Alstom works with ScottishPower Energy Networks to strengthen Scottish grid with sub-synchronous oscillation monitoring

Alstom Grid has been awarded a contract by ScottishPower Energy Networks, the transmission and distribution network operator in Central and Southern Scotland, to strengthen Scottish grid with the provision of sub-synchronous oscillation monitoring and detection capabilities. This contract includes a grid monitoring and detection system for real-time early warning of sub-synchronous oscillations (SSO) and off-line analysis of system behaviour related to the physical effects of series compensation and HVDC systems on nearby generation units.

ScottishPower is installing series compensation at four locations on key transmission lines to reduce impedance and increase power transfer capability, releasing capacity for more generation where renewable energy resources are plentiful. Series compensation introduces new natural frequencies of oscillation that can interact with thermal and renewable generation in certain circumstances. Whilst studies, planning, design, and protection systems can reduce the risk of occurrence and damage from the resonance effect, SSO focused situational awareness tools for use in operational timescales will also form a key element in the overall risk mitigation strategy.

The projects overall monitoring and detection system is being designed and implemented by Psymetrix, Alstoms centre of excellence for Wide Area Monitoring Systems located in Edinburgh, Scotland. This includes e-terraphasorpoint software and servers, system training and workshops. In addition, Reason RPV311 multifunction phasor measurement and digital fault recording units will be installed at a number of ScottishPower Energy Networks substations, including series capacitor and power station sites. The RPV311 delivers accurate precision time power system measurements and specialist harmonic data required for grid stability applications. The RPV311 devices will be provided by Reason, an Alstom Company acquired in January 2014, located in Florianópolis, Brazil.

This project will mitigate the risk of unwanted interactions between generation plants by improving the knowledge of SSO behaviour. It will produce early warning signs suitable for control-room alarming, before plants are at risk of damage. Since the power plants most exposed to SSO are large nuclear and thermal units, the potential benefit is significant.

About Alstom
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 93,000 people in around 100 countries. It had sales of over 20 billion and booked 21.5 billion in orders in 2013/14.

Alstom Grid has one clear vision: to develop innovative solutions for a flexible, reliable, affordable and sustainable electrical grid, everywhere. We design, manufacture, install and service the power transmission and distribution products and systems that empower the planets low carbon economy... for now and for the future.

Alstom Grid has over 130 years experience and ranks among the top three in the electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of 3.8 billion. Alstom Grids 17,000 employees are spread across 87 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide and have one common mission: be our customers trusted partner, from the source to the city.
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Press contacts
Aline Besselièvre (Alstom Grid) Tel: +33 1 49 01 67 60; aline.besselievre@alstom.com
Jonathan Smith (Alstom UK) Tel: +44 1788545602; jonathan.smith@chq.alstom.com

Websites: www.alstom.com; www.alstom.com/grid