This lessons learnt report covers the challenges and outcomes encountered during the grid connection/registration and commissioning/testing processes as well as technical aspects related to the effect of the grid forming capability on the battery operations.
Report extract
Edify Energy (Edify) has developed the Darlington Point Energy Storage System (DPESS) which is a 25MW/ 50MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) system located adjacent to the 275MW Darlington Point Solar Farm in NSW. DPESS comprises advanced grid forming inverters with the ability to provide system strength services to the NSW electricity network. The performance of the plant is being verified through an agreed Testing Plan. This Testing Plan was developed in consultation with Transgrid and AEMO and includes a combination of power system studies, commissioning tests, and ongoing performance monitoring. The findings of the Testing Plan and any other key learnings will be disseminated though knowledge sharing outputs.
This Knowledge Sharing Report is issued at Milestone 4, Commercial Operations Commenced. The report specifically addresses lessons learnt in the registration, testing and commissioning process and the approach for an advanced grid forming inverter plant compared to a traditional grid following plant.
The key lessons learnt for this project are as follows:
- While there are challenges to the connection of grid forming inverters in each of the connection
application, registration and commissioning and testing phases, the overall process and timeline for
these stages is similar to grid following technologies. - Similar to grid following technologies, the connection process becomes easier with precedence of
similar projects in terms of both the formation of appropriate GPS clauses and the familiarity and
confidence in power system models of the grid forming inverter controls. The biggest risk to the initial
timeframes relates to the additional time in the due diligence process for parties to become familiar with
new models. - The grid forming controls have created no observable difference from a market and trading perspective
for the BESS.