Impact and Management of Harmonic Distortion for Large Renewable Generators
Summary
This is achieved by allocating emission limits to those seeking to connect to networks including renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Methodologies for emission allocation are complex, require large amounts of data, and may not be fit-for-purpose or technically robust. The difficulties in applying, and the uncertainties associated with, the use of present methodologies are creating significant and meaningful barriers to the uptake of renewable energy resources.The project will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the present methods of managing harmonic distortion with emphasis on their application to large renewable energy resources. The project will also examine aspects related to management of harmonic distortion including: how harmonic distortion from multiple sources should be aggregated what the impact of many renewable energy IPPs is likely to be on harmonic distortion levels preliminary investigations into methods which can be used to verify compliance with harmonic emission allocationsThe main output of the project will be a report that provides a clear framework for managing harmonic distortion in a rapidly changing electricity supply network with increasing penetrations of large renewable energy resources. This report will: develop a framework for interpreting the National Electricity Rules in relation to harmonic emissions allocation develop a technically robust methodology for allocating harmonic emissions that is less labour intensive than present methods identify suitable aggregation methods for summation of harmonic current emissions from large-scale renewable generation assets investigate the impact of high renewable energy resource penetration on harmonic distortion levels.The outcomes of the project are expected to form the basis of a submission to the relevant regulatory or standardisation body (e.g. Standards Australia and/or, Australian Energy Market Commission), which aims to outline a superior method of managing harmonic distortion.