Strengthening innovation and implementing new technologies

• Development of a standard range of voltage control tests and stabilisers of system generating units

The work was aimed at developing a standardised method and scope of verification of generating unit parameters by means of on-site tests. Tests developed by the Institute of Power Engineering make it possible to identify parameters and structures of voltage control systems and stabilisers of generating unit systems, and enable the correctness of settings to be assessed. Parameters acquired this way and verified by tests are a basis to update the dynamic model of the PPS. The completed work makes it possible to verify parameters and structures of voltage control systems and stabilisers of generating unit systems in terms of optimisation of the control functions performed and ensuring the suppression of inter-generator and inter-system oscillations.

• Selection and adaptation of sensors for the inspection of phase and earth conductors to existing and new-build EHV power lines

The purpose of the work was to define a recommendation for purchased sensors for ultrasonic detection of anomalies in the internal structure of conductors and sensors for the detection of anomalies in conductor diameter, and to define recommendations for the installation of designated sensors.

The work resulted in the identification of the MRT (Magnetic Rope Testing) diagnostic method as an effective non-destructive method is adaptable and allows further research to be conducted on the steel core discontinuity in ACSR conductors.

• Market study in the operation areas of PSE and 50Hertz Transmission in the medium and long-term horizon

The objective of the project was to present analyses for different market model scenarios reflecting long-term market trends – to 2025 and 2030 – as reference to the ENTSO-E TYNDP 2016, with a special focus on Poland and Germany (long-term horizon). In the medium term, the objective was to facilitate the coordination of operational processes of PSE and 50-Hertz. Special focus was focused on the coordination of the operation of phase shifters in the region (MIK/PL, HRA/CZ, ROE/DE, VIE/DE) including a cost sharing proposal.

• Analysis of dynamic properties of Power Guardian/SmartValve devices and their interaction with the transmission network

Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to customers requires a reliable and secure operation of the PPS, irrespective e.g. of repair work in progress. To this end, detailed analyses of the PPS operating conditions are performed, which allows potential hazards to be detected even before such danger materialises. One of the verified aspects of the PPS operation is the identification of the risk of transmission line overload in emergency states during the repair of other, neighbouring assets. Such risk is usually mitigated mainly by the appropriate selection of the topology of the PPS assets. However, in order to increase regulatory capabilities, a decision was taken to look for non-standard technical solutions for transmission line load shedding in the PPS. Innovative devices Power Guardian and SmartValve were identified as one of potential solutions. The Power Guardian and SmartValve devices can be treated as miniature single phase shifters. The devices make it possible to regulate the level of load on network assets, including load shedding, which prevents overloads on those assets. They are a novelty globally and their potential application in the PPS will be one of the first installations on the transmission network.

As part of preparatory activities, comparative analyses were performed of the dynamic properties of the Power Guardian and SmartValve devices. This facilitated the conduct of the decision-making process, in which SmartValve was recommended for detailed simulation testing. The simulation tests performed were aimed at the identification of expected changes in the operating conditions of the transmission network after the installation of the SmartValve and focused on an analysis of dynamic states associated with normal and non-standard network operating conditions for different operating scenarios of the PPS and those devices. Multi-variant analyses made it possible to define application capabilities of SmartValve and to precisely specify the set of recommendations based on which project work can be continued, ultimately leading to the installation of the devices. Such activities are an important component of a comprehensive assessment necessary to take a business decision to use the SmartValve in the PPS.

The application of innovative SmartValve devices in the transmission network should contribute to increasing the operational security and flexibility of the PPS. The device allow, among other things, the existing capabilities to be expanded:

• control of power flows in the PPS (by reducing or increasing the load on network assets nearby the SmartValve installation site – a feature of particular significance in the situation of the increasing share of renewable energy sources being observed in the PPS);
• the determination of the fault current level in the network (by influencing the resultant impedance value of branches linking network nodes);
• local emergency load shedding of overloaded network assets (by reducing the load on such assets – a feature of particular significance in fault states during network repairs);
• network load symmetrisation (through separate control of the level of load on network assets in each phase);
• quick reduction of power swings accompanying dynamic states under non-standard PPS operation conditions (through quick control of the asset load level, opposite to the direction of swing – a particularly important feature in the situation of forecasted decreasing share of large-scale classical generating sources in the PPS).