Guidance Notes for Power Park

Modules
GB Users - Issue 5
June 2024

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 0

Foreword

These Guidance Notes have been prepared by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO)
to describe to Generators and other Users on the system how the Grid Code Compliance Processes
is intended to work. Throughout this document National Grid refers to National Grid ESO unless
explicitly stated otherwise.

These Guidance Notes are prepared, solely, for the assistance of prospective Generators
connecting directly to the National Electricity Transmission System or Large Embedded Power
Stations. In the event of dispute, the Grid Code and Bilateral Agreement documents will take
precedence over these notes.

Small and Medium Embedded Power Stations should contact the relevant Distribution Network
Operator (DNO) for guidance.

These Guidance Notes are based on the Grid Code, Issue 6, Revision 23, effective from the 22 April
2024. They have been developed from Issue 4 of the Guidance Note of October 2021 and reflect
the major changes brought about by Grid Code revisions to facilitate compliance with the European
Requirements for Generators.

Definitions for the terminology used this document can be found in the Grid Code. The Electricity
Customer Connections Manager (see contact details) will be happy to provide clarification and
assistance required in relation to these notes and on Grid Code compliance issues.

ESO welcomes comments including ideas to reduce the compliance effort while maintaining the
level of confidence. Feedback should be directed to the ESO Electricity Connection Compliance
team at:

David Lacey (Connections Compliance Manager)

Telephone: 07548112092
Email: [email protected]
Faraday House, Warwick

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared for guidance only and does not contain all the
information needed to comply with the specific requirements of a Bilateral Agreement with National
Grid. Please note that whilst these guidance notes have been prepared with due care, National Grid
does not make any representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, in or in relation to
the completeness and or accuracy of information contained in these guidance notes, and
accordingly the contents should not be relied on as such.
© National Grid 2024

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 1

Contents

Foreword ................................................................................................................ 1

Contents................................................................................................................. 2

Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 5

Guidance Notes ..................................................................................................... 7

Introduction ............................................................................................................ 9

New ECC Requirements ........................................................................................ 9

Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report ........................................................ 11

Compliance Process ............................................................................................ 11

Point of Compliance ........................................................................................................................ 12
Compliance Repeat Plan ................................................................................................................. 12

Simulation Studies ............................................................................................... 13

Model Submission ................................................................................................ 13

Compliance Tests ................................................................................................ 13

ESO Data Recording Equipment ..................................................................................................... 14
Compliance Test Signals ................................................................................................................. 16
Compliance Test Log sheet ............................................................................................................. 17
Future Development of Compliance Testing ................................................................................... 17
ESO Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Reports ...................................................... 17
Interim Operation ............................................................................................................................. 17
Test Notification to Control Room ................................................................................................... 18
Compliance Testing with Limited Power Source Availability ........................................................... 18
Compliance Testing of Power Stations Comprised of Identical Power Park Modules .................... 18

Protection Requirements...................................................................................... 19
Islanding Protection ......................................................................................................................... 19

Power Quality Requirements ............................................................................... 19

Appendices .......................................................................................................... 21

Appendix A: Reactive Capability Testing ............................................................. 22

Summary of Requirements .............................................................................................................. 22
Reactive Power MSA....................................................................................................................... 23
Offshore Power Park Modules ........................................................................................................ 23
Contractual Opportunities Relating to Reactive Services ............................................................... 24
Reactive Capability Compliance Tests ............................................................................................ 25

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Appendix B: Voltage Control Testing ................................................................... 27
Summary of Requirements .............................................................................................................. 27
Delivery of Reactive Capability Beyond 5% Voltage ..................................................................... 27
Transient Response ........................................................................................................................ 28
Variations in Voltage Control Requirements ................................................................................... 29
Compliance Test Description .......................................................................................................... 32
Suggested Power Park Module Voltage Control Test Procedure ................................................... 32
Demonstration of Slope Characteristic ............................................................................................ 34
Additional Power System Stabiliser Testing .................................................................................... 35
Suggested Power Park Module PSS Test Procedure ..................................................................... 35

Appendix C: Frequency Control Testing .............................................................. 37

Summary of Requirements .............................................................................................................. 37
Modes of Frequency Control Operation .......................................................................................... 38
Target Frequency ............................................................................................................................ 39
De-load Instructions......................................................................................................................... 40
Frequency Response from an Intermittent Power Source .............................................................. 40
Summary of Steady State Load Accuracy Requirements ............................................................... 41
Compliance Testing Requirements ................................................................................................. 41
Typical Frequency Control Test Injection ........................................................................................ 41
Power Level for Frequency Control Compliance Testing ................................................................ 42
Pre 70% Tests in Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode for Large Power Park Modules .................. 42
Preliminary Frequency Response Testing ...................................................................................... 42
Frequency Response Testing Sequence ........................................................................................ 43
Generic Frequency Response Test Procedure ............................................................................... 45
Control Requirements that may be witnessed ................................................................................ 53

Appendix D: Power Park Unit Performance Registration and Fault Ride Through
............................................................................................................................. 54
Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 54
Generic Power Park Unit Type Validation ....................................................................................... 54
Background to Generic Power Park Unit Type Validation............................................................... 54
Confidentiality Provisions ................................................................................................................ 55
Areas Suitable for Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report ..................................................... 56
Submitting Data into the Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report ......................... 57
Summary of Grid Code Fault Ride Through Requirements ............................................................ 57
‘Mode A’ Requirements - first 140msec of a fault ........................................................................... 57
‘Mode B’ Requirements - fault period beyond the first 140msec .................................................... 58
Requirements for Induction Generators .......................................................................................... 58
Fault Ride Through Testing ............................................................................................................. 59

Appendix E: Response to Frequency Changes and Intermittent Power Source

Variation ............................................................................................................... 63
Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 63
Frequency Sensitive Mode at Full Load .......................................................................................... 63

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Set and Re-set Set-point ................................................................................................................. 65
Frequency Sensitive Mode At De-Load .......................................................................................... 66
Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode ................................................................................................. 67
Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 69

Appendix F: Other Technical Information ............................................................. 71

Calculating Equivalent Impedance for Fault Ride Through Studies ................................................ 71
Positive Sequence Studies .............................................................................................................. 71
Negative Sequence Studies ............................................................................................................ 72
Technical Information on the Connection Bus Bar .......................................................................... 73
Equivalent Sequence Impedances for Calculating Unbalanced Short-Circuit Current Contribution
......................................................................................................................................................... 74

Appendix G: Test Signal Schedule and Log sheet ............................................... 75

Compliance Test Signal Schedules................................................................................................. 75
Compliance Test Logsheet .............................................................................................................. 76

Appendix H: Contacting National Grid.................................................................. 78

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Abbreviations

This section includes a list of the abbreviations that appear in this document.

Abbreviation Description
AVC Automatic Voltage Control (on transformers)
AVR Automatic Voltage Regulator
BA / BCA Bilateral Agreement / Bilateral Connection Agreement
BC Balancing Code
BM / BMU Balancing Mechanism / Balancing Mechanism Unit
CC / CC.A Connection Conditions / Connection Conditions Appendix
CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine
CP Compliance Processes
CSC Current Sourced Converter
CUSC Connection and Use of System Code
DC Direct Current
DCS Distributed Control System
DNO Distribution Network Operator
DMOL Design Minimum Operating Level
DPD Detailed Planning Data
DRC Data Registration Code
EDL/EDT Electronic Data Logging / Electronic Data Transfer
ELEXON Balancing and Settlement Code Company
ESO Electricity System Operator
FON Final Operational Notification
FRT Fault Ride Through
FSM Frequency Sensitive Mode
GB Great Britain
GCRP Grid Code Review Panel
GEP Grid entry point
ION Interim Operational Notification
LSFM Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode
LON Limited Operational Notification
MEL Maximum Export Limit

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 5

MLP Machine Load Point
NGESO National Grid Electricity System Operator (same as ESO)
NGET National Grid Electricity Transmission
OC Operating Code
OFGEM Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
OGEP Offshore Grid Entry Point
PC Planning Code
PSS Power System Stabiliser
PSSE Power System Simulation for Engineering software
RISSP Record of Inter System Safety Precautions
SEL Stable Export limit
SPT Scottish Power Transmission
SHET Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission
ST Steam Turbine
STC System Operator Transmission Owner Code
TO Transmission Owner
TOGA Transmission Outages, Generation Availability
UDFS User Data File Structure
USEP User System Entry Point

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 6

Guidance Notes

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 7

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 8
Introduction
This document complements the Compliance Processes (CP) included in the Grid Code providing
additional description of the technical studies and testing set out within the Grid Code. For EU Code
Users, separate guidance notes have been prepared.

To achieve Operational Notification, the Generator, the company owning and operating a Power
Park, must demonstrate compliance with the Grid Code and Bilateral Agreement. The Grid Code is
a generic document which specifies requirements regardless of local conditions. The Bilateral
Agreement is a site-specific document agreed by ESO and the Generator, which for technical
reasons, may specify additional/alternative requirements or specific parameters within a range
indicated in the Grid Code. The total requirements placed on Generators are therefore the
aggregation of those specified in the Grid Code and Bilateral Agreement.

This particular edition of the guidance notes has been written for new distributed generation
technologies (such as Power Park Modules) referred to in the Grid Code as Power Parks. The
guidance notes contents are based on experience gained from wind turbines, but similar
arrangements are expected to apply to other renewable technologies. An additional document exists
that expands on guidance specifically for Electricity Storage modules. Guidance for conventional
synchronous plants and HVDC converter equipment is provided separately.

For existing connections (connected prior to 27 April 2019)1 the Generator will be deemed a GB
User and the new ECC user requirements will not apply. However, if an existing power station
undertakes a significant modification to its plant or apparatus new requirements may become
applicable. For example, should an existing wind turbine be replaced by a new model of turbine this
will be required to meet the ECC.

Generators may, if they wish, suggest alternative tests or studies, which they believe will
demonstrate compliance in accordance with the requirements placed on themselves and ESO.

New ECC Requirements

The GB Grid Code was updated in May 2018 to introduce requirements consistent with the
European Code Requirements for Generators. These new rules are set out in the new European
Connection Conditions / European Compliance Processes sections and apply to EU Code Users
only. Separate documents provide guidance on these new requirements for each type of connection.

Where an existing power station plans undertakes a modification to its plant or apparatus this should
be discussed with the ESO connection account manager at the earliest opportunity as the extent of
the modification could result in the application of the new ECC requirement to an existing connection.
The table below set out ESO’s expectation for some typical modifications, for specific advice please
contact ESO using the details in Appendix E.

The final decision on whether a modification is deemed to apply EU Code User or GB User
requirements lies with the regulator, Ofgem in the event of dispute.

1. Generators with an agreed purchase contract for main plant items evidenced to ESO before November 2018 could still be
existing GB Users regardless of the connection date to the system.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 9

 Example Details This would be classified as ‘new’ because…..

1 Existing Power Station No – CC Compliant

comprising of Synchronous
Generating Units.
• Like for Like replacements
• Replacement of Control
Schemes
• Upgrading of prime mover
without major plant changes
• TEC change in isolation

2 Existing Power Station site Yes – ECC compliant.

• old Generating Unit to be There is a material change to the plant – a brand new
replaced with new Gas unit is replacing the existing retired unit
Turbines
• Change Generator & turbine
• Change of Technology
• Change of Energy Source

3 An existing 100MW Power Park Yes – ECC Compliant.

Module comprises 50 x 2MW The turbines, control systems and performance are all
turbines. The wind turbines are to using new plant even though the Grid Connection
be replaced by 20 x 5MW assets may remain largely unchanged.
turbines.

4 Generator Transformer replaced No- CC Compliant

at an existing 40 year old coal
station with a grey spare

5 Change of Generator Ownership No- CC Compliant

– no change to plant

6 • An existing Power Park • New turbines would need to be ECC Compliant.

Module adds additional new Existing turbines would remain CC Compliant.
turbines.

• New equipment would need to ECC compliant.

• An existing Power Park
Existing voltage control equipment would remain CC
Module replaces the separate
Compliant.
voltage control equipment with
a new device

7 Small Power Station replants with Yes – ECC Compliant

a new bigger unit(s). There is a material change to the plant – a brand new
unit is replacing the existing retired unit.

8 New Generator changes its Yes – ECC Compliant if main plant not ordered.
Connection Date beyond April No – CC Compliant if main plant has been ordered and
2019. ESO informed by November 2018.

Table 1: Examples of modifications to existing sites and how they might be handled

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Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report
Manufacturers are concerned with protecting their innovations and technologies employed in Power
Park Units which if shared could compromise their competitive advantage. In order to facilitate the
market, the power industry has agreed that some information can be supplied directly to ESO from
Power Park Units manufacturers. The Grid Code (CP.11) explains that ESO may receive
manufacturer information and Generators can reference it as part of their compliance demonstration.
Appendix D of these guidance notes provides additional information for Power Park Unit
manufacturers.

Generators should note that using registered manufacturer data does not guarantee Grid Code
compliance for a Power Park Module but does indicate that the Power Park Unit is capable of
achieving Grid Code compliance in the appropriate area. Any Generator wishing to use
manufacturer data is advised to contact ESO early in the compliance process to determine if the
information held in the Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report is appropriate and
sufficient in each case. This approach can be used for information relating to the dynamic model of
a turbine or park controller and the data and reports associated with fault ride through type tests.

While Generators may not see the Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report information, they
must ensure that the correct reference is used as the same provisions will apply to this data as a
normal Data Registration Code or a User Data File Structure submission. The Manufacturer’s Data
& Performance Report reference given by the Power Park Unit manufacturer will contain the
following:

• Manufacturer name.
• Power Park Unit type.
• Date; and
• The relevant report version number.

The user should then reference the document in the appropriate place in the User Data File
Structure. For example, in case of fault ride through studies, assuming suitable fault ride through
information is available in a Manufacturers Data and Performance report, the user can enter the
following sentence:

“This information has been submitted generically to ESO and can be found in the ESO Register of
Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report under document reference
“manufacturerX_10MWturbinetype1_22Aug08_reportver001”

Compliance Process
The process for Generators to demonstrate compliance with the Grid Code and Bilateral Agreement
is included in the Grid Code Compliance Processes (CP). In addition to the process and details of
the documentation that is exchanged to control the process, an appendix to the Compliance
Processes includes the technical details of the simulation studies that a Generator should carry out.
The Compliance Processes cross reference with other sections of the Grid Code, namely the
Planning Code (PC), the Connection Conditions (CC) and Operating Code 5 (OC5). Similarly, the
European Compliance Processes cross reference with other sections of the Grid Code, namely the
Planning Code (PC) and the European Connection Conditions (ECC).

The PC sets out the data and information that a Generator is required to submit prior to connection
and then maintain during the lifetime of the power station. The format for submission of the majority
of this information is set out in the Data Registration Code (DRC).

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 11

The CC set out the majority of the generic performance requirements that a Generator is required
to meet with site specific variations laid out in the Bilateral Agreement.

The OC5 sets out the technical details of the tests which ESO recommends to demonstrate
compliance with the Grid Code.

The technical requirements for a GB plant is based on its size at the connection point. These are
categorised as follows:

Category E&W Scotland (SPT) Scotland (SHET)

Small <50 MW <30 MW <10 MW

Medium ≥50 MW & <100 MW - -

Large ≥100 MW ≥30 MW ≥10 MW

Table 2: Plant categories according to GB code

Point of Compliance
In concept Generators define the boundary at which compliance is demonstrated at the Grid Entry
Point or User System Entry point if connected to a Distribution System. This is the ownership
boundary between the Generating Company assets and the public network. This is often the
termination point in compact switchgear owned by a network licensee of a short cable owned by the
Generator. In practical terms, if the cable has negligible impact on performance, then metering for
Generator Control systems and signals for compliance assessment can be at the Generator end of
this short cable. If the cable is considered as having a material effect on performance, then control
and signal metering needs to be at the network owner’s end of the cable. As a rule of thumb
connection cables of less than 500m can be considered as negligible. Where cable lengths are
significant line compensation may be considered as an alternative to taking signals directly from the
connection point.

Compliance Repeat Plan

GC-0141 has introduced the requirement for users to restate compliance every 5 years, from the
issuance of FON (CP.8). Before the 5 years from FON have passed, ESO will notify the user to
confirm continued compliance. To do so, the user will be required to submit the following:

• A Compliance Statement and a User Self Certification of Compliance signed by the user. If
there are any requirements that have not been met, then a statement of these should be
submitted, together with a copy of the derogation.
• Detail of any changes to relevant Planning Code data (both Standard Planning Data and
Detailed Planning Data) and DRC schedules

In case all requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled, ESO will issue the user with a FON and
the user can continue operation as before. In case of embedded plants, the notification will also be
sent to the relevant Transmission Owner. However, in the case where requirements are not fulfilled
and the user is deemed non-compliant, ESO will issue them a LON, and the relevant process will
be followed. It may be that some restriction is imposed, until the user resolves the issues.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 12

Simulation Studies
The simulation studies described in the Compliance Processes (CP.A.3), and Power Park Unit type
tests and on-site tests provide indicative evidence that the requirements of the Grid Code have been
met. However, if the study requirements specified in the Grid Code are inappropriate to the
technologies employed on a particular project the Generator should contact ESO to discuss and
agree an alternative program and success criteria.

In general, simulation studies are required to:

• Demonstrate an expected compliant performance ahead of connection.

• Demonstrate the model supplied is a true and accurate reflection of the plant, as built.
• Demonstrate capability where it is impractical through testing as the effects on other system
Users would be unacceptable.

The simulations must be based on the validated models supplied to ESO in accordance with Grid
Code Planning Code Appendix section 5.4.2 (PC.A.5.4.2 and PC.A.9) and are to be submitted
before issuing ION. Fault Ride Through studies are encouraged to be done using electromagnetic
transient (EMT) models.

In GC-0141, additional requirements have been added for Fault Ride Through studies, where non-
standard operating scenarios are taken into consideration. These requirements can be found in
CP.A.3.5.

Model Submission
To comply with the planning code requirements of the Grid Code, Users are required to provide to
ESO, a validated model(s) which adequately represent the dynamic performance of their systems
as demonstrated during the compliance process.

For connections in possession of a FON or an EON before the 1st of September 2022 the
requirements detailed in PC.A.5.4.2 (a to h) of the Grid Code still apply.

For future connections, or those that had started the compliance process but had not received an
EON by 1st September 2022 the modelling requirements detailed under PC.A.9 of the Grid Code
apply.

For the avoidance of doubt, the User is also required to comply with any additional modelling
requirements that might be included in the BCA, regardless of the planning code modelling section
applicable to the connection.

For detailed recommendations and advice on the model(s) submission aimed at complying with
PC.A.9 of the Grid Code please refer to “Guidance Notes on Modelling Requirements – GC0141
Grid Code Modification” by following the link below.

Guidance Notes on Modelling Requirements - GC0141 Grid Code Modification

Compliance Tests
Tests identified in OC5.A.3 of the Grid Code are designed to demonstrate, where possible, that the
relevant provisions of the Grid Code and Bilateral Agreement have been met. However if the test
requirements described in OC5.A.3 are at variance with the Bilateral Agreement or the test

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 13

requirements are not relevant to the plant type, the Generator should contact ESO to discuss and
agree an alternative test program and success criteria.

For each test to be carried out the description and purpose of the test to be carried out, results
required, the relevant Grid Code clause(s) and criteria of assessment are given in OC5. The
Generator is responsible for drafting test procedures for the power station as part of the compliance
process prior to the issue of the Interim Operational Notification (ION). Grid Code OC5 and the
appendices of these guidance notes provide outline test schedules which may assist the Generator
with this activity.

ESO may require further compliance tests or evidence to confirm site-specific technical
requirements (in line with the Bilateral Agreement) or to address compliance issues that are of
particular concern. Additional compliance tests, if required, will be identified following ESO’s review
of submissions of User Data File Structure (UDFS).

The tests are carried out by the Generator, or by their agent, and not by ESO. However, ESO may
witness some of the tests if agreed during the compliance process. Tests should be completed
following the test procedures supplied in the UDFS prior to the issue of the FON unless otherwise
agreed by ESO.

The Generator should also provide suitable digital monitoring equipment to record all relevant test
signals needed to verify the Power Park Module performance in parallel with ESO recording
equipment.

Further guidance is provided in the appendices of this document.

ESO Data Recording Equipment

ESO will provide a digital recording instrument on site during the tests witnessed by ESO. A generic
list of signals to be monitored during ESO witnessed tests is tabulated in OC5.A.1.3. This will be
used to monitor all plant signals at a sampling rates indicated in CC.6.6.2. The station should provide
its own digital recording equipment to record the same plant variables. This will provide a back up
to the test results should one of the recording instruments fail at the time of testing.

The station is responsible for providing the listed signals to the User's and ESO's recording
equipment. For ESO purposes, the signals provided are required to be in the form of dc voltages
within the range -10V to +10V (see CC.6.6.2.2). The input impedance of the ESO equipment is in
the region of 1MOhm and its loading effect on the signal sources should be negligible.

The station should advise ESO of the signals and scaling factors prior to the test day. A form of a
typical test signal schedule is shown below:

Signal Unit Voltage Range Signal Representation

Active Power Output MW 0 to 8V 0 to Reg. Capacity

Reactive Power Output Mvar -8V to +8V - Reg Capacity to +Reg Capacity

Terminal Voltage kV 0 to 8V Nominal Voltage –10% to Nominal

Voltage +10%

System Frequency Hz -8V to 8V 48.0Hz – 52Hz

List of other signals……

Table 3: A typical test signal schedule

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 14

It may be appropriate for ESO to set up the recording equipment on the day prior to the test date.
The station representatives are asked to ensure that a 230V single phase AC power supply is
available and that the signals are brought to robust terminals at a single sampling point. Examples
of ideal connection points with BNC or 4mm banana plug connections are shown in the following
picture.

Figure 1 – Example of Compliance Test Signal Connections

At sites where there are multiple Power Park Modules it may be advantageous for the Power Park
developer to cable the signals for several Power Park Modules to a single point. This may allow
simultaneous testing of multiple Power Park Modules maximising usage of periods of high wind and
shortening overall test times. Where possible the person initiating the test injection signal (usually
the manufacturer), the test co-ordinator (usually the owner) and the ESO monitoring signals should
be in the same room to minimise co-ordination issues during witness testing.

The Power Park developer must inform ESO if the signal ground (0V) is not solidly tied to earth or
of any other potential problems which may impact on the quality of the signals to be recorded.

With Power Park Modules, where sometimes real time analogue signals cannot be outputted from
the control scheme, the Grid Code OC5.A.1.3(a) allows for the basic signals to be supplied directly
from transducers connected to CTs/VTs on the interface circuit. The transducer(s) should be
permanently installed at the Users location to easily allow safe testing at any point in the future, and
to avoid a requirement for recalibration of the CTs / VTs. All the signals should then be available
from the Power Park control systems as a download once the testing has been completed as
described in OC5.A.1. 3(b) and (c).

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 15

The four basic signals are:
1. Total MW
2. Total MVAr
3. Point of connection line-line Voltage (HV) (kV)
4. System frequency (Hz)

For offshore Power Park Modules, the control and signals for the witnessing of all testing should
be available at the onshore connection (Interface) point to avoid the risks associated with offshore
working. For offshore Power Park Modules the real time signals for witnessing tests are measured
at the onshore Interface Point as illustrated in the following diagram and mentioned in
OC5.A.1.3.2(iii).

Typical Signals for Offshore Wind Farm Witness Testing (OC5.A.1.3)

Interface Grid Entry

Point Point

NGET

Stat
com

Real Time Real Time or Real Time or Downloadable

MW Downloadable MW, Injection,
MVAr Injection, MVAr, Wind speed,
Hz MVAr sources Hz, Power Avail.
V V, Wind dir.

Figure 2 – Typical Signals for offshore windfarm testing

Compliance Test Signals

The Grid Code requires that a number of signals are provided from compliance tests to ESO to allow
assessment of the compliance. The list of these signals are set out in OC5.A.1 for GB Users.

Where these signals are provided to ESO, it should be done in a consistent electronic format with a
time stamp in a numerical format which can be interpreted in Excel. To facilitate efficient analysis
the test results should include signals requested by ESO set out in the columns order as indicated
in the tables in Appendix G.

• Signals for non-witness tests should be provided in excel format and in the order and format
presented in Appendix G unless otherwise agreed, in advance, with ESO.
• Where any additional test signals to those indicated in the tables are presented these
should only be added with the agreement of ESO and be entered within the files as
additional columns to the right of the required signals.
• Where a signal cannot be provided, and this has been agreed with ESO in advance of the
tests, a blank column should be retained within the data.
• Where additional signals are included or the signals are presented but not in the
arrangement detailed above the data may be rejected and the customer will be asked to
resubmit the data in the agreed format.
June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 16
Compliance Test Log sheet
Where test results are completed without any ESO presence but are relied upon as evidence of the
compliance they should be accompanied by a log sheet. This sheet should be legible, in English
and detail the items in Appendix G.

Future Development of Compliance Testing

ESO recognises that organising of witness site tests can lead to delays in progressing connections
through the compliance process. We are looking at options to deliver the same confidence while
reducing the need to attend site and witness tests in the future. This would require the support of
manufacturers and owners in a number of areas which are summarised below:

• A suitable interface which allows ESO a view of the key test parameters graphically in real-
time from the ESO office in Warwick. This would effectively provide the view of tests
currently achieved by ESO connecting its recording equipment while at site.
• Where ESO has decided to allow testing without real-time witnessing for compliance testing
with lower materiality, such as repeat tests. In such circumstances manufacturers or
developers must provide all the test data to ESO in the standard format set out in the
guidance note complete with an appropriate test log sheet.
• Where ESO has decided that the design of a Generators plant and apparatus is
standardised, and the compliance can be evidenced by reference to a generic set of tests
completed and accepted previously. This could be reference to Equipment Certificates
where these have been accepted by ESO. This process will be offered provided in ESO’s
opinion it does not pose a material risk in terms of the specific site installations.

ESO will raise this during the compliance process and are open to suggestions from Developers.
For manufacturers looking to suggest options or develop systems to facilitate remote witnessing
please discuss with your compliance contact or contact ESO using the details in this guidance note.

ESO Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Reports

Users may wish to reference data held in the ESO Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance
Reports to help to complete various parts of the compliance process (see previous section of this
document). This can be achieved by placing the manufacturer document reference in the
appropriate place in the Data Registration Code or User Data File Structure. This reference should
be obtained by the User from the Power Park Unit manufacturer. Please note that it is the
responsibility of the User to ensure that the correct reference is submitted to ESO.

Even though different Power Park Modules may be comprised of the same Power Park Unit type,
differences in performance can result. Submitting a Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance
Report reference can therefore not be a guarantee of compliance, and the suitability of the reference
should be discussed with ESO as part of the normal compliance process.

Interim Operation
As there may be a considerable period between commissioning the first and last power Park Unit
within a module, the Grid Code Compliance Processes (CP) provides two capacity restrictions
during commissioning. These restrictions are managed by items included in the Interim Operation
Notification (ION). The Generator is required to complete basic voltage control and frequency
response tests and have the results approved by ESO in order to have the capacity restrictions
released.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 17

Test Notification to Control Room
The Generator is responsible for notifying the ‘ESO Control Centre’ of any tests to be carried out on
their plant, which could have a material effect on the National Electricity Transmission System. The
procedures for planning and co-ordinating all plant testing with the ‘ESO Control Centre is detailed
in OC7.5 of the Grid Code (i.e. Procedure in Relation to Integral Equipment Tests). For further details
relating to this procedure, refer to “Integral Equipment Tests - Guidance Notes” which can be found
on National Grid’s Internet site in Grid Code, Associated Documents.

The Generator should be aware that this interface with ESO transmission planning will normally be
available in weekday working hours only. As best practice, the Generator should advise the ‘ESO
Control Centre’ and in Scotland the relevant Transmission Owner, or Distribution Network Operator
(if embedded) of the times and nature of the proposed tests at the earliest stage possible and where
possible with 28 days’ notice. If there is insufficient notice or information provided by the Generator,
then the proposed testing may not be allowed to proceed.

Compliance Testing with Limited Power Source Availability

Many of the compliance tests require operation at a significant proportion of Rated MW. An Interim
Operational Notification extension may be provided to allow operation until sufficient resource is
available to complete the compliance tests at a suitable level of generation. In some cases the
compliance tests may be approved at reduced capacity provided ESO are satisfied that the Power
Park Module capability is sufficiently supported by generic type validation tests and site design data.

Compliance Testing of Power Stations Comprised of Identical Power

Park Modules
Where a Power Station is comprised of two or more identical Power Park Modules, ESO may allow
reduced compliance testing on the remaining Power Park Module(s) provided that the first Power
Park Module successfully completed the full testing.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 18

Protection Requirements
Under section CC.6.2.2.2 of the Grid Code, the Generator must meet a set of minimum protection
requirements. As part of the User Data File Structure content, the Generator should submit a
Generator Protection Settings report together with an overall trip logic diagram.

The Generator should provide details of all the protection devices fitted to the Power Park Module
and Power Park Units together with settings and time delays, including:

Protection Fitted Typical Information Required

Number of stages, trip characteristics, settings and time

Under / Over Frequency Protection
delays

Under / Over Voltage protection Number of stages, trip characteristics, settings and time
delays

Over Current Protection Element types, characteristics, settings and time delays

Control Trip Functions Functional Description, Control Characteristic and trip

settings

Islanding Protection (see below) Type, description, settings and time delays
Table 4: List of some protection details to be submitted

Islanding Protection
ROCOF protection should be disabled for directly connection and if islanding protection is
required, an inter-tripping scheme is recommended. For Embedded generation, Islanding
protection should be set in line with the G59/G99 requirement.

As stated in CC.6.1.3, the System Frequency could rise to 52Hz or fall to 47Hz. The generator
must continue to operate within this Frequency range for at least the periods of time given in
CC.6.1.3, unless ESO has specified any other requirements. Plant Owners will be responsible for
protecting their equipment. If the frequency range is outside the range 52Hz to 47Hz, it is up to
the Plant Owner to decide whether to disconnect their apparatus in England and Wales, non-
synchro and PPM in Scotland shall be tripped according to the Grid Code.

Power Quality Requirements

For Power Parks that are to be connected to the National Electricity Transmission System, the
harmonic distortion and voltage fluctuation (flicker) limits are set out in accordance with the Grid
Code and Bilateral Agreement. The Transmission Owner is required to meet the relevant terms of
the Grid Code.

With respect to harmonics, the Grid Code CC.6.1.5(a) requires that the Electromagnetic
Compatibility Levels for harmonic distortion on the Transmission System from all non-linear sources
under both planned outage and fault outage conditions, (unless abnormal conditions prevail) shall
comply with the compatibility levels given in Appendix A of Engineering Recommendation G5/4. The
Grid Code further requires that the planning criteria contained within Engineering Recommendation
G5/4 be applied for the connection of non-linear sources to the Transmission System, which result
in harmonic limits being specified for these sources in the relevant Bilateral Agreement.

With respect to voltage fluctuations, it is also a requirement of the Grid Code that voltage fluctuations
are kept within the levels given in Grid Code CC.6.1.7 and/or Table 1 of Engineering

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 19

Recommendation P28 issue 2 and therefore limits on voltage fluctuations are also specified in the
relevant Bilateral Agreement. The Power Park Developer will be required to comply with the
harmonic and voltage fluctuation limits specified in the Bilateral Agreement. The Transmission
System or Distribution Network Operator will monitor compliance with these limits.

Development schemes with non-linear element(s) are assessed by the Transmission Owner for their
expected impact on the harmonic distortion and voltage fluctuation levels. For harmonic voltage
distortion, the process detailed in Stage 3 of Engineering Recommendation G5/4 is applied. For the
voltage fluctuation, the principles outlined in Engineering Recommendation P28 issue 2 are used,
with contribution from the Power Park being calculated according to the International
Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC61400-21.

Specific information required for the assessment of harmonic voltage distortion and voltage
fluctuation is detailed in Grid Code DRC.6.1.1. Any component design parameters for planned
reactive compensation for the Power Park Module as detailed in Grid Code PC.A.6.4.2 should also
be included giving due attention to tuned components.

For Power Parks Modules that are to be connected to Distribution Systems, Distribution Network
Operators may undertake similar assessments to comply with the requirements of the Distribution
Code in terms of harmonic distortion and voltage fluctuation.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 20

Appendices

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 21

Appendix A: Reactive Capability
Testing
Summary of Requirements
The Reactive Capability requirements for a Power Park Module are specified in Grid Code CC.6.3.2.

In summary, the first part of the requirement is for the Power Park Module to be capable of operating
with no reactive power transfer to the public power system (with a tolerance within +/-5% of active
power output) from zero power output to full output. The second part of the requirement is for the
Power Park Module to be capable of operating with a range of reactive power outputs when
producing more than 20% real power. This reactive power capability at the connection point (or HV
side of the connection transformer for a “Transmission” connection site in Scotland) is illustrated in
the Figure 1 in CC.6.3.2.

Below 20% real power output, the Power Park Module may continue to modulate reactive power
transfer under voltage control or switch to zero reactive power transfer. If there is a switch to zero
reactive power transfer, the Grid Code requires that there is a smooth transition between Voltage
Control at active power levels greater than 20% and reactive power control at active power levels
less than 20%.

Further clauses of Grid Code CC.6.3.2 include some variations to the Reactive Capability
requirements relating to older Power Park Modules completed before 1 January 2006.

Grid Code CC.6.3.4 states that the reactive power capability must be fully available at all system
voltages in the range 5% of nominal. Generators connected at 33kV or below, are only required to
meet the relaxed voltage/reactive capability envelope shown by CC.6.3.4 Figure 4. This relaxation
recognises that the power park developer does not have control of a transformer tapchanger to
control voltages within his network. The CC.6.3.4 capability is not normally tested but is
demonstrated by simulation.

In the event that during system incidents (i.e. the voltage is <95% or >105%) plant should deliver
the maximum (lagging or leading respectively) reactive power possible, whilst remaining within its
design limits.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 22

Reactive Power MSA
The reactive capability tests enable a mandatory services agreement (MSA) table to be drafted on
the basis of the plant’s performance. The MSA table lists the maximum leading and lagging reactive
power achieved at the Boundary Connection Point or USEP for a number of active power setpoints.
Before the tests, during the study phase, an interim MSA is drafted, and this is later on replaced by
the post-test MSA that is more realistic. Below is an example of an MSA table for a Power Park
Module of convertor-controlled Power Park Units, where the reactive capability still exists below 20%
power but not necessarily if the Power Park Units are stopped:

TABLE B MW LEAD LAG

(Mvar) (Mvar)
AT RATED MW 69 23 23
AT 50% (MW) 35 23 23
AT 20% (MW) 13 23 23
AT <20% 5 23 23
AT 0MW 0 0 0
Table 5: Sample reactive power MSA table

The development of the MSA table for offshore schemes differs from that onshore and is discussed
later in this chapter.

Offshore Power Park Modules

The Grid Code requires offshore Power Park Modules, where there is an offshore Transmission
System, to operate with zero reactive power transfer at the Offshore Grid Entry Point (OGEP)
(CC.6.3.2). This is on the assumption that transferring reactive power through a long cable is not
efficient. Other operating regimes such as control of reactive power at an Offshore Grid Entry Point
or contribution to modulation of reactive power at the onshore Interface Point may be approved by
ESO if this is demonstrated by the developer as being beneficial considering both capital and
operational costs. Please see Error! Reference source not found. for the general location of TIP
and OGEP for offshore PPMs.

MSA for Offshore Power Park Modules

While there is a requirement for the connection to provide reactive power at the TIP, as defined by
Figure in CC.6.3.2, this requirement is for the OFTO. Therefore, there is no MSA for it.

The MSA for the offshore plant is based on the reactive power at the Commercial Boundary (which,
as per the definition in the CUSC, is at the HV side of the offshore transformer). As mentioned above,
even though CC.6.3.2. requires zero reactive power at the Offshore Grid Entry Point, other schemes
may be agreed with the ESO and OFTO. As such, these schemes are broadly divided into four
scheme categories, listed in the table below, and the MSAs are defined accordingly.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 23

 Configuration 1 Offshore PPMs

Testing
Reactive Power at IP Reactive Power at OGEP MSA
Requirement
Sch. 1 Provided wholly by the 0 MVAr, provided by Zero OC5.A.3.8
OFTO Offshore PPM. Cable gain
compensated by assets
(such as shunt reactors)
Sch. 2 Provided wholly by the Some reactive power Yes (see OC5.A.3.4
OFTO provided by Offshore PPM to discussion
compensate for cable gain below)
Sch. 3 Provided wholly by Some reactive power Yes OC5.A.3.4
Offshore PPM (on behalf of provided by Offshore PPM to
OFTO) cover for both cable gain
and to fulfil requirements at
IP
Sch. 4 Provided in part by OFTO Some reactive power Yes OC5.A.3.4
and in part by Offshore provided by Offshore PPM to
PPM cover for both cable gain
and to fulfil requirements at
IP
Table 6: Schemes of Offshore PPMs

Scheme 1 is the recommended scheme in the Grid Code. Since the PPM provides zero reactive
power at the OGEP, the MSA is a table of zeroes.

In Scheme 2, the PPM provides reactive power at the OGEP to compensate for the cable gain.
However, since it does not contribute to reactive power at the TIP, the MSA table has little
significance.

Schemes 3 and 4 are where the PPM contributes, at least in part, to reactive power at the TIP. The
MSA tables are drafted depending on the reactive power at the commercial boundary.

When carrying out the reactive capability tests at the Transmission Interface Point (TIP) onshore,
the measurements for the output from the offshore wind turbines should also be requested. This will
help establish the full picture.

Contractual Opportunities Relating to Reactive Services

For some technologies there is an opportunity to provide an optional reactive service (beyond the
basic mandatory reactive service) covering the period when the renewable energy source is not
available (e.g., when a wind turbine has no wind). Developers interested in providing such a service
should take the opportunity of reactive capability testing to demonstrate this zero-power reactive
capability. The delivery of reactive power would be expected to be dynamic, i.e. responding to
changes to system voltage in the same manner as normal operation.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 24

Reactive Capability Compliance Tests
Grid Code OC5.A.3.4 describes the Reactive Capability testing. The required tests should
demonstrate the maximum capability of the Power Park Module beyond the corners of the envelope
shown in Grid Code CC.6.3.2 Figure 1. Given the steady state nature of the Reactive Capability
requirements implying that reactive output can be maintained indefinitely, the tests are carried out
over a longer period than other compliance tests.

The aim of the test is to capture performance of the Power Park Module at or as close to full output
as possible recognising there are the obvious issues with wind forecasting. In order that the
Generator has maximum opportunity to take advantage of periods of high wind/Tidal Flow/Sunlight
etc and recognising the steady state nature of these tests, the Reactive Capability test is not usually
witnessed by a ESO compliance engineer.

Grid Code OC.5.A.3.4.1 sets a minimum power output level for carrying out the tests of 85% of
Registered Capacity. If the Power Park Module output is below this, the test should not be scheduled
or attempted. Assuming power output is greater than 85% output with a good forecast for the hour
ahead then the test can commence. Some variability in output below the 85% may be accepted. For
the tests at maximum power, the available output should not fall below 50%, as indicated by
OC.5.A.3.4.5.

In order to demonstrate that a Power Park Module can satisfy the reactive capability requirements
it is necessary to perform reactive capability tests as set out in OC5.A.3.4.5. An example of a
corresponding test schedule is shown below.

Test No Step Description Notes

1 • Plant in Voltage Control
• Increase Active power output to maximum (this should be
≥85% of maximum capacity)
• Target Voltage (*) selected to generate a maximum
continuous lagging Reactive Power for 60 minutes.
• Operation in excess of 50% Maximum Capacity
throughout
2 • Increase Active power output to maximum (this should be
≥85% of maximum capacity)
• Target Voltage (*) selected to generate a maximum
continuous leading Reactive Power for 60 minutes.
• Operation in excess of 50% Maximum Capacity
throughout
3 • Reduce active power output to 50% Rated MW
• Target Voltage selected to generate a maximum
continuous leading Reactive Power for 5 minutes.
4 • Reduce active power output to 20% Rated MW
• Target Voltage selected to generate a maximum
continuous leading Reactive Power for 5 minutes.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 25

 5 • Reduce active power output to 20% Rated MW
• Target Voltage selected to generate a maximum
continuous lagging Reactive Power for 5 minutes.
6 • Operation at less than 20% Maximum Capacity and unity
Power Factor for 5 minutes
(Note 1)
• This test only applies to systems which do not offer
voltage control below 20% of Maximum Capacity
7 • Reduce active power output to 0 MW
(Note 2) • Target Voltage selected to generate a max Lagging
Reactive Power maximum continuous lagging Reactive
Power for 5 minutes.
8 • Reduce active power output to 0 MW
(Note 2) • Target Voltage selected to generate maximum
continuous leading Reactive Power for 5 minutes.
(*) Target Voltages may need to be changed regularly in order to generate the maximum
continuous lagging/leading reactive power for 60 minutes.

Notes

1. If the Power Park Module does not provide voltage control below 20% active power output then
test 6 should be carried out to demonstrate smooth transition to within the required reactive power
envelope.

2. If the Power Park Module provides voltage control down to zero active power output then tests 7
and 8 should be performed

Reactive Capability tests are not normally witnessed by ESO so where a Generator is recording the
tests they should record details such as the HV system voltage and transformer tap position and
equipment in service, as applicable, across the test period.

For offshore PPMs, Schemes 1 and 2, there is an additional requirement to show that the reactive
power at the OGEP is as designed (OC5.A.3.8). where the transformer is tapped and it is shown
that the PPM can still provide the reactive power at the OGEP as per design.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 26

Appendix B: Voltage Control Testing

Summary of Requirements
The generic requirements for voltage control are set out in the Grid Code Connection Conditions
with any site-specific variations included in the Bilateral Agreement. This section summarises the
key requirements using the generic values included in the Grid Code.

Grid Code CC.6.3.8 requires provision of a continuously acting automatic voltage control which is
stable at all operating points. The point of voltage control is the Grid Entry Point or User System
Entry Point if Embedded.

Grid Code CC Appendix 7 requires:

• CC.A.7.2.2.2 The voltage set point should be adjustable over a range of 5% of nominal
with a resolution of better than 0.25%.
• CC.A.7.2.2.3 The voltage control system should have a reactive slope characteristic which
must be adjustable over a range of 2 to 7% with a resolution of 0.5%. The initial setting
should be 4%.
• CC.A.7.2.3.1 The speed of response to a step change should be sufficient to deliver 90% of
the reactive capability within 1 second, with any oscillations damped out, so that the peak-
to-peak oscillations in reactive power settle down to less than 5% of the change in steady-
state reactive power within a further 2 seconds.
• CC.A.7.2.2.5 The control system should deliver any reactive power output correction due
from the voltage operating point deviating from the slope characteristic within 5 seconds.
• CC.A.7.2.2.6 The Power Park Module must continue to provide voltage control through
reactive power modulation within the designed capability limits over the full connection point
voltage range 10% (CC.6.1.4) however the full reactive capability (CC.6.3.2) is only
required to be delivered in line with CC.6.3.2 and Figure CC.A.7.2.2(b) or Figure 4 of
CC.6.3.4 if applicable.
• Grid Code figures CC.A.7.2.2(b) and CC.A.7.2.2(c) illustrate the operational envelope
required.

The Generator must provide ESO with a transfer block diagram illustrating the Power Park Module
voltage control scheme and include all associated parameters. This forms part of Schedule 1 of the
Data Registration Code and should be included in part 3 of the User Data File Structure (UDFS).
The information will enable ESO to review the suitability of the proposed test programme to
demonstrate compliance with the Grid Code.

Target Voltage and Slope

The ESO Control Centre issues voltage control instructions to all Balancing Market participants. For
Power Park Modules the usual instruction is to alter Target Voltage set point and should be carried
out in the usual 2 minutes required for Ancillary Service instructions. The slope may also be varied
by control instruction, but the Generator has up to a week to complete the change. Slope is usually
expected to be set at 4%. The procedures for Voltage Control instructions are included in Grid Code
Balancing Code (BC) 2.

Delivery of Reactive Capability Beyond 5% Voltage

The Grid Code requires a Reactive Capability equivalent to 0.95 power factor usually at the Grid
Entry Point or User System Entry Point if Embedded on shore Power Park and at the Offshore Grid
Entry Point for Offshore Power Park Modules. For older Power Park Modules, variations from this
will be stated in the Bilateral Agreement. Grid Code CC.6.3.4 requires that the full Reactive
Capability is capable of being delivered for voltages at the Grid Entry Point within ±5% of nominal.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 27

Outside this voltage range the Power Park Module must be capable of continuing to contribute to
voltage control by delivering Reactive Power. However, the level of reactive power delivered may
be limited by the design of the plant and apparatus. There is no low or high limit on this obligation,
plant must continue to provide maximum reactive power within its design limits.

Transient Response
The Grid Code CC.A.7.2.3.1 sets out a number of criteria for acceptable transient voltage response.
The two Figures below illustrate responses from two different control philosophies that would be
considered as meeting the Grid Code.

Figure B.1 illustrates a control scheme which employs a constant speed of response.

Constant Rate of Response

pu Reactive Power 1pu Change 0.5pu Change

1.200 Any oscillations should be less than 5% (peak to peak) of the change in reactive
power, within 2s of achieving 90% response

1.000

90% of the required change in Reactive Capability should occur within 1 second.
0.800

0.600

0.400
0.2s Maximum Dead Time

0.200

0.000
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00
Time (Seconds)

Figure B.1

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 28

Figure B.2 shows a control scheme which varies the rate of response proportional to the size of
the step change.

Variable Rate of Response

pu Reactive Power 1pu Change 0.5pu Change

1.200 Any oscillations should be less than 5% (peak to peak) of the steady state change in reactive
power, within 2s of achieving 90% response.

1.000

90% of the required change in Reactive Capability should occur within 1 second.
0.800

0.600

0.400
0.2s Maximum Dead Time

0.200

0.000
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00
Time (Seconds)

Figure B.2

Both Figures B.1 and B.2 are examples of acceptable responses. Both graphs show the response
to two steps, one to initiate a 1pu and the other a 0.5pu change in reactive capability. The graphs
show how a variable and constant rate of change both can allow the system to achieve the objective.
In both cases the dead time is less than 200ms and 90% of the reactive capability (i.e., 90% of 0.95
power factor at full load or 32.9% MVAr as measured as a proportion of rated power at any other
load) is achieved in 1 second. The maximum oscillation in reactive power, in terms of peak-to-peak
value, is limited to less than 5% of the change in steady-state reactive power within 2 seconds.

Note: The Grid Code states that the reactive response to a change should be “linearly increasing”.
For technologies where this may not be appropriate (e.g., capacitor switching), provided the
performance is equal to or faster than shown above it will be acceptable.

Variations in Voltage Control Requirements

The Grid Code is continually reviewed by ESO and all Authorised Electricity Operators resulting in
a document which is regularly updated. Changes in technical requirements that are considered
material to Users are often related to plant Completion Dates. The aim of which is to prevent the
need to retrofit older plant with new equipment.

As a result, Power Park Modules in Scotland with a completion date before January 2006 the point
of Voltage Control may be at the Power Park Unit terminals and appropriate intermediate busbar, or
connection point as defined in the Bilateral Agreement.

For “Transmission Connected” Power Park Modules in Scotland the Grid Code specifies the Mvar
requirement at the HV side of the 33/132 kV or 33/275 kV or 33/400 kV transformer (CC.6.3.2 (c))

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 29

at the connection site. The requirement is 0.95 lead to 0.95 lag at this point. However, since the Grid
Transformer always consumes Mvars the Mvar requirement is not symmetrical at the LV (33 kV)
connection point where the ownership boundary is. CC.A.7.2.2.4 refer to this as the modified values
of Qmax and Qmin. The Grid Code (CC.6.3.8) specifies that the voltage control is at the Point of
Connection.

Reactive Voltage
Capability Control
CC.6.3.2 CC.6.3.8

Transmission Owned Generator Owned

The following example illustrates derivation of the reactive capability at the 33 kV point for a 151MW
Power Park Module with a maximum capability of 150 MW, the 0.95 power factor corresponds to
49.3 MVars.

The maximum lagging capability requirement at the LV will be when the active power generation is
at 100% as reactive absorption in transformer is greatest.

The maximum leading capability will be at 50% generation due to the shape of the requirement
characteristic below 50% active power.

Power factor at MVars at HV MVars at LV MVar loss in

LV voltage(pu)
HV (132 kV) (33 kV) Transformer

150MW 75MW 30MW

0.95 lag
49.3 0.95 pu 75.3 52.7 26.1
(export)
unity 0 1 pu 19.1 19.1
0.95 lead
-49.3 1.05 pu -31.5 -43.6 17.7
(import)
12% (18 Mvar) -17.2

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 30

 -49.3 MW MW
49.3 75.3

-43.6

18

Lead Lag Lead Lag

MVAr MVAr MVAr MVAr
Grid Code requirement and Equivalent requirement
typical capability at HV of and typical capability
transformer at Grid Entry Point at Grid Entry Point (LV)

It can be seen that the Qmax and Qmin at the 33kV busbar are not symmetrical so the slope is set
for the capacitive capability and is then continued for the inductive range. This is the same
philosophy for a typical Static Var Compensator. When the slope is 4%, for a voltage change of 0.04
pu, the MVar at LV should change from 0 MVar to 75.3 MVar at the LV. This slope line should be
then extended in the opposite direction only as far as to provide -43.6 MVar, i.e. the maximum
leading capability. However, the voltage change needed to produce –43.6 MVar would be a voltage
increase less than 0.04 pu. It should be noted that when the reactive power at the LV is 0 MVar, at
rated MW, there will be an intake from the transmission system of about 19 MVars.

LV pu voltage

1.00
4% Slope

0.96

-43.6MVAr 0 75.3MVAr
Leading MVAr Lagging MVAr
(equiv. 0.95pf at HV) (equiv. 0.95pf at HV)

Scaling Slope with number of wind turbines and plants

Operationally as Qmax varies with the amount of plant in service in accordance with CC.6.3.2 the
voltage control slope should be recalculated to reflect the revised Qmax.

Consider the above example with the Power Park Module having 60 Power Park Units capable of
contributing 60 MVars (i.e., 1 Mvar per Power Park Unit) and a static compensation source capable
of delivering 20 MVar giving a total capability of 80 MVar. With all plant in service the voltage control
slope should be based on 75.3MVar as shown in the diagram. With the static compensation source

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 31

unavailable the new Qmax drops below 75.3 MVar, becomes 80-20=60 MVar. Similarly, if half the
wind turbines were unavailable then the Qmax becomes 80-30=50MVar.

Compliance Test Description

The voltage control tests for a Power Park Module are set out in Grid Code OC5.A.3.5. As described
testing should be by tapping of an upstream grid transformer and also by injection to the control
system reference.

Where steps can be initiated using network tap changers, the Generator will need to coordinate with
the host Transmission or Distribution Network Operator. Consideration should also be given to
switching the associated tap changer Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) from auto to manual for the
duration of the test.

Suggested Power Park Module Voltage Control Test Procedure

The Module Test should be done when at least 95% of the Power Park Units and any reactive
compensation units are in service. Wind conditions (or Tidal Flow or Sunlight etc.) should be such
to allow power production from the Module of at least 65% Registered Capacity.

The following generic procedure is provided to assist Generators in drawing up their own site specific
procedures for the ESO Module Voltage Control Tests. ESO may ask for steps to the Voltage
Reference greater than those shown below within the guidelines of Engineering Recommendation
P28.

Test Step Description of Injection Notes

No
Power Park Module in Voltage Control at Maximum Power Output
(>65% Rated MW) and near Unity Power Factor
V1 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject +1% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove injection as a step
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
V2 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject -1% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove injection as a step
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
V3 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject +2% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove injection as a step

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 32

 • Hold for at least 10 seconds
V4 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject -2% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove injection as a step
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
V5 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject +4% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove injection as a step
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
V6 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject -4% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove injection as a step
• Hold for at least 10 seconds

Step Description of Tapchange Notes

Test No
Power Park Module in Voltage Control at Maximum Power
Output (>65% Rated MW) and near Unity Power Factor
T1 1 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Tap up 1 position on external upstream tap changer
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
2 • Tap up 1 position on external upstream tap changer
i.e., up 2 positions from starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
3 • Tap down 1 position on external upstream tap changer
• i.e., up 1 positions from starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
4 • Tap down 1 position on external upstream tap changer
i.e., at starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 33

 5 • Tap down 1 position on external upstream tap changer
i.e. down 1 positions from starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
6 • Tap down 1 position on external upstream tap changer
i.e., down 2 positions from starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
7 • Tap up 1 position on external upstream tap changer
i.e., down 1 positions from starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
8 • Tap up 1 position on external upstream tap changer
i.e., return to starting position.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds

In the case of Power Park Modules that do not provide voltage control down to zero Active Power
a test to demonstrate the smooth transition from voltage control mode to unity Power Factor shall
be carried out. The Power Park Module voltage setpoint should be altered to produce lagging
Reactive Power or absorbing leading Reactive Power at a low Active Power level where voltage
control is provided. The Power Park Module Active Power should then be reduced to zero Active
Power as a ramp over a short period (60 seconds is suggested).
Where the voltage control system includes either discretely switched shunt capacitors/reactors or
bias capacitors to provide part of the reactive capability, the test program should demonstrate the
performance when these are switched.

Test Step Description of Injection Notes

No
Adjust voltage setpoint to a suitable operating point below
switching threshold for shunt device.
V7 1 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject a step to the Power Park Module Voltage Reference of
sufficient size and polarity to switch in shunt device.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds
2 • Remove injection with a step of sufficient size to switch out the
switched device
• Repeat step 9 immediately (with minimum delay)
Where switched devices are normally rotated, devices not required for the particular test should
isolated to prevent their involvement.

Demonstration of Slope Characteristic

The Power Park Module voltage control system is required to follow a steady state slope
characteristic. This should be demonstrated by recording voltage at the controlled busbar (usually
the Grid Entry Point or User System Entry Point if Embedded) and the reactive power output at the

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 34

same point over several hours. Plotting the values of Voltage against Reactive Power output should
demonstrate the slope characteristic.

Additional Power System Stabiliser Testing

Additional tests are required if a Power System Stabiliser is fitted. Although the fitting of Power
System Stabilisers on non-synchronous plant is a rarity, one may be provided within the control
system by a manufacturer or ESO may specify the requirement in the Bilateral Agreement. The
testing process outlined in this section is based largely on that employed on synchronous plant,
which is believed to be comparable. However, Generators should anticipate the possibility that an
alternative testing regime may be developed in discussion with ESO.

ESO will not permit PSS commissioning until the tuning methodologies and study results used in
any PSS settings proposal have been provided to ESO. A report on the PSS tuning should be
provided along with the proposed test procedure in the User Data File Structure (Part 3). Based on
the information submitted, ESO will meet with the Generator to discuss and agree the initial PSS
settings for commissioning.

The suitability of the tuning of any PSS is checked in both the time and frequency domains. In the
time domain, testing is achieved by applying a small voltage step change on a module basis.
Comparisons are made between performance with and without the power system stabiliser in
service.

For analysis in the frequency domain, a bandwidth-limited (200mHz-3Hz) random noise injection
should be made to the Power Park Module voltage reference. The generator should provide a
suitable band limited (200mHz-3Hz) noise source to facilitate noise injection testing. The random
noise injection will be carried out with and without the PSS in service to demonstrate damping. The
PSS gain should be continuously controllable (i.e. not discrete components) during testing.

The suitability of the PSS gain will also be assessed by increasing the gain in stages to 3x the
proposed setting.

The tests will be regarded as supporting compliance if:

• The PSS gives improved damping following a step change in voltage.

• Any oscillations are damped out within 2 cycles
• The PSS gives improved damping of frequencies in the band 300mHz – 2Hz.
• The gain margin is adequate if there is no appreciable instability at 3x proposed gain

PSS testing is additional to the Module Voltage Control Tests.

Suggested Power Park Module PSS Test Procedure

The PSS Test should be done when all of the Power Park Units and any reactive compensation
units are in service. Wind conditions should be such to allow power production from the Module of
at least 65% Registered Capacity.

The following generic procedure is provided to assist Generators in drawing up their own site-
specific procedures for the ESO PSS Tests.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 35

 Test Injection Notes
Power Park Module in Voltage Control
at Maximum Power Output (>65% Rated MW)
and near Unity Power Factor
PSS Not in Service
1 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject +1% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
and hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove step returning Power Park Module Voltage
Reference to nominal and hold for at least 10 seconds
2 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject +2% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
and hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove step returning Power Park Module Voltage
Reference to nominal and hold for at least 10 seconds
3 • Inject band limited (0.2-3Hz) random noise signal into
voltage reference and measure frequency spectrum of
Real Power.
• Remove noise injection.
Switch On Power System Stabiliser

4 • Record steady state for 10 seconds

• Inject +1% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
and hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove step returning Power Park Module Voltage
Reference to nominal and hold for at least 10 seconds
5 • Record steady state for 10 seconds
• Inject +2% step to Power Park Module Voltage Reference
and hold for at least 10 seconds
• Remove step returning Power Park Module Voltage
Reference to nominal and hold for at least 10 seconds
6 • Increase PSS gain at 30 second intervals. i.e.
x1 – x1.5 – x2 – x2.5 – x3
and observe that the active power oscillations do not get
too much
• Return PSS gain to initial setting
7 • Inject band limited (0.2-3Hz) random noise signal into
voltage reference and measure frequency spectrum of
Real Power.
• Remove noise injection.
Repeat Module Voltage Control Tests with PSS in service.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 36

Appendix C: Frequency Control
Testing
Summary of Requirements
The National Electricity Transmission System is an island network with no AC connections to
mainland Europe. In order to manage the system frequency within the normal operating range 49.5
to 50.5Hz (CC.6.1.2) ESO requires generating units and power park modules to be able to
continuously modulate their output in relation to frequency across this range. In order to maintain a
stable system frequency, it is important that response from plant is achieved without undue delay.

The Grid Code sets out Frequency Control requirements in a number of separate places, notably
the Glossary & Definitions (GD), the Connection Conditions (CC) and Balancing Code (BC) 3. This
section summarises the key requirements.

The GD of the Grid Code defines Primary, Secondary and High frequency response including the
requirement that the response is progressively delivered with increasing time.

CC.6.3.3 of the Grid Code specifies that the Power Park Module must be capable of maintaining a
minimum level of active power (see Figure 2 of CC.6.3.3 (b)) in the frequency range 47Hz to 50.5Hz.

CC.6.3.7 of the Grid Code specifies the minimum frequency control capability, in particular the
frequency control must be:

• Stable over the entire operating range from 47Hz to 52Hz.

• Able to contribute to controlling the frequency on an islanded network to below 52Hz.
• Capable of a frequency droop of between 3 and 5%.
• Capable of providing frequency control against a target set in the range of 49.9Hz and
50.1Hz.
• Have a frequency control dead band of less than ±0.015Hz.
• Capable of delivering a minimum level of frequency response.

Grid Code Figure CC.A.3.1 specifies a minimum requirement for frequency response of 10% of
Registered Capacity achievable for Primary, Secondary and High Frequency response. This
minimum value is designed to ensure that plant provides a suitable contribution to maintain
frequency correction when connected to the system and selected to Frequency Sensitive Mode
(FSM) and response capability in excess of 10% is encouraged.

The speed of response is an important criterion and the Grid Code Figures CC.A.3.2 and CC.A.3.3
indicate typical responses from plant with no delay in response from the start of the frequency
deviation. Practically there is a permissible deadband and ESO accepts a delay of up to but not
exceeding 2 seconds before measurable response is seen from a generating unit in response to a
frequency deviation.

BC3 of the Grid Code specifies how plant should be operated and instructed to provide frequency
response. The section also sets out the requirements on how all plant should respond to the system
frequency rising above 50.4/50.5Hz, by progressively reducing output power.

Details of the tests required for the preliminary and main governor response tests are provided in
OC5.A.3.6 but additional guidance is provided in this Appendix including outline test procedures.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 37

Modes of Frequency Control Operation
Balancing Code 3 (BC3) of the Grid Code defines operation in Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode
and Frequency Sensitive Mode.

Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode is the default mode used when not instructed by ESO to
provide Frequency Response Services. In this mode the Power Park Module is not required to
provide any increase in active power output if frequency reduces below 50Hz and is only required
to maintain active power output in accordance with CC.6.3.3. However, the Power Park Module is
required to respond to high frequencies above 50.4Hz beyond which the Module must reduce the
active power output by a minimum of 2% of output for every 0.1Hz rise above 50.4Hz (see figure
C1). Should this cause power output to be forced below Designed Minimum Operating Level (DMOL)
then the Power Park Module may disconnect after a time if operation is not sustainable. However
for Power Park Modules, it is acceptable for individual Power Park Units to be disconnected, in order
to achieve further power reductions without tripping the module.

Power/Frequency Characteristic for

Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode
Power (MW)

Output Power Reduction

Setpoint ≥2% Output for each
0.1Hz above 50.4Hz

95% of Output

47Hz 49.5Hz 50Hz 50.4Hz Frequency (Hz)

Grid Code CC.6.3.3, BC.3.7.2

References BC.3.5.2

Figure C1 – Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode (LFSM)

Frequency Sensitive Mode is used when control room instructs the user to provide frequency
response services. In this mode the Power Park Module must adjust the active power output in
response to any frequency change according to the agreed droop characteristic (between 3-5%).
For the purposes of the Mandatory Services Agreement the frequency response performance is
measured in terms of the response achieved after a given duration. Between the band of 49.5 Hz
and 50.5 Hz, the plant is required to contribute at least 10% of capacity in either direction for a large
enough frequency change. It is recommended, however, that the plant’s contribution within this band
is not restricted.

When system frequency exceeds 50.5Hz, the Power Park Module must further reduce output by a
minimum of 2% of output for every 0.1Hz rise above 50.5Hz (see figure C2). Should this cause
power the output to be forced below the Designed Minimum Operating Level (DMOL) then the Power
Park Module may disconnect from the system after a time if operation is not sustainable. However,

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 38

for Power Park Modules, it is acceptable for individual Power Park Units to be disconnected, in order
to achieve further power reductions without tripping the module.

When system frequency falls below 49.5Hz, it is recommended that the plant further increases its
output as per Figure C2, until it reaches maximum available capacity.

Active Power

Droop: <10% RC Control Room Instruction:

LFSM Off
FSM On

Deadband < ±0.015Hz

CC.6.3.7(c)(iii)
Freq
47Hz 49.5Hz 50.5Hz 52Hz
Output
Setpoint Droop: 2-10%
See also: BC.3.7.1
CC.6.3.7, CC.A.3, BC.3.5.1
& BC.3.5.4 Droop: 3-5%
CC.6.3.7©(ii)

MSOL/MRL

Target Frequency
CC.6.3.7(d), BC.3.4.2

Figure C2 – Frequency Sensitive Mode (FSM)

Target Frequency
All Balancing Market Units (BMUs), irrespective of the plant type (conventional, wind, thermal or
CCGT, directly Grid Connected or Embedded), are required to have the facility to set the levels of
generator output power and frequency. These are generally known as Target MW and Target
Frequency settings.

The ESO Control Centre instructs all Active Balancing Market Unit to operate with the same Target
Frequency, normally 50.00 Hz. In order to adjust electric clock time the System Operator may
instruct Target Frequency settings of 49.95Hz or 50.05Hz. However, under exceptional
circumstances, the instructed settings could be outside this range. The Grid Code requires a
minimum setting range from 49.90Hz to 50.10Hz.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 39

De-load Instructions
System balancing is a separate issue to that of frequency response. A de-load instruction is to a
fixed MW value rather than a delta MW value from available power. This removes the majority of
the uncertainty associated with the variability of the wind at times when the amount of generation
needs to be accurately controlled to allow the system to be safely and securely balanced. This is of
course at the expense of a variable low frequency response volume.

Frequency Response from an Intermittent Power Source

Clearly the low frequency response available from a Power Park Module using an Intermittent Power
Source is ultimately limited by the available power (referred to as ‘Pavail’). It is expected that the low
frequency response will be maintained for reducing levels of Power Source unless the ‘Pavail’ limits
the possible response. Figure C3 below illustrates the expected frequency response when ‘Pavail’
reduces and encroaches upon the available response.

Figure C3 Expected Frequency Response with Reducing Intermittent Power Source

95% 54.5

90% 54

85% 53.5

80% 53

Frequency (Hz)
% of Rated MW

75% 52.5

70% 52

65% 51.5

60% 51
CCL
55% 50.5
Selected for Frequency Response
at CCL = 55% of Rated MW Frequency Response Deselected
50% 50

45% 49.5
Time
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
MEL FPN Pavail MW 0.2 Hz dip MW 0.5 Hz dip Freq 0.2 Hz dip Freq 0.5 Hz dip

Notes:
The Maximum Export Limit (MEL), is declared to ESO as a Balancing Mechanism parameter
effectively equivalent to ‘Pavail’ which should be updated whenever the ‘Pavail’ changes by more
than 5% or 5MW. The Final Physical Notification (FPN) is the generated power profile submitted to
ESO for a ½ hour period before gate closure. Gate closure is one hour ahead of real time. The
Capped Committed Level (CCL) is the power level at which a Power Park Module operates when
selected for frequency response.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 40

More detailed guidance for manufacturers on how the control system should respond to variations
in power setpoint, system frequency and the intermittent power source is included in Appendix E.

Summary of Steady State Load Accuracy Requirements

Grid Code CC.6.3.9 requires a Power Park Module to be able to control output to a target with an
accuracy specified as a standard deviation. With an intermittent power source this requirement
applies when operating at power levels below the Maximum Export Level (MEL) which should reflect
the availability of the power source.

To demonstrate compliance, the Power Park Module should self-dispatch for 30 minutes at a load
significantly below the Maximum Export Level (MEL). The active power output and power available
should be recorded with a sampling rate not less than once per minute.

Compliance Testing Requirements

The main objectives of the frequency controller response tests are to establish the plant performance
characteristics for compliance with the Grid Code technical requirements (including the validation of
plant data/models). They are also required as a measured set of plant response values that will
verify the response matrices for the Mandatory Services Agreement.

In order to verify the plant behaviour, it is essential that the module is tested in normal operating
modes. A frequency disturbance can be simulated by injecting the required frequency variation
signals to the frequency reference/feedback summing junction. The results obtained from reducing
frequency ramps will be used to verify primary and secondary frequency response. Similarly the
results obtained from increasing ramps will be used to verify the high frequency response. Robust
and stable response to islanding events can be demonstrated by injecting large and rapid frequency
disturbances and observing the response. The recommended tests are shown in Grid Code
OC5.A.3.6 Figures 1 and 2.

Typical Frequency Control Test Injection

A frequency injection signal is needed to undertake all frequency related capability tests. Ideally the
injected signal will be directly added into the raw frequency feedback as shown in the diagram below.
If the Power Park Module frequency control strategy incorporates independent local frequency
control at each Power Park Unit then the Generator must identify and implement a method to
simultaneously change all relevant frequency control set points or feedback signals to replicate a
network frequency change.

Ideally the signal will be software programmable with start/stop initiation via local or remote software
interfaces or local digital inputs. Alternatively, the signals should be a ±10V analogue input where 1
volt represents 0.2 Hz frequency change.

The above signals should be available at all control nodes within the Power Park controller network,
so that if appropriate and applicable, injection can take place on a single Power Park Unit or the
central controller.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 41

Figure C4 Typical Frequency Test Injection Scheme
MW Target
D MW D MW + K D Freq Modified MW
(no speed
+ + Demand
dependency) - +
Frequency Test
Injection Signal MW K * D Freq
Feedback
+
Frequency Target
K
(49.9 to 50.1 Hz) D Freq
+ -

Frequency
Feedback

Power Level for Frequency Control Compliance Testing

Power Park Modules using an Intermittent Power Source cannot always provide the Registered
Capacity (RC) indicated to ESO by declaring a lower Maximum Export Limit (MEL). MEL is a
dynamic quantity based on the best estimate of available power. MEL can be constrained for many
other reasons but for the purposes of this test it should only be constrained as a function of the
available power source. Similarly, Stable Export Limit (SEL) is the minimum level that the Power
Park Module can provide without tripping under normal Intermittent Power Source variation.

In principle, the maximum capacity available for low frequency response is determined by the
‘deload’ level from MEL. It is assumed that the low frequency response obtained from the ‘deload’
points tested above will not be substantially different when the MEL is at other values below RC
provided the equivalent ‘deload’ from MEL is used (i.e. 70% RC would be undertaken at a load point
of MEL minus 30% of RC). If this is not the case the Generator must inform ESO and further tests
may be required. Similarly, the high frequency response should be similar at all MEL levels unless
the response was to encroach upon the SEL.

OC5.A.3.6 sets out the minimum power output and Power Park Unit availability for testing to be
carried out. However, ESO reserves the right to request a repeat of the tests at up to 100% of RC if
the response is shown to be non-linear or monitoring of frequency response delivery by ESO shows
deviations from the submitted frequency response data table.

Pre 70% Tests in Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode for Large Power
Park Modules
Preliminary LFSM test applies to large Power Park Modules with a registered capacity of 100MW or
more. With large multi-module power stations there may be a considerable delay before final
frequency response testing can be carried out. To control the risk to the system during this period
Grid Code OC5.A.3.3.1 requires two tests in Limited Frequency Sensitive mode to be completed
before 70%, but at least 50%, of the module has been commissioned.

Preliminary Frequency Response Testing

Past experience has demonstrated that significant delays can occur during testing because of
problems associated with the frequency controller setup or frequency injection method. Frequently
this results in considerable lost time and additional expense for both parties. Consequently, this test
has been drawn up and has been shown to help in preventing such situations arising.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 42

Typical injection locations at the frequency controller are shown in Figure C4. In order to avoid the
risk of re-testing, it is important that the injection method and the plant control are proved well in
advance of the main tests by the Power Park or site contractor. A preliminary test is therefore
required with details given in Grid Code OC5.A.3.6.4 and illustrated below. For all tests, the target
frequency selected on the generating plant is that instructed by the ESO Control Centre. This should
normally be 50.00 Hz.

With the Power Park Module running with all the turbines in service (100%) and then deloading to
MLP4, the following frequency injections should be applied:

Preliminary Frequency Response Tests

Test Frequency Injection Notes
No
• Plant in FSM Plant in
FSM
• Power output at MLP4
• Inject -0.50Hz frequency (decrease) over 10 sec
8 • Hold for a further 20 sec
• Inject +0.30Hz frequency (increase) over 30 sec
• Hold until conditions stabilise
• Remove the injection signal as a ramp over 10 seconds
• Inject -0.50Hz frequency (decrease) over 10 sec Plant in
FSM
13 • Hold until conditions stabilise
• Remove the injection signal as a ramp over 10 seconds
• Inject +0.50Hz frequency rise over 10 sec Plant in
14 FSM
• Hold until conditions stabilise
• Remove the injection signal as a ramp over 10 seconds

The recorded results (e.g., Freq. injected, MW, Pavail, wind speed and control signals) should be
sampled at a minimum rate of 1 Hz to allow ESO to assess the plant performance from the initial
transients (seconds) to the final steady state conditions (which may typically take 2-3 minutes
depending on the plant design). The number of turbines in service should also be stated. Reference
power may also be included to help in understanding turbine behaviour.

The preliminary frequency response test results should be sent to ESO for assessment at least two
weeks prior to the final witnessed tests.

Frequency Response Testing Sequence

Different loading levels (MPL 6 to MLP 1) for frequency response testing are given in Grid Code
OC5.A.3.6.6. Figures 1 and 2 in OC5.A.3.6.6 give the ramps and step frequency injection tests
required at these levels. The corresponding test sequence is outlined below with the initial test
establishing the maximum steady state output condition of the plant (i.e. MLP 6). A full generic
procedure is provided later in the section.
.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 43

Gird Code OC5.A.3.6.Figure 1 and 2 gives the target frequency test requirement to demonstrate
from the normal control point, typical load point is MLP4.

1. Establish Maximum Plant Capacity as Loading Point MLP6

(a) Switch power park controller to manual and raise load demand to confirm the maximum
output level at the base settings.
(b) Record plant and ambient conditions.

2. Response Tests at Loading Point MLP6 (Maximum Output)

(a) Operate the plant at MLP 6
(b) Inject ramp/profiled frequency changes simultaneously into the power park controller (i.e.
Tests 1-4 in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 1) and record plant responses.
(c) Conduct test BC1 – BC4 as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 to establish the deloading
capability as could occur under system islanding or system split conditions. Please note
tests BC1 & BC2 are FSM whilst tests BC3 & BC4 are LFSM.
(d) Conduct test L as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 to observe behaviour in the deadband
region

3. Response Tests at Loading Point MLP5 (90% MEL)

(a) Operate the plant at MLP5.
(b) Conduct tests 5-7 as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 1 and record plant responses.
(c) Conduct test A as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 to establish the robustness of the control
system under simulated extreme disturbances (as could occur under system islanding or
system split conditions).

4. Response Tests at Loading Point MLP4 (80% MEL)

(a) Operate the plant at loading point 4 (MLP 4).
(b) Conduct tests 8-14 as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 1 and record plant responses.
(c) Conduct tests D - I as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 to establish the power park controller,
and step response characteristics for power park controller modelling purposes.
(d) Conduct test J as shown in Figure 2 to establish the robustness of the control system
under simulated extreme disturbances (e.g., system islanding or system split).
(e) Conduct test M as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 and record plant responses
(f) Operate the plant in Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode (MLP4 LFSM), and conduct test N
as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 and record plant responses

5. Response Tests at Load Point MLP3 (DMOL+ 0.6 x (80% MEL - DMOL)
(a) Operate the plant at MLP3.
(b) Conduct tests 15 to 17 as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 1 and record plant responses.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 44

6. Response Tests at Load Point MLP2 (DMOL + 0.3 x (80% MEL - DMOL)
(a) Operate the plant at MLP2.
(b) Conduct tests 18 - 22 as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 1 and record plant responses.

7. Response Tests at Designed Minimum Operating Level MLP1 (DMOL)

(a) Operate the plant at MLP1.
(b) Conduct tests 23 - 26 as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 1 and record plant responses.
(c) Conduct test K as shown in OC5.A.3.6 Figure 2 to establish the step response
characteristics for power park controller modelling purposes.

Generic Frequency Response Test Procedure

Since the governor response tests described above are to be arranged and conducted by the
Generator, it is their responsibility to propose a test programme to suit their site-specific
requirements. A typical example of the test procedure based on OC5.A.3.6 Figures 1 and 2 is given
below. This procedure is required to be submitted to ESO for approval before an ION is issued.

Initial Checks on Maximum Plant

Capability at MLP6, Plant in LFSM
Step Actions

1 Record plant MLP 6 condition including levels for module MW output, ambient wind
speed, and direction.

2 Change power park controller to manual and increase active power output to
maximum.

3 Record plant conditions when plant is Stabilised.

4 Reset power park controller to normal operating mode and allow MLP 6 condition to
be established

Injection Tests at MLP6, Plant in FSM

Test Action Frequency Notes
No. Injection
Plant in FSM +0.10Hz

• Inject +0.10Hz frequency rise over 10 sec

1 -0.10Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6
• Inject -0.20Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.20Hz
2

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 45

 • Hold until conditions stabilise3 +0.20Hz
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6
• Inject +0.20Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 -0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6

• Inject +0.50Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.50Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
4
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 -0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6

Plant in FSM
+2.0 Hz * Part of
• Inject +2.0* Hz frequency rise over 1 sec
functionality test
BC1 • Hold until conditions stabilise3 for islanding
-2.0 Hz
• Remove the injection signal over 1 sec4 CC.6.3.7 (c)(i)
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6

Plant in FSM
+0.6 Hz Part of
• Inject +0.6 Hz frequency rise over 30 sec
functionality test
BC2 • Hold until conditions stabilise3 for BC.3.7.1
-0.6 Hz
• Remove the injection signal over 30 sec4

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6

Plant in FSM
No injection Check for live
L • Record normal system variation in frequency and frequency
active power of the generating unit over at least measurement
10 minutes. Load setpoint at maximum.
Switch to Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode
Plant in LFSM
+2.0 Hz Part of
• Inject +2.0* Hz frequency rise over 1 sec
functionality test
BC3 • Hold until conditions stabilise3 for islanding
-2.0 Hz
• Remove the injection signal over 1 sec 4 CC.6.3.7 (c)(i)
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6

Plant in LFSM
+0.6 Hz Part of
BC4 • Inject +0.6 Hz frequency rise over 30 sec
functionality test
• Hold until conditions stabilise3 for BC.3.7.2
-0.6 Hz

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 46

 • Remove the injection signal over 30 sec 4
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 6

* This will generally be +2.0Hz unless an injection of this size causes a reduction in plant output that
takes the operating point below Designed Minimum Operating Level in which case an appropriate
injection should be calculated in accordance with the following:
For example 0.9Hz is needed to take an initial output 65% to a final output of 20%. Calculation of
the injected step should be as shown in the example given below

Initial Output 65%

Designed Minimum Operating Level 20%
Frequency Controller Droop 4%
Frequency to be injected = (0.65-0.20) x 0.04 x 50 = 0.9Hz

Injection Tests at MLP 5, Plant in FSM

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.50Hz

• Hold for 20 sec
• Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec +0.30Hz
5
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 5

• Inject 0.20Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
6
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 5

• Inject +0.50Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.50Hz
7 • Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 -0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 5

• Inject -2 Hz frequency injection (fall) over 2 sec -2.0Hz To assess plant
performance under
• Hold for 30 seconds islanding and
A
• Remove the injection signal over 2 sec4 +2.0Hz system split

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 5 Conditions

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 47

 Injection Tests at MLP 4, Plant in FSM

Plant in FSM -0.50Hz

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec

+0.30Hz
• Hold for 20 sec
8 • Inject +0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec
+0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4
• Inject -0.10Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.10Hz
• Hold until conditions s stabilise3
9
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.10Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject +0.10Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.10Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
10
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec -0.10Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject -0.20Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
11
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject +0.20Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
12
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec -0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.50Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
13
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject 0.50Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.50Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
14
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 -0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject -0.02Hz frequency fall as a step change -0.02Hz To assess the
D governor deadband
• Hold until conditions stabilise3

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 48

 • Remove the injection signal as a step4 +0.02Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4
• Inject 0.02Hz frequency rise as a step change +0.02Hz To assess the
governor deadband
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
E
• Remove the injection signal as a step4 -0.02Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject -0.20Hz frequency fall as a step change -0.20Hz To assess step
response
• Hold until conditions stabilise3 characteristics of
F
• Remove the injection signal as a step4 +0.20Hz plant

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject 0.20Hz frequency rise as a step change +0.20Hz To assess step
response
• Hold until conditions stabilise3 characteristics of
G
• Remove the injection signal as a step4 -0.20Hz plant

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall as a step change -0.50Hz To assess step
response
• Hold until conditions stabilise3 characteristics of
H
• Remove the injection signal as a step4 +0.50Hz plant

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject 0.50Hz frequency rise as a step change +0.50Hz To assess step
response
• Hold until conditions stabilise3 characteristics of
I
• Remove the injection signal as a step4 -0.50Hz plant

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 4

• Inject -2 Hz frequency (fall) over 2 sec -2.0Hz To assess plant
performance under
• Hold for 30 sec islanding and
J
• Remove the injection signal over 2 sec4 +2.0Hz system split
conditions
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP4
• Record normal system variation in frequency No injection
M and active power of the generating unit over at
least 10 minutes

Plant in LFSM No injection

• Record normal system variation in frequency

N and active power of the generating unit over at
least 10 minutes
Switch plant to Frequency Sensitive Mode

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 49

 Injection Tests at MLP 3, Plant in FSM

Plant in FSM -0.50Hz

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec

+0.30Hz
• Hold for 20 sec
15 • Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec
+0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4
• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 3
• Inject 0.50Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.50Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
16
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 -0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 3

• Inject -0.80Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.80Hz
• Hold for 20 sec.
• Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec +0.30Hz
17
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 3

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 50

 Injection Tests at MLP2, Plant in FSM

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.50Hz

• Hold for 20 sec
• Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec +0.30Hz
18
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 2

• Inject -0.20Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
19
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 2

• Inject 0.20Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
20
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 -0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 2

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.50Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
21
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 2

• Inject -0.80Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.80Hz
• Hold for 20 sec
• Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec +0.30Hz
22
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec4 +0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 2

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 51

 Injection Tests at MLP 1, Plant in FSM

• Inject -0.50Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.50Hz

• Hold for 20 sec
• Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec +0.30Hz
23
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 1

• Inject -0.20Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
24
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec +0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 1

• Inject 0.20Hz frequency rise over 10 sec +0.20Hz
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
25
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec -0.20Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 1

• Inject -0.80Hz frequency fall over 10 sec -0.80Hz
• Hold for 20 sec
• Inject 0.30Hz frequency rise over 30 sec +0.30Hz
26
• Hold until conditions stabilise3
• Remove the injection signal over 10 sec +0.50Hz

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 1

• Inject -0.5Hz frequency fall over 1 sec -0.5Hz To assess plant
• Hold for 30 sec performance
K • Remove the injection signal over 1 sec4 +0.5Hz under islanding

• Hold until conditions stabilise at MLP 1 and system

split conditions
Note 1
Tests L and M in OC5.A.3.6. Figure 2 should be conducted if the system frequency feedback signal
is replaced by the injection signal rather than the injection signal being added to the system
frequency signal. The tests simply consist of monitoring the Power Park Module in Frequency
Sensitive Mode during normal system frequency variations without applying any injection.
Note 2
Test N in figure 2 should be conducted in all cases. All three tests should be conducted for a period
of at least 10 minutes.
Note 3
Hold period should be maintained until the Active Power (MW) output of the Power Park Module
has stabilised or 90 seconds, whichever is longer

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 52

Note 4
All frequency response test injections should be removed over the same timescale for which they
were applied unless specified otherwise.

Control Requirements that may be witnessed

During attendance on site for witness testing of frequency response, ESO may request that the
Generator alters the Target Frequency setpoint from the Generators Control Room as an indication
of controllability. This may be combined with tests M in OC5.A.3.6. The following test procedure
indicates the steps of target frequency required in OC5.A.3.6

Target Frequency Tests at MLP 4, Plant in FSM

• Operate at MLP4 for 60 seconds
• Alter Target Frequency to 50.05Hz 50.05Hz
• Hold for 30 seconds or until conditions stabilise
• Alter Target Frequency to 50.10Hz 50.10Hz

• Hold for 30 seconds or until conditions stabilise

• Alter Target Frequency to 50.00Hz 50.00Hz

TF • Hold for 30 seconds or until conditions stabilise

49.95Hz
• Alter Target Frequency to 49.95Hz
• Hold for 30 seconds or until conditions stabilise
49.90Hz
• Alter Target Frequency to 49.90Hz
• Hold for 30 seconds or until conditions stabilise
50.00Hz
• Alter Target Frequency to 50.00Hz
• Hold for 30 seconds or until conditions stabilise

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 53

Appendix D: Power Park Unit
Performance Registration and Fault
Ride Through
Scope
This Appendix is intended to provide guidance for Power Park Unit Manufacturers rather than
Generators on the direct submission of information and data to ESO to assist in the demonstration
of compliance.

Generic Power Park Unit Type Validation

Power Park Modules generally comprise of a large number of identical Power Park Units. Within
manufacturing tolerances, the performance of a specific Power Park Unit type is normally reasonably
constant from unit to unit and at whichever site they are installed. It is therefore possible to register
various aspects of this performance and the associated data once, and then reference this data for
some or all of the sites which use this particular type of equipment. The Grid Code recognises this
by the provision of Manufacturer’s Data and Performance Reports in CP.11. The aim is to reduce
the volume of work required by Users, Power Park Unit manufacturers and ESO in assessing the
same information at different sites.

In addition, the Manufacturer’s Data and Performance Reports can provide a route for detailed data
that Power Park Unit manufacturers regard as commercially sensitive to be sent directly to ESO
without publication to the User(s).

Background to Generic Power Park Unit Type Validation

To implement the provision of CP.11 ESO has developed the generic compliance process which
allows manufacturers to work directly with ESO in order to exchange information and evidence of
compliance without data passing through a project chain. Figures D1 to D3 illustrate the differences
in the two processes. Figure D1 demonstrates the conventional process where the data flow is
always via the power station or power park developer.

Manufacturer Developer National Grid

Figure D1 – The conventional compliance process data route.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 54

Figure D2 shows the one time process to fill the generator equipment ‘type’ register. It may be that
information only comes from the manufacturer although a developer may be involved by providing
site test opportunities. The data will comprise of a report on one or more of the aspects outlined
below.

National Grid

Manufacturer National Grid

MD&P Register

Figure D2 – The Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report

is filled with a selection of generic data.

Figure D3 illustrates the process for referencing and using ‘generic’ data. Each project can, where
appropriate, reference information held in the ESO generator equipment Register of Manufacturer’s
Data & Performance Report substituting information that they are required to submit before
connecting to the National Electricity Transmission System and in lieu of some aspects of Grid Code
testing. Developers will not have access to this information from ESO and the only requirement is to
obtain the correct reference from the manufacturer. If no relevant or insufficient data is held in the
Register of Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report then the data must be provided in full by the
developer.

National Grid
MD&P Register

reference

Manufacturer Developer National Grid

reference only reference only

Figure D3 – The generic data (red arrow) is referenced but cannot be seen by the developer.
There will still be some requirement for site specific data (yellow arrow)

Confidentiality Provisions
Data submitted by developers under the Data Registration Code (Grid Code) is protected by the
confidentiality agreement contained in the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) and System

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 55

Operator Transmission Owner Code (STC). This does not explicitly cover generic data sent from
manufacturers directly to ESO as it does not necessarily relate to a specific project. It is therefore
recommended for manufacturers to sign a confidentiality agreement with ESO prior to any exchange
of information.

Please note that ESO cannot sign individual manufacturer’s confidentiality agreements as they may
not cover the following aspects which are necessary to participate in the generic compliance
process.

The following aspects are typical of the provisions of a confidentiality agreement between a
manufacturer and ESO in relation to registering generic Manufacturers Data and Performance
Reports information with ESO.

• This agreement has been written to reflect the confidentiality provisions in the CUSC which
deals with the confidentiality of data as between ESO and Developers generally. ESO will
NOT however be permitted to release this ‘generic’ information back to developers (with the
exception of the generic information document reference as originally submitted) which is
unlike data submissions received through the normal project chain.
• Some aspects of data must be passed to other Transmission System Operators and
Owners in GB for system operation and design reasons as per the System Operator and
Transmission Owner Code (STC).
• The ‘Purpose’ as defined in the Agreement reflects the purposes for which ESO do (and are
permitted under the CUSC) to use information provided to ESO by developers through the
normal project chain.
• The agreement is subject to the laws of England & Wales because the entire framework
within which this data will be used is structured around English law and if the data was
directly provided by a Developer it would be subject to English law.
• Company Policy requires ESO business areas to adopt information and records
management procedures that comply with all relevant legal requirements and are consistent
with best practice as applied to their business needs. The records management procedure
for this area provides that this data must be kept for 7 years after the data is last used. This
therefore requires that the data should be kept for a period equating to the life of any plant it
refers to plus a period of 7 years. This is in line with normal project data submissions direct
from developers.
• ESO may pass back information (e.g. computer models) to the manufacturer but does not
accept any liability in respect of its accuracy.

If this agreement is not signed then the standard Grid Code data requirements apply and all data
will need to be provided through the project chain. Failure to supply adequate data by either of these
methods will result in non-compliance by the developer with the GB Grid Code and possible
disconnection or denial of permission to connect to the GB transmission system.

Areas Suitable for Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report

The Grid Code (CP.11.2) allows the Fault Ride Through capability and the Power Park Module
mathematical model to be covered by a Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report. The
manufacturer may choose to complete one or both of the above mentioned areas. In each case the
manufacturer should submit a detailed report to ESO for approval and consequent submission into
the Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report Register.

To achieve registration for the item Fault Ride Through capability a series of tests and data
submissions will be developed to demonstrate the performance characteristics of a single Power
Park Unit. Details of these tests and submissions are to be agreed between the Power Park Unit
manufacturer and ESO. ESO may wish to witness some or all of these tests.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 56

To achieve registration for a Power Park Module mathematical model, ESO and the Power Park
Unit manufacturer will need to agree a series of simulations and data submissions in relation to a
specific mathematical model of the Power Park Unit and associated control systems in line with the
requirements outlined in PC.A.5.4.2. In addition, the performance of this model should be validated
against test results including faults, voltage steps and frequency changes as is deemed to be
appropriate by ESO.

Submitting Data into the Register of Manufacturer’s Data &

Performance Report
Manufacturers considering registration should talk to ESO early in their planning stage.

In order to be considered for registration, the Power Park Unit manufacturer should submit a report
to ESO outlining the details and results as appropriate for its consideration. Each report should have
an appropriate reference including manufacturer name, type of report (e.g. Fault Ride Through etc.),
Power Park Unit type, date and report version number to permit referencing in future projects or for
updates.

ESO will, following submission of all required reports and data, confirm to the Power Park Unit
manufacturer in writing whether the Power Park Unit report has been accepted. Once accepted the
Manufacturer’s Data & Performance Report Register status will be updated to indicate the
acceptance in respect of the relevant Grid Code requirement.

Summary of Grid Code Fault Ride Through Requirements

This section summarises the requirements for all new Power Park Modules contained in CC.6.3.15
of the Grid Code.

The Grid Code ‘fault ride through’ requirements apply to all faults on the 275kV or 400kV National
Electricity Transmission System. The requirements vary depending on the type of fault and the
Supergrid voltage profile (duration of fault or voltage dip).

These requirements can be conveniently referred to in the context of two separate fault modes (A &
B, which are respectively covered by CC.6.3.15.1(a) and CC.6.3.15.2(b) of the Grid Code).

‘Mode A’ Requirements - first 140msec of a fault

‘Mode A’ refers to the first 140msec of three-phase, phase to phase, two-phase to earth or single-
phase to earth faults.

Throughout this period the Power Park Module is required to remain transiently stable and
connected for all Supergrid phase voltages down to a minimum of 0%. It should also generate the
maximum possible reactive current without exceeding the transient rating limit of the Power Park
Module or any constituent element.

Within 0.5 seconds, following fault clearance and restoration of the Supergrid voltage to at least 90%
of nominal, the Power Park Module must restore the Active Power output to at least 90% of the level
available immediately before the fault.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 57

It is anticipated that in achieving this response the control system may be under damped. This will
be considered acceptable provided any oscillations decay in a suitably short period and that whilst
the oscillations are present the average Active power delivered corresponds with the levels required
were the oscillations not present.

Although the voltage will begin to recover upon fault clearance (within 140msec) it may not
necessarily reach 90% voltage within the 140msec period as illustrated in the Appendix of the
Connection Conditions (CC.A.4A.2). If the Supergrid Voltage has not restored to at least 90% within
140msec then the remaining fault period can be assumed to have a balanced retained voltage and
that ‘Mode B’ requirements will then apply for the remainder of the fault period.

GC-0141 has added the requirement that the Power Park Module stay connected and remain stable
for up to 30min, following a fault-ride-through event.

‘Mode B’ Requirements - fault period beyond the first 140msec

‘Mode B’ refers to a period of balanced voltage reduction due to power system transients caused by
remote faults or the period following clearance of Supergrid faults where the voltage remains
reduced for a period.

Throughout this period the Power Park Module is required to remain transiently stable and
connected. It must maintain Active Power at least in proportion to the retained balanced Supergrid
Voltage and generate the maximum possible reactive current without exceeding the transient rating
limit of the Power Park Module or any constituent element.

Within 1 second, following fault clearance and restoration of the Supergrid voltage to at least 90%
of nominal, the Power Park Module must restore the Active Power output to at least 90% of the level
available immediately before the fault. Once again, appropriately damped active power oscillations
shall be acceptable provided the total energy delivered during the period of the oscillation shall be
90% or more.

The worst-case duration for which Mode B requirements apply can be calculated by taking the lowest
voltage occurring after the first 140msec and finding where it intersects the profile illustrated in
CC.A.4A.3.

GC-0141 has added the requirement that the Power Park Module stay connected and remain stable
for up to 30min, following a fault-ride-through event.

Requirements for Induction Generators

Induction Generators and Doubly Fed Induction Generators typically deliver large amounts of
lagging reactive current on application of a fault, which is frequently followed by the delivery of
leading current. Thereafter, the current level is dependent upon the technology used and its
configuration. For these types of machines, this type of response will be considered on a case by
case basis and is likely to be accepted provided:

• The control system does not introduce extended delays.

• The lagging current contribution is limited to within the equipment capability.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 58

Fault Ride Through Testing
The manufacturer may demonstrate fault ride through using tests appropriate to the facilities
available. However, a sufficiently large selection of results for balanced and unbalanced faults of
varying duration must be provided to replicate the Mode A and B requirements.

ESO expects the tests to replicate each fault type (3-phase, phase-phase, two-phase to earth and
single-phase to earth) with varying magnitudes. The tests should illustrate any changes in
characteristics or internal operating modes that depend upon fault severity. For example DFIG wind
turbines that utilise crowbar or similar devices should implement tests that illustrate the crowbar
inception operating level and any consequential Power Park Unit characteristics, such as active and
reactive power fault contribution and power recovery characteristic.

Tests should be repeated at a number of operating points. For example:

• Rated MW
• 70% MEL when MEL is greater than or equal to Rated MW
• SEL when SEL is no greater than DMOL.

Fault Ride Through testing involves applying simulated fault conditions, by applying short circuits,
into known impedances to real systems. Compliance with fault ride through may be demonstrated
by test conditions which are different to those specified in this sub section and different to the
requirements specified in the grid code, provided:

• The test conditions are more severe.

• They encompass all of the various fault scenarios covered by the grid code.
• They can be used in conjunction with the studies to demonstrate compliance.

The set of tests shown in the table below is recommended.

% Retained 3 phase Phase to 2 phase 1 phase Grid Code Ref

Supergrid
phase to Earth to Earth
Voltage

0 0.14s 0.14s 0.14s 0.14s CC.6.3.15.1(a)

30 0.384 CC.6.3.15.1(b)
Including
Figure 5
50* 0.71s
80 2.5s
85 180s
Figure D4 – Fault Ride Through – Type Tests

The purpose of the tests is to characterise the Power Park Unit such that its limit of operation for
retained voltage (at the terminals of the Power Park Unit) is known. At the end of the test the results
should indicate the level of voltage depression the unit can with stand for the times specified. Whilst
the volts are depressed the Power Park Unit should deliver power in the same proportion as the
volts and then recover once volts are restored.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 59

Ideally Power Park Units will achieve the voltage levels and durations listed in the table above as
this would indicate that the unit is fully compliant without the need for the study evidence. However
these levels are unlikely to occur at the Power Park Unit terminals in practice because of the
impedance between the fault location and the Power Park Unit. Consequently, increased test
voltage levels above those specified are typically acceptable for most circumstances but require
further study evidence (on a case by case basis) to demonstrate that the levels which occur at the
a particular Power Park are greater than those which the Power Park Units are capable of riding
through.

The tests should be performed on a single Power Park Unit using the test circuit shown below.

Fault Ride Through – Test Rig

Power
Supply Protective Generator Park Unit
Connection Line Impedance Connection
Breaker Breaker Breaker

Protective
Line Impedance

Configurable
(ph to ph or
ph to earth)
Short Circuit
Impedance

Figure D5

Test Description Notes

No
• Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode A
appropriate output
• Apply a 3ph short reducing the volts to 0%
• Hold the voltage at 0% for 140ms
1
• Allow the voltage to recover to nominal volts
• Hold until conditions stabilise
• If the unit passes this test proceed to test 3 otherwise
proceed to test 2
• Repeat test 1 to determine the minimum retained volts Mode A
2 until the unit can operate at for a period of 140ms

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 60

 • Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode A
appropriate output.
• Apply a 1ph to earth short circuit reducing the volts to
0%

3 • Hold the voltage at 0% for 140ms

• Allow the voltage to recover to nominal volts
• Hold until conditions stabilise
• If the unit passes this test proceed to test 5 otherwise
proceed to test 4
• Repeat test 3 to determine the minimum retained volts Mode A
4 the unit can operate at for a period of 140ms

• Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode A
appropriate output.
• Apply a 2ph to earth short circuit reducing the volts to
0%

5 • Hold the voltage at 0% for 140ms

• Allow the voltage to recover to nominal volts
• Hold until conditions stabilise
• If the unit passes this test proceed to test 7 otherwise
proceed to test 6
• Repeat test 5 to determine the minimum retained volts Mode A
6 the unit can operate at for a period of 140ms

• Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode A
appropriate output.
• Apply a phase to phase short circuit reducing the volts to
0%

7 • Hold the voltage at 0% for 140ms

• Allow the voltage to recover to nominal volts
• Hold until conditions stabilise
• If the unit passes this test proceed to test 9 otherwise
proceed to test 8
• Repeat test 7 to determine the minimum retained volts Mode A
8 the unit can operate at for a period of 140ms

• Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode B
appropriate output.
• Apply a reduction in 3ph voltage to 30%
11 • Hold the voltage at 30% for the corresponding time in
Figure D4
• Increase the voltage to 90%
• Hold until conditions stabilise or a minimum of 3 minutes

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 61

 • Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode B
appropriate output.
• Apply a reduction in 3ph voltage to 50%
12 • Hold the voltage at 50% for the corresponding time in
Figure D4
• Increase the voltage to 90%
• Hold until conditions stabilise or a minimum of 3 minutes
• Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode B
appropriate output.
• Apply a reduction in 3ph voltage to 80%
13 • Hold the voltage at 80% for the corresponding time in
Figure D4
• Increase the voltage to 90%
• Hold until conditions stabilise or a minimum of 3 minutes
• Operate the Power Park Unit (PPU) at nominal volts and Mode B
appropriate output.
• Apply a reduction in 3ph voltage to 85%
14 • Hold the voltage at 85% for the corresponding time in
Figure D4
• Increase the voltage to 90%
• Hold until conditions stabilise or a minimum of 3 minutes

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 62

Appendix E: Response to Frequency
Changes and Intermittent Power
Source Variation
Scope
This Appendix is intended to provide guidance for manufacturers on the how control systems should
react to changes in system frequency with fluctuations in the intermittent power source, with
reference to the Power Park Module Signal Best Practice Guide on the company website. This
includes operation in both Frequency Sensitive and Limited Frequency Sensitive Modes.

Please note that this is just a guide and manufacturers are free to have their own designs and
techniques to achieve the same effect on the system.

Several scenarios (high and low system frequency and various wind variations) are covered for each
of four different operating points, to help explain how the response should be provided.

The four different operating points considered are

1. Frequency Sensitive Mode at full available MW / wind (high frequency response only)
2. Frequency Sensitive Mode at a de-load value below maximum available MW / wind
3. Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode at full available MW / wind
4. Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode at a de-load value below maximum available MW /
wind

Frequency Sensitive Mode at Full Load

Scenario 1 – Start of a high frequency event followed by a drop in wind speed / available power.
FULL LOAD – FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 1
System Hz are at or Once frequency The wind farm should regulate If the wind drops below the MW
below 50 + max crosses from below accordingly in proportion to demand signal then the wind
permitted deadband (+/- to above 50.015Hz system frequency until such farm should track the available
0.015Hz) and wind the control system times as it crosses below wind until such times as the
turbine operates at should take the 50.015Hz, the plant is wind increases above the MW
maximum possible output corresponding value instructed back to Limited demand signal (where it should
by tracking available wind of MW output at that Frequency Sensitive Mode or hold output at the MW demand
/ MW instant and hold it as the plant is instructed to a signal as shown here) or when
the reference / set- fixed de-load value (see later the system frequency falls
point until such times information). The response to below 50.015Hz again.
as the frequency falls a deviation should begin
below 50.015 or the within two seconds, and the
plant is de-selected wind farm should be capable
from Frequency of achieving 10% response at
Sensitive Mode 10 seconds for a 0.5Hz ramp
MW over 10 seconds

MW SET POINT

PAVAIL

MW DEMAND

ACTUAL MW

SYSTEM FREQUENCY
50.5

PAVAIL MW DEMAND
50.015 ACTUAL MW SYSTEM HZ
MW SET POINT

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 63

Scenario 2 – End of a high frequency event followed by another high frequency event.

FULL LOAD – FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 2

Already providing response in Frequency begins to fall

proportion to frequency back towards 50.015Hz
deviation from the relevant
MW set-point

Once the frequency falls The next time

MW
below 50.015Hz the wind frequency rises
farm is free to track the above 50Hz a
PAVAIL maximum available wind new set-point is
/ MW until the next time noted and the
frequency rises above process repeats
MW SET POINT
50Hz as before

MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW

SYSTEM FREQUENCY
50.2

50.015

PAVAIL MW SET POINT

ACTUAL MW MW DEMAND SYSTEM HZ

Scenario 3 – Instructed to Frequency Sensitive Mode (from Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode)
while system frequency is already high.

FULL LOAD – FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 3

LFSM FSM
If the wind farm is then instructed to Frequency
Here the wind farm is
Sensitive Mode (FSM) and the frequency is
operating in Limited
Frequency Sensitive already high, it should take the current operating
Mode (LFSM) point as the set-point and regulate as quickly as
possible to the required value of response. Note
PAVAIL that the plant should be capable of being in FSM
within 2minutes of receiving the instruction.
MW
ACTUAL MW
MW SET POINT

MW DEMAND

SYSTEM FREQUENCY
50.2

50.015
PAVAIL MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW SYSTEM HZ
MW SET POINT

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 64

Scenario 4 – The case to avoid

FULL LOAD – FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 4

THIS SHOULD BE AVOIDED
Set-point set at Control Only a fraction (if any) of the expected response is
greater than system takes achieved. It could even be the case that negative
maximum time to wind response is delivered by the wind increasing before the
achievable value down to control signal winds down past the operating point. To
to extract current avoid this the set-point should be smart enough to take
maximum energy operating the operating point when the event begins as the set-
point point reference as in the previous slides.
MW
MW SET POINT
MW DEMAND

PAVAIL

ACTUAL MW

No response Time

SYSTEM FREQUENCY
50.5
PAVAIL MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW SYSTEM HZ
50.015
MW SET POINT

Set and Re-set Set-point

In order to provide consistent and sustainable response to high frequency the control system has to
select the power park module output as a reference when the system frequency goes above 50Hz
and release the reference when system frequency goes below 50Hz. The example below illustrates
when to set and re-set the set-point using a real system frequency trace.

The green dots indicate where the system frequency passes from below 50Hz to above 50Hz. At
this point the Power Park Module control system should take and hold the corresponding MW output
value at that instant as the Power Park Module set-point. The Power Park Module should then
regulate in relation (wind conditions permitting) to that set-point until such times as the frequency
falls below 50Hz (red dots), the unit is instructed back into Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode or the
unit is instructed to a new de-loaded level

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 65

 50.2
Frequency (Hz)

Set set-point
50.0
Reset set-point

49.8
0 30 60
Time (minutes)

Frequency Sensitive Mode At De-Load

Scenario 1 – Increase in system frequency after instructed to de-load

DE-LOAD – FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 1

Plant is then instructed to de-load The plant should take
to xMW. The plant should begin the instructed value of If the frequency rises the wind
Plant is operating in
to ramp within 2 minutes of MW as the set-point
Limited Frequency farm should regulate
receiving the instruction until the end of the de-
Sensitive Mode and is (including operator time), and load instruction
accordingly from the instructed
free to track the ramp at the value specified in the period. The plant MW set-point
available wind / MW Data Registration Code data as should hold this MW
submitted by the wind farm value as long as
owner. The initial set-point should frequency is 50Hz,
be the instructed MW value. and there is sufficient
MW
wind

PAVAIL

MW SET POINT

MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW

50.5

SYSTEM FREQUENCY
50.0 MW SET POINT

PAVAIL MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW SYSTEM HZ

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 66

Scenario 2 – Decrease in system frequency after instructed to de-load

DE-LOAD – FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 2

If the frequency falls the wind farm should
regulate by increasing output with respect to
the set-point. If this causes the wind farm to
As previous reach the maximum possible output, or the
As previous As previous
slide wind drops then it should track the available
slide slide wind until such times as PAVAIL exceeds
the MW demand target (where it should hold
MW the MW demand target)

PAVAIL

MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW

MW SET POINT

PAVAIL
ACTUAL MW
SYSTEM FREQUENCY MW SET POINT
50.0
MW DEMAND
SYSTEM HZ

49.5

Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode

Scenario 1 – Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode from full load (frequency rising above 50.4Hz)

FULL LOAD – LIMITED FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 1

As long as system If system frequency If the available wind drops
frequency remains below increases above 50.4Hz below the MW demand signal
50.4Hz the wind farm is the wind farm should take then the wind farm should hold
free to track available the current operating point the set-point taken at the start
wind (provided the wind a reference / set-point and of the event until such times as
farm hasn’t received an regulate downwards by a system frequency returns below
instruction to de-load – minimum value of 2% of 50.4Hz. The wind farm is then
see next slide) output per 0.1Hz. Note free to track the available wind /
that regulating at a normal MW
MW droop of between 3-5% is
also acceptable
MW SET POINT

MW DEMAND

PAVAIL
ACTUAL MW

50.8 SYSTEM FREQUENCY

PAVAIL
50.4 ACTUAL MW
MW SET POINT
MW DEMAND
50.0
SYSTEM HZ

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 67

Scenario 2 – Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode from full load (frequency falling below 50.4Hz)

FULL LOAD – LIMITED FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 2

Already providing LFSM Frequency begins to fall

response in proportion to back towards 50.4Hz
frequency deviation above
50.4Hz from the relevant MW
set-point

MW Once the frequency falls The next time

below 50.4Hz the wind frequency rises
farm is free to track the above 50.4Hz a
PAVAIL maximum available wind / new set-point is
MW until the next time noted and the
MW SET POINT frequency rises above process repeats
50.4Hz or it is instructed as before
to Frequency Sensitive
Mode or to a specific de-
MW DEMAND
load level
ACTUAL MW

SYSTEM FREQUENCY
50.8

50.4
PAVAIL MW SET POINT
ACTUAL MW MW DEMAND SYSTEM HZ

Scenario 3 – Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode from de-load position

DE-LOAD – LIMITED FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 3

As long as system Plant is then instructed to de-load to xMW. The plant If system frequency rises above
frequency remains below should begin to ramp within 2 minutes of receiving 50.4Hz then the control system
50.4Hz the wind farm is the instruction (including operator time), and ramp at should take the current
free to track available the value specified in the Data Registration Code operating point as the set-point
wind data as submitted by the wind farm owner. (which will be the same as the
de-load value assuming there is
sufficient wind. If this is not the
As long as system frequency remains below 50.4Hz
case see next slide). The plant
the wind farm should hold this MW value provided
MW should reduce output by a
there is sufficient wind
minimum of 2% per 0.1Hz
deviation. Note that a normal 3 –
5% droop is also acceptable.

PAVAIL

MW SET POINT

MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW

50.8 SYSTEM FREQUENCY

PAVAIL
50.4 ACTUAL MW
MW SET POINT
50.0 MW DEMAND
SYSTEM HZ

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 68

Scenario 4 – Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode from de-load position with a drop in available wind
/ MW

DE-LOAD – LIMITED FREQUENCY SENSITIVE MODE SCENARIO 4

Plant is then instructed to de-load to xMW. The plant If system frequency rises above
should begin to ramp within 2 minutes of receiving 50.4Hz then the control system
the instruction (including operator time), and ramp at should take the current operating
As long as system
the value specified in the Data Registration Code point as the set-point (which will
frequency remains below
data as submitted by the wind farm owner. be the same as the de-load value
50.4Hz the wind farm is
assuming sufficient wind. If this is
free to track available
not the case see next slide). The
wind
plant should reduce output by a
As long as system frequency remains below 50.4Hz
minimum of 2% per 0.1Hz
the wind farm should hold this MW value provided
deviation. Note that a normal 3–
there is sufficient wind
MW 5% droop is also acceptable. The
set-point would then reset to the
instructed MW value once system
frequency falls below 50.4Hz

PAVAIL

MW SET POINT

MW DEMAND
ACTUAL MW

50.8 SYSTEM FREQUENCY

PAVAIL
50.4 ACTUAL MW
MW SET POINT

50.0 MW DEMAND
SYSTEM HZ

Summary
When de-loaded in GB the Power Park Module is instructed to a set MW value rather than a delta
MW value from available MW (PAVAIL). While this may cause variability in the headroom for
frequency response it allows the system to be balanced in an effective manner when large amounts
of wind generation are connected (known as system balancing rather than frequency response).

For Frequency Sensitive Mode at full load the Power Park Module should take and hold the operating
point (MW value) at the instance the system frequency crosses from below 50.015 to above
50.015Hz as the set-point.

Limited Frequency Sensitive Mode at all times the Power Park Module should take and hold the
operating point (MW value) at the instance the system frequency crosses from below 50.4 to above
50.4Hz as the set-point.

For Frequency Sensitive Mode at a de-loaded value the Power Park Module should take the
instructed MW value as the set-point.

The guidance here applies to the behaviour of the complete Power Park Module. If frequency
controllers are implemented on individual turbines then variations to the suggestions here may have
to be made to achieve the desired aims at the point of connection.

The Power Park Module operator is still required to submit Final Physical Notification (FPN) and
Maximum Export Limit (MEL) data as normal. The MEL figure submitted to ESO should be updated
each time it differs from the available power by the greater of 5MW or 5% to ensure that the volume
of available response can be correctly calculated.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 69

Not providing the expected response to a frequency deviation may cause premature limits on the
amount of wind turbine plant that the system can cope with without detrimental effects on frequency
stability. It is therefore essential that the response provided should be repeatable (wind conditions
permitting).

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 70

Appendix F: Other Technical
Information
Calculating Equivalent Impedance for Fault Ride Through Studies
The next two subsections, describe a simplified method of determining the fault ride through
capability where the Point of Connection is not the Supergrid. This method relies on substituting the
network between the Supergrid and Point of Connection with an equivalent impedance. A
reasonable value for the equivalent impedance needs to be determined. The worst case scenario
will be the minimum impedance. This minimum impedance can be derived from the maximum fault
level at the connection point.

In some cases however, the maximum fault level may include contributions from other generation
embedded between the Point of Connection and the Supergrid. Consequently, the apparent
impedance derived by the maximum fault level may be lower than the actual impedance. This will
provide a worst case scenario. The maximum fault level data at the point of connection is readily
available and is therefore a reasonable place to start. If this conservative impedance estimate is too
arduous more detailed work will be needed to obtain a better impedance estimate.

For Power Parks with a point of connection to the Supergrid, the technique described below is still
appropriate however the equivalent impedance (described above) is removed.

Positive Sequence Studies

The simplified positive sequence network below will generally be accepted as satisfying the ‘pps’
aspect of studies in Grid Code CP.A.3.5.

In this conservative and simplified case, the network beyond the point of connection is represented
by, a controlled Thevenin source and equivalent impedance. The equivalent impedance is derived
from the maximum fault level at the point of connection.

The type validation tests were based on benchmarking the Power Park Unit at a node selected by
the manufacturer. The impedance between the point of connection and the ‘type validation node’
must reflect the equivalent aggregated impedance of the Power Park between the point of
connection and the same node.

The remaining impedance is the impedance between the ‘type validation node’ and the point at
which the model representation begins (model interface node). In some cases the type validation
node and the model interface node will be the same point and this impedance will not be included.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 71

 Point Of
Connection

Equivalent Network Impedance

Impedance from Super Grid Point of Connection
Fault to Connection Point to Type Validation Node

Thevenin Source Generator Model

Supergrid Voltage Dip

This simplified network can be implemented in a power system analysis package of the Developers
choice using the voltage dips specified in Studies 3.1 & 3.2. The results at node ‘A’ are then
compared to the type validation results to confirm ride through capability. The validity of the
generator model’s contribution to the retained voltage also needs to be confirmed by ensuring that
the contribution at ‘B’ is comparable with the results obtained during the type validation tests for the
equivalent profile at ‘A’.

Negative Sequence Studies

Similarly the simplified negative sequence network below will generally be accepted as satisfying
the ‘nps’ aspect of Grid Code CP.A.3.5.

The negative sequence network is identical to the positive sequence network except that the
generator model and the impedance between the ‘type validation node’ and the model interface
node are replaced with an equivalent negative sequence estimate obtained during the type
validation tests.

Point Of
Connection

Equivalent Network Impedance

Impedance from Super Grid Point of Connection
Fault to Connection Point to Type Validation Node
(Generator Terminals)

Negative Sequence
Voltage at Super Grid

Solving the load flow for the above network using a voltage source corresponding to the negative
sequence magnitude at the Supergrid results in a negative sequence voltage estimate at the type
validation node (‘A’). The results at node ‘A’ are then compared to the type validation results to
confirm ride through capability.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 72

In the event that the type validation tests show that there is no single equivalent negative sequence
impedance then the type validation will record a family of impedances equating to retained negative
sequence voltages at the type validation node. The negative sequence studies will then be run
iteratively and the impedance value updated until reasonable convergence is obtained.

Technical Information on the Connection Bus Bar

This section illustrates the technical information relating to the connection bus bar that is provided
by National Grid or the host Transmission company.

Busbar on National Electricity Example 1

Transmission System operating at 275kV
Supergrid Voltage: (Scottish Power Area 275 kV)

Item Max Min Unit

Symmetrical Three-phase short circuit level at instant of fault from
19000 1300 MVA
GB Transmission System (based on transient impedance)
Equivalent system reactance between the Supergrid Busbar and % on
3.9 3.6
Power Park Module Point of Connection. 100 MVA
Total clearance time for fault on National Electricity Transmission
System operating at Supergrid Voltage, cleared by System Back-up 800 msec
Protection (CC.6.2.2.2.2(b)

Equivalent Circuit between Supergrid Busbar and Power Park Module Point of Connection
(showing transformer vector groups):

[For CC.6.3.15.1(c) assume system ‘nps’ impedance pre-and post-fault such that CC.6.1.6 limits
met]

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 73

Equivalent Sequence Impedances for Calculating Unbalanced Short-
Circuit Current Contribution
The generator is required to provide the fault infeed from the Power Park Module into the public
transmission/distribution network. The data should be submitted in Grid Code DRC Schedule 14.
The following transmission/distribution system equivalent sequence impedances may be used by
the Generator in calculating unbalanced short-circuit current contribution from the Power Park
Module at the entry point unless site specific values have been given. The Generator should confirm
the system equivalent sequence impedances that have been used in the submission.
33kV: Z1 = Z2 = 14.58088.091º % on a 100 MVA base
Z0 = 159.126.565º % on a 100 MVA base
These impedances are based on the following assumptions:
• The PPS and NPS X/R ratio of the 33kV system is equal to 30
• The ZPS X/R ratio of the 33kV system is equal to 0.5
• The short-circuit current contribution from the 33kV distribution system for a 3-phase fault at the
entry point is approximately 12kA
• The short-circuit current contribution from the 33kV distribution system for a 1-phase fault at the
entry point is approximately 3kA

132kV: Z1 = Z2 = 3.65084.289º % on a 100 MVA base

Z0 = 1.46084.289º % on a 100 MVA base
These impedances are based on the following assumptions:
• The PPS, NPS and ZPS X/R ratio of the transmission/distribution system is 10.
• The short-circuit current contribution from the transmission/distribution system for a 3-phase fault
at the entry point is approximately 12kA
• The short-circuit current contribution from the transmission/distribution system for a 1-phase fault
at the entry point is approximately 15kA

275kV: Z1 = Z2 = 0.70085.236º % on a 100 MVA base

Z0 = 1.12085.236º % on a 100 MVA base
These impedances are based on the following assumptions:
• The PPS, NPS and ZPS X/R ratio of the 275kV system is equal to 12
• The short-circuit current contribution from the 275kV transmission system for a 3-phase fault at
the entry point is approximately 30kA
• The short-circuit current contribution from the 275kV transmission system for a 1-phase fault at
the entry point is approximately 25kA

400kV: Z1 = Z2 = 0.36185.914º % on a 100 MVA base

Z0 = 0.51685.914º % on a 100 MVA base
These impedances are based on the following assumptions:
• The PPS, NPS and ZPS X/R ratio of the 400kV system is equal to 14
• The short-circuit current contribution from the 400kV transmission system for a 3-phase fault at
the entry point is approximately 40kA
• The short-circuit current contribution from the 400kV transmission system for a 1-phase fault at
the entry point is approximately 35kA

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 74

Appendix G: Test Signal Schedule
and Log sheet
Results to the ESO should be provided in spreadsheet format, with the signal data in columns
arranged as in the following tables. Signal data denoted by “#” is not essential but if not provided
the column should remain in place but without values entered. Where two signal names are given
in a column these are alternatives related to the type of plant under test If additional signals have
been requested by ESO, they should be added to the right of the spreadsheet.

Compliance Test Signal Schedules

Table 1 - Onshore Power Park Modules Voltage Control & Reactive
Capability

Col 1 Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col 6 Col 7 Col 8

1
Time Active Reactive Connection Speed Freq Logic / Statcom
(10ms) Power Power Voltage /Frequency Injection Test or
# # Start Windfarm
# Reactive
Power
#
Col 9 Col 10 Col 11 Col 12 Col 13 Col 14 Col 15 Col 16
1
Power
Available
Wind Wind Voltage
2 Speed Direction Setpoint
State of
Charge

# Columns may be left blank but the column must still be included in the files

Table 2 – Offshore Power Park Modules Voltage Control & Reactive

Capability

Col 1 Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col 6 Col 7 Col 8

1
Time Onshore Onshore Onshore Speed Freq Logic / Statcom
(10ms) Interface Interface Interface /Frequency Injection Test or
Point Point Point # # Start Windfarm
Active Reactive Voltage # Reactive
Power Power Power
#
Col 9 Col 10 Col 11 Col 12 Col 13 Col 14 Col 15 Col 16
1
Power
Available
Wind Wind Voltage
2 Speed Direction Setpoint
State of
Charge

# Columns may be left blank but the column must still be included in the files

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 75

 Table 3 - Power Park Modules Frequency Control
Col 1 Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col 6 Col 7 Col 8
1
Time GEP GEP GEP Speed Freq Logic / Statcom
(100ms) Active Reactive Connection /Frequency Injection Test or
Power Power Voltage Start Windfarm
# # Reactive
Power
#
Col 9 Col 10 Col 11 Col 12 Col 13 Col 14 Col 15 Col 16
1
Power
Available
Wind Wind
2 Speed Direction
State of
Charge

# Columns may be left blank but must still be included in the files

Compliance Test Logsheet

Where test results are completed without any ESO presence but are relied upon as evidence of the
compliance they should be accompanied by a logsheet. This sheet should be legible, in English and
detail the items set out below (OC5.A.1.5.1). Some of the items listed may not be relevant to all
technology type addressed by guidance notes.
• Time and date of test
• Name of Power Station and module if applicable.
• Name of Test engineer(s) and company name.
• Name of User representative(s) and company name.
• Type of testing being undertake eg Voltage Control.
• Ambient Conditions eg. temperature, pressure, wind speed, wind direction.
• Controller settings, e.g., voltage slope, frequency droop, voltage setpoint.
For each test the following items should be recorded as relevant to the type of test being undertaken.
Where there is uncertainty on the information to be recorded this should be discussed with ESO in
advance of the test.

Voltage Control Tests

• Start time of each test step.
• Active Power.
• Reactive Power.
• Connection Voltage.
• Voltage Control Setpoint, if applicable or changed.
• Voltage Control Slope, if applicable or changed.
• Terminal Voltage if applicable.

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 76

 • Generating unit transformer or grid transformer tap position, as applicable.
• Number of Power Park Units in service in each Module, if applicable.
For Offshore Connections
• Offshore Grid Entry Point voltage.

Reactive Power Capability Tests

• Start time of test.
• Active Power.
• Reactive Power.
• Connection Voltage.
• Terminal Voltage if applicable.
• Generating unit transformer or grid Transformer tap position as applicable.
• Number of Power Park Units in service in each Module, if applicable.
For Offshore Connections
• Offshore Grid Entry Point voltage.

Frequency Response Capability Tests

• Start time of test.
• Active Power.
• System Frequency.
• Droop setting of controller if applicable
• Number of Power Park Units in service in each Module, if applicable.
For Offshore Connections
• Offshore Grid Entry Point Active Power for each Power Park Module.

In addition to the above, any material changes during the test, e.g., any Generating Units that
trip/start, changes to tap positions, etc, should be recorded

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 77

Appendix H: Contacting National Grid

There are a number of different departments within National Grid that will be involved with this
connection. The initial point of contact for National Grid will be your allocated Customer
Connection Contract Manager for your Bilateral Agreement. If you are unsure of who your
allocated Customer Connection Contract Manager is then the team can be contacted on
[email protected].

For any correspondence relating to testing on the system following the Grid Code the IET process
should be followed with notifications made to the ‘.Box.Tranreq’ email address for England and
Wales connections and ‘.Box.TR.Scotland’ for all connections in Scotland.

Contact Address:

National Grid ESO, National Grid House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick CV34
6DA

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 78

 Faraday House, Warwick Technology Park,
Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV346DA
nationalgrideso.com

June 2024 | Guidance Notes for Power Park Modules 79