Intermittent Renewable Resources (IRR)

Wind & PV
Transmission Interconnection Code (TIC)

Contents

IRR-TIC 1. Introduction 1

IRR-TIC 2. Scope 1

IRR-TIC 3. Definitions and Acronyms 2

IRR-TIC 4. Frequency Requirements 3

IRR-TIC 4.1. Relaying Requirements 3
IRR-TIC 4.2. Active Power Requirements 4
IRR-TIC 4.3. Primary Frequency Response (PFR) 4

IRR-TIC 5. Voltage Requirements 6

IRR-TIC 5.1. Voltage Range & Relaying Requirements 6
IRR-TIC 5.2. Reactive Power Requirements 7
IRR-TIC 5.3. Fault Ride Through (Zero and LVRT) 9
IRR-TIC 5.4. High Voltage Ride Through (HVRT) 10
IRR-TIC 5.5. Reactive Current Injection & Fast Voltage Control 10
IRR-TIC 5.6. Grid Connected Transformer Configuration 12

IRR-TIC 6. Voltage Flicker 12

IRR-TIC 7. Harmonics 13
IRR-TIC 7.1. Harmonic Distortion 13
IRR-TIC 7.2. Inter-harmonics 15
IRR-TIC 7.3. Sub-synchronous Resonance 15

IRR-TIC 8. Ramp Rate 15

IRR-TIC 9. Phase Imbalance & Negative Sequence Handling 16

IRR-TIC 10. Data Requirements& Studies 17

IRR-TIC 10.1. Studies 17
IRR-TIC 10.2. Technical Data 17

IRR-TIC 07/16/2015
 IRR-TIC 10.3. Resource Forecasts 17

IRR-TIC 11. Signals, Communications and Controls 17

IRR-TIC Appendix 1 Study Requirements 19

Appendix 1.1 Steady State Studies 19
Appendix 1.2 Transient Analysis and Power Quality Studies 20
Appendix 1.3 Requirements concerning Harmonic Emissions and Grid
Resonances 20

IRR-TIC Appendix 2 Interconnection Request 21

Appendix 1 - Attachment A Generating Facility Data 23

Document Version Date

IRR-TIC Version 1 May 24, 2015
Version 2 Jul 16, 2015

IRR-TIC 07/16/2015
 IRR-TIC 1. Introduction
All Generators connecting to the Transmission System must comply with the National
Electric Power Company (NEPCO) Grid Code. However the Grid Code was originally
developed assuming synchronous generators. Wind Farm (WF) generators and Photovoltaic
(PV) generators, collectively in the category of Intermittent Renewable Resources (IRR)s,
merit provisions of the Grid Code specifically for them. This document, Intermittent
Renewable Resource (IRR) Transmission Interconnection Code (TIC), establishes the
technical Interconnection Code rules which IRRs must comply with in relation to their
connection requirements to the Transmission System.

Although the grid code provided in this document was written with WF and PV generators in
mind, it also may be extended to all IRRs.

IRR-TIC 2. Scope
The primary objective of this document is to establish the technical rules which IRRs must
comply with in relation to their connection to and operation on the Transmission Network.

IRR-TIC applies to:

 IRRs that are connected to NEPCO‟s network, where the Transmission Network is as
defined in the Grid Code at 132 kV or higher, and at the 33 kV at NEPCO substation
busbars.
 IRRs connected to the Distribution System and that affect the Transmission System
as defined and determined per the IRR-DCC-MV.

In addition to compliance with IRR-TIC, IRRs are required to comply with the Grid Code,
including in particular, yet not limited to, the following sections of the Grid Code:
 GC - General Conditions
 PC - Planning Code
 PC Appendix A excluding
o PCA 1.3.3
o PCA 2.3
 CC- Connection Conditions excluding:
o CC 5.2.3
IRRs shall also comply with the following:
 OC – Operating Code excluding
o OC 3.6.2
o OC 10.7.5
 SDC – Scheduling and Dispatch Code
 MC – Metering Code

Where the IRR-TIC may conflict with the Grid Code, the IRR-TIC shall override. Language
in the Interconnection Agreement & other Agreements (such as Power Purchase Agreement)
for an IRR with NEPCO shall override both IRR-TIC and the Grid Code. “IRR” is
interchangeable with “Generating Unit” and “Plant” in the Grid Code.

IRR-TIC Page 1 07/16/2015

 IRR-TIC 3. Definitions and Acronyms
Where otherwise not defined here, definitions are as provided in the Grid Code.

Active Power: The product of voltage and the in-phase component of alternating current
(normally measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW)).
Active Power Control: The automatic change in Active Power output from IRR in a response to
an Active Power Control Set-Point received from NEPCO.
Active-Power Control Set-point: The maximum amount of Active Power in MW, set by
NEPCO, which the IRR is permitted to export.
Available Active Power: The amount of Active Power that the IRR could produce based on
current resource conditions. Generally for an IRR the Available Active Power is
the same as the Active Power.
Distribution System: As defined in the Grid Code.
Grid Code: NEPCO Transmission Grid Code, First Amendment Version, February 2010
Frequency Response: Is the automatic decrease or increase in active power output of an IRR in
response to a system frequency rise or fall, in accordance with primary control
capability
HV: High voltage at 132 kV and above.
HVRT: High voltage ride-through
IRR: Intermittent Renewable Resource, A Generation Resource that can only produce
energy from variable, uncontrollable resources, such as wind or solar.
IRR Unit: One inverter block (for PV) or one turbine (for wind) along with its transformer,
which is the basic unit generator in an IRR plant which may include several of
such units in a collection system configuration.
IRR Nominal Capacity: The maximum output of the IRR plant, as registered with NEPCO
under an agreement, which is also referred to as the Maximum Export Capacity at
the PCC.
IRR-TIC: Intermittent Renewable Resource – Transmission Interconnection Code, as
presented in this document in whole or in part
LVRT: Low voltage ride-through
MV: Medium Voltage, 33 KV
NEPCO: National Electric Power Company of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
PCC: Point of Common Coupling located on the high or medium voltage side of the
substation of the IRR that connects to NEPCO‟s facilities. It can reach up to the
incoming cable sealing ends.
PFR: Primary Frequency Response. The instantaneous proportional increase or
decrease in real power output provided by a generation resource and the natural
real power dampening response provided by load in response to system frequency
deviations. This response is in the direction that stabilizes frequency
PV: Photovoltaic generating plant consisting of several inverters as collection systems
connected to the point of common coupling via a solar farm collector grid
Reactive Power: The product of voltage and the out-of-phase component of alternating current
(normally measured in kilovars (kVAr) or megavars (MVAr)).Reactive Power is
produced by capacitors, overexcited generators and other capacitive devices
and is absorbed by reactors, under-excited generators and other inductive
devices
SSR: Subsynchronous Resonance. SSR is a phenomenon involving coincident
oscillation between two or more Transmission Elements or Generation
Resources at frequencies lower than the normal operating frequency (50 Hz)
Transmission System: Used interchangeably with Transmission Network, where the latter is
defined in the Grid Code

IRR-TIC Page 2 07/16/2015

WF: Wind farm generating plant consisting of several wind turbines connected to the
point of common coupling via a wind farm collector grid

Generator active/reactive power sign/direction conventions:

Active power output from a generator is positive (+) flow.

Lagging power factor operating condition is when reactive power flow is out of the
Generation Resource (overexcited generator) and is considered to be positive (+) flow, i.e., in
the same direction as active power flow. The generator is producing reactive power
(capacitive).

Leading power factor operating condition is when reactive power flow is into the Generation
Resource (under-excited generator) and is considered to be negative (-) flow, i.e., in the
opposite direction to active power flow. The generator is absorbing reactive power
(inductive).

Unity power factor operating condition is when no reactive power is flowing from or out of
the Generation Resource (normally excited generator).

IRR-TIC 4. Frequency Requirements

IRR-TIC 4.1. Relaying Requirements

Under extreme system fault conditions all IRR units must be disconnected at a frequency
greater than 51.5Hz. At a frequency less than 47.5 Hz the generator may be disconnected (in
accordance with Table ‎4-1).Where under and over frequency relays are installed, these relays
shall be set such that the automatic removal of the IRR from NEPCO‟s Transmission Network
meets the requirements shown in Table ‎4-1. NEPCO however may specify slightly different
tripping points for various generators in order to avoid having all generators on the
Transmission Network trip at the same time in a frequency constraint

Table ‎4-1 - Frequency Relaying Requirements

Frequency Range Delay to Trip
51.5 Hz < Freq .5s
47.5 Hz ≤ Freq ≤ 51.5 Hz Continuous Operation
47.0 Hz < Freq < 47.5 Hz 20s
Freq ≤ 47.0 Hz .5s

Additionally:
 No additional IRR shall be started while the Transmission System Frequency is above
50.5Hz.

IRR-TIC Page 3 07/16/2015

  The operational characteristics of the relay operation must be coordinated with other
control systems of the IRR (such as excitation, frequency (speed) governor response, and
other controls where applicable).
.

IRR-TIC 4.2. Active Power Requirements

IRR plants shall be capable of operating at reduced power output after receiving a signal from
the Transmission System operator. The following should be implemented, but not activated.
It has to be activated upon request from the Transmission System operator anytime.

The generating plants must be capable of reducing their active power in steps amounting to a
maximum 10% of the rated Nominal Capacity at the PCC. This power reduction must be
possible in any operating condition and from any operating point to a target value given by
the Transmission Network operator (NEPCO). This target value is normally preset without
steps or in steps, and corresponds to a percentage of the Nominal Capacity.

The reduction of the power output to the respective target value must be realized without delay, at
the maximum Ramp Rate, from receiving the signal from the Transmission Network operator.

The Transmission Network operator shall not interfere in the control of the IRR; it shall only
be responsible for signaling and coordinating.

IRR-TIC 4.3. Primary Frequency Response (PFR)

IRRs that have capacity available to either increase output or decrease output in real-time
must provide PFR, which may make use of that available capacity response to Transmission
System frequency deviations. The PFR shall be similar to the droop characteristic of the
governor system used by conventional steam generators. The governor droop shall be set by
NEPCO and be in the range of 2% to 10%, with a default of 5%.

The generation resource automatic control system design shall have an adjustable dead band
that defaults at +/- 0.03 Hz. This dead band means that until frequency error is beyond a
threshold, the governor ignores it. When frequency error exceeds the threshold (.03 Hz, or 30
mHz by convention) the governor becomes active.

All IRRs in operation must reduce their instantaneous active power output when the system
frequency is more than 50.5 Hz as shown in Figure 4-1(a) with a default droop of 5%.

Additionally all IRRs in operation must increase their instantaneous active power output
when the system frequency is below 49.5 Hz as shown in Figure 4-1(b) with a default droop of
5% provided that the Active Power Set Point is below the maximum available instantaneous
power.

The default droop of 5% means 100% change in power output for 5% frequency deviation,
which also translates to decreasing output at a gradient of 40% of the generator‟s
instantaneously available capacity per Hz as illustrated in Figure ‎4-2 .
The Active Power Set Point could be in any value between 100% and down to 10% of the
available active power. The Active Power Set Point shall correspond to NEPCO‟s operator.

IRR-TIC Page 4 07/16/2015

Points A, B, C, D and E depend on a combination of the Transmission System Frequency,
Active Power and Active Power Control Set-point settings, and may be different for each
IRR depending on system conditions and IRR location. Points A, B, C, D and E therefore
may be adjusted by NEPCO to accommodate requirements for system reliability which will
be communicated to and agreed upon with the IRR on a case by case basis.

Controllable IRR Active Power Output

A
as a % of Available Active Power

B
Active Power
Set Point

C
50.00 50.50 51.00 51.50 52.00
Frequency (HZ)
(a)
Controllable IRR Active Power Output
as a % of Available Active Power

Active Power
Set Point

47 48 49 50
Frequency (HZ)
(b)
Figure ‎4-1 - Power-Frequency Response Curve

Figure ‎4-2–Default droop of 5% - Active power reduction at ~ 50.5 Hz grid

frequency with a gradient of 40%

IRR-TIC Page 5 07/16/2015

Controllable IRR Frequency Response and Governor Droop shall be calculated with respect
to the IRR Nominal Capacity. A controllable IRR can provide low frequency support only if
the Active Power Control set-point is less than the Available Active Power.

Alterations to the Active Power Control Set-point may be requested in real-time by NEPCO
and the implementation of the set-point shall commence within 10 seconds of receipt of the
signal from NEPCO.

Alterations to the Active Power output, triggered by Transmission System Frequency

changes, shall be achieved by proportionately altering the Active Power output of all
available IRR units as opposed to switching individual units on or off, where possible.

No time delay other than those necessarily inherent in the design of the Frequency Response
System and communications shall be introduced. The Frequency Response System shall
continuously monitor the Transmission System Frequency in order to continuously determine
the IRR‟s appropriate Active Power output.

If the Transmission System Frequency rises to a level above „B‟-‟C‟, as defined by the
Power-Frequency Response Curve in Figure 4-1(a), the IRR will not be required to provide
frequency response service and shall disconnect in accordance with the time delays set in
Table 4‎ -1. Any IRR which has disconnected shall be brought back in collaboration with the
network operator (NEPCO) as fast as technically feasible (provided the Transmission System
Frequency has fallen below 50.5 Hz).

IRR-TIC 5. Voltage Requirements

IRR-TIC 5.1. Voltage Range & Relaying Requirements

NEPCO Grid Code defines that the transmission network under Normal Operation shall
operate within the ranges shown in Table ‎5-1.

Table ‎5-1–Voltage Range for Normal Operation

Voltage Level IRR Continuous Operation Range
132 kV system 118.8 kV (-10%) to 145.2 kV (+10%)
33 kV system 29.7 kV (-10%) to 36.3 kV (+10%)

IRRs shall remain continuously connected to the Transmission Network at maximum

Available Active Power or controlled Active Power output for normal and disturbed system
conditions for step changes in Transmission System voltage of up to 10 % as shown in Table
‎5-2.

IRR-TIC Page 6 07/16/2015

 Table ‎5-2 - Voltage Relaying Requirements
Voltage Range (% Vnominal) Delay to Trip
120 ≤ V No Time Delay
115≤V <120 .2s
110<V <115 60s*
90 ≤ V ≤ 110 Continuous Operation
80≤ V <90 180s*
0< V<80 0.25s to 2.5s per LVRT graph
V=0 .25 s

*IRRs with equipment capable of staying on-line for longer duration must activate that capability in
coordination with NEPCO

Line-to-line voltage
level in % of
Nominal
120 HVRT
115 0.2s requirement
110 60s minimum
105 Disconnection
100 permitted
Continuous
Disconnection
95
90
85 180s minimum
80
75
LVRT
70
requirement
65
60
55
50
46.5 47 47.5 48 48.5 49 49.5 50 50.5 51 51.5 52
Frequency in Hz

Figure ‎5-1 - Required Duration of Operation of an IRR covering PCC Voltage range
and Nominal Frequency Range

IRR-TIC 5.2. Reactive Power Requirements

It must be possible to operate the IRR plant in reactive power control mode, and follow any
operating point within the range cos φ = 0.95 leading under-excited (inductive) to cos φ =
0.85 lagging over-excited (capacitive) at PCC as shown in Figure 5-2.

For active power supply below the nominal power Figure 5-2 indicates the minimum reactive
power and power factor requirements.

IRR-TIC Page 7 07/16/2015

 .95
pf
.85
pf

Figure ‎5-2 - Minimum PQ Diagram to be fulfilled by IRR plant

Additionally the full lagging reactive capability of 0.85 pf of the IRR Nominal Capacity shall
be made available at 100% to 90% of the nominal voltage. The full leading reactive
capability of 0.95 pf of the IRR Nominal Capacity shall be made available at 100% to 110%
of the nominal voltage. The reactive support must be dynamic in nature for the equivalent of
the nominal plant (sum of IRR) capacity, and the rest of the reactive support may be provided
by automatically switched capacitors or better at the point of interconnection.

The IRR shall be capable to provide reactive power support in any of three modes: voltage set
point control, power factor set point, or reactive power set point control. An implementation
example for the steady-state VAr settings and controller design are shown in Figure 5-3.

Figure ‎5-3 - Definition and Control of PCC Reactive Power

IRR-TIC Page 8 07/16/2015

The rate of change for the reactive support in VArs (Q) shall satisfy the following
requirements:
 Rate of change from zero to the Maximum or Minimum VAr support (0 to Qmax or 0
to Qmin) shall be achievable within 2 to 5 seconds
 Rate of change to swing the support between the Maximum and Minimum VAr
support (Qmax to Qmin or Qmin to Qmax) shall be achievable within 10 seconds.

IRR-TIC 5.3. Fault Ride Through (Zero and LVRT)

The Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) specifies the capability range for IRRs to remain
connected to the system during and following grid faults, including the requirement to
participate in the dynamic voltage control. The dynamic voltage control, to be superimposed
on the steady state voltage control, is to be implemented as a fast local control to change the
reactive current output of the IRR as necessary to counter the sudden voltage change resulting
from grid faults and disturbances.

A voltage fall below the red line triggers the permitted disconnection of the unit. IRR must
be capable of remaining connected at or above this limit during and immediately after any
short circuit, balanced or unbalanced, which is correctly isolated by protection schemes even
in the case of action by the second level protection. IRR must survive a zero voltage dip of at
least the depth shown in the solid red line at the PCC in Figure ‎5-4.

1.1
1
0.9
Per Unite Voltage at the PCC (V/Vm)

0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
LVRT Border Line
0.1
0
0 .25 2.5 180

Instant of Fault Time in seconds

Occurrence

Figure ‎5-4 - Definition of Voltage Characteristic at the PCC for LVRT

During the Transmission System Voltage dip the IRR shall provide Active Power in
proportion to retained voltage and maximize reactive current to the Transmission System.
The maximization of reactive current shall continue for at least 250 ms or until the
Transmission System Voltage recovers to within the normal operational range of the

IRR-TIC Page 9 07/16/2015

 Transmission Network, whichever is the sooner. IRRs must survive any incident of this
severity in the voltage dip and duration.

In case the IRR trips through low voltage, the IRR shall recover, at the minimum, 90% of
their generation prior to the incident or as declared by the IRR to NEPCO as available
from the resource, whichever is greater, as quickly as the technology allows, but within
no more than one minute after the voltage has recovered to its normal operating range.

IRR-TIC 5.4. High Voltage Ride Through (HVRT)

The curves in Figure ‎5-5 refer to the positive sequence voltage at the fundamental frequency.
Exceeding the solid border line triggers the immediate disconnection of the unit. IRRs must
be capable of remaining connected at or below this limit during and immediately after any
system condition. Any other disturbances as well should not result in the border line shown
in Figure ‎5-5 being crossed. These are minimum requirements; however NEPCO requires
equipment that is capable of riding through higher voltage and longer duration to deploy their
full capability in coordination with NEPCO.

Positive sequence
voltage at
fundamental
frequency in p.u.

1.3
Border Line
1.2

1.1

0.9
Typical voltage
behavior
0.8
0 0.2 60 Time in seconds

Instant of Fault Occurrence

Figure ‎5-5 - Definition of Voltage Characteristic at the PCC for HVRT

IRR-TIC 5.5. Reactive Current Injection & Fast Voltage Control

IRR must be capable of operating in a voltage control mode to maintain the voltage at the
PCC to stay at a set point provided by NEPCO to the IRR. The voltage setting requirement
shall be within the normal operating range of the system (+/- 10% of nominal). The

IRR-TIC Page 10 07/16/2015

following is a guideline of possible specifications of the Reactive Current Injection; however
NEPCO will dictate the specifications to the IRR based on their technology and location.

IRR must respond to a sudden voltage decrease/increase with the corresponding fast positive
sequence fundamental frequency reactive current output in accordance with Figure ‎5-6. The
requirements refer to the PCC. It is recommended to implement fast voltage controller
functionality at the IRR level corresponding to the requirements below. However, to fulfill
these requirements at the PCC, under certain circumstances, higher requirements must be
implemented at IRR level as indicated in Figure ‎5-6. It is at the discretion of the IRR whether
only IRR units or other VAr equipment like STATCOM close to the PCC are installed for
VAr generation and fast voltage control of dynamic nature.

Figure ‎5-6
shows the required dynamic gain of the voltage controller. A controller with higher
dynamic gain (e.g. by implementing proportional-differential controller characteristic) is
acceptable as long as the stability of the voltage controller is guaranteed.

Positive Sequence
fundamental frequency
reactive curent
ΔiQ1 in p.u
1.0

0.5
Positive Sequence
0.0 fundamental frequency
-1.2 -1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 voltage drop/rise
0.5 ΔV1 in p.u.
Current injection for 1.0
voltage support must be possible over 0.5 s
(capacitive) 1.5 1.2(minimum requirement; more
current injection is desirable)
2.0

2.5
± 10% Deadband during Normal Operation

Figure ‎5-6 –Voltage Controller Characteristic

During Fault Ride-Through mode reasonable reduction of active current in favor of reactive
current supply is allowed.

The positive sequence voltage drop or rise is defined with respect to the pre-fault 30-second-
average voltage. It is allowed to calculate this value continuously including the low/high
voltage periods (moving voltage average of the past 30 seconds).

v1v1,Fault v1(30 s )

iQ,1iQ,1(t 0) k1v1

where iQ,1(t 0) represents the reactive current before the fault occurrence. The injected
IRR-TIC Page 11 07/16/2015
reactive current represents an addition to the steady-state reactive current supplied before the
fault.

Figure ‎5-7demonstrates the minimum dynamic requirements of the voltage controller based
on the step response for the fast reactive current injection with the corresponding rise and
settling times.

Rise Time < 30 ms

Settling Times < 60 ms

The step response of the reactive current must be well damped (damping ratio >5%) and
should settle at the steady-state value.

Figure ‎5-7–Illustration of Min Step Response for Required Reactive Current

IRR-TIC 5.6. Grid Connected Transformer Configuration

IRRs shall provide on-load tap-changing (OLTC) facilities the IRR Plant central Grid
Connected power transformer. All IRRs shall coordinate with NEPCO on the design
specification for the performance of the tap-changing facility of the Grid Connected
Transformer.

The IRR Grid Connected Transformers connection configuration must be pre-approved in

writing by NEPCO.

Tap changing steps shall be proposed to NEPCO and pre-approved for the project, and shall
be designed to ensure that the IRR units can comply with the IRR-TIC requirements.

IRR-TIC 6. Voltage Flicker

Voltage Flicker is the rapid change in voltage that distorts or interferes with the normal
sinusoidal voltage waveform of the Transmission Network. Such interference is a product of

IRR-TIC Page 12 07/16/2015

a relatively large current inrush when Apparatus, such as a large motor, is suddenly switched
on, or resulting from the sudden increased Demand from for example welding equipment.

The current inrush acting over the Network impedance results in a voltage dip (sudden fall)
and/or voltage swell (sudden rise), therefore the Voltage Flicker, as well as when the
Apparatus concerned is off-loaded. IRRs are not allowed to introduce significant Voltage
Flicker on the Transmission Network as measured at the PCC. The Voltage Flicker limits are
contained in the following documents:

a) IEC/TR3 61000-3-7 “Assessment of emission limits for fluctuating loads in MV and

HV power systems”.
b) IEC 868 / Engineering Recommendation P28 (pg 17) “Limits on voltage flicker short
term and long term severity values”.
c) IEC 61400-21 “Measurement and assessment of power quality characteristics of grid
connected wind turbines”

The Flicker severity at the PCC of any IRR shall not be above the maximum values stated in
IEC 61000-3-7 Standard for more than 3 % of the measured period. The maximum emission
limits produced by any IRR shall be below the maximum values stated in IEC 61000-3-7
Standard.

IRR-TIC 7. Harmonics

IRR-TIC 7.1. Harmonic Distortion

Harmonics are waveforms that distort the fundamental 50 Hz wave. The limits, assessment,
planning, testing and measurement for harmonic distortion levels are given in the following
documents:

a) IEC/TR 61000-3-6 “Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-6: Limits–

Assessment of emission limits for the connection of distorting installations to MV,
HV and EHV power systems”.
b) IEC/TR 61000-3-7 “Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-7: Limits–
Assessment of emission limits for the connection of distorting installations to MV,
HV and EHV power systems”.
c) IEC 61000-4-7 “Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7 : Testing and
Measurement Techniques– General Guide on Harmonics and Interharmonics
measurements and instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment
connected thereto”
d) IEC 61400-21 “Measurement and assessment of power quality characteristics of grid
connected wind turbines”

In particular IEC/TR 61000-3-6&7 outline the limits, assessment and study process for
harmonic distortion, and IEC 61000-4-7 provides guidelines for testing, measurement and
instrumentation.

In general, the maximum total levels of harmonic distortion on the System under Normal
Operating conditions, planned outages and fault outage conditions (unless during System
Stress) shall not exceed the values shown in Table ‎7-1.

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 Table ‎7-1–Total Harmonic Voltage Distortions

Voltage Level Acceptable Voltage Harmonic Distortion Levels

a Total Harmonic Distortion of 6.5% with no individual
33 kV
harmonic greater than 5%
a Total Harmonic Distortion of 2% with no individual
132 kV and higher
harmonic greater than 1.5%
a Total Harmonic Distortion of 2% with no individual
230 kV and higher
harmonic greater than 1.5%
a Total Harmonic Distortion of 1.5% with no individual
400 kV and higher
harmonic greater than 1%

Table ‎7-2–Harmonic Voltage Distortions Planning Level at 33 kV

Indicative planning levels for harmonic voltages
(in percent of the fundamental voltage) in 33 kV power systems
Odd harmonics non-multiple of 3 Odd harmonics multiple of 3 Even harmonics
Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic Harmonic
order voltage order voltage order voltage
h % h % h %
5 5 3 4 2 1.8
7 4 9 1.2 4 1
11 3 15 0.3 6 0.5
13 2.5 21 0.2 8 0.5
0.25 x 10/h +
17 ≤ h ≤ 49 1.9 x 17/h - 0.2 21 ≤ h ≤ 45 0.2 10 ≤ h ≤ 50 0.22
The indicative planning level for the total harmonic distortion is THDMV = 6.5%

If harmonics that exceed above listed standards result from the operation of the IRRs
electrical equipment which are verified by testing, the IRR system shall be disconnected until
the harmonics are mitigated by the IRR in accordance with the above listed standards.

In the situation where current harmonic measurements are required, the current harmonic
limits shall be derived from the harmonic voltage limits in accordance with IEC 61000-3-6
section 6.4.

Additionally, and in instances where several IRRs are located in the vicinity of each other,
the total harmonic contribution shall not exceed the above requirements. If required,
allocation of emission limits shall be calculated in accordance to IEC 61000-3-6 for
allocating emissions to distorting installations as described in section 8.2.2. Measurements
shall follow the recommendations in IEC 61000-4-7.

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 IRR-TIC 7.2. Inter-harmonics

Interharmonics are defined as components with frequencies between two consecutive

harmonics or those components that are not integer multiples of the system fundamental
frequency. Interharmonics are primarily caused by:

a) Power electornic converters with switching frequencies not synchronized to the

system frequency, e.g. inverter drives, PWM inverters, active filters, power
conditioning converters.
b) Rapidly changing of the load current or voltage, e.g. arc furnaces, arc loads.

In order to limit the system impact of interharmonics, these types of harmonics must be
limited to 0.2% of the fundamental frequency per IEC 61000-3-6 section 10, whith
measurement guidelines to follow recommendations in IEC 61000-4-7.

IRR-TIC 7.3. Sub-synchronous Resonance

Subsynchronous Resonance (SSR) is a potentially harmful phenomenon involving coincident

oscillation between two or more Transmission Elements or Generation Resources at
frequencies lower than the normal operating frequency (50 Hz). Without proper mitigation,
SSR can quickly destroy resonating Transmission Elements and/or Generation Resources and
lead to cascading Outages.

If, as a result of a detailed study conducted by NEPCO and/or the IRR engineer or consultant,
identification and study of Subsynchronous Resonance risk, NEPCO determines that
protection or mitigation measures are necessary to protect the NEPCO System from any such
SSR risks, the affected IRR shall install those protection or initiate mitigation measures in
accordance with this Section. For the purposes of this Section, “protection” shall refer to the
installation and use of protective relays capable of isolating the affected transmission element
or IRR from the NEPCO System in the event SSR is detected, and “mitigation” shall refer to
the installation and use of any equipment or the implementation of any practice that may be
used to mitigate or eliminate SSR risk, including, but not limited to, the following measures:
Outage coordination, Special Protection Systems (SPSs), passive and dynamic SSR blocking
filters, supplemental excitation damping controls, thyristor-controlled series capacitors,
bypass series capacitors with the aid of low set gaps, and series capacitor segmentation. If
and when protection is used by the IRR to mitigate SSR, then the sum of detection plus relay
operation plus breaker time must be less than the time to damage the IRR equipment.

IRR-TIC 8. Ramp Rate

The plant Control System shall be capable of controlling the ramp rate of its active power
output with maximum active power per minute ramp rate set by NEPCO. Two ramp rate
settings will be defined:
 The first is the active power ramp rate average over one (1) minute, with default at
20% per minute of unit the rated Nominal Capacity.

IRR-TIC Page 15 07/16/2015

  The second ramp rate setting shall apply to the active power per minute ramp rate
average over ten (10) minutes, and shall be set by the transmission system operator.

These ramp rate settings shall be applicable for all ranges of operation including start up,
normal operation and shut down, including when responding or released from an operator
deployment.

IRR-TIC 9. Phase Imbalance & Negative Sequence Handling

The negative sequence current control would enable the reduction or even total elimination of
the negative sequence short circuit current in many modern wind turbines / solar inverters.
During unbalanced faults, e.g. line-to-line fault, full negative sequence current suppression
control would lead to a line-to-line short circuit current in the range of the current of the loads
connected to the grid or even to zero under no load conditions. The conventional protection
devices would thus have difficulty to sense and clear the fault.

In order to overcome this problem, IRR are to be required to inject a certain level of inductive
negative sequence short circuit current proportional to the negative sequence voltage. This
will result not only in higher short circuit current but also in the reduction of the negative
sequence voltage and thus better phase voltage symmetry.

Under normal operation, the maximum negative phase sequence component of the phase
voltage of the power system should remain below 1%. A control can be implemented to
support this requirement. The relevant standards are:

a) IEC 61000-3-13 “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) - PART 3-13:

LIMITS - ASSESSMENT OF EMISSION LIMITS FOR THE CONNECTION OF
UNBALANCED INSTALLATIONS TO MV, HV AND EHV POWER
SYSTEMS”
b) IEC 61000-4-30 “ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) - PART 4-30 :
TESTING AND MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES - POWER QUALITY
MEASUREMENT METHODS”

In case of unbalanced grid faults the grid operator can require that IRR respond to a sudden
negative sequence voltage increase with a fast negative sequence reactive current output.
One possible option for the required negative sequence reactive current injection in a manner
similar to section IRR-TIC 5.4

During unbalanced grid faults the priority between positive sequence active current, positive
sequence reactive current and negative sequence reactive current may be determined as result
of dynamic grid assessment.

The required step response of the controller in the negative sequence is identical with the
dynamic time restrictions in the positive sequence.

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 IRR-TIC 10. Data Requirements & Studies

IRR-TIC 10.1. Studies

Studies shall be conducted by NEPCO or third party consultant pre-approved by NEPCO,

according to the Study Guidelines outlined in Appendix 1. Additionally the IRR is required
to provide, at a minimum, the data required in Appendix 2. Both Appendix 1 and Appendix 2
shall be revised as needed by NEPCO.

IRR-TIC 10.2. Technical Data

The IRR shall provide all the data required in Appendix 1 of this IRR-TIC document. This
data must be provided in the Interconnection Application process, for the as-built plant, as
well as whenever required to be updated by NEPCO.

IRR-TIC 10.3. Resource Forecasts

Resource forecasts shall be provided by the IRR. These forecasts, if required, shall be
provided in a format and timescale as specified by NEPCO, and by means of an electronic
interface in accordance with the reasonable requirements of NEPCO‟s data system.

IRRs shall engage fully with NEPCO to ensure that the necessary information is available to
NEPCO for the production of wind or solar generation forecasts with the appropriate level of
accuracy by NEPCO.

IRRs shall submit their MW availability declarations whenever changes in IRR availability
occur or are predicted to occur. These declarations shall be submitted by means of an
electronic interface in accordance with the reasonable requirements of NEPCO‟s data system.

IRR-TIC 11. Signals, Communications and Controls

Signals from Controllable IRR to NEPCO shall be provided for all the following groups, and
shall be divided and provided accordingly

Signals List #1 - applies to all IRRs and includes the following:

 Active Power output (MW) at the lower voltage side of the Grid Connected
Transformer;
 Reactive Power output/demand (+/-MVAr) at the lower voltage side of the Grid
Connected Transformer;
 Voltage (in kV) at the lower voltage side of the Grid Connected Transformer;
 Grid Connected Transformer tap positions;
 Voltage Regulation Set-point (in kV);
 On/off status indications for all Reactive Power devices exceeding 5 MVAr

IRR-TIC Page 17 07/16/2015

Signals List #2 - Availability Data;

Signals List #3 - Active Power Control Data;

Signals List #4 - Frequency Response System Data

Signals List #5 - Meteorological Data, applies to PV and WF;

IRR-TIC Page 18 07/16/2015

IRR-TIC Appendix 1 Study Requirements
The following steady state analyses have to be performed by a power system analysis
software such as PSS/E or DIgSILENT, taking into account the electrical equipment and
configuration. The final results and the used models, including the validated user model have
to be handed over to the grid operator. The studies must demonstrate the capability of the
plant to meet all the grid code requirements outlined in this chapter. The Plant model shall
comprise all facilities necessary for the generation of power from the IRR to be integrated in
the system model.

Appendix 1.1 Steady State Studies

The analysis should be run under system intact N-0, as well as N-1 and any multiple
contingencies provided by NEPCO, for the following scenarios:
 IRR disconnected
 IRR connected

The following are points that should be considered in steady state studies:
 Power flow and equipment (step-up transformers, transmission lines) loading
verification throughout the transmission grid, and reporting any overloaded
equipment.

 Voltage profile assessment and verification that voltages remain within the NEPCO
operating range throughout the transmission grid, and reporting any voltage
violations.

 Load flow data assessment of the transformers and cables and/or overhead lines
(presented in a tabular form) within the project's ownership; and indicate if any of the
equipment is overloaded

 Voltage-frequency operating range (Voltage Profile Assessment) verification of:

 continuous operation of the plant for the full normal operating range of voltage at
the PCC
 continuous operation of the plant for the full normal operating range of system
frequency

 Active Power Control verification of:

 active power reduction by defined set point
 active power reduction as a response to over frequency

 Reactive Power Compliance

 reactive power control verification
 power factor range and control capability
 verification of reactive power at the Point of Common Coupling
 (PCC) (Active and reactive power PQ capability)

 Short Circuit Analysis

 determination of short-circuit current contributions

IRR-TIC Page 19 07/16/2015

  impact on existing transmission grid equipment and identification of any
overloads
 proposed switchgear ratings at the PCC

Appendix 1.2 Transient Analysis and Power Quality Studies

Developer shall review and test the generator dynamic model parameters, level of proposed
IRR generator modeling as well as modeling of other IRRs.
 The models should fully represent the generator parameters
 Level of IRR generator modeling
 Modeling of other IRRs. If dynamic models of the plants are not available, developer
may use generic models
 . Dynamic RMS simulation studies
o full load simulation cases
o partial load simulation cases
o dynamic results for case of loss of proposed IRR project, showing system
stability for various contingencies and other system disturbances as dictated by
NEPCO.
 Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) with respect to staying grid connected for
various fault locations and types
o possible combined implementation of reference tracking VAr controller and
fast voltage controller
 High Voltage Ride-Through (HVRT) for various fault locations and types of possible
combined implementation of reference tracking VAr controller and fast voltage
controller

Appendix 1.3 Requirements concerning Harmonic Emissions and

Grid Resonances

 Voltage flicker. If a flicker coefficient for the plant is not available for that purpose,
then the study should at least calculate the voltage change at the point of
interconnection with and without the IRR, to evaluate the impact of voltage in case of
sudden change in the plant output. This should be done for n-0 as well as for critical
contingency conditions.
 Harmonics
 Phase imbalance

IRR-TIC Page 20 07/16/2015

IRR-TIC Appendix 2 Interconnection Request

1. This Interconnection Request is for (check one):

A proposed new Generating Facility.
An increase in the generating capacity or a Material Modification to an existing Generating
Facility.

2. The Interconnection Customer provides the following information:

a. Address or location, including the county, of the proposed new Generating Facility
site or, in the case of an existing Generating Facility, the name and specific location,
including the county, of the existing Generating Facility;

Project Name:

Project Location:
Address:

GPS Coordinates (decimal format):

Latitude: Longitude:

b. Maximum net megawatt electrical of the proposed new Generating Facility or the
amount of net megawatt increase in the generating capacity of an existing Generating
Facility;

Maximum net megawatt electrical output (MW): OR

Net Megawatt increase (MW):

c. Type of project (i.e., , wind, PV, etc.) and general description of the equipment
configuration (if more than one type is chosen include net MW for each);

Cogeneration (MW)
Wind (MW)
Photovoltaic (MW)
Storage
Storage type (e.g. Pumped-Storage Hydro, Battery (w/type), etc.):
Maximum Instantaneous Capability: (MW)
Total Storage Capability: (MWh)
Maximum Charge Duration: (hours)
Maximum Discharge Duration: (hours)
Charge/Discharge Cycle Efficiency: (%)

Other (please describe): (MW)

General description of the equipment configuration (e.g. number, size, type, etc):

d. Proposed In-Service Date (first date transmission is needed to the facility), Trial
Operation date and Commercial Operation Date in MM/DD/YYYY format and term of
service (dates must be sequential):

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 Proposed In-Service Date:
Proposed Trial Operation Date:
Proposed Commercial Operation Date:
Proposed Term of Service (years):

e. Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the Interconnection

Customer’s contact person (primary person who will be contacted);

Name:
Title:
Company Name:
Address:

Phone Number:
Fax Number:
Email Address:

f. Approximate location of the proposed Point of Interconnection (i.e., specify

transmission facility interconnection point name, voltage level, and the location of
interconnection);

g. Interconnection Customer data (set forth in Attachment A)

The Interconnection Customer shall provide to the NEPCO the technical data
called for in IRR-TIC Appendix 1, Attachment A. One (1) copy is required.

3. Applicable deposit amount made payable to NEPCO

4. Evidence of site control and address(es) and contact information of site owner(s) (check one):

Is attached to this Interconnection Request

6. This Interconnection Request is submitted by:

Legal name of the Interconnection Customer:

By (signature):

Name (type or print):

Title:

Date:

IRR-TIC Page 22 07/16/2015

 Appendix 1 - Attachment A Generating Facility Data
To IRR-TIC Appendix 1 Interconnection Request

Project Name:

Attachment A Generating Facility Data

To IRR-TIC Appendix 2 Interconnection Request

GENERATING FACILITY DATA

1. Provide one set of original prints or soft copy on cd/flashdrive of the following:

A. Site drawing to scale, showing generator location and Point of Interconnection.

B. Single-line diagram showing applicable equipment such as generating units, step-up
transformers, auxiliary transformers, switches/disconnects of the proposed
interconnection, including the required protection devices and circuit breakers. For
wind and photovoltaic generator plants, the one line diagram should include the
distribution lines connecting the various groups of generating units, the generator
capacitor banks, the step up transformers, the distribution lines, and the substation
transformers and capacitor banks at the Point of Common Coupling with the NEPCO
Controlled Grid.

2. Generating Facility Information

A. Total Generating Facility rated output (MW):
B. Generating Facility auxiliary Load (MW):
C. Project net capacity (A.-B.) (MW):
D. Standby Load when Generating Facility is off-line (MW):
E. Number of Generating Units:
(Please repeat the following items for each generator)
F. Individual generator rated output (MW for each unit):
G. Manufacturer:
H. Year Manufactured:
I. Nominal Terminal Voltage (kV):
J. Rated Power Factor (%):
K. Type (Induction, Synchronous, D.C. with Inverter):
L. Phase (three phase or single phase):
M. Connection (Delta, Grounded WYE, Ungrounded WYE, impedance grounded):

N. Generator Voltage Regulation Range (+/- %):

O. Generator Power Factor Regulation Range:

7a. Wind Generators

Number of generators to be interconnected pursuant to this Interconnection Request:

Average Site Elevation: Single Phase Three Phase

Field Volts:
Field Amperes:
Motoring Power (MW):
Neutral Grounding Resistor (if applicable):
I22t or K (Heating Time Constant):
Rotor Resistance:
Stator Resistance:
Stator Reactance:
Rotor Reactance:

IRR-TIC Page 23 07/16/2015

 Magnetizing Reactance:
Short Circuit Reactance:
Exciting Current:
Temperature Rise:
Frame Size:
Design Letter:
Reactive Power Required in VArs (No Load):
Reactive Power Required in VArs (Full Load):
Total Rotating Inertia, H: Per Unit on 100 MVA Base

Note: A completed dynamic model must be supplied with the Interconnection Request. If
other data sheets are more appropriate to the proposed device then they shall be provided and
discussed at the Scoping Meeting.

8. Generator Short Circuit Data

For each generator model, provide the following reactances expressed in p.u. on the
generator base:

 X"1 – positive sequence subtransient reactance: p.u**

 X2 – negative sequence reactance: p.u**
 X0 – zero sequence reactance:

Generator Grounding (select 1 for each model):

A. Solidly grounded
B. Grounded through an impedance
(Impedance value in p.u on generator base R: p.u. X: p.u.)
C. Ungrounded

9. Step-Up Transformer Data

For each step-up transformer, fill out the data form provided in Table 1.

10. Interconnection Facilities Line Data

There is no need to provide data for new lines that are to be planned by the Participating TO
(NEPCO). However, for transmission lines that are to be planned by the generation
developer, please provide the following information:

Nominal Voltage: kV
Line Length: miles
Line termination Points:
Conductor Type: Size:
If bundled. Number per phase: , Bundle spacing: in.
Phase Configuration. Vertical: , Horizontal:
Phase Spacing: A-B: ft., B-C: ft., C-A: ft.
Distance of lowest conductor to Ground at full load and 40 C: ft
Ground Wire Type: Size: Distance to Ground: ft
Attach Tower Configuration Diagram
Summer line ratings in amperes (normal and emergency)
Positive Sequence Resistance ( R ): p.u.** (for entire line length)
Positive Sequence Reactance: ( X ): p.u**(for entire line length)
Zero Sequence Resistance ( R0 ): p.u.** (for entire line length)
Zero Sequence Reactance: ( X0 ): p.u** (for entire line length)
Line Charging (B/2): p.u**
** On 100-MVA and nominal line voltage (kV) Base

10a. For Wind/photovoltaic plants, provide collector System Equivalence Impedance Data
Provide values for each equivalence collector circuit at all voltage levels.

IRR-TIC Page 24 07/16/2015

 Nominal Voltage:
Summer line ratings in amperes (normal and emergency)
Positive Sequence Resistance (R1): p.u. ** (for entire line length of each collector
circuit)
Positive Sequence Reactance: (X1): p.u** (for entire line length of each collector
circuit)
Zero Sequence Resistance (R0): p.u. ** (for entire line length of each collector circuit)
Zero Sequence Reactance: (X0): p.u** (for entire line length of each collector circuit)
Line Charging (B/2): p.u** (for entire line length of each collector circuit)
** On 100-MVA and nominal line voltage (kV) Base

11. Inverter-Based Machines

Number of inverters to be interconnected pursuant to this Interconnection Request:

Inverter manufacturer, model name, number, and version:

List of adjustable set points for the protective equipment or software:

Maximum design fault contribution current:

Harmonics Characteristics:

Start-up requirements:

Note: A completed dynamic model must be supplied with the Interconnection Request. If
other data sheets are more appropriate to the proposed device then they shall be provided and
discussed at the Scoping Meeting.

12. Load Flow and Dynamic Models (to be provided on DVD, CD, or USB Flash Drive):

Provide load flow model for the generating plant and its interconnection facilities in
PSS/E or DIgSILENT format, including new buses, generators, transformers,
interconnection facilities. An equivalent model is required for the plant with generation
collector systems. This data should reflect the technical data provided in this
Attachment A.

IRR-TIC Page 25 07/16/2015

 TABLE 1

TRANSFORMER DATA
(Provide for each level of transformation)

UNIT

NUMBER OF TRANSFORMERS PHASE

RATING H Winding X Winding Y Winding

Rated MVA

Connection (Delta, Wye, Gnd.)

Cooling Type (OA,OA/FA, etc) :

Temperature Rise Rating

Rated Voltage

BIL

Available Taps (% of rating)

Load Tap Changer? (Y or N)

Tap Settings

IMPEDANCE H-X H-Y X-Y

Percent

MVA Base

Tested Taps

WINDING RESISTANCE H X Y

Ohms

CURRENT TRANSFORMER RATIOS

H X Y N

Percent exciting current at 100% Voltage 110% Voltage

Supply copy of nameplate and manufacture’s test report when available

IRR-TIC Page 26 07/16/2015