The UK Government has set ambitious targets of 50GW of offshore wind installed on the GB transmission system by 2030. Increasing these inverter-based resources provides new opportunities for stability services via grid forming control (GFM) of power electronic converters. The GFM control can help deal with issues synonymous with future electricity systems, such as low inertia and low fault levels. However, while using a GFM approach has benefits, significant energy storage investment is needed.
This project will investigate new methods and control strategies for when additional energy storage is not needed. In particular, this project will help develop an understanding of the potential for data-driven intelligent control of wind turbines while delivering a techno-economic comparison of various control strategies.
Benefits
This project aims to provide several benefits, including reducing constraints associated with the need for additional energy storage investments in offshore wind farms with limited space. Implementing minimised GFM (MinGFM) stability services, relying on software upgrades, can significantly reduce costs compared to standard GFM, which requires substantial energy storage investment.
MinGFM stability services can also be an essential grid connection requirement, reducing associated service costs. Additionally, appropriate entry requirements can increase competition in the offshore wind market and benefit both generators and consumers through reduced costs. The project's outcomes can help shape new ESO policies and strategies for creating a portfolio of stability control services utilising GFM, accelerating the UK's net-zero energy transition.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project has made significant progress, particularly in WP1, where foundational models and system studies have been successfully completed. The WP1 report detailed the development and evaluation of wind farm models using Grid Following (GFL), Standard Grid Forming with Energy Storage (GFM+ES), and Minimised Grid Forming (MinGFM) technologies. Through RSCAD simulations, we demonstrated that MinGFM technology can provide inertia support by harnessing the kinetic energy from wind turbine generators. However, the study also noted that this support is limited without additional energy storage.
Additionally, the theoretical groundwork for MinGFM control technology has been laid out, accompanied by a comprehensive literature review of various control technologies for inverter-based resources. The WP1 report included successful GFM compliance tests and comparisons between MinGFM, synchronous generators, and GFM with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These findings confirm the feasibility and potential of MinGFM control without the need for extra energy storage, setting a strong foundation for ongoing and future work in WP2 and WP3.
Lessons Learnt
Throughout the ongoing project, several key lessons have emerged that will benefit future projects. One important lesson is the need for flexibility in project planning. Initially, WP2 was focused on developing smart controllers for offshore wind turbines. However, as new insights emerged, we had to expand our scope to include a detailed study of Grid Forming STATCOM (GFM STATCOM) performance. This change was necessary to address the evolving needs of the industry and highlights the importance of being adaptable in project planning.
Another lesson is the value of conducting comprehensive sensitivity analyses in system studies. During WP2, we introduced sensitivity analyses to determine the storage size required for compliance with GFM technology standards. This approach has been crucial in understanding the exact requirements for optimal GFM operation. Future projects should consider incorporating similar analyses early on to better anticipate varying conditions and requirements.
Additionally, the availability and compatibility of test systems have proven to be critical. Ensuring that test systems were available in the required tools and formats has been essential for the progress of WP2. Future projects should prioritise securing and validating these resources in the early stages to avoid delays and ensure all necessary tools and systems are in place.
These lessons highlight the importance of flexibility, thorough planning, and resource availability. By applying these insights, future projects can be better prepared to navigate challenges and achieve their goals more efficiently.
