NIA SSEN 0056 Inertia Measurement in Island Networks

Key Activities

This project aims to install measurement technology in the Western Isles to monitor power quality and inertia during extended network outages known as island mode. Data gathered from the project will be used to validate the existing network operating models used during island mode. In island mode, distributed generation (DG) is curtailed to 10% of network load with diesel generation supplying the bulk of electricity and network inertia. The learning from the project will inform future studies which may allow an increase in DG, which in turn will reduce the reliance on diesel generation reducing overall costs carbon emissions and increased revenue to generators; many of which are community owned. Monitoring the network real-time whilst in island mode will provide a detailed investigation into the stability and power quality on the island. This investigation may help future process change which may allow DG output to be increased and reduce the volume of higher cost diesel generation used during extended outages.

Expected Benefits

This is an investigative research project, if results are positive then cost savings can be estimated from the project learning and be reported at the end of the project. Results from the inertia measurements provided the following learning:

• Clarification that the existing approach to stability and DG export on the WI in island mode is appropriate.
• The ability to use the recorded inertia value to estimate the inertia contributions from the SHEPD diesel generators, DG and the WI demand at a given time.
• The opportunity to consider additional equipment/ flexibility services to provide the following when the WI is operating in island mode to increase the levels of DG export and reduce the need for SHEPD to run their back-up diesel generation:
  • system inertia.
  • reliable energy sources to reduce the intermittency of existing DG.

Progress

The trials have confirmed that the current DG export limit of 10% of daily demand is appropriate to maintain system stability.

Collaborator

• Reactive Technologies Ltd

Funding

£485,000

Start/End Date

May 2021 – March 2022

Project Manager

Bob Hopkins

Additional Resource

NIA SSEN 0056 : Inertia Measurement in Island Networks : ENA Smarter Networks Portal