency - active power response characteristics TC8X WG03, while similar updates are taking place also
1-7. The main drivers for these changes are the evolution in other countries such as in Spain, where the special
in the control capabilities of the units using power procedure for wind and photovoltaic farms used up to
electronic inverters as well as the expansion of the now14 is expected to be replaced.
distributed generation. In addition, the establishment
of harmonized rules for grid connection of all PGUs is In India, five years after the previous amended regulations
important for regulatory authorities and grid operators for grid connectivity requirements in which requirements
to provide a clear regulatory framework, ensure power for wind turbines and generating stations using inverters
system security, facilitate the integration of renewable were included for the first time16-17, the Central Electricity
energy sources (RES) and allow a more efficient use of Authority (CEA) came up with an amended regulation in
the network and resources for the benefit of consumers1. February 2019 with modifications and new connection
Therefore, most new grid code requirements apply rules18. The experience from testing and certification
to all types of PGUs, including synchronous and according to the previous requirements has shown that
asynchronous generators, inverter based technologies, the existence of a dedicated testing and certification
e.g., wind turbines (WTs) and solar inverters (PVs), and procedure for the verification of grid compliance, as
offshore installations. In addition, the recent grid code described in19, is important for all involved parties (public
requirements cover a wider range of nominal powers of authorities, manufacturers, testing and certification
the PGUs, starting from powers even below 1 kW. bodies, etc.) to work more efficiently and speed up the
installations of distributed power generating stations in
On the other hand, with the establishment of new grid India. Apparently, an updated procedure based on the
connection requirements, new challenges appear in latest CEA amendment has to be followed from now on.
the area of grid compliance testing and certification. The aim of this paper is to propose an updated testing
Obviously, the testing procedures followed up to now procedure for assessing compliance with the new CEA
need to be reviewed and updated accordingly. As an regulations (2019)18 using the deep experience of UL in
example, the IEC 61400-21, Ed.2 standard8, which was testing and certification according to the former CEA
widely used for WT testing for more than 10 years, regulations (2013)17.
was recently withdrawn and replaced with the new
IEC 61400-21-1, Ed.19. Similarly, several countries have Regarding the structure of the paper, in Section II, the
already adapted their particular testing procedures for amended requirements of the CEA standard for grid
grid compliance certification to the latest changes in connectivity are presented. Section III includes proposals
their grid codes, or they are currently in the adaptation for the necessary tests for each particular electrical
phase. In Germany, FGW has issued a new revision of the characteristic (fault ride through capability, flicker,
Technical Guideline 3 (FGW-TR3, 10), which incorporates harmonics, grid protection and control requirements).
the requirements of the new German grid codes for In Section IV, a brief discussion on the certification
connection to medium voltage (MV), high voltage (HV) procedure for the assessment of grid compliance is
and extra high voltage (EHV)2-4. The relevant German included, while the conclusions of the present work are
guidelines for the modeling and the certification of PGUs, summarized in Section V.
systems and components have been also updated11-12.
In the U.K., the Energy Networks Association (ENA) issued

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CEA requirements for grid connectivity

The Indian regulatory framework for the connection of PGUs was introduced in the CEA regulations (2007)16 in which
the general standards for grid connectivity are prescribed. In 2013, CEA issued a first amendment17 in which particular
requirements for wind- and power-converter-based generating stations were included. With the latest amendment of
201918, CEA expanded the range of application of the grid connectivity requirements to all PGUs and voltage levels, while
further requirements for the grid support have been incorporated, such as the capability of the units to remain connected
after overvoltage events (OVRT) and the capability to control the active power in under- and over-frequency events. A
summary of the complete scope of CEA requirements in power quality, control capability and response in transient events
is given below.

A. Electrical characteristics in normal iii. Active power set-point control: PGUs shall have the
capability of set-point control of the active power
operation (PQ) following the orders given the relevant load dispatch
The power quality parameters of interest are the center.
harmonics, DC current injection and flicker. The CEA iv. Active power ramp rate limitation: PGUs shall be
regulation does not refer explicitly to any measurement equipped with the facility for controlling the rate of
guideline but incorporates the following provisions: change of power output at a rate not more than ±
• With regard to harmonic current emissions, they 10% per minute.
should not violate the limits specified in the standard v. Frequency sensitive mode: PGUs shall have the
519 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics capability to control active power in case of over- and
Engineers (IEEE)19. under-frequency at a droop between 3 to 6% and a
• The DC current injection of the PGUs at the point of dead band ≤ 0.03 Hz.
connection should not be greater than 0.5% of the vi. Synthetic inertia: For frequency deviations < 0.3 Hz,
rated current In. the station shall have the facility to provide within 1
• The flicker emissions should be kept within the limits second power frequency response of at least 10% of
specified in IEC 61000, which can be related to IEC the maximum active power capacity.
Technical Report 61000-3-721
It should be noted that, according to CEA, requirements
The above requirements have remained unchanged in the from (iii) to (vi) apply for generating stations with
new CEA amendment18. installed capacity of more than 10 MW connected at
voltage level of ≥33 kV.
B. Control capability
Control capability requirements apply to voltage-reactive C. Fault-ride-though-capability
power (Q-U) and frequency-active power (P-F) control. Fault-ride-through (FRT) capability in the amended CEA
More specifically, the following requirements apply: regulation18 also includes the requirement for OVRT
i. Reactive power capability: PGUs shall be capable of Capability of PGUs. The required voltage profile is shown
supplying the necessary reactive power in order to in Table 1 and Fig. 1. The requirements for grid support
ensure that power factor is kept within the limits of during the voltage dips are the following:
0.95 lagging and 0.95 leading. • During the voltage dip, the supply of reactive power
ii. Frequency range test: PGUs shall be capable of has first priority, while the supply of active power has
remaining connected to the network and operate second priority.
within the frequency range of 47.5 Hz to 52 Hz. In • Active power after voltage dips clearance shall be
addition, they should be able to deliver rated power restored to at least 90% of the pre-fault level within 1
in the frequency range of 49.5 to 50.5 Hz, subject to sec of restoration of voltage.
availability of the primary energy source, i.e., wind • For overvoltage events, the only requirement is that
speed or solar radiation. This performance shall be the PGUs shall remain connected to the grid
also achieved with a voltage variation of up to ± 5 %.

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D. Grid protection system

According to CEA initial technical standard16, the protection system shall reliably detect faults on various abnormal conditions.

Percentage undervoltage at the Fault duration

interconnection point (V T/Vna) [ms]

0.15 300

0.85 3000

0.90 10000

0.90 ≤ V ≤ 1.10 Continuous

1.10 < V ≤ 1.20 2000

1.20 < V ≤ 1.30 200

0 (Instantaneous
> 1.30
trip)

a. V T/Vn is the ratio of the actual voltage to the nominal Fig. 1. Lower and upper limit of the voltage-against-time profile
system voltage. of any or all phases at the interconnection point according to the
amended CEA Grid Connectivity Standard19.
Table 1. Minimum requirements of LVRT/HVRT capability of
PGUs according to CEA requirements

Proposed testing procedure

For the certification of PGUs according to CEA requirements, a proper measurement and testing procedure is necessary.
In19, a detailed test procedure is introduced, following the previous CEA regulations (2013)17. With the new amended
CEA regulation (2019)18 as well as the release of the new IEC 61400-21-1 standard9, this procedure needs to be adapted
at several parts. Considering these latest developments and based on UL’s deep experience with the implementation of
previous CEA testing procedures over the last five years, an updated procedure is proposed. The proposed procedure covers
the full scope of CEA requirements, including those from the previous amendment which remain active.

A. Flicker measurements and power are collected. In addition to flicker in continuous

operation, the relevant flicker produced during switching
maximum power operations shall be calculated as well as the relevant
The CEA requirements for flicker did not change with voltage change. The measurement reports typically do
the new amended regulation. The flicker emissions of not include any assessment of compliance with the limits
PGUs should comply with the limits imposed in the IEC included in IEC 61000-3-7. The same data set used for the
61000 series of standards, which in turn corresponds to flicker calculations in continuous operation can be also
IEC TR 61000-3-721. For these measurements, the test used for the evaluation of the active power. Although
procedure of IEC 61400-21-1 is sufficient, as it illustrates the reporting of maximum active power is not explicitly
the behavior of the tested unit over the complete active required by CEA, the relevant parameter should also be
power range. The flicker report shall be based on 10- included in the results report.
min flicker measurements in continuous operation of a
duration, which is long enough so that sufficient data
in all 10% power bins from 0% to 100% of the nominal

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B. Harmonic measurements
The CEA requires that harmonic current injection of PGUs shall not exceed the limits specified in IEEE standard 51920.
This requirement also remained unchanged after the release of the new CEA regulation, but the harmonics measurement
procedure that must be followed from now on is compatible with the new IEC 61400-21-1 standard9. A basic difference
between this new IEC standard, compared to the old IEC 61400-218, is the harmonic aggregation method, which is now
common with the IEEE 519 method. However, there are still differences between the two guidelines, which have to be
taken into account when assessing the relevant grid compatibility presented in Table 2 In this table, the contents of the old
IEC 61400-21 are also included to highlight the changes in the procedure followed up to now.

It should be stressed at this point that the harmonic measurement method proposed by the IEEE 519 standard is mainly
oriented to loads operating at constant power. From that perspective, measurement on a daily and weekly basis may not
cover all power levels in case of WTs and may not be sufficient. Therefore, it is recommended that the power-bin-wise
measurement procedure is adopted, according to IEC 61400-21-1. The averaging time and the aggregation method of IEEE
519 can be applied afterwards for the evaluation of the harmonic results.

Parameter/procedure IEC 61400-21, Ed.2 IEC 61400-21-1, Ed.1 IEEE 519

Instrumentation Compatible with IEC 61000-4-7 and 61000-4-30

Averaging time 10 min 10 min 3s / 10 min

Number of ≥ 24h for 3s and ≥

≥ 3 for each 10 % power bin ≥ 7 for each 10 % power bin
measurements 7 days for 10 min

Aggregation method Arithmetic Arithmetic Geometric

Integer harmonics up
Harmonic frequencies up to 9 kHz Up to 9 kHz
to 50th order

Max of all measurements 95th percentile of all 95th and 99th

Statistical assessment
per power bin measurements per power bin percentiles for each 24h

Parameter Current Current Current / Voltage

Table 2. Comparison between IEC and IEEE standards with regard to the harmonic evaluation procedure

C. Measurement of DC current injection

Measurement of DC current injection is not addressed in IEC 61400-21-1. Instead, IEEE standard 1547.125 includes a detailed
procedure for the measurement and data analysis proposed for inverters that connect to the grid without the use of
DC-isolation output transformers, which may serve as a guide. Taking this standard into account, a dedicated test can be
executed to measure harmonics for a period of ≥ 5-min period at three different power levels (33%, 66% and as close to
100% of Pn as possible) and then calculate the DC component. This implies that the PGU has to operate with a set-point
power, but it is acceptable if standard harmonic measurements within the power bins of 30%, 70% and 100% (midpoints)
are used, as defined in IEC 61400-21-1. It is important to note that the current sensors to be used for the measurement of
the DC current injection must be capable of measuring the zero Hz component correctly.

D. Testing of control requirements

For proving the control capability of the PGUs according to the CEA requirements (II.B-i to II.B-vi), the procedures described
in the corresponding sections of the IEC 61400-21-1 standard can be followed, as given in Table 4. The detailed steps for
each test are included in IEC 61400-21-1 and they are not given again in this paper. For some tests, the exact settings to be
used may need to be properly adapted to consider the particular requirements of CEA, if necessary. For example, for testing

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the reactive power capability, the maximum reactive E. Functionality of the

power setting (Qmax) of the PGU shall be set to a value
that ensures that the power factor will be at least 0.95.
protection system
The aim of this test is to demonstrate the PGU ability to
disconnect from the grid if the voltage or frequency for
Especially for the frequency range test (II.B-ii), this is not
a given time exceeds a given limit (upper or lower). The
covered by the IEC 61400-21-1 and therefore a special
intention is to focus on the functionality of the protection
procedure shall be followed, as explained below:
system rather than on documenting specific protection
i. Frequency Range Test - Option 1: This test can be
levels and times. This is a fundamental requirement in all
implemented virtually by providing the relevant
grid codes and the procedure described in the new IEC
external frequency signal to the PGU controller
61400-21-19 shall be applied. The tests can be performed
(apparently through the use of the proper grid
either on-site or at a test bench, by applying variable
simulator device). Alternatively, a frequency offset
voltage/frequency signals, through a proper grid simulator
signal can be directly implemented in the controller
coupled to the protection device. A separate test of the
software. The testing laboratory (TL) shall record the
complete trip circuit has to be performed on-site, in order
active power of the PGU along with the frequency
to demonstrate the efficient performance of the complete
signal. The test can be considered successful as
PGU protection system, including the response of the
soon as the changes in the frequency do not affect
relevant circuit breaker.
the active power production of the PGU and no
disconnection takes place during the execution
of the test. The number of the frequency steps to F. Testing of fault ride through behavior
be tested can be agreed between the TL and the The UVRT/OVRT testing procedure included in the IEC
manufacturer. Obviously, the active involvement 61400-21-1 shall be followed. This standard refers to
of the manufacturer is substantial for the effective the testing of WTs, but the same procedure can be also
execution of this test. applied for PVs, as described in IEC TS 6291025, as well as
ii. Frequency Range Test - Option 2: In case a grid for other types of PGUs.
emulator is available, e.g., at a test bench, performing
this test is also possible by changing the real grid The measurements shall be performed at the high
frequency. This option is mainly applicable to solar voltage side of the transformer which may coincide or
inverters. not with the point of common coupling (PCC) of the PGU.
iii. Frequency Range Test - Option 3: In case frequency Measurement at the plant level, could be also acceptable
deviations occur during the normal PQ measurement but it should be taken into account that it is difficult to
campaign, the data can also be used to support the meet any test equipment with nominal capacity larger
verification of the PGU capability. than 8-10 MW in the wind industry worldwide. In any
case, it should be stressed that the measurement at the
Finally, with regards to the voltage variation of ± 5% terminals of the single unit, i.e., WT or PV, provides results
as noted in the CEA regulation, the performance of on the safe side.
the frequency range test under different voltage levels
increases the complexity, the duration and the cost of Regarding the configuration of the testing equipment,
the relevant certification. Therefore, including such a test IEC 61400-21-1 accepts several principles as soon as they
as mandatory for CEA certification is not recommended are technically acceptable and capable of emulating
unless the relevant test facility provides this possibility, the required voltage dips/swells. For UVRT testing, the
e.g., by existence of a step-up transformer with proper tap classic voltage divider is commonly used, the setup of
changers, using the FRT-test equipment, etc. which is illustrated in Fig. 2. Inverter-based test systems
can be also used (AC grid simulators), especially for
the testing of solar inverters, which are usually tested
at test benches. The emulation of OVRT tests can be
performed with several methods such as the changing

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of the taps of a proper transformer (autotransformer

principle), as illustrated in Fig. 3, or by using a capacitor- Fig. 4
based test system, shown in Fig. 4. Both types of OVRT
test emulators are acceptable by IEC 61400-21-1 and CB_BYPASS Transformer
reproduce similar voltage swell profiles, according MP3 CB1 CB_WEC MP2 MP1
to the experience of UL. Under all circumstances, Grid PGU
CB_GRID S2 + S3 CB2 CB3
the specifications and the configuration of the used MV | LV
equipment must meet the operational and accuracy S4+5 S1
requirements stated in IEC 61400-21-1. Z1

X SR X SC
Regarding the necessary measuring points, measuring Z2

voltages and currents at all three phases at least at the LVRT

PGU side (MP2 in Fig. 2) is recommended. Measuring at HVRT CB4
the LV side (MP1) is typically also performed if the PGU
control input signals are referred to the LV side voltage CL

and current. Measurements at the grid side (MP3) RD

and short-circuit branch side (MP4) are optional but

recommended in order to provide additional information
to the certification body and the grid operator.

In compliance with the requirements of the FGW TR3

Fig. 2 Guideline10, the impedances employed in the testing
equipment for a voltage dip should have an X/R ratio of
LVRT Container
at least 3. The short circuit apparent power at the testing
Transformer
S1 point must be at least three times the nominal power
MP3 Z1 MP2 MP1 of the generating station/plant. This represents a grid
Grid PGU
impedance with a maximum short-circuit voltage of 33%.
S2 MV | LV
In order to calculate the impact of the emulated voltage
dips/swells on the grid, reliable information concerning
Z2 the grid short-circuit power and grid impedance angle
have to be provided by the grid operator. The minimum
MP4
acceptable requirements for the acceptable voltage drop/
swells at the grid side depend on the characteristics of
the PCC and have also to be provided by the local grid
operator, prior to the performance of the tests. The
calculation results should be included in a preliminary
Fig. 3 study and ideally submitted to the grid operator for
getting the permission for the execution of the tests.

LVRT Container
S1
Transformer

MP3 S2 S3 Z1 MP2 MP1

Grid PGU

HVRT Container MV | LV

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Testing Voltage Minimum Fault

WT/PV load
Number
magnitudea [pu] Durationa [ms] type of tests
procedure No load 1

The on-site tests must be carried out 3-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2b

on the complete PGU following the ≤ 0.15 P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
procedure of IEC 61400-21-19. A test bench ≥ 300
(Test case 1) No load 1
test is permissible for PV units, where
the existence of PV modules is not a 2-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
necessary requirement as the power may P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
be provided by a suitable DC source. The
No load 1
tests to be performed, should be selected
in accordance with the voltage profile of 3-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
Fig. 5. In order to obtain a representative P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
0.40 – 0.50
view of the behavior of the PGU under ≥ 1650d
(Test case 2) No load 1
the complete range of voltage drops, at
least two voltage levels in the linear area 2-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
of the relevant curve of Fig. 5 between
P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
0.3 s and 3 s should be examined. A list of
recommended tests at the relevant voltage No load 1
levels and minimum fault durations is 3-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
given in Table 3.
0.65 – 0.75 P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
≥ 2615d
The tests must be carried out for both (Test case 3) No load 1
three-phase and two-phase faults, with 2-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
the PGU operating at:
• Between 0.1 Pn and 0.5 Pn (partial load) P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
• Above 0.9 Pn (full load) No load 1
• Especially for inverter-based units
3-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
tested at a test bench, it is required
that the tests are performed at an 0.85 – 0.90 P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
≥ 10000
active power of 100% ± 2% Pn instead (Test case 4) No load 1
of > 0.9 Pn.
2-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
Pn is the nominal power of the tested unit P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
No load 1
3-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2b

>1.10 – 1.20 P ≥ 0,9Pn 2

≥ 2000
(Test case 5) No load 1
Table 3. Overview suggested tests for the UVRT 2-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
capability of wind/PV units
P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
a) The specified magnitudes refer to the voltage No load 1
drop occurring when the unit or plant under
test is not connected 3-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
b) Two consecutive tests must be performed for
each partial and full load case >1.20 - 1.30 P ≥ 0,9Pn 2
≥ 200
c) It is acceptable to test at additional (Test case 6) No load 1
voltage levels
d) It is acceptable to test at shorter durations 2-ph 0.1 Pn ≤ P ≤ 0.5 Pn 2
as soon as they comply with the CEA voltage
profile shown in Fig. 5 P ≥ 0,9Pn 2

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It should be mentioned that, especially for partial load

tests, IEC 61400-21-11 suggests that the operating point
at partial load should be between 0.25 Pn and 0.5 Pn.
However, increasing the partial load range makes the
tests also compatible with the FGW TR3 guideline10.

The operational mode of the tested units shall be

explicitly specified. For each voltage dip/swell level and
fault type, the relevant testing equipment configuration
must be tested with a no load test. The no load tests
should be performed shortly before the relevant
under-load tests in order to ensure that the same grid
conditions apply.

To summarize, a graphical overview of the tests

recommended in Table 3. in conjunction with the actual
CEA grid code requirements is presented in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5. Overview of the recommended under- and over‑voltage

ride through tests in conjunction with the CEA grid
code requirements

G. General measurement requirements

To ensure transparency and traceability of the
certification tests, the tests and measurements
described in the previous paragraphs must be performed
by measuring institutes accredited for the relevant
services according to ISO/IEC 1702527. The measurement
equipment shall meet the accuracy requirements of IEC
61400-21-1. All currents and voltages must be recorded
with a sufficient sampling rate to ensure minimum
signal bandwidth of 1,500 Hz for flicker and switchings.
Sampling frequency of ≥ 10 kHz is recommended for
harmonics and FRT testing (typically at least 20 kHz are
required in case harmonics up to 9 kHz are displayed in
the report).

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Parameter/ Current CEA Proposed test

#
Control function requirement procedure
H. Overview of the recommended tests
Flicker Acc. to IEC
according to CEA 1 (continuous
≤ limits specified in
61400-21-1,
In Table 4, an overview of the suggested certification IEC 61000
operation) chapter 8.2.2
tests according to the CEA Grid Connectivity Standard is
Acc. to IEC
given in relation to the tests included in IEC 61400-21-1. Flicker (switching ≤ limits specified in
2 61400-21-1,
operations) IEC 61000
chapter 8.2.3
Table 4. Overview of the recommended tests according to the Acc. to IEC
CEA grid connectivity requirements Maximum
3 - 61400-21-1,
power
chapter 8.3.3
Harmonics Acc. to IEEE 519
≤ limits specified in
4 currents/voltages and IEC 61400-
IEEE 519
up to 2.5 kHz 21-1
DC current Acc. to IEEE
5 > 0.5% of In
injection 1547.126
Power factor 0.95
Acc. to IEC
Reactive power (underexcited)
6 61400-21-1,
capability (II.B-i) ≤ cosφ ≤ 0.95
chapter 8.3.4
(overexcited)
Rated power
production
Special
between 49.5 Hz
Frequency Range procedure as
7 and 50.5 Hz and
Test (II.B-ii) described in
no disconnection
III.D-i
between 47.5 Hz
and 52 Hz
Acc. to IEC
Active power
8 Confirm capability 61400-21-1,
set-point (II.B-iii)
chapter 8.4.2
Control of the rate
Active power of change of power Acc. to IEC
9 ramp rate output at a rate not 61400-21-1,
limitation (II.B-iv) more than ± 10% per chapter 8.4.3
minute
Frequency Acc. to IEC
Frequency control at
10 sensitive mode 61400-21-1,
a drop of 3% to 6%
(II.B-v) chapter 8.4.4
Real power primary
frequency response Acc. to IEC
Synthetic inertia
11 of at least 10% of 61400-21-1,
(II.B-vi)
nominal capacity chapter 8.4.5
within 1 s
Fault Ride
As described in Acc. to IEC
Through
12 II.C. Voltage profile 61400-21-1,
Capability
shown in Fig. 1 chapter 8.5.2
(UVRT/OVRT)
Functionality of Acc. to IEC
13 grid protection Verify functionality 61400-21-1,
system chapter 8.6.2

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I. Assessment of grid compliance

The tests proposed in the previous section have to be properly evaluated in order to facilitate the assessment of grid
code compliance for certification according to CEA. To ensure uniformity of the test results, the reporting shall follow the
minimum requirements defined in Annex A of IEC 61400-21-19. Especially for harmonics, it should be taken into account
that the presented harmonic frequency and averaging times of IEEE 519 are not identical with the ones required by IEC
61400-21-1. The relevant report should encounter these differences. An indicative checklist for CEA compliance review of
the tested PGUs is included in Table 5.

No CEA requirement Requirements Passed?

a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1

1 Flicker (continuous operation) Y N
b. Limits of IEC 61000-3-7
a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1
2 Flicker (switching operations) Y N
b. Limits of IEC 61000-3-7

3 Maximum power a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1 Y N

Power quality

a. Reported acc. to IEEE 519

4 Harmonic currents Y N
b. Limits of IEEE 519

5 DC current injection a. Reported b. DC current > 0.5% of In Y N

a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1

6 Reactive power capability b. Qmax setting corresponds to power factor of at Y N
least 0.95

7 Frequency Range Test Test included in the report Y N

Active power set-point Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1 Y N

a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1

Active power ramp rate limitation Y N
b. ≤ ± 10% per minute
Control and protection

8 a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1

Frequency sensitive mode Y N
b. Frequency response acc. to the PGU setting
a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1
Synthetic inertia Y N
b. Frequency response acc.to the PGU setting
a. Reported acc. to IEC 61400-21-1
9 Functionality of grid protection system Y N
b. Verify functionality

At partial load:
10 Active power before fault entry 0,1 Pn - 0,5 Pn Y N
At full load: ≥ 0,9 Pn

PGU remained connected during and

11 Should remain connected Y N
after the dip/swell?

12 Fault duration determined from test ≥ times defined in Table 3. Y N

13 Voltage drop level defined by the testa within voltage ranges of Table 3. Y N
Fault ride through

Should be positive (injection of reactive power to

14 Reactive power during the voltage dip Y N
the grid)

15 Active power during the voltage dip Should be ≥ 0, if possible Y N

Active power response time after Restored to at least 90% of the pre-fault level
16 Y N
voltage dip clearance within 1 s of restoration of voltage

Table 5. Indicative compliance review checklist

a) To be confirmed based on the no load test because of the voltage change under load conditions
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Summary and
conclusion

In this paper, a testing procedure to determine the electrical characteristics of all types of power generating units
(including wind turbines and solar inverters) in accordance to the latest CEA requirements (2019) is proposed. As far
as possible, this testing procedure follows the latest international standards and guidelines, and mainly IEC 61400-
21-1. However, some additional specifications are imposed by CEA that need to be sufficiently addressed through
dedicated tests.

This paper also specifies the type and number of field tests and measurements to be performed, the measurement
and evaluation specifications (duration of measurements, statistical evaluation process, etc.) as well as reporting
requirements. In some cases, further discussion on the interpretation of certain CEA requirements is included. In
addition, this paper contains proposals for the efficient assessment and interpretation of the results to ensure that the
final decision is according to CEA requirements.

The proposed procedure should replace the one used up to now for more than 5 years that was based on the previous
CEA regulation (2013) and is expected to contribute to the fast adoption of the new CEA requirements by all involved
parties, speeding up the grid compliance evaluation process followed by the public authorities in India.

Contact us:

Nivedh B. S. Fritz Santjer, Jens Dirksen, Sokratis Tentzerakis

Wind Products and Certification Electrical Characteristics Group
UL UL International GmbH (UL DEWI)
Bangalore, India Wilhelmshaven, Germany
[email protected] [email protected]

Guido Broering, Saptarshi Chatterjee, Phubade Pasakawee

Grid Integration
DEWI-OCC Offshore and Certification Centre GmbH
Bremen, Germany
[email protected]

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Endnotes
1. Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631 of April 14, 11. FGW e.V., Technical Guidelines - Part 4, “Demands
2016, “Establishing a network code on requirements on modelling and validating simulation models of
for grid connection of generators.” the electrical characteristics of power generating
units and systems, storage systems as well as their
2. VDE-AR-N 4110, “Technische Regeln für den Anschluss components,” Revision 9, 01.02.2019.
von Kundenanlagen an das Mittelspannungsnetz und
deren Betrieb (TAR Mittelspannung),” VDE Verband 12. FGW e.V., Technical Guidelines - Part 8, “Certification
der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e. V of the electrical characteristics of power generating
(Association of German Electrical Engineers). units, systems and storage systems as well as their
components on the grid,” Revision 9, 01.02.2019.
3. VDE-AR-N 4120, “Technische Regeln für den Anschluss
von Kundenanlagen an das Hochspannungsnetz und 13. Engineering Recommendation G99, “Requirements for
deren Betrieb (TAR Hochspannung).” the connection of generation equipment in parallel
with public distribution networks on or after 27 April
4. VDE-AR-N 4130, “Technische Regeln für den Anschluss 2019,” Issue 1 – Amendment 3, 16 May 2018.
von Kundenanlagen an das Höchstspannungsnetz und
deren Betrieb (TAR Höchstspannung).“ 14. AEE, “Procedure for verification validation and
certification of the requirements of the P.O. 12.3 on
5. NGET, “The Grid Code,” Issue 5, Revision 33, April 2019. the response of wind farms and photovoltaic farms in
the event of voltage dips,” Version 9, 2011.
6. IEEE Standard 1547-2018, “IEEE Standard for
Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed 15. CENELEC, CLC/TS 50549-10 - “Requirements for
Energy Resources with Associated Electric Power generating plants to be connected in parallel with
Systems Interfaces.” distribution networks - Part 10: Tests demonstrating
compliance of units.”
7. P.O. 12.2, “Instalaciones de Generacion y de demande:
Requisitos minimos de diseno, equipamiento, 16. Central Electricity Authority (CEA), “Technical
funcionamiento, puest en servicio y securidad,” Standards for Connectivity to the Grid – Regulations
Proposal for public consultation from the Spanish 2007,” New Delhi, Feb. 21, 2007.
Ministry of Energy, May 2019
17. CEA, “Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid
8. IEC 61400-21 Wind turbine generator systems, Part – Amendment Regulations, 2013,” New Delhi, Oct. 15,
21, “Measurement and assessment of power quality 2013.
characteristics of grid connected wind turbines,” Ed.
2.0, 2008-08. 18. CEA, “Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid
– Amendment Regulations, 2019,” New Delhi, Feb, 6,
9. IEC 61400-21-1 Wind energy generation systems – 2019.
Part 21-1: “Measurement and assessment of electrical
characteristics – Wind turbines,” Ed.1, May 2019. 19. Nivedh BS, Sokratis Tentzerakis, Jens Dirksen, Fritz
Santjer, “Testing procedure for the evaluation of grid
10. FGW e.V., Technical Guidelines for Power Generating compliance of power generating units according
Units and Systems - Part 3 (TG3), “Determination of to the requirements of the Indian Grid Code,”
the electrical characteristics of power generating 1st International Conference on Large-Scale Grid
units and systems, storage systems as well for their Intergation of Renewable Energy in India, New Delhi,
components in medium-, high- and extra-high voltage India, Sept. 6-8, 2017.
grids,” Revision 25, 01.09.2018.

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20. IEEE Standard 519-2014, “IEEE Recommended Practice 24. Technical Report IEC/TR 61000-3-6, “Electromagnetic
and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electric compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-6: Limits – Assessment
Power Systems.” of emission limits for the connection of distorting
installations to MV, HV and EHV power systems,”
21. Technical Report IEC/TR 61000-3-7, “Electromagnetic Edition 2.0, 02-2008.
compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-7: Limits – Assessment
of emission limits for the connection of fluctuating 25. IEC TS 62910 Technical Specification Edition 1.0, 2015-
installations to MV, HV and EHV power systems,” 10: “Utility-Interconnected photovoltaic inverters
Edition 2.0, 02-2008. - Testing procedure for low voltage ride-through
measurements.”
22. IEC 61000-4-7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
– Part 4-7, “Testing and measurement techniques 26. IEEE Standard 1547.1-2005, “IEEE Standard
– General guide on harmonics and interharmonics Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment
measurements and instrumentation, for power supply Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric
systems and equipment connected thereto,” Ed. 2.1, Power Systems.”
2009-10.
27. ISO/IEC 17025, “General requirements for the
23. IEC 61000-4-30 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) competence of testing and calibration laboratories.”
– Part 4-30, “Testing and measurement techniques
– Power quality measurement methods,” Ed. 3.0,
2015-02.

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