Cutting grid dependence

Arguably the largest issue currently garnering attention in the utility and process control space is that of energy. Oil shortages, fuel, electricity price spikes and the unprecedented halt of the electricity trading market on the east coast of Australia have jolted us from our COVID-19 haze, drawing focus once again to the topic of renewables and what role they can play: for so long just seen as an environmental saviour, now there is wider appeal in lowering the cost of energy.

The latest Integrated System Plan (ISP) from AEMO highlights looming step changes, the most promising of which is the forecast of total renewables generation at 83% by 2030. However, to achieve this some major investment in the grid is required: investment that needs to be focused on latest technology use for more intelligent control, not just a repeat of attempting to ‘gold plate’ the transmission network.

Part of the AEMO plan is to address increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). Projects like Edge and Symphony could help to prevent oversupply, although to achieve a more tightly integrated and stable grid we need to look further to technologies such as digital twins and virtual microgrids. Learnings from projects such as Horizon Power’s Onslow 100% renewable microgrid — a world first — should also be applied.

Artificially splitting larger grids like the NEM into virtual micro grids (VMG) can expand on the current approach of dynamic operating envelopes (DOE). The key difference is that a VMG leverages real-world, real-time data to provide closed-loop control functionality. The virtual approach is to account for the lack of islanding capability and the potential for many feeders.

The benefit of a VMG approach is that DOEs do not account for self-consumed power, just a theoretical maximum in a set region. Virtual microgrids also leverage real-world conditions to ensure stable, reliable power in all sectors of the power grid. It’s important to note that DOEs are designed to prevent overloading (high voltage) and that microgrids are designed for more active control and quality (frequency and voltage) within the power grid while maximising green resources.

A VMG also allows us to work within grid limitations, so upgrades to transmission infrastructure can be avoided through software control.

While the grid and grid operators are doing their bit to try and help with this transition, there are some steps industry should consider. The first is helping in the transition by being more self-sufficient: add renewable generation that complements your load profiles. The technology that grid operators are using is available to the general market, so implementing virtual microgrids within a factory, a processing plant or a cold storage facility is entirely possible. You don’t have to cut your grid connection, but you can reduce your grid dependence. A battery storage solution would be needed, but the technology has advanced significantly and there are friendlier, less volatile options than lithium ion.

The Australian energy transition has been spurred on by a few drivers, with frequent bushfires and floods highlighting a need for change, as well as rising energy costs and aging infrastructure. As an engineer in Australia, it’s an exciting time. We are seeing generational shifts, with Australia well positioned to lead the world on some key industry-driven initiatives.

Daniel Watson is Automation Solutions Innovator at Yokogawa. Having majored in power engineering and worked in traditional generation, he has always had a passion for the power industry. With the Yokogawa PXiSE Acquisition he finds himself back at the forefront of power industry technology this time for a more sustainable future.

Image: ©stock.adobe.com/au/krisana