Review of PREPA Technical

Requirements for
Interconnecting Wind and Solar
Generation
Vahan Gevorgian and Sarah Booth

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Technical Report
NREL/TP-5D00-57089
November 2013

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

 Review of PREPA Technical
Requirements for
Interconnecting Wind and
Solar Generation
Vahan Gevorgian and Sarah Booth
Prepared under Task Nos. IDPR.1002, IDPR.1003, and
ID14.1000

NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.
This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

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Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308
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 Abstract
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
have partnered with the Government of Puerto Rico to assist in addressing barriers to the
deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Puerto Rico. This document provides
an overview of the minimum technical requirements (MTR) for interconnection of wind power
and photovoltaic generation developed by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA).
Integrating a large amount of variable renewable generation such as wind and solar into an
electrical grid presents several potential challenges for operating a power system, particularly
with small island grids like the Puerto Rico electrical system. Establishing valid technical
requirements for interconnection of variable renewable generation to the electric grid is an
important step in overcoming such challenges. The interconnection requirements need to address
several important aspects of renewable integration such as safety, impacts on power system
reliability and performance, and costs. Being an isolated island system, PREPA does not fall
under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction, and therefore FERC
interconnection standards are not required to be applied to generators in Puerto Rico. In this
regard, PREPA has developed its own set of interconnection requirements with which all
transmission-level wind and solar PV generators shall comply. In this report, NREL provides an
impartial third-party review of PREPA’s MTRs, drawing comparisons with other similar
requirements and best engineering practices. Over the course of the collaboration on the MTR
review (2012-2013), PREPA revised the MTRs based on the draft review. As such, PREPA’s
responses to the recommendations are also included in this report. The PREPA MTRs are
anticipated to constantly evolve as the level of renewable penetration increases, modeling tools
are improved, and experience with system performance increases. This review is intended to
assist PREPA in this process.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the substantial contributions to this report provided by
staff at PREPA, the Governor’s Office, and the Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration
(PREAA). NREL worked closely with staff from PREPA, PREAA, and the Governor’s Office
throughout the technical review of PREPA’s MTRs to ensure accurate understanding of Puerto
Rico’s electricity grid and the status of renewable energy integration. The authors would like to
particularly thank Martin Pérez, Luis Francis, Alvin Román (PREPA) and Efraín O’Neill
(Governor’s Energy Affairs Advisor) for their significant contributions and support of this effort,
especially for reviewing the recommendations and providing a summary of PREPA’s responses.
The authors would also like to thank Jennifer DeCesaro and Steve Lindenberg from DOE who
sponsored this work, this effort could not have been completed without their support and
involvement.

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) iv
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

AGC automatic generation control

DER distributed energy resources
DFIG double-fed induction generator
ERCOT Electric Reliability Council of Texas
FESTIV Flexible Energy Scheduling Tool for Integration of Variable Generation
FRT fault ride-through
HECO Hawaiian Electric Company
HVRT high-voltage ride-through
Hz hertz
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical Engineers & Electronics Engineers
kV kilovolt
LVRT low-voltage ride-through
ms millisecond
MTR minimum technical requirements
MVA mega volt ampere
MVAR mega volt ampere reactive
MW megawatt
NERC North American Electric Reliability Corporation
PFR primary frequency response
PSLF Positive Sequence Load Flow
POI point of interconnection
PQ power quality
PPA power purchase agreement
PRC protection and control
PREPA Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
PSCAD power systems computer aided design
PSS/E power system simulation for engineering
PV photovoltaic
RR ramp rate
SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition
SCR short circuit ratio
STATCOM static synchronous compensator
SVC static VAR compensator
VAR volt ampere reactive
VRS voltage regulation system
WPP wind power plant
WTG wind turbine generator
ZVRT zero-voltage ride-through

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 Table of Contents
Abstract ....................................................................................................................................................... iv

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... iv

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................................................ v

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Voltage Fault Ride-Through ................................................................................................................ 2

3 Voltage Regulation System, Reactive Power, and Power Factor Requirements ........................... 6

4 Short Circuit Ratio .............................................................................................................................. 13

5 Frequency Ride-Through ................................................................................................................... 14

6 Frequency Response ......................................................................................................................... 15

7 Ramp Rate Control ............................................................................................................................. 19

8 Power Quality ...................................................................................................................................... 20

9 Other Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 21

10 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................ 23

References ................................................................................................................................................. 24

Appendix A: Minimum Technical Requirements of Interconnection of PV Facilities (ver. June 14,

2012)..................................................................................................................................................... 25

Appendix B: Minimum Technical Requirements of Interconnection of Wind Facilities (ver. June 14,

2012)..................................................................................................................................................... 34

Appendix C: Minimum Technical Requirements of Interconnection of PV Facilities (ver. Aug. 15,

2012)..................................................................................................................................................... 46

Appendix D: Minimum Technical Requirements of Interconnection of Wind Facilities (ver. Aug. 15,

2012)..................................................................................................................................................... 55

List of Figures
Figure 1. Comparison of LVRT and HVRT requirements ........................................................................ 2

Figure 2. E-ON reactive current droop ...................................................................................................... 3

Figure 3. Envelope of international LVRT/ZVRT/HVRT requirements ................................................... 4

Figure 4. Example of PV plant interconnection with STATCOM on PV collector bus ......................... 8

Figure 5. Example of PV plant interconnection with STATCOM on transmission bus ........................ 8

Figure 6. Types of reactive power capability curves for wind generators .......................................... 10

Figure 7. Comparison of reactive power curves .................................................................................... 11

Figure 8. Two types of DFIG WTG reactive power capabilities [3] ...................................................... 12

Figure 9. LVRT sensitivity to SCR [4]...................................................................................................... 13

Figure 10. Comparison of frequency FRT requirements ...................................................................... 14

Figure 11. Various frequency droop characteristics ............................................................................. 15

Figure 12. Non-symmetrical frequency droop by wind turbines.......................................................... 16

Figure 13. Inertial response by Type 3 WTG at lower wind speed (NREL model) .............................. 18

Figure 14. Inertial response by Type 3 WTG at rated wind speed (NREL model) .............................. 18

Figure 15. Wind power participation in AGC (NREL model) ................................................................. 21

Figure 16. Examples of wind power operations with reserves ............................................................ 21

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 1 Introduction
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has established minimum technical
requirements (MTR) for interconnection of wind turbine generation and photovoltaic (PV) power
plants (see Appendices A and B). During a stakeholder workshop conducted by the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the
Government of Puerto Rico in May 2012, barriers to renewable energy deployment were
discussed. The stakeholders, including PREPA, the Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration,
and representatives from the Governor’s Office, requested DOE and NREL assistance in a
technical review of the MTRs for variable renewable energy generation.

NREL has conducted a review of these requirements based on generic technical aspects and
electrical characteristics of wind and PV power plants, and on existing requirements from other
utilities in both the United States and Europe. The purpose of this review is to analyze each
aspect of the PREPA MTRs, comparing and contrasting with interconnection requirements from
similar power systems, identifying areas of concern, and generating recommendations and
suggestions for improvements or additional study.

Over the course of the collaboration on the review of the MTRs (2012-2013), PREPA staff
reviewed the draft recommendations and incorporated some of the recommendations into the
2012 revisions of the MTRs (see Appendices C and D). In addition, PREPA engineers responded
to the NREL recommendations by providing a technical rational based on their operational
experience or previous modeling results for not modifying some of the requirements. Each
section of this report provides the recommendations for revisions to be made to the original
MTRs based on industry best practices as well as PREPA’s response to how the
recommendations were addressed in the MTRs revised in August 2012. For the sake of
convenience, in this report we shall refer to the June 14, 2012, version of the PREPA MTR
document as the “original” MTR, and to the August 15, 2012, version as the “modified” MTR.

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 2 Voltage Fault Ride-Through
In the original MTR document, PREPA’s low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) requirements for
both wind and PV are similar. Wind and PV plants are supposed to remain online and ride-
through zero-voltage faults for up to 600 milliseconds (ms); this is essentially a zero-voltage
ride-through (ZVRT) requirement. The no-trip zone is bounded by linear voltage recovery for up
to 3 seconds. PREPA sets high-voltage ride-through (HVRT) requirements for maximum high
voltage at 140% of nominal for up to 1 second. A comparison between LVRT and HVRT
requirements for PREPA, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and other
islands systems such as the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and EirGrid are shown in
Figure 1.

Figure 1. Comparison of LVRT and HVRT requirements

The draft NERC Protection and Control (PRC) Standard PRC-024-1 requires 150 ms ZVRT.
Such ZVRT is a typical requirement for transmission-connected wind power plants (WPP) in the
United States. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order 661A also requires 150 ms
ZVRT, but recovery time is determined on a site-by-site basis depending on the local grid
characteristics and protection schemes. Longer ZVRT requirements are necessary for WPPs
connected to weaker lines (typical for smaller island grids). A 600 ms ZVRT requirement is
implemented in the HECO system. EirGrid also requires 600 ms ride-through but at 15% voltage
and with longer recovery time. Such longer zero-voltage requirements and slower rate of
recovery suggested by PREPA is justified for weaker island systems to avoid tripping of the
wind generators.

Currently, most U.S. utilities have adopted the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) Standard 1547 for interconnecting distributed resources on the distribution system. IEEE
1547 covers interconnection of all types of distributed energy resources (DER) up to 10 mega
volt ampere (MVA) at the point of common coupling. IEEE 1547 clearing times are also shown
in Figure 1.

Voltage during the fault is measured at the plant point of interconnection (POI), which is
typically at the transmission interface, and is separated from wind turbine generators (WTG) by

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 two transformers (turbine transformer and wind plant transformer). Combined impedances of
two transformers result in voltages at individual turbine terminals to be 15% to 20% higher than
transmission voltage. From this perspective, no zero-voltage conditions exist at turbine terminals
even during a ZVRT event if the turbine stays online and produces fault current. The fault
voltage is normally interpreted as the positive sequence component at the POI. For unbalanced
faults the positive sequence voltage may differ from the average phase voltage.

It is important to note that International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400-21 for power
quality testing of grid-connected wind turbines requires testing of individual WTG exposed to
rectangular balanced and unbalanced voltage faults at turbine terminals with durations of 200 to
500 ms, and voltage magnitudes of 20% to 90% of nominal (see Table 1). This means that some
WTGs that have been certified to this standard will not by default meet PREPA’s LVRT
requirements shown in Figure 1. Some hardware modifications might be needed for certain wind
turbine models to enhance their LVRT performance and meet PREPA’s requirements. However,
major wind turbine manufacturers (Siemens, General Electric, etc.) have turbine designs capable
of performing accordingly.

Table 1. IEC 61400-21 LVRT Test Matrix for Wind Turbines

Although it is not necessary for the converter to produce fault current during the fault in the
United States, fault voltage support is required by European grid codes. The turbine converter
injects reactive current into the fault as a function of percentage of voltage drop. For example,
German utility operator E-ON requires reactive current injection according to the droop line
shown in Figure 2 (a minimum of 2% positive sequence reactive current for every percent of
voltage drop below 100%). This implies that for faults with voltage drops of 50% or lower, the
reactive component of current goes to 100% or higher (depending on the current rating of the
converter–usually 1.1-1.2 p.u.).

Figure 2. E-ON reactive current droop

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 In case of unbalanced faults, the general approach is to inject reactive current support as a
positive sequence current.

Recommendation #1:
We recommend PREPA further examine the reactive current injection requirement and consider
implementation of a similar droop. Currently, PREPA requires that “during the fault conditions,
the wind generation facility shall operate on maximum reactive current injection mode.”

In some cases, injecting maximum reactive current may have the opposite effect and cause
voltage instability in WPP or PV feeder/collector systems. Implementing reactive fault current
droops will help avoid potential instabilities.

Figure 3. Envelope of international LVRT/ZVRT/HVRT requirements

Situations with over-voltages may arise due to sudden load loss, unbalanced faults, and other
conditions. The resulting over-voltages may have different magnitudes and durations depending
on the scenario. PREPA HVRT requirements (as shown in Figure 1) are the highest compared to
various grid codes that can be found in literature [1]. The highest HVRT requirements in some
power systems are limited at 130% of rated voltage. In other island systems (such as HECO or
EirGrid) the HVRT is limited at 115% to 120%. There are some grids that require 130% HVRT.
Boundaries of fault ride-through (FRT) requirements from several European utilities listed in [1]
are shown in Figure 3 for reference purposes.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #1:

In accordance with NREL’s recommendation to further examine the reactive current
injection requirement and consider implementation of a similar droop, PREPA revised the
MTRs to include the following in the section 1.a.iv:

“During the low voltage fault conditions, the wind generation/PV facility shall operate on
reactive current injection mode. This mode of operation shall be implemented with a
reactive current droop characteristic which shall have an adjustable slope from 1 to 5%. A
dead band of 15 % is required.”

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 Recommendation #2:
The universal requirement of 1-second 140% HVRT by PREPA seems to be excessively strict
and may not be necessary for all renewable project locations. Such requirements may cause
unnecessary increases in project costs since project developers will have to cover expenses for
system upgrades or additional VAR support devices. We recommend PREPA look closely at
HVRT requirements and consider also the option of setting them on a site-by-site basis for both
wind and PV systems as an alternative.
PV plants using inverters that are IEEE 1547/UL 1741 compliant will not contribute fault
current. A resolution of this issue is expected later in 2013 from the UL/IEEE 1547.8 working
group, with cooperation from the NERC Integration of Variable Generation Task Force (Task
Force 1.7).

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #2:

Based on NREL’s recommendation to review the HRVT requirements, PREPA revised
the MTRs by reducing the 140% overvoltage ride-through (OVRT) time to 150 ms, and
also included a new OVRT range of 130%-125%. The modified section 1.b.i incorporates
this new requirement into the following table:

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 3 Voltage Regulation System, Reactive Power, and
Power Factor Requirements
IEEE 1547/UL 1741 compliant PV inverters typically do not have reactive power capability and
operate with a unity power factor. To meet PREPA requirements for reactive power and voltage
control, a substation level reactive power compensation system will need to be applied [static
synchronous compensator (STATCOM)] for IEEE 1547 inverters.

Voltage regulation can be achieved by either regulating the inverter’s terminal voltage on the low
side of the transformer or by adjusting reactive output according to a droop characteristic. For the
purposes of voltage regulation, PREPA requires deployment of a voltage regulation system
(VRS) with adjustable set point between 95% and 105% of rated POI voltage. The VRS employs
an adjustable 0% to 10% reactive droop with accuracy of control within +/-0.5% of set point.

Recommendation #3:
Such reactive droop controls have been implemented by some wind turbine manufacturers on
individual wind turbine and plant levels. The reactive droop capabilities by PV inverters are also
offered by some inverter manufacturers, but still need large-scale demonstrations of control
schemes in the field. Reactive droops are usually in the range of 2% to 10%. PREPA’s
requirement of reactive droop below 2% is essentially a “bang-bang” voltage control that may
introduce some stability problems and deplete reactive reserves for contingencies. Such small
droops are usually not recommended and should generally be avoided for this reason. They still
might be justified in weak systems, but require careful evaluation so voltage stability and
reliability is not compromised.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #3:

PREPA decided to keep the complete voltage droop range (0% to 10%) based on the

experience with actual renewable projects operating in Puerto Rico and to permit more

interconnection site options (from “strong” to “weak” system sites). For example, one

existing PV facility is actually regulating with a voltage droop of 0% and the performance

of their voltage regulator system (VRS) has been as expected. The MTR language was

revised by removing “… and must also be adjustable by PREPA’s Energy Control Center

via SCADA” from 2.d.

The new version of item 2.d now reads:

“The VRS controller regulation strategy shall be based on proportional plus integral (PI)

control actions with parallel reactive droop compensation. The VRS Droop shall be

adjustable from 0 to 10%.”

Recommendation #4:
Reactive droops usually have voltage dead bands (+/-1% for example) that are not specified in
PREPA’s requirements. Having voltage dead bands may affect the ability to control voltage with
+/- 0.5% accuracy. In some case, slower communications may also limit the reactive power
response time and affect required accuracy.

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 PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #4:
Following NREL’s recommendation to specify voltage dead bands, PREPA revised
Section 2 in the MTRs by adding a new subsection 2.h as follows:

“The VRS dead band shall not exceed 0.1%.”

Recommendation #5:
Some examples of closed-loop voltage regulation for PV power plants are shown in Figure 4 and
Figure 5 where PV inverters are connected to a 13.8 kilovolt (kV) collector bus, and then to
PREPA’s 115 kV transmission system via medium voltage (MV) feeder and step-up transformer.
The closed loop voltage regulation is performed by a PV plant controller that senses remotely the
voltage at the POI. This control loop allows for the best mitigation of voltage fluctuations since it
allows eliminating voltage impacts in one location. In the case of other existing feeder voltage
regulation (switched capacitors, tap-changing transformers, etc.), there may be some difficulties
coordinating PV inverter controls with existing feeder voltage regulation. Care must be taken for
PV not to carry an excess share of reactive demand of other feeder loads, avoiding interactions
between controls and addressing hunting regulator stability issues.

In cases where voltage control capability of PV inverters is absent (IEEE 1547 compliance) or
limited, additional devices such as STACOM or Static VAR Compensator (SVC) can be
implemented on both PV plant collector (Figure 4) or transmission bus (Figure 5) levels. We
think that switched capacitor banks or tap changer transformers (in case they already exist in that
particular feeder) can be accepted, and in some cases can eliminate a need for additional
STATCOM devices. Different regulation strategies can be implemented with these schemes. For
example, fast voltage fluctuations can be mitigated with PV inverters, and slower ones can be
addressed by the existing feeder equipment. Appropriate time constants must be chosen to
coordinate these various controls.

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 Figure 4. Example of PV plant interconnection with STATCOM on PV collector bus

Figure 5. Example of PV plant interconnection with STATCOM on transmission bus

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 PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #5:
PREPA’s MTR’s are specific to transmission (115 kV) and sub-transmission (38 kV) level

systems. In PREPA’s actual applications, the feeders used by the PV and wind facilities are

internal; excess share of reactive demand of other feeder loads is not expected. NREL’s

comments regarding this issue seem to be more applicable to distribution system feeders.

The MTR’s actual reactive power requirements provide flexibility for different types of

technologies at the renewable energy facility. These technologies include combinations of

different equipment like inverters, STATCOMs, SVCs and capacitor banks. As a result, no

changes were made to the MTRs.

Recommendation #6:
PREPA requires VRS to operate only in a voltage set point control mode and does not permit
power factor control mode. Note, however, that in some cases plant level power factor control
can be an effective tool for mitigating both steady-state and transient voltage impacts of PV,
minimizing control interactions with other feeder devices, and is IEEE 1547 compliant. The
voltage variations at the POI shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 depend on real/reactive power
variations (∆𝑃 and ∆𝑄) and feeder parameters R and X:

∆𝑃 ∙ 𝑅 − ∆𝑄 ∙ 𝑋
∆𝑉 ≈
𝑉
In order to maintain ∆𝑉 ≈ 0, a constant ratio between active and reactive power variations must
be maintained:

∆𝑄 𝑅
≈ = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡
∆𝑃 𝑋
Reactive power needed to maintain constant voltage is at an approximately constant ratio to real
power at typical short-circuit ratios. Operating at fixed Q/P ratio essentially means operating at
constant power factor. Of course, this method has its disadvantages due to some nonlinearities of
the P-Q curve. Also, the desired power factor may change if the feeder is reconfigured. This
method is not feasible with feeders that have other large loads connected to it since feeder
reactive demand may increase during high-load conditions.

Wind and PV power converters have reactive capabilities that are different from those of
conventional synchronous generators. Unlike power-limited synchronous generators, the power
converter-based generation is also limited by internal voltages, temperatures, and currents.
Different types of reactive power capabilities can be implemented for power converter-based
generation depending on power system requirements, inverter limits, etc.

Both double-fed induction generators (DFIG) and full-converter WTGs may come with a variety
of V-shape, rectangular, D-shape, or U-shape reactive power characteristics as shown in Figure
6. In some cases, reactive power characteristics can be non-symmetric. One advantage of WTGs
with rectangular and D-shape reactive capabilities is the possibility of providing voltage
regulation service during no-wind periods. The same is true for PV inverters because they can
provide voltage regulation at night by operation in a STATCOM mode.

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 PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #6 (similar to #5 above):
PREPA’s MTR’s are specific to transmission (115 kV) and sub-transmission (38 kV) level

systems. In PREPA’s actual applications, the feeders used by the PV and wind facilities are

internal; excess share of reactive demand of other feeder loads is not expected. NREL’s

comments regarding this issue seem to be more applicable to distribution system feeders.

The MTR’s actual reactive power requirements provide flexibility for different types of

technologies at the renewable energy facility. These technologies include combinations of

different equipment like inverters, STATCOMs, SVCs and capacitor banks. As a result, no

changes were made to the MTRs.

Recommendation #7:
It is important to note that PV inverters have historically been predominantly designed for
deployment in distribution systems in accordance to IEEE 1547, which does not allow voltage
regulation. The wind generation was predominantly designed to operate at transmission level, so
it is more common for WTGs to come with standard reactive power capabilities similar to ones
shown in Figure 6. For PV systems such functionality is not standard and must be explicitly
specified in the design stage of the project and in the power purchase agreement (PPA). Also,
during periods of no wind or solar resource, both wind and PV generators can still provide
reactive power support to PREPA’s grid. It makes sense to take this fact into consideration when
specifying the reactive power capability since wind and PV inverters may be disconnected from
the grid during the periods of no production.

Figure 6. Types of reactive power capability curves for wind generators

In its minimum interconnection requirements PREPA specifies a rectangular reactive power
capability curve for both dynamic and total ranges. A comparison of reactive power capabilities
between HECO, PREPA, and EirGrid is shown in Figure 7. Similar rectangular reactive power
curves are required by HECO in their model PPA document [2]. EirGrid implemented a U-
shaped reactive capability curve that uses a reduced power factor range [or a permissive mega
volt ampere reactive (MVAR) range] below 50% or rated power.

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 PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #7:
A complete description of the voltage regulation system (VRS) requirement is specified in

section 2 of the MTRs. As part of this requirement, a complete and detailed description of

the VRS control strategy shall be submitted by the project designer for PREPA’s

evaluation.

Recommendation #8:
We agree with PREPA that rectangular reactive capability is more beneficial. However, a
requirement to maintain reactive power range at full output by PV inverters represents a change
with respect to historical industry practice and has some cost impact associated with it. This cost
impact could be substantial if the PV plant relies on inverters to provide all required reactive
power since additional inverter capacity will be needed. For example, PV inverters would need
11.1% of additional capacity to meet PREPA’s dynamic reactive power capability and 17.6% of
additional capacity to meet the steady-state reactive power capability. Otherwise, the plant has to
be de-rated or external reactive power support needs to be installed.

Figure 7. Comparison of reactive power curves

For some DFIG wind turbine topologies the reactive power capability curves are not
symmetrical, as shown in Figure 8 (option 2). This is why permissive MVAR ranges as shown in
Figure 7 for EirGrid make sense for systems with DFIG-dominated wind power.

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 Figure 8. Two types of DFIG WTG reactive power capabilities [3]
Source: University Duisburg-Essen

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #8:

The requirement to maintain reactive power range at full output (rectangular reactive
capability) is based mainly on the significant displacement of conventional generation units
and their corresponding regulation capabilities due to the expected high penetration levels
of renewable projects. As a result, no changes were made to the MTRs.

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 4 Short Circuit Ratio
Short circuit ratio (SCR) is one of the important limiting factors for wind power installations and
has a great influence on the power quality impacts from variable renewable generation. SCR has
an influence on LVRT characteristics of wind turbine generators.

Recommendation #9:
PREPA limits SCR=5 as the minimum permissible level for interconnecting both wind and PV
projects. We think this level is adequate. However, we’d like to point out that in some cases even
lower SCR might be reasonable assuming LVRT requirements set by PREPA as shown in Figure
1. An example of LVRT sensitivity to SCR for a DFIG wind farm is shown in Figure 9. The
turbine speed of recovery degrades as SCR is decreased, but the LVRT requirement is still met
even at SCR=2.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #9:

PREPA maintained the SCR limit on 5. Studies indicate that SCR levels below 5 can cause
VRS control instabilities in some applications.

Figure 9. LVRT sensitivity to SCR [4]

Source: IEEE

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 5 Frequency Ride-Through
PREPA’s frequency ride-through (FRT) requirements align with standards in other island
systems. A comparison between PREPA, HECO, NERC, and IEEE requirements is shown in
Figure 10. PREPA allows adequate frequency range and clearing time typical for weaker
islanded systems.

Figure 10. Comparison of frequency FRT requirements

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 6 Frequency Response
PREPA requires 5% frequency droop for primary frequency control from both wind and PV
plants for up and down regulation similar to conventional synchronous generators. This is a
symmetrical droop requirement, and PREPA does not specify any dead bands or type of droop
characteristic for wind and PV generation. We would like to point out that there are several types
of droop characteristics that can be implemented as shown in Figure 11. The Smooth Droop 1
with dead bands is the most common droop used in conventional synchronous generation. The
droop curve with power step change is also possible but may cause some stability issues during
certain contingency scenarios.

Figure 11. Various frequency droop characteristics

Recommendation #10:
We think that more detailed specifications on the exact type of droop and dead bands would be
necessary to remove any ambiguities and misinterpretations for project developers. Primary
frequency response (PFR) is one of the most expensive services for renewable generation
operators since power reserves must be constantly maintained for up regulation by curtailment
(loss of production) or by the use of energy storage devices (extra investment cost).

We would also like to point out that both WTG and PV power plants can reduce their power
outputs very effectively so non-symmetric droop characteristics similar to the one shown in
Figure 12 can be implemented. Both positive and negative droops and frequency dead bands can
be controlled and set by a wind or PV power plant SCADA system to provide aggregate plant
PFR that meets power system needs. We recommend PREPA consider the possibility of
requesting an option of setting PFR parameters (dead bands, droops, reserve margins) remotely.
PFR responses by wind and PV power are additional controls that can be tuned to provide
optimum performance and maximum reliability to the PREPA power system and can become a
source of additional control flexibility for PREPA system operators.

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at www.nrel.gov/publications.
 Figure 12. Non-symmetrical frequency droop by wind turbines
It is important to note that there are no active requirements in the United States for wind and PV
generation to provide PFR. This is partly due to low penetration levels and lack of incentives (no
ancillary service market structures for variable generation to provide PFR). The Electric
Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has started implementing a PFR requirement for their
inverter based generation. Some of the ERCOT PFR requirements include [5]:

• Minimum 5% and maximum 2% droop performance with maximum allowable dead-band

of ±0.0166 Hertz (Hz)

• Governors must remain in service and be allowed to respond

• 70% of response has to be delivered within 16 seconds after disturbance to meet the PFR
requirements

• Full response must be deployed within an additional 30 seconds after an initial 16

seconds of a total 46 seconds after disturbance.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #10:

Per NREL’s recommendation, PREPA added the following clarifications to Section 6:

• The frequency response dead band shall not exceed 0.02%.

• If energy storage systems are utilized to comply with the frequency regulation
requirements, and during a disturbance the system frequency stays below 59.7Hz,
the facility frequency response shall be maintained for at least 10 minutes.

Recommendation #11:
For large frequency deviations (more than 0.3 Hz), PREPA requires an immediate increase in
active power production of at least 10% of alternating current-rated capacity of both wind and
PV power plants for at least 10-minute time periods. The response time of these services should
be no more than 1 second. This requirement is somewhat ambiguous: Does this mean that a

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 renewable plant must provide a 10% increase in power production at any time when frequency
declines by 0.3 Hz? What if this frequency decline happens during periods of no wind for wind
generation, or during nights for PV? Do they still need to provide this 10% increase? If so, then
at least 10-minute energy storage will be required. This requirement definitely needs more
clarification since it is the most important requirement for wind and PV integration.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #11:

In accordance with NREL’s recommendation, PREPA included the following clarification
in the fourth paragraph of section 6:

“The operational range of the frequency response and regulation system shall be from 10%
to 100% of the maximum AC active power capacity (established in the contract).”

Recommendation #12:
Further, PREPA requires WTG controls to provide inertial response. This requirement also needs
more detailed explanation. The main questions here are:

1. What is the priority of inertial response over 10% real-power increase during large
frequency declines (more than 0.3 Hz)?
2. What are the dead bands for inertial response for smaller frequency declines?
3. Transition from inertial response to PFR must be specified.
Inertial response by wind power is highly dependent on initial pre-fault conditions of each
individual wind turbine (revolutions per minute and wind speed). The aggregate inertial response
of the whole WPP will be different than individual WTGs.

Inertial response by wind power is “energy neutral.” Initial periods of overproduction triggered
by utilizing rotor inertia are followed by a period of underproduction (someone else needs to
meet the load during this period) as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14. Nevertheless, the overall
benefit of such inertial response is significant because it helps the power system in the form of
arresting initial rate of change of frequency and “gaining time” for a slower PFR of conventional
generation.

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 Figure 13. Inertial response by type 3 WTG at lower wind speed (NREL model)
The recovery period and return to normal operations after providing inertial response can be
different depending on the available wind resource. At rated wind speed (Figure 14) the return to
pre-disturbance level is much faster than at lower wind speed (Figure 13) because of more
favorable conditions (there is power available from wind to provide incremental electric power).

Figure 14. Inertial response by type 3 WTG at rated wind speed (NREL model)

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #12:

PREPA understands the value and importance of inertial control by wind. While revisions
relating to this recommendation have not been made to the MTRs, this requirement will be
considered in the future.

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at www.nrel.gov/publications.
 7 Ramp Rate Control
Recommendation #13:
PREPA requires a 10% of rated capacity limit on 1-minute ramp rates (RR) by both wind and PV
generation. Some clarification is needed on how PREPA calculates these 1-minute RRs since
there are several ramp calculation methods described in technical literature (difference between
two endpoints of any 60-second interval, minimum/maximum values between two endpoints,
etc.). A 10% per minute RR limit seems to be reasonable. For reference, EirGrid limits positive
ramps up to 30 MW/minute. HECO limits its ramps at +/- 2 MW per minute during all times
(except for 12:00–4:00 a.m. and 4:00–8:00 p.m. when ramps are limited to +1 MW and -1 MW
per minute respectively for wind projects less than 50 MW). In Germany, transmission system
operators require a similar 10% limit of rated power per minute for positive ramps. Some grid
operators set limits not only for 1-minute RRs, but also on instantaneous power fluctuations
calculated at every scan. For example, HECO sets 1 MW/2-second limits for every 2-second
scan.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #13:

Based on NREL’s recommendation, PREPA modified section 7 by adding the following
statement:

“The ramp rate control tolerance shall be +10%.”

Regarding the ramp rate calculation methods, the Agreed Operating Procedure (AOP) of
the project will include the ramp rate calculation method used by PREPA.

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 8 Power Quality
The power quality test report, in accordance with IEC 61400-21 ed.2, must present wind turbine
test data conducted on 60-Hz grids (some European wind turbine manufacturers still do not have
60-Hz reports). NREL is performing Power Quality (PQ) certification testing for some
manufacturers (Alstom, Gamesa, etc.) to produce 60-Hz reports. NREL is accredited by the
American National Standard Institute and can perform the whole suite of IEC PQ testing for
wind turbine testing, with the exception of LVRT tests. LVRT capability has been developed and
commissioned at NREL in 2013.

IEC 61400-21 requires active and reactive power set point tests that demonstrate ability of
individual WTG to participate in load-frequency or voltage control. This standard does not
require testing of the whole wind farm for the same purposes, so wind farm level control data
must be provided separately by manufacturers. The same plant level control data must be
provided for PV projects as well.

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 20
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 9 Other Considerations
Recommendation #14:
One important question that might affect the MTRs is if PREPA envisions wind and PV
participation in automatic generation control (AGC) at some point in the future. If so, then such
capability must be requested in the requirements. An example of wind power participation in
AGC is shown in Figure 15, where a wind turbine is able to follow AGC signals by having
available reserve margins for up regulation.

Figure 15. Wind power participation in AGC (NREL model)

There are other active power control schemes for wind power rather than inertial/PFR and RR
limiting. If required, wind power can operate with spinning reserves as shown in Figure 16. It
can provide continuous reserves as a percentage of available power or absolute reserves in
megawatts.

Figure 16. Examples of wind power operations with reserves

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 Such advanced active power control schemes might be beneficial to PREPA under certain
circumstances. During periods of high wind production at light loads, fossil fuel units may need
to be forced offline due to the excessive wind power, which leads to another problem of
inadequate unit dispatch capability in system operations. The excessive wind power could serve
as a dispatchable reserve rather than just curtailing for security concerns. In addition, such
capability could release the regulation of diesel and other combustion generation when a high
concentration of wind power is installed in an isolated island grid.

PREPA’s Response to Recommendation #14:

PREPA asked for the minimum known necessary technical requirements that were

important for optimizing the power system performance under high levels of renewables

penetration, while providing the necessary mitigation to the impact of these resources on

the electric system. Recognizing the level of complexity that the implementation of such

advanced active power control schemes might have on the projects, PREPA has decided

not to require renewables to provide or participate in AGC at this point in time. However,

PREPA understands the benefits of these services by renewables, and may require them in

the future if necessary.

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 22
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
 10 Conclusions
In general, PREPA’s MTR documents are well written and cover all interconnection-related
topics for wind and PV generation. It is important to note that both MTR documents for wind
and PV are very similar to each other with some minor differences specific to each technology. It
may make sense to combine them both into one general MTR document that includes a few
provisions specific to wind or PV.

As mentioned throughout this document, some aspects of the existing MTRs suggest further
clarifications and better explanations are needed. Such “fine tuning” of interconnection
requirements is important to avoid ambiguities in interpretation of the MTRs and help potential
vendors and project developers to better meet PREPA’s reliability criteria.

One important aspect that still needs to be included in the MTRs is the “borderline” for projects
that need to be compliant with MTR requirements. Such a borderline can be formulated either in
megawatt capacity of the project or voltage level at the POI.

Additionally, PREPA may find it useful to evaluate various aspects of interconnection technical
requirements, including:

• Using transient modeling of wind and PV plants for the purposes of FRT analyses
• Conducting sub-hourly modeling and optimization of the power system
• Developing sub-hourly solar power output data sets with realistic spatial and temporal
correlations
• Improving wind and solar resource forecasting
• Increasing the internal capacity to incorporate dynamic models for wind generators and
PV inverters into the current power system simulations conducted to model power
flow/stability and frequency response.

PREPA made many revisions to the MTRs in August 2012 based on the initial recommendations
provided during discussions with DOE and NREL. It is anticipated that PREPA will continue to
revise the MTRs as technology evolves and PREPA’s experience with renewable energy on the
Puerto Rico grid increases. PREPA is in a unique position as 64 renewable energy PPAs and
master agreements have been signed between 2009 and 2012, totaling approximately 2,200 MW.
If completed, this installed capacity would represent approximately 70% of the system peak load
(3159 MW) of Puerto Rico.

The utility and other government officials are currently reviewing many of these agreements and
PREPA is working to determine how to safely incorporate large amounts of renewable energy
onto the grid. As the amount of renewable energy on the grid increases, PREPA will gain
valuable experience in understanding how high penetrations of renewables impact the grid. The
increased experience operating the power system at different levels of renewable penetration will
likely inform future revisions to the MTRs. Hopefully, the recommendations, based on industry
best practices, will also be useful to PREPA when making future revisions to the MTRs.

This report is available at no cost from the

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 23
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
 References
[1] Generator Fault Ride-Through (FRT) Investigation - Stage 1. (2009). Transpower New
Zealand Limited. http://www.nerc.com/docs/pc/ivgtf/GEN-FRT-Stage1-Lit-review%20(2­
4Task%20Force).pdf.

[2] Model Power Purchase Agreement for Renewable Energy Projects. (2008). HECO.
http://www.heco.com/vcmcontent/GenerationBid/HECO/FinalRenewableModelPPA.pdf.

[3] Erlich, I., et al. Reactive Power Generation by DGIF Based Wind Farms with AC Grid
Connection. (2007). University Duisburg-Essen. http://www.uni­
due.de/ean/downloads/papers/wilch2007a.pdf.

[4] Abbey, C.; Joos, G. Effect of Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Characteristics on Voltage
Stability. (2005). IEEE. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=01489659.

[5] Real Power Balancing Control Performance. (August 2010). Texas Reliability Entity.
http://texasre.org/CPDL/BAL-001-TRE-1%20Second%20Draft%20-%20Clean.pdf.

This report is available at no cost from the

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 24
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
 Appendix A: Minimum Technical Requirements of
Interconnection of PV Facilities (ver. June 14, 2012)

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 25
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
INTERCONNECTION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) FACILITIES
The proponent shall comply with the following minimum technical requirements:

1. �VOLTAGE RIDE-THROUGH:

Figure 1 Low Voltage Ride-Through Requirements

a.
PREPA’s Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Requirements:

i.
From Figure 1, PREPA requires all generation to remain online and
be able to ride-through three phase and single phase faults down
to 0.0 per-unit (measured at the point of interconnection), for up
to 600 ms.

ii.
All generation remains online and operating during and after
normally cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

iii.
All generation remains online and operating during backup-
cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

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 iv.
During the fault conditions, the PV facility shall operate on
maximum reactive current injection mode.

b.
PREPA’s Overvoltage Ride-Through (OVRT) Requirements:

i.
PREPA requires all generation to remain online and able to ride-
through symmetrical and asymmetrical overvoltage conditions
specified by the following values:

Minimum time to remain

Overvoltage (pu)
online (seconds)

1.4 – 1.25 1

1.25 – 1.15 3

1.15 or lower indefinitely

2. �VOLTAGE REGULATION SYSTEM (VRS)

Constant voltage control shall be required. Photovoltaic System
technologies in combination with Static Var Controls, such as Static Var
Compensators (SVCs), STATCOMs, DSTATCOMs are acceptable options to
comply with this requirement. A complete and detailed description of
the VRS control strategy shall be submitted for evaluation.

a)
Photovoltaic Facilities (PVF) must have a continuously-variable,
continuously-acting, closed loop control VRS; i.e. an equivalent to the
Automatic Voltage Regulator in conventional machines.
b)
The VRS set-point shall be adjustable between 95% to 105% of rated
voltage at the POI. The VRS set-point must also be adjustable by
PREPA’s Energy Control Center via SCADA.
c)
The VRS shall operate only in a voltage set point control mode.
Controllers such as Power Factor or constant VAR are not permitted.
d)
The VRS controller regulation strategy shall be based on proportional
plus integral (PI) control actions with parallel reactive droop

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 compensation. The VRS Droop shall be adjustable from 0 to 10% and
must also be adjustable by PREPA’s Energy Control Center via SCADA.
e)
At zero percent (0%) droop, the VRS shall achieve a steady-state
voltage regulation accuracy of +/- 0.5% of the controlled voltage at
the POI.
f)
The VRS shall be calibrated such that a change in reactive power will
achieve 95% of its final value no later than 1 second following a step
change in voltage. The change in reactive power should not cause
excessive voltage excursions or overshoot.
g)
The generator facility VRS must be in service at any time the PVF is
electrically connected to the grid regardless of MW output from the
PVF.

3. �REACTIVE POWER CAPABILITY AND MINIMUM POWER

FACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The total power factor range shall be from 0.85 lagging to 0.85 leading at
the point of interconnection (POI). The reactive power requirements
provide flexibility for many types of technologies at the Renewable
Energy Facility. The intent is that a PVF can ramp the reactive power from
0.85 lagging to 0.85 leading in a smooth continuous fashion at the POI.

The +/- 0.90 power factor range should be dynamic and continuous at the
point of interconnection (POI). This means that the PVF has to be able to
respond to power system voltage fluctuations by continuously varying
the reactive output of the plant within the specified limits. The
previously established power factor dynamic range could be expanded if
studies indicate that additional continuous, dynamic compensation is
required. It is required that the PVF reactive capability meets +/- 0.85
Power Factor (PF) range based on the PVF Aggregated MW Output, which
is the maximum MVAr capability corresponding to maximum MW
Output. It is understood that positive (+) PF is where the PVF is producing
MVAr and negative (-) PF is where the PVF is absorbing MVAr.

This requirement of MVAr capability at maximum output shall be

sustained throughout the complete range of operation of the PVF as
established by Figure 2.

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 Figure 2 Reactive Power Capability Curve

4. SHORT CIRCUIT RATIO (SCR) REQUIREMENTS:

Short Circuit Ratio values (System Short Circuit MVA at POI/PV Facility MVA
Capacity) under 5 shall not be permitted. The constructor shall be
responsible for the installation of additional equipment, such as synchronous
condensers, and controls necessary to comply with PREPA’s minimum short
circuit requirements.

5. FREQUENCY RIDE THROUGH (FRT):

• 57.5 - 61.5 Hz No tripping (continuous)
• 61.5 - 62.5 Hz 30 sec
• 56.5 - 57.5 Hz 10 sec
• < 56.5 or > 62.5 Hz Instantaneous trip

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6. FREQUENCY RESPONSE/REGULATION:
PV facility shall provide an immediate real power primary frequency
response, proportional to frequency deviations from scheduled
frequency, similar to governor response. The rate of real power response
to frequency deviations shall be similar to or more responsive than the
droop characteristic of 5% used by conventional generators. PV facility
shall have controls that provide both for down-regulation and up-
regulation. PV technologies, in combination with energy storage systems
such as, but not limited to BESS, flywheels, hybrid systems are acceptable
options to comply with PREPA’s frequency response and regulation
requirements.

For large frequency deviations (for example in excess of 0.3 Hz), the PV
facility shall provide an immediate real power primary frequency
response of at least 10% of the maximum AC active power capacity
(established in the contract) for a time period not less than 10 minutes.
The time response (full 10% frequency response) shall be less than 1
second. During disturbances or situations that provoke the system
frequency to stay below 59.7 Hz for 10 minutes or more, after the ninth
minute the real power primary frequency response shall not decrease at
a ramp rate higher than 10% of the maximum AC active power capacity
per minute. For smaller frequency deviations (for example less than 0.3
Hz), the PV facility response shall be proportional to the frequency
deviation, based on the specified 5% droop characteristic. The
operational range of the frequency response and regulation system shall
be from 10% to 100% of the maximum AC active power capacity
(established in the contract). The PV facility power output at the POI
shall never exceed the maximum AC active power (established in the
contract).

7. RAMP RATE CONTROL:

Ramp Rate Control is required to smoothly transition from one output
level to another. The PV facility shall be able to control the rate of change
of power output during some circumstances, including but not limited to:
(1) rate of increase of power, (2) rate of decrease of power, (3) rate of
increase of power when a curtailment of power output is released; (4)
rate of decrease in power when curtailment limit is engaged. A 10 % per
minute rate (based on AC contracted capacity) limitation shall be
enforced. This ramp rate limit applies both to the increase and decrease
of power output and is independent of meteorological conditions.
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8. POWER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:
The developer shall address, in the design of their facilities potential
sources and mitigation of power quality degradation prior to
interconnection. Design considerations should include applicable
standards including, but not limited to IEEE Standards 142, 519, 1100,
1159, and ANSI C84.1. Typical forms of power quality degradation
include, but are not limited to voltage regulation, voltage unbalance,
harmonic distortion, flicker, voltage sags/interruptions and transients.

9. SPECIAL PROTECTION SCHEMES:

PV facility shall provide adequate technology and implement special
protection schemes as established by PREPA in coordination with power
management requirements.

10. GENERAL INTERCONNECTION SUBSTATION

CONFIGURATION:
An interconnecting generation producer must interconnect at an existing
PREPA switchyard. The configuration requirements of the
interconnection depend on where the physical interconnection is to
occur and the performance of the system with the proposed
interconnection. The interconnection must conform, at a minimum, to
the original designed configuration of the switchyard. PREPA, at its sole
discretion, may consider different configurations due to physical
limitations at the site.

11. MODELING AND VALIDATION

The Contractor shall submit to PREPA a Siemens - PTI certified PSS/E
mathematical model and data related to the proposed PV facility. When
referred to the PV facility model, this shall include but is not limited to PV
inverters, transformers, collector systems, plant controllers, control
systems and any other equipment necessary to properly model the PV
facility for both steady-state and dynamic simulation modules. It is
required that the Contractor submits both an aggregate and detailed
version of the PV facility model. At a later stage in the process, it is also
required that the Contractor submits as-built PSS/E mathematical models
of the PV Facility.

The Contractor shall be required to submit user manuals for both the PV
inverter and the PV facility models including a complete and detailed
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description of the voltage regulation system (VRS) and frequency
regulation system model implementation. The mathematical models
shall be fully compatible with the latest and future versions of PSS/E. It is
preferred that the models are PSS/E standard models. In the case that
the Contractor submits user written models, the Contractor shall be
required to keep these models current with the future versions of the
PSS/E program until such time that PSS/E has implemented a standard
model. The Contractor shall submit to PREPA an official report from
Siemens - PTI that validates and certifies the required mathematical
models, including subsequent revisions. The data and PSS/E model shall
also be updated and officially certified according to PREPA requirements
when final field adjustments and parameters measurements and field
tests are performed to the facility by the contractor. The mathematical
model (either PSS/E standard or user written model) of the PV facility
shall be officially certified by Siemens - PTI before a specific and validated
PSS/E mathematical model of the complete PV facility be submitted to
PREPA. The Contractor shall be responsible of submitting the official
reports and certifications from Siemens – PTI, otherwise the
mathematical model shall not be considered valid.

The Contractor shall be responsible to submit Siemens – PTI certified

PSSE mathematical models of any kind of compensation devices (ie. SVC,
STATCOMs, DSTATCOMs, BESS, etc.) used on the PV facility. It is
preferred that the models are standard models provided with PSS/E. In
the case that the Contractor submits user written models, the PV facility
Contractor shall be required to keep these models current with the
future versions of the PSS/E program until such time that PSS/E has
implemented a standard model. In its final form, the mathematical
model shall be able to simulate each of the required control and
operational modes available for the compensation device and shall be
compatible with the latest and future versions of PSSE. Final adjustments
and parameters settings related with the control system commissioning
process shall be incorporated to the PSSE mathematical model and tested
accordingly by the PV facility Contractor and PREPA system study groups.
The Contractor shall also perform on-site field tests for the identification,
development, and validation of the dynamic mathematical models and
parameters required by PREPA for any kind of compensation devices
used at the PV facility. The mathematical models of the PV facility and its
required compensation devices shall be officially certified by Siemens -
PTI before a specific and validated PSS/E mathematical model of the
complete PV facility be submitted to PREPA. The Contractor shall be
responsible of submitting the official reports and certifications from

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 Siemens – PTI, otherwise the mathematical models shall not be
considered valid.

PV facility Owners that provide user written model(s) shall provide

compiled code of the model and are responsible to maintain the user
written model compatible with current and new releases of PSS/E until
such time a standard model is provided. PREPA must be permitted by the
PV facility Owner to make available PV Facility models if required to
external consultants with an NDA in place.

12. TRANSIENT MATHEMATICAL MODEL

The Contractor shall be responsible of providing a detailed transient
model of the PV facility and to show that it is capable of complying with
PREPA’s transient Minimum Technical Requirements.

13. DYNAMIC SYSTEM MONITORING EQUIPMENT

The developer of the PV facility shall be required to provide and install a
dynamic system monitoring equipment that conforms to PREPA’s
specifications.

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 Appendix B: Minimum Technical Requirements of
Interconnection of Wind Facilities (ver. June 14, 2012)

This report is available at no cost from the

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 34
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCONNECTION OF WIND
TURBINE GENERATION (WTG) PROJECTS

The proponent shall comply with the following minimum technical requirements:

1. �VOLTAGE RIDE-THROUGH

Figure 1 Low Voltage Ride-Through Requirements

a.
PREPA’s Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Requirements:

i.
From Figure 1, PREPA requires all generation to remain online and
be able to ride-through three phase and single phase faults down
to 0.0 per-unit (measured on the point of interconnection), for up
to 600 ms.

ii.
All generation remains online and operating during and after
normally cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

iii.
All generation remains online and operating during backup-
cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

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 iv.
During the fault conditions, the wind generation facility shall
operate on maximum reactive current injection mode.

b.
PREPA’s Overvoltage Ride-Through (OVRT) Requirements:

i.
PREPA requires all generation to remain online and able to ride-
through symmetrical and asymmetrical overvoltage conditions
specified by the following values:

Minimum time to remain online

Overvoltage (pu)
(seconds)

1.4 – 1.25 1

1.25 – 1.15 3

1.15 or lower Indefinitely

2. � VOLTAGE REGULATION SYSTEM (VRS)

Constant voltage control shall be required. Wind Turbine Generation
(WTG) technologies in combination with Static Var Controls, such as
Static Var Compensators (SVC), STATCOMs, DSTATCOMs are acceptable
options to comply with this requirement. A complete description of the
VRS control strategy shall be submitted for evaluation.

a)
Wind Generation Facilities (WGF) must have a continuously-variable,
continuously-acting, closed loop control VRS; i.e. an equivalent to the
Automatic Voltage Regulator in conventional machines.
b)
The VRS set-point shall be adjustable between 95% to 105% of rated
voltage at the POI. The VRS set-point must also be adjustable by
PREPA’s Energy Control Center via SCADA.
c)
The VRS shall operate only in a voltage set point control mode.
Controllers such as Power Factor or constant VAR are not permitted.
d)
The VRS controller regulation strategy shall be based on proportional
plus integral (PI) control actions with parallel reactive droop

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 compensation. The VRS Droop shall be adjustable from 0 to 10% and
must also be adjustable by PREPA’s Energy Control Center via SCADA.
e)
At zero percent (0%) droop, the VRS shall achieve a steady-state
voltage regulation accuracy of +/- 0.5% of the controlled voltage at
the POI.
f)
The VRS shall be calibrated such that a change in reactive power will
achieve 95% of its final value no later than 1 second following a step
change in voltage. The change in reactive power should not cause
excessive voltage excursions or overshoot.
g)
The generator facility VRS must be in service at any time the WGF is
electrically connected to the grid regardless of MW output from the
WGF.

Examples of possible VRS configurations:

The following examples serve as possible solutions for REF voltage

regulation and reactive power compensation.

Figure 2 Voltage Regulation at WGF

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 Figure 3 Voltage Regulation at single collector bus

Figure 4 Voltage regulation on a multiple collector bus injection at collector bus

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 Figure 5 Shared Voltage Regulation for multiple WGF at transmission system bus

3. �REACTIVE POWER CAPABILITY AND MINIMUM POWER FACTOR

REQUIREMENTS
The total power factor range shall be from 0.85 lagging to 0.85 leading at the
point of interconnection (POI). The reactive power requirements provide
flexibility for many types of technologies at the Renewable Energy Facility. The
intent is that a WGF can ramp the reactive power from 0.85 lagging to 0.85
leading in a smooth continuous fashion at the POI.

The +/- 0.90 power factor range should be dynamic and continuous at the point
of interconnection (POI). This means that the WGF has to be able to respond to
power system voltage fluctuations by continuously varying the reactive output of
the plant within the specified limits. The previously established power factor
dynamic range could be expanded if studies indicate that additional continuous,
dynamic compensation is required. It is required that the WGF reactive
capability meets +/- 0.85 Power Factor (PF) range based on the WGF Aggregated
MW Output, which is the maximum MVAr capability corresponding to maximum
MW Output. It is understood that positive (+) PF is where the WGF is producing
MVAr and negative (-) PF is where the WGF is absorbing MVAr.

This requirement of MVAr capability at maximum output shall be sustained

throughout the complete range of operation of the WGF as established by Figure
6.
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 Figure 6 Reactive Power Capability Curve

4. SHORT CIRCUIT RATIO (SCR) REQUIREMENTS:

Short Circuit Ratio values (System Short Circuit MVA at POI/WGF MVA Capacity)
under 5 shall not be permitted. The constructor shall be responsible for the
installation of additional equipment, such as synchronous condensers, and
controls necessary to comply with PREPA’s minimum short circuit requirements.

5. FREQUENCY RIDE THROUGH (FRT):

• 57.5 - 61.5 Hz No tripping (continuous)
• 61.5 - 62.5 Hz 30 sec
• 56.5 - 57.5 Hz 10 sec
• < 56.5 or > 62.5 Hz Instantaneous trip

6. FREQUENCY RESPONSE/REGULATION AND INERTIAL RESPONSE

WTG facility shall provide an immediate real power primary frequency response,
proportional to frequency deviations from scheduled frequency, similar to
governor response. The rate of real power response to frequency deviations
shall be similar to or more responsive than the droop characteristic of 5% used
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
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40
 by conventional generators. WTG facility shall have controls that provide both
down-regulation and up-regulation. Wind turbine technologies, in combination
with energy storage systems such as BESS, flywheels, hybrid systems are
acceptable options to comply with PREPA’s frequency regulation requirements.

For large frequency deviations (for example in excess of 0.3 Hz), the WGF shall
provide an immediate real power primary frequency response of at least 10% of
the maximum AC active power capacity (established in the contract) for a time
period not less than 10 minutes. The time response (full 10% frequency
response) shall be less than 1 second. During disturbances or situations that
provoke the system frequency to stay below 59.7 Hz for 10 minutes or more,
after the ninth minute the real power primary frequency response shall not
decrease at a ramp rate higher than 10% of the maximum AC active power
capacity per minute. For smaller frequency deviations (for example less than 0.3
Hz), the WGF response shall be proportional to the frequency deviation, based
on the specified 5% droop characteristic. The operational range of the frequency
response and regulation system shall be from 10% to 100% of the maximum AC
active power capacity (established in the contract). The WGF power output at
the POI shall never exceed the maximum AC active power (established in the
contract).

The WTG controls shall have the capability to provide inertial response.

7. �RAMP RATE CONTROL

Ramp Rate Control is required to smoothly transition from one output level to
another. The WTG facility shall be able to control the rate of change of power
output during some circumstances, including but not limited to: (1) rate of
increase of power (2) rate of decrease of power, (3) rate of increase of power
when a curtailment of power output is released; (4) rate of decrease in power
when curtailment limit is engaged. A 10 % per minute rate (based on nameplate
capacity) limitation shall be enforced. This limit applies both to the increase and
decrease of power output and is independent of meteorological conditions.

8. �POWER QUALITY
The developer shall address, in the design of their facilities potential sources and
mitigation of power quality degradation prior to interconnection. Design
considerations should include applicable standards including, but not limited to
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 IEEE Standards 142, 519, 1100, 1159, ANSI C84.1, IEC 61400-21, IEC 61000-3-7
and IEC 61000-3-6. Typical forms of power quality degradation include, but are
not limited to voltage regulation, voltage unbalance, harmonic distortion, flicker,
voltage sags/interruptions and transients.

The developer shall submit the Power Quality Tests Result Report of the wind
turbines as described in the IEC 61400-21 standard. This report includes: general
wind turbine data, wind turbine rated data at terminals, voltage fluctuations
coefficients (flicker coefficients), current harmonics components, current
interharmonics components, current high frequency components, response to
voltage drops, active power data, reactive power data, grid protection data and
reconnection time. The wind turbines shall not exceed the flicker emission limits
established by the IEC 61000-3-7 standard and the harmonics emission limits of
IEC 61000-3-6.

9. WIND POWER MANAGEMENT

WTG facility shall provide adequate technology (communicating technology and
the corresponding control equipment) and implement wind power management
requirements (ramp rate limits, output limits, curtailment) as established by
PREPA.

10. SPECIAL PROTECTION SCHEMES

WTG facility shall provide adequate technology and implement special
protection schemes as established by PREPA in coordination with wind power
management requirements.

11. WIND GENERATION FORECASTING SYSTEMS

WTG facility shall provide adequate technology to support wind generation
forecasting systems (short term and day-ahead) as established by PREPA.
Individual turbine’s availability shall be included.

12. GENERAL INTERCONNECTION SUBSTATION CONFIGURATION

An interconnecting generation producer must interconnect at an existing PREPA
switchyard. The configuration requirements of the interconnection depend on
where the physical interconnection is to occur and the performance of the
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 system with the proposed interconnection. The interconnection must conform,
at a minimum, to the original designed configuration of the switchyard. PREPA,
at its sole discretion, may consider different configurations due to physical
limitations at the site.

13. MODELING AND VALIDATION

The Contractor shall submit to PREPA a Siemens - PTI certified PSS/E
mathematical model and data related to the proposed WTG facility. When
referred to the WTG facility model, this shall include but is not limited to wind
generator, transformers, collector systems, plant controllers, control systems
and any other equipment necessary to properly model the WTG facility for both
steady-state and dynamic simulation modules. It is required that the Contractor
submits both an aggregate and detailed model of the WTG facility model. At a
later stage in the process, it is also required that the Contractor submits as-built
PSS/E mathematical models of the WTG facility.

The Contractor shall be required to submit user manuals for both the Wind
Turbine Generator and WTG Facility models including a complete and detailed
description of the voltage regulation system (VRS) and frequency regulation
system model implementation. The mathematical models shall be fully
compatible with the latest and future versions of PSS/E. It is preferred that the
models are PSS/E standard models. In the case that the Contractor submits user
written models, the Contractor shall be required to keep these models, as well as
its corresponding user manual, current with the future versions of the PSS/E
program until such time that PSS/E has implemented a standard model. The
Contractor shall submit to PREPA an official report from Siemens - PTI that
validates and certifies the required mathematical models, including subsequent
revisions. The data and PSS/E model shall also be updated and officially certified
according to PREPA requirements when final field adjustments and parameters
measurements and field tests are performed to the facility by the contractor.
The mathematical model (either PSS/E standard or user written model) of the
WTG facility shall be officially certified by Siemens - PTI before a specific and
validated PSS/E mathematical model of the complete WTG facility be submitted
to PREPA. The Contractor shall be responsible of submitting the official reports
and certifications from Siemens – PTI, otherwise the mathematical model shall
not be considered valid.

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 The Contractor shall be responsible to submit Siemens – PTI certified PSSE
mathematical models of any kind of compensation devices (ie. SVC, STATCOMs,
DSTATCOMs, BESS, etc.) used on the WTG facility. It is preferred that the models
are standard models provided with PSS/E. In the case that the Contractor
submits user written models, the WTG facility Contractor shall be required to
keep these models current with the future versions of the PSS/E program until
such time that PSS/E has implemented a standard model. In its final form, the
mathematical model shall be able to simulate each of the required control and
operational modes available for the compensation device and shall be
compatible with the latest and future versions of PSSE. Final adjustments and
parameters settings related with the control system commissioning process shall
be incorporated to the PSSE mathematical model and tested accordingly by the
WTG facility Contractor and PREPA system study groups. The Contractor shall
also perform on-site field tests for the identification, development, and
validation of the dynamic mathematical models and parameters required by
PREPA for any kind of compensation devices used at the WTG facility. The
mathematical models of the WTG facility and its required compensation devices
shall be officially certified by Siemens - PTI before a specific and validated PSS/E
mathematical model of the complete WTG facility be submitted to PREPA. The
Contractor shall be responsible of submitting the official reports and
certifications from Siemens – PTI, otherwise the mathematical models shall not
be considered valid.

WTG facility Owners that provide user written model(s) shall provide compiled
code of the model and are responsible to maintain the user written model
compatible with current and new releases of PSS/E until such time a standard
model is provided. PREPA must be permitted by the WGF Owner to make
available WGF models if required to external consultants with an NDA in place.

14. TRANSIENT MATHEMATICAL MODEL

The contractor shall be responsible of providing a detailed transient model of the
WTG facility and to show that it is capable of complying with PREPA’s transient
Minimum Technical Requirements.

15. DYNAMIC SYSTEM MONITORING EQUIPMENT

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The developer of the Renewable Energy Facility shall be required to provide and
install a dynamic system monitoring equipment that conforms to PREPA’s
specifications.

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 Appendix C: Minimum Technical Requirements of

Interconnection of PV Facilities (ver. Aug. 15, 2012)

This report is available at no cost from the

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 46
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
INTERCONNECTION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) FACILITIES
The proponent shall comply with the following minimum technical requirements:

1. �VOLTAGE RIDE-THROUGH:

Figure 1 Voltage Ride-Through Requirements

a.
PREPA’s Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Requirements:

i.
From Figure 1, PREPA requires all generation to remain online and
be able to ride-through three phase and single phase faults down
to 0.0 per-unit (measured at the point of interconnection), for up
to 600 ms.

ii.
All generation remains online and operating during and after
normally cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

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 iii.
All generation remains online and operating during backup-
cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

iv.
During the low voltage fault conditions, the PV facility shall
operate on reactive current injection mode. This mode of
operation shall be implemented with a reactive current droop
characteristic which shall have an adjustable slope from 1 to 5%.
A dead band of 15 % is required.

b.
PREPA’s Overvoltage Ride-Through (OVRT) Requirements:

i.
PREPA requires all generation to remain online and able to ride-
through symmetrical and asymmetrical overvoltage conditions
specified by the following values illustrated in Figure 1:

Minimum time to remain

Overvoltage (pu)
online

1.4 – 1.3 150 ms

1.3 – 1.25 1s

1.25 – 1.15 3s

1.15 or lower indefinitely

2. �VOLTAGE REGULATION SYSTEM (VRS)

Constant voltage control shall be required. Photovoltaic System
technologies in combination with Static Var Controls, such as Static Var
Compensators (SVCs), STATCOMs and DSTATCOMs are acceptable
options to comply with this requirement. A complete and detailed
description of the VRS control strategy shall be submitted for evaluation.

a)
Photovoltaic Facilities (PVF) must have a continuously-variable,
continuously-acting, closed loop control VRS; i.e. an equivalent to the
Automatic Voltage Regulator in conventional machines.
b)
The VRS set-point shall be adjustable between 95% to 105% of rated
voltage at the POI. The VRS set-point must also be adjustable by
PREPA’s Energy Control Center via SCADA.
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
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 c)
The VRS shall operate only in a voltage set point control mode.
Controllers such as Power Factor or constant VAR are not permitted.
d)
The VRS controller regulation strategy shall be based on proportional
plus integral (PI) control actions with parallel reactive droop
compensation. The VRS Droop shall be adjustable from 0 to 10%.
e)
At zero percent (0%) droop, the VRS shall achieve a steady-state
voltage regulation accuracy of +/- 0.5% of the controlled voltage at
the POI.
f)
The VRS shall be calibrated such that a change in reactive power will
achieve 95% of its final value no later than 1 second following a step
change in voltage. The change in reactive power should not cause
excessive voltage excursions or overshoot.
g)
The generator facility VRS must be in service at any time the PVF is
electrically connected to the grid regardless of MW output from the
PVF.
h)
The VRS dead band shall not exceed 0.1%.

3. �REACTIVE POWER CAPABILITY AND MINIMUM POWER

FACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The total power factor range shall be from 0.85 lagging to 0.85 leading at
the point of interconnection (POI). The reactive power requirements
provide flexibility for many types of technologies at the Renewable
Energy Facility. The intent is that a PVF can ramp the reactive power from
0.85 lagging to 0.85 leading in a smooth continuous fashion at the POI.

The +/- 0.90 power factor range should be dynamic and continuous at the
point of interconnection (POI). This means that the PVF has to be able to
respond to power system voltage fluctuations by continuously varying
the reactive output of the plant within the specified limits. The
previously established power factor dynamic range could be expanded if
studies indicate that additional continuous, dynamic compensation is
required. It is required that the PVF reactive capability meets +/- 0.85
Power Factor (PF) range based on the PVF Aggregated MW Output, which
is the maximum MVAr capability corresponding to maximum MW
Output. It is understood that positive (+) PF is where the PVF is producing
MVAr and negative (-) PF is where the PVF is absorbing MVAr.

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 This requirement of MVAr capability at maximum output shall be
sustained throughout the complete range of operation of the PVF as
established by Figure 2.

Figure 2 Reactive Power Capability Curve

4. SHORT CIRCUIT RATIO (SCR) REQUIREMENTS:

Short Circuit Ratio values (System Short Circuit MVA at POI/PV Facility MVA
Capacity) under 5 shall not be permitted. The constructor shall be
responsible for the installation of additional equipment, such as synchronous
condensers, and controls necessary to comply with PREPA’s minimum short
circuit requirements.

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5. FREQUENCY RIDE THROUGH (FRT):
�
• 57.5 - 61.5 Hz No tripping (continuous)
• 61.5 - 62.5 Hz 30 sec
• 56.5 - 57.5 Hz 10 sec
• < 56.5 or > 62.5 Hz Instantaneous trip

6. FREQUENCY RESPONSE/REGULATION:
PV facility shall provide an immediate real power primary frequency
response, proportional to frequency deviations from scheduled
frequency, similar to governor response. The rate of real power response
to frequency deviations shall be similar to or more responsive than the
droop characteristic of 5% used by conventional generators. PV facility
shall have controls that provide both for down-regulation and up-
regulation. PV technologies, in combination with energy storage systems
such as, but not limited to BESS, flywheels and hybrid systems are
acceptable options to comply with PREPA’s frequency response and
regulation requirements.

For small frequency deviations (for example less than 0.3 Hz), the PV
facility response shall be proportional to the frequency deviation, based
on the specified 5% droop characteristic. The frequency response dead
band shall not exceed 0.02%. For large frequency deviations (for example
in excess of 0.3 Hz), the PV facility shall provide an immediate real power
primary frequency response of at least 10% of the maximum AC active
power capacity (established in the contract). The time response (full 10%
frequency response) shall be less than 1 second.

If energy storage systems are utilized to comply with the frequency

regulation requirements, and during a disturbance the system frequency
stays below 59.7 Hz, the facility frequency response shall be maintained
for at least 9 minutes. After the ninth minute the real power primary
frequency response shall not decrease at a ramp rate higher than 10% of
the maximum AC active power capacity per minute.

The operational range of the frequency response and regulation system

shall be from 10% to 100% of the maximum AC active power capacity
(established in the contract). The PV facility power output at the POI
shall never exceed the maximum AC active power (established in the
contract).

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

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51
7. RAMP RATE CONTROL:
�
Ramp Rate Control is required to smoothly transition from one output
level to another. The PV facility shall be able to control the rate of change
of power output during some circumstances, including but not limited to:
(1) rate of increase of power, (2) rate of decrease of power, (3) rate of
increase of power when a curtailment of power output is released; (4)
rate of decrease in power when curtailment limit is engaged. A 10 % per
minute rate (based on AC contracted capacity) limitation shall be
enforced. This ramp rate limit applies both to the increase and decrease
of power output and is independent of meteorological conditions. The
ramp rate control tolerance shall be +10%.

8. POWER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:

The developer shall address, in the design of their facilities potential
sources and mitigation of power quality degradation prior to
interconnection. Design considerations should include applicable
standards including, but not limited to IEEE Standards 142, 519, 1100,
1159, and ANSI C84.1. Typical forms of power quality degradation
include, but are not limited to voltage regulation, voltage unbalance,
harmonic distortion, flicker, voltage sags/interruptions and transients.

9. SPECIAL PROTECTION SCHEMES:

PV facility shall provide adequate technology and implement special
protection schemes as established by PREPA in coordination with power
management requirements.

10. GENERAL INTERCONNECTION SUBSTATION

CONFIGURATION:
An interconnecting generation producer must interconnect at an existing
PREPA switchyard. The configuration requirements of the
interconnection depend on where the physical interconnection is to
occur and the performance of the system with the proposed
interconnection. The interconnection must conform, at a minimum, to
the original designed configuration of the switchyard. PREPA, at its sole
discretion, may consider different configurations due to physical
limitations at the site.

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

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52
11. MODELING AND VALIDATION
The Contractor shall submit to PREPA a Siemens - PTI certified PSS/E
mathematical model and data related to the proposed PV facility. When
referred to the PV facility model, this shall include but is not limited to PV
inverters, transformers, collector systems, plant controllers, control
systems and any other equipment necessary to properly model the PV
facility for both steady-state and dynamic simulation modules. It is
required that the Contractor submits both an aggregate and detailed
version of the PV facility model. At a later stage in the process, it is also
required that the Contractor submits as-built PSS/E mathematical models
of the PV Facility.

The Contractor shall be required to submit user manuals for both the PV
inverter and the PV facility models including a complete and detailed
description of the voltage regulation system (VRS) and frequency
regulation system model implementation. The mathematical models
shall be fully compatible with the latest and future versions of PSS/E. It is
preferred that the models are PSS/E standard models. In the case that
the Contractor submits user written models, the Contractor shall be
required to keep these models current with the future versions of the
PSS/E program until such time that PSS/E has implemented a standard
model. The Contractor shall submit to PREPA an official report from
Siemens - PTI that validates and certifies the required mathematical
models, including subsequent revisions. The data and PSS/E model shall
also be updated and officially certified according to PREPA requirements
when final field adjustments and parameters measurements and field
tests are performed to the facility by the contractor. The mathematical
model (either PSS/E standard or user written model) of the PV facility
shall be officially certified by Siemens - PTI before a specific and validated
PSS/E mathematical model of the complete PV facility be submitted to
PREPA. The Contractor shall be responsible of submitting the official
reports and certifications from Siemens – PTI, otherwise the
mathematical model shall not be considered valid.

The Contractor shall be responsible to submit Siemens – PTI certified

PSSE mathematical models of any kind of compensation devices (ie. SVC,
STATCOMs, DSTATCOMs, BESS, etc.) used on the PV facility. It is
preferred that the models are standard models provided with PSS/E. In
the case that the Contractor submits user written models, the PV facility
Contractor shall be required to keep these models current with the
future versions of the PSS/E program until such time that PSS/E has
implemented a standard model. In its final form, the mathematical
model shall be able to simulate each of the required control and
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
Minimum Technical Requirements for Photovoltaic Generation (PV) Projects
7
53
 operational modes available for the compensation device and shall be
compatible with the latest and future versions of PSSE. Final adjustments
and parameters settings related with the control system commissioning
process shall be incorporated to the PSSE mathematical model and tested
accordingly by the PV facility Contractor and PREPA system study groups.
The Contractor shall also perform on-site field tests for the identification,
development, and validation of the dynamic mathematical models and
parameters required by PREPA for any kind of compensation devices
used at the PV facility. The mathematical models of the PV facility and its
required compensation devices shall be officially certified by Siemens -
PTI before a specific and validated PSS/E mathematical model of the
complete PV facility be submitted to PREPA. The Contractor shall be
responsible of submitting the official reports and certifications from
Siemens – PTI, otherwise the mathematical models shall not be
considered valid.

PV facility Owners that provide user written model(s) shall provide

compiled code of the model and are responsible to maintain the user
written model compatible with current and new releases of PSS/E until
such time a standard model is provided. PREPA must be permitted by the
PV facility Owner to make available PV Facility models if required to
external consultants with an NDA in place.

12. TRANSIENT MATHEMATICAL MODEL

The Contractor shall be responsible of providing a detailed transient
model of the PV facility and to show that it is capable of complying with
PREPA’s transient Minimum Technical Requirements.

13. DYNAMIC SYSTEM MONITORING EQUIPMENT

The developer of the PV facility shall be required to provide and install a
dynamic system monitoring equipment that conforms to PREPA’s
specifications.

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

Minimum Technical Requirements for Photovoltaic Generation (PV) Projects
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 Appendix D: Minimum Technical Requirements of
Interconnection of Wind Facilities (ver. Aug. 15, 2012)

This report is available at no cost from the

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 55
at www.nrel.gov/publications.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCONNECTION OF WIND
TURBINE GENERATION (WTG) PROJECTS

The proponent shall comply with the following minimum technical requirements:

1. �VOLTAGE RIDE-THROUGH

Figure 1 Voltage Ride-Through Requirements

a.
PREPA’s Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Requirements:

i.
From Figure 1, PREPA requires all generation to remain online and
be able to ride-through three phase and single phase faults down
to 0.0 per-unit (measured on the point of interconnection), for up
to 600 ms.

ii.
All generation remains online and operating during and after
normally cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

iii.
All generation remains online and operating during backup-
cleared faults on the point of interconnection.

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

Minimum Technical Requirements for Wind Turbine Generation (WTG) Projects
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56
 iv.
During the low voltage fault conditions, the wind generation
facility shall operate on reactive current injection mode. This
mode of operation shall be implemented with a reactive current
droop characteristic which shall have an adjustable slope from 1
to 5%. A dead band of 15 % is required.

b.
PREPA’s Overvoltage Ride-Through (OVRT) Requirements:

i.
PREPA requires all generation to remain online and able to ride-
through symmetrical and asymmetrical overvoltage conditions
specified by the following values illustrated in Figure 1:

Overvoltage (pu) Minimum time to remain online

1.4 – 1.3 150 ms

1.3– 1.25 1s

1.25 – 1.15 3s

1.15 or lower Indefinitely

2. � VOLTAGE REGULATION SYSTEM (VRS)

Constant voltage control shall be required. Wind Turbine Generation
(WTG) technologies in combination with Static Var Controls, such as
Static Var Compensators (SVC), STATCOMs and DSTATCOMs are
acceptable options to comply with this requirement. A complete
description of the VRS control strategy shall be submitted for evaluation.

a)
Wind Generation Facilities (WGF) must have a continuously-variable,
continuously-acting, closed loop control VRS; i.e. an equivalent to the
Automatic Voltage Regulator in conventional machines.
b)
The VRS set-point shall be adjustable between 95% to 105% of rated
voltage at the POI. The VRS set-point must also be adjustable by
PREPA’s Energy Control Center via SCADA.

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

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c)
The VRS shall operate only in a voltage set point control mode.
Controllers such as Power Factor or constant VAR are not permitted.
d)
The VRS controller regulation strategy shall be based on proportional
plus integral (PI) control actions with parallel reactive droop
compensation. The VRS Droop shall be adjustable from 0 to 10%.
e)
At zero percent (0%) droop, the VRS shall achieve a steady-state
voltage regulation accuracy of +/- 0.5% of the controlled voltage at
the POI.
f)
The VRS shall be calibrated such that a change in reactive power will
achieve 95% of its final value no later than 1 second following a step
change in voltage. The change in reactive power should not cause
excessive voltage excursions or overshoot.
g)
The generator facility VRS must be in service at any time the WGF is
electrically connected to the grid regardless of MW output from the
WGF.
h)
The VRS dead band shall not exceed 0.1%.

Examples of possible VRS configurations:

The following examples serve as possible solutions for REF voltage

regulation and reactive power compensation.

Figure 2 Voltage Regulation at WGF

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 Figure 3 Voltage Regulation at single collector bus

ation on a multiple collector bus injection at collector bus

Figure 4 Voltage Regulation on a multiple collector bus injection at collector bus

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 Figure 5 Shared Voltage Regulation for multiple WGF at transmission system bus

3. �REACTIVE POWER CAPABILITY AND MINIMUM POWER FACTOR

REQUIREMENTS
The total power factor range shall be from 0.85 lagging to 0.85 leading at the
point of interconnection (POI). The reactive power requirements provide
flexibility for many types of technologies at the Renewable Energy Facility. The
intent is that a WGF can ramp the reactive power from 0.85 lagging to 0.85
leading in a smooth continuous fashion at the POI.

The +/- 0.90 power factor range should be dynamic and continuous at the point
of interconnection (POI). This means that the WGF has to be able to respond to
power system voltage fluctuations by continuously varying the reactive output of
the plant within the specified limits. The previously established power factor
dynamic range could be expanded if studies indicate that additional continuous,
dynamic compensation is required. It is required that the WGF reactive
capability meets +/- 0.85 Power Factor (PF) range based on the WGF Aggregated
MW Output, which is the maximum MVAr capability corresponding to maximum
MW Output. It is understood that positive (+) PF is where the WGF is producing
MVAr and negative (-) PF is where the WGF is absorbing MVAr.

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This requirement of MVAr capability at maximum output shall be sustained

throughout the complete range of operation of the WGF as established by figure 6.

Figure 6 Reactive Power Capability Curve

4. SHORT CIRCUIT RATIO (SCR) REQUIREMENTS:

Short Circuit Ratio values (System Short Circuit MVA at POI/WGF MVA Capacity)
under 5 shall not be permitted. The constructor shall be responsible for the
installation of additional equipment, such as synchronous condensers, and
controls necessary to comply with PREPA’s minimum short circuit requirements.

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5. FREQUENCY RIDE THROUGH (FRT):
�
• 57.5 - 61.5 Hz No tripping (continuous)
• 61.5 - 62.5 Hz 30 sec
• 56.5 - 57.5 Hz 10 sec
• < 56.5 or > 62.5 Hz Instantaneous trip

6. FREQUENCY RESPONSE/REGULATION AND INERTIAL RESPONSE

WTG facility shall provide an immediate real power primary frequency response,
proportional to frequency deviations from scheduled frequency, similar to
governor response. The rate of real power response to frequency deviations
shall be similar to or more responsive than the droop characteristic of 5% used
by conventional generators. WTG facility shall have controls that provide both
down-regulation and up-regulation. Wind turbine technologies, in combination
with energy storage systems such as BESS, flywheels and hybrid systems are
acceptable options to comply with PREPA’s frequency regulation requirements.

For small frequency deviations (for example less than 0.3 Hz), the WGF response
shall be proportional to the frequency deviation, based on the specified 5%
droop characteristic. The frequency response dead band shall not exceed 0.02%.
For large frequency deviations (for example in excess of 0.3 Hz), the WGF shall
provide an immediate real power primary frequency response of at least 10% of
the maximum AC active power capacity (established in the contract). The time
response (full 10% frequency response) shall be less than 1 second.

If energy storage systems are utilized to comply with the frequency regulation
requirements, and during a disturbance the system frequency stays below 59.7
Hz, the facility frequency response shall be maintained for at least 9 minutes.
After the ninth minute the real power primary frequency response shall not
decrease at a ramp rate higher than 10% of the maximum AC active power
capacity per minute.

The operational range of the frequency response and regulation system shall be
from 10% to 100% of the maximum AC active power capacity (established in the
contract). The WGF power output at the POI shall never exceed the maximum
AC active power (established in the contract).

The WTG controls shall have the capability to provide inertial response.
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7. RAMP RATE CONTROL
�

Ramp Rate Control is required to smoothly transition from one output level to
another. The WTG facility shall be able to control the rate of change of power
output during some circumstances, including but not limited to: (1) rate of
increase of power (2) rate of decrease of power, (3) rate of increase of power
when a curtailment of power output is released; (4) rate of decrease in power
when curtailment limit is engaged. A 10 % per minute rate (based on nameplate
capacity) limitation shall be enforced. This limit applies both to the increase and
decrease of power output and is independent of meteorological conditions. The
ramp rate control tolerance shall be +10%.

8. POWER QUALITY
The developer shall address, in the design of their facilities potential sources and
mitigation of power quality degradation prior to interconnection. Design
considerations should include applicable standards including, but not limited to
IEEE Standards 142, 519, 1100, 1159, ANSI C84.1, IEC 61400-21, IEC 61000-3-7
and IEC 61000-3-6. Typical forms of power quality degradation include, but are
not limited to voltage regulation, voltage unbalance, harmonic distortion, flicker,
voltage sags/interruptions and transients.

The developer shall submit the Power Quality Tests Result Report of the wind
turbines as described in the IEC 61400-21 standard. This report includes: general
wind turbine data, wind turbine rated data at terminals, voltage fluctuations
coefficients (flicker coefficients), current harmonics components, current
interharmonics components, current high frequency components, response to
voltage drops, active power data, reactive power data, grid protection data and
reconnection time. The wind turbines shall not exceed the flicker emission limits
established by the IEC 61000-3-7 standard and the harmonics emission limits of
IEC 61000-3-6.

9. WIND POWER MANAGEMENT

WTG facility shall provide adequate technology (communicating technology and
the corresponding control equipment) and implement wind power management
requirements (ramp rate limits, output limits, curtailment) as established by
PREPA.

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10. SPECIAL PROTECTION SCHEMES
WTG facility shall provide adequate technology and implement special
protection schemes as established by PREPA in coordination with wind power
management requirements.

11. WIND GENERATION FORECASTING SYSTEMS

WTG facility shall provide adequate technology to support wind generation
forecasting systems (short term and day-ahead) as established by PREPA.
Individual turbine’s availability shall be included.

12. GENERAL INTERCONNECTION SUBSTATION CONFIGURATION

An interconnecting generation producer must interconnect at an existing PREPA
switchyard. The configuration requirements of the interconnection depend on
where the physical interconnection is to occur and the performance of the
system with the proposed interconnection. The interconnection must conform,
at a minimum, to the original designed configuration of the switchyard. PREPA,
at its sole discretion, may consider different configurations due to physical
limitations at the site.

13. MODELING AND VALIDATION

The Contractor shall submit to PREPA a Siemens - PTI certified PSS/E
mathematical model and data related to the proposed WTG facility. When
referred to the WTG facility model, this shall include but is not limited to wind
generator, transformers, collector systems, plant controllers, control systems
and any other equipment necessary to properly model the WTG facility for both
steady-state and dynamic simulation modules. It is required that the Contractor
submits both an aggregate and detailed model of the WTG facility model. At a
later stage in the process, it is also required that the Contractor submits as-built
PSS/E mathematical models of the WTG facility.

The Contractor shall be required to submit user manuals for both the Wind
Turbine Generator and WTG Facility models including a complete and detailed
description of the voltage regulation system (VRS) and frequency regulation
system model implementation. The mathematical models shall be fully
compatible with the latest and future versions of PSS/E. It is preferred that the
models are PSS/E standard models. In the case that the Contractor submits user
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written models, the Contractor shall be required to keep these models, as well as
its corresponding user manual, current with the future versions of the PSS/E
program until such time that PSS/E has implemented a standard model. The
Contractor shall submit to PREPA an official report from Siemens - PTI that
validates and certifies the required mathematical models, including subsequent
revisions. The data and PSS/E model shall also be updated and officially certified
according to PREPA requirements when final field adjustments and parameters
measurements and field tests are performed to the facility by the contractor.
The mathematical model (either PSS/E standard or user written model) of the
WTG facility shall be officially certified by Siemens - PTI before a specific and
validated PSS/E mathematical model of the complete WTG facility be submitted
to PREPA. The Contractor shall be responsible of submitting the official reports
and certifications from Siemens – PTI, otherwise the mathematical model shall
not be considered valid.

The Contractor shall be responsible to submit Siemens – PTI certified PSSE

mathematical models of any kind of compensation devices (ie. SVC, STATCOMs,
DSTATCOMs, BESS, etc.) used on the WTG facility. It is preferred that the models
are standard models provided with PSS/E. In the case that the Contractor
submits user written models, the WTG facility Contractor shall be required to
keep these models current with the future versions of the PSS/E program until
such time that PSS/E has implemented a standard model. In its final form, the
mathematical model shall be able to simulate each of the required control and
operational modes available for the compensation device and shall be
compatible with the latest and future versions of PSSE. Final adjustments and
parameters settings related with the control system commissioning process shall
be incorporated to the PSSE mathematical model and tested accordingly by the
WTG facility Contractor and PREPA system study groups. The Contractor shall
also perform on-site field tests for the identification, development, and
validation of the dynamic mathematical models and parameters required by
PREPA for any kind of compensation devices used at the WTG facility. The
mathematical models of the WTG facility and its required compensation devices
shall be officially certified by Siemens - PTI before a specific and validated PSS/E
mathematical model of the complete WTG facility be submitted to PREPA. The
Contractor shall be responsible of submitting the official reports and
certifications from Siemens – PTI, otherwise the mathematical models shall not
be considered valid.

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 WTG facility Owners that provide user written model(s) shall provide compiled
code of the model and are responsible to maintain the user written model
compatible with current and new releases of PSS/E until such time a standard
model is provided. PREPA must be permitted by the WGF Owner to make
available WGF models if required to external consultants with an NDA in place.

14. TRANSIENT MATHEMATICAL MODEL

The contractor shall be responsible of providing a detailed transient model of the
WTG facility and to show that it is capable of complying with PREPA’s transient
Minimum Technical Requirements.

15. DYNAMIC SYSTEM MONITORING EQUIPMENT

The developer of the Renewable Energy Facility shall be required to provide and
install a dynamic system monitoring equipment that conforms to PREPA’s
specifications.

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