STNW1165ver3 Generator

Standard
Standard for Connection of

Embedded Generators in the
Ergon Energy Distribution
Network
These standards are created and made available for use for the construction of Ergon Energy
infrastructure. These standards ensure that Ergon Energy’s requirements are met. External
companies at their own discretion may utilise these standards for construction of non-Ergon
Energy assets. If this standard is a printed version then the Ergon Energy internet site must be
referenced to obtain the latest version to ensure compliance.
Approver Jason Hall

Asset Management
Group Manager Engineering Standards & Technology
If RPEQ sign off required insert details below.
Ergon Energy
Certified Person name and Position Registration Number
Carmelo Noel 8802
Engineering Manager Distribution Network
Standards
Rob Coggan 11801

Engineering Manager Substation
Standards
Blake Harvey 10323

Network Strategy & Policy Engineering
Manager
Abstract: This standard provides the requirement for connecting embedded generation to operate
in parallel with Ergon Energy’s distribution network not exceeding 5MW.
Keywords: embedded generation, generator, inverter systems

Standard for Connection of Embedded Generators
in the Ergon Energy Distribution Network
Foreword
This Standard has been prepared by Ergon Energy to provide owners and Proponents of
embedded generation installations information about their rights and obligations for the connection
to and interfacing with the Ergon Energy Distribution Network. Embedded generators are defined in
the National Electricity Rules as generators connecting directly to the distribution network and not
the transmission network.
The National Electricity Rules also identify the requirements for generating systems connected to
transmission and/or distribution systems and, in part, requires that a person must not engage in the
activity of owning, controlling or operating a generating system connected to the interconnected
transmission or distribution system unless:
 The person is a Registered Participant; or

 The person is exempt from the requirement to be a Registered Participant.
AEMO has decided that small generating systems satisfying any one of the following criteria
cannot significantly affect market outcomes and/or impact on system security, and, therefore, the
person owning, controlling or operating such generating systems is automatically exempt from the
requirement to register as a generator/ registered participant.
 A generating system that has a total nameplate rating at a connection point of less than
5MW
 A generating system that is not capable of exporting to a transmission or distribution
system in excess of 5MW
 the nameplate rating of the generator exceeds 5MW but exports less than 20GWh in any
12 month period, or if extenuating circumstances apply; or
 The generating system has no capability to synchronise or to operate electrically connected
to a distribution system or transmission system.
Notwithstanding the automatic exemption from becoming a Registered Participant under the
National Electricity Rules, Ergon Energy as the Distribution Network Service Provider, has an
inherent obligation to ensure that such embedded generation facilities do not cause a material
degradation in the quality of supply to other network users and do not adversely affect operation of
the distribution network.
i Standard STNW1165 Ver 3
Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

Contents

1. General.......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose .............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Scope .................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Application .......................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Enquiries ............................................................................................................. 1
2. References .................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Ergon Energy controlled documents ................................................................... 1
2.2 Other documents ................................................................................................ 1
3. Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................. 2
3.1 Definitions ........................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................................................................. 4
4. Network Connection Overview ................................................................................... 5
4.1 Network Connection Agreement ......................................................................... 5
4.2 Network Connection Assets ................................................................................ 5
4.3 Technical Considerations .................................................................................... 7
4.4 Types of Embedded Generators ......................................................................... 7
4.4.1 Export Embedded Generation............................................................................. 7
4.4.2 Non-Export Embedded Generation ..................................................................... 8
4.5 Permissible Generator Connection Arrangements .............................................. 8
5. Connection Application Process ................................................................................ 9
5.1 General Requirements for Connection of Generators ......................................... 9
5.2 Connection Enquiry............................................................................................. 9
6. Technical Requirements and Performance Standards ........................................... 11
6.1 General ............................................................................................................. 11
6.2 Network Connection Arrangement and Voltage Level ...................................... 11
6.2.1 General ............................................................................................................. 11
6.2.2 Nominal Interconnection Voltage ...................................................................... 12
6.2.3 Power Frequency .............................................................................................. 12
6.2.4 Network Characteristics .................................................................................... 13
6.2.5 Equipment Ratings............................................................................................ 13
6.2.6 Fault Levels and Protection Impacts ................................................................. 14
6.3 Generator Control System ................................................................................ 15
6.3.1 General Requirements ...................................................................................... 15
6.3.2 Means of Isolation ............................................................................................. 15
6.3.3 Synchronising and Synchronising Check Facilities ........................................... 15
ii Standard STNW1165 Ver 3

6.3.4 Generator Control ............................................................................................. 15
6.3.5 Reactive Power ................................................................................................. 15
6.3.6 Fault Level Control ............................................................................................ 15
6.3.7 Feeder Rating ................................................................................................... 16
6.3.8 Feeder Reclosing .............................................................................................. 16
6.4 Protection System ............................................................................................. 16
6.4.1 General ............................................................................................................. 16
6.4.2 Types of Protection ........................................................................................... 18
6.4.2.1 Loss of Mains (LoM) ......................................................................................... 18
6.4.2.2 Synchronising Facilities .................................................................................... 18
6.4.2.3 Under/Over Frequency ..................................................................................... 18
6.4.2.4 Under/Over Voltage .......................................................................................... 19
6.4.2.5 Negative sequence voltage & current protection............................................... 19
6.4.2.6 Overcurrent and earth fault protection .............................................................. 19
6.4.2.7 Neutral voltage displacement protection ........................................................... 19
6.4.2.8 Reverse power / power limit protection ............................................................. 20
6.4.2.9 Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF) ........................................................... 20
6.4.2.10 Remote or Transfer Trip (Intertripping) ..................................................... 20
6.5 Protection Schemes .......................................................................................... 21
6.5.1 General ............................................................................................................. 21
6.5.2 P1a – Utility Feeder Protection ......................................................................... 21
6.5.3 P1b – Substation Bus and Backup Protection................................................... 26
6.5.4 P2 – Remote Trip System ................................................................................. 26
6.5.5 P3 – Distribution Substation HV Protection ....................................................... 26
6.5.6 P4 – Neutral Displacement Protection .............................................................. 27
6.5.7 P5 – HV Side UV – OH Protection .................................................................... 27
6.5.8 P6 – Distribution Substation LV Protection ....................................................... 27
6.5.9 P7 – Synchronising Circuit Breaker Interlocks .................................................. 28
6.5.10 P8 – Customer LV Protection............................................................................ 28
6.5.11 P9 – Generator Protection ................................................................................ 28
6.5.12 P10 and P11 – Fail Interlocks ........................................................................... 28
6.6 SCADA (Remote Monitoring and Control) ........................................................ 29
6.7 Earthing Requirements ..................................................................................... 30
6.7.1 High Voltage Generators .................................................................................. 30
6.7.2 Low Voltage Generators ................................................................................... 30
6.8 Power Quality.................................................................................................... 30
6.8.1 Power Factor..................................................................................................... 30
6.8.2 Network Disturbance Limits .............................................................................. 31
iii Standard STNW1165 Ver 3

7. Commissioning and Testing of Embedded Generation Plant ................................ 32
8. Compliance Monitoring and Maintenance ............................................................... 33
9. Notice of Alternation to Approved Design ............................................................... 33
10. Metering Installations ................................................................................................ 33
11. Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 34
12. Disputes ...................................................................................................................... 34
Annex A – Embedded Generation Connection Arrangements HV and LV Distribution35
Annex B – Rotating Generator Data Requirements ....................................................... 48
Annex C – Photovoltaic Inverter Energy System Data Requirements ......................... 49
Annex D – Protection of Embeded Generation Network Connections......................... 50
Annex E – Protection of Inverter Energy System Network Connections No Export /
Conditional Export ............................................................................................................ 56
Annex F – SCADA Communication Requirements (Minimum) ..................................... 60
Annex G – Ergon Energy Requirements for Parallel Operation of Low Voltage
Transformers ..................................................................................................................... 61
Annex H – Summary of NER Schedule 5.4 Connection Enquiry .................................. 62
iv Standard STNW1165 Ver 3

1. General
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Standard is to provide owners and Proponents of embedded generation
installations information about their rights and obligations for connection to and interfacing with the
Ergon Energy Network.
1.2 Scope
This Standard outlines the requirements for embedded synchronous generators and inverter based
systems with a total nameplate rating of up to, but not exceeding 5MW at a single connection point;
that are intended to be connected to and operate in parallel with, any part of Ergon Energy’s
distribution network under normal operating conditions.
1.3 Application
This Standard does not apply to:
 Micro scale parallel customer generation via Inverters in the range up to 30 kW (3ph) (refer
to Ergon Energy’s Inverter Energy Systems (IES) Network Agreement Form
 Larger generation over 5MW
 Non-parallel back-up generation
 Ergon Energy Distribution Networks connected to Ergon Energy’s 33 Isolated Power
Stations.
This document does not cover issues associated with the sale of electricity exported into the Ergon
Energy distribution network. This is a matter between the proponent and their selected electricity
retailer.
1.4 Enquiries
Further information may be obtained by emailing: Majorconnections@ergon.com.au
2. References
2.1 Ergon Energy controlled documents
Copies of Ergon Energy Standards may be obtained from the following website –
http://www.ergon.com.au/contractors,-suppliers--and--developers/electrical-contractors/forms,-
manuals-and-standards
National Electricity Rules – http://www.aemc.gov.au
2.2 Other documents

Additional Australian Standards are listed in Ergon Energy’s standard design documents.
AS 2067 Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1 kV ac

AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring
Rules)
AS/NZS 3010 Electrical Installations – Generating Sets AS 1931 Part 1 - High
Check this is the latest version before use. Page 1 of 62 Standard STNW1165 Ver 3

voltage - Test techniques - General definition and test requirements
AS/NZS 3017 Electrical installations – Testing Guidelines
AS/NZS 3100 Approval and test specification - General requirements for electrical
equipment
AS 1319 Safety signs for occupational environment
AS/NZS 61000 Series Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
AS/NZS 7000 Overhead line design – Detailed Procedures
AS 1359 General Requirements for Rotating Electrical Machines
AS1429.1 Electric cables – up to 36kV
AS 2006 HV AC Switchgear & Control Gear – CBS Greater than 1000V
AS 2184 Low voltage switchgear
AS 2373 Electric Cables – Twisted Pair (For control and protection)
AS 2374 Power Transformers
IEC 60255 Series Protection Relays
AS 60034.22 Rotating Electrical Machines Part 22
AS/NZS 60044 Series Instrument Transformers
AS/NZS 62271 Series High voltage switchgear and control gear
AS/NZS 4777 Series Grid connection of energy systems via inverters
3. Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply.
Australian Energy Regulator A Federal Government body responsible for the economic
(AER) regulation of electricity distribution services in the National
Electricity Market.
Connection Asset Those components of a transmission or distribution system which

are used to provide connection services.
Connection Applicant A person who wants to establish or modify connection to a

transmission network or distribution network and/or who wishes to
receive network services and who makes a connection enquiry as
described in NER clause 5.3.2.
Connection Point The agreed point of supply established between Network Service
Provider(s) and another Registered Participant, Non-Registered
Connection Applicant or franchise Connection Applicant.
Customer A person who engages in the activity of purchasing electricity

supplied through a transmission or distribution system to a
connection point; and is registered by AEMO as a Customer under
Chapter 2. (of the NER).
Customer Asset Electrical assets that are owned by the customer and are designed
and constructed in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.
Distribution System A distribution network, together with the connection assets

associated with the distribution network

Electricity Distributor/DNSP Distribution Network Service Provider. Ergon Energy is the owner,
lessor and operator of the electricity distribution network in regional
Queensland.
Embedded Generator A Generator, who owns, operates or controls an embedded

generating unit.
Embedded generating unit A generating unit connected within a distribution network and not
having direct access to the transmission network.
Generating unit The actual generator of electricity and all related equipment
essential to its function as a single entity.
Generator A person who engages in the activity of owning, controlling, or
operating a generating system that supplies electricity to, or who
otherwise supplies electricity to, a transmission or distribution
system and who is registered with NEMMCO in that capacity.
Interconnection Synchronous parallel operation of an embedded generator to the

electricity network
Inverter Energy System A system comprising one or more inverters together with one or
more energy sources (which may include batteries for energy
storage), controls and one or more grid protection devices.
Low Voltage Connection Point The low voltage terminals of the distribution transformer. The
DNSP is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
transformer and other HV equipment and the Connection Applicant
is responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of
the all low voltage equipment.
Multiple Earth Neutral (MEN) Multiple earth neutral system of earthing is one in which the LV
neutral conductor is permanently connected to earth.
Supervisory Control and Data The SCADA system is used by Ergon Energy to manage and
Acquisition (SCADA) operate the Distribution Network.
Small to Medium Scale For the purpose of this Standard a small scale embedded
Embedded Generation generator is up to a capacity of 1 MW and a medium scale
Installation embedded generator is up to a capacity of 5 MW.
This definition includes initiatives such as:

 Synchronous generators driven by hydro turbines;
 Synchronous generators driven by gas engines, gas
turbines or diesel engines.
 Inverter Energy Systems
This does not include plant which is operated and connected in

parallel with the network by Ergon Energy for the purpose of
network or emergency support.

Mini or Micro -Embedded For the purpose of this Standard a mini embedded generator has a
Generation Installation nameplate rating greater than 2 kW and up to 10 kW single phase
and 30 kW three phase.
A micro embedded generator has a nameplate rating less than 2

kW.
National Electricity Rules The National Electricity Rules govern the operation of the National
(NER): Electricity Market.
National Metering Identifier A National Metering Identifier as described in NER clause 7.3.1(d).
(NMI)
Network: The apparatus, equipment, plant and buildings used to convey,
and control the conveyance of, electricity to customers (whether
wholesale or retail) excluding any connection assets. In relation to
a Network Service Provider, a network owned, operated or
controlled by that Network Service Provider.
Network Coupling Point The point at which connection assets join a distribution network,
used to identify the distribution service price payable by a
Connection Applicant.
Network Augmentation Works: Augmentation works required on network assets to enable a new
project to be supplied or the increase in supply for an existing
Connection Applicant.
Network Islanded Operation: Generation is allowed to “back feed” into a portion of the
distribution network that is isolated from the rest of the electricity
supply network, typically as a result from a protection operation on
the transmission or distribution network.
Proponent: Means the Generator, Customer or developer or their agent (i.e.

Consulting Engineers)
Registered Participant: A person who is registered by AEMO in any one or more of the
categories listed in clauses 2.2 to 2.7 [of the NER] (in the case of a
person who is registered by AEMO as a Trader, such a person is
only a Registered Participant for the purposes referred to in clause
2.5A [of the NER]). However, as set out in clause 8.2.1(a1)[of the
NER], for the purposes of some provisions of clause 8.2 [of the
NER] only, AEMO and Connection Applicants who are not
otherwise Registered Participants are also deemed to be
Registered Participants.
Retailer: Means the holder of an electricity retail licence granted under the
Electricity Act, 1994, who is contracted to sell electricity to the
Customer at the Supply Address.
Service Provider (SP): A person or organisation authorised by the DNSP to carry out
design and/or construction of certain electrical works.
3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

ACA Australian Communications Carrier
AEMO Australian Energy Market Operator
AEMC Australian Energy Market Commission
HV High Voltage nominally above 1kV.
4. Network Connection Overview

4.1 Network Connection Agreement
The Proponent of any embedded generation installation must enter into a Connection Agreement
with Ergon Energy. These connection agreements are subject to commercial negotiations between
the parties. The Connection Agreement encompasses both the technical and commercial aspects
of the connection, addresses the Standards and Minimum Technical requirements and specifies
the terms and conditions including the connection charge, use of system charges and quality of
supply in accordance with the NER.
The Proponent shall indemnify Ergon Energy and accept liability for safety and supply quality
issues that occur when the generator is operating. Ergon Energy will provide supply to local
customer loads on a no-risk basis. This requirement shall apply to all loads that are connected on
the customer side of the network Boundary and which can be supplied from the generator.
4.2 Network Connection Assets

Connection assets are those assets which are dedicated to providing connection services to a
customer or generator. The Network Coupling Point defines the boundary between Network and
Connection Assets. The Connection Point identifies the ownership responsibility between Ergon
Energy and the embedded generator. Revenue metering is normally installed as close as
practicable to the Connection Point.
Where Connection Assets include transformers, the Network Coupling Point and low voltage
metering will normally be on the low voltage side of the transformer. HV metering will be installed
in situations where the customer owns and operates the HV assets.

Network
(HV) Legend
NCP Network Coupling Point
CP Connection Point
MP Metering Point
NCP
NCP NCP MP
CP
Customer Owned
Connection Assets
Connection Assets
• HV
Connection Assets • HV
• HV & LV
MP
CP Customers
CP Electrical
Customers MP
Electrical Installation
Installation Customers
Electrical
Customer Facility or
Installation
Customer Facility or Development Site
Development Site
Customer Facility or Customer 3
Customer 1 Development Site
Customer 2
Figure 1 – Asset Boundary Principles

Ergon Energy’s Capital Contribution Policy and Network Pricing Principles Statement will apply
with respect to augmentation of Shared Network associated with the new connection. Ergon
Energy may need to upgrade or augment the network to provide adequate capacity for connection
of the embedded generator.
4.3 Technical Considerations

The following items must be addressed for all connections of embedded generation within the
distribution network:
 Network Safety and Security;

 Network and Interconnection Protection;
 Network Infrastructure Thermal Capacity;
 Network Voltage Control;
 Generator Fault Level Contribution;
 Generator Operating Power Factor;
 Quality of Supply Generated;
 Network Stability; and
 Operations.
Prior to the connection of an embedded generator to the distribution network Ergon Energy will
carry out a detailed analysis study of the network. The detailed analysis study and subsequent
engineering report will identify any network operating constraints, network reinforcement
requirements due to increases in fault levels, levels of VAR support, network voltage compensation
control, operating protocols and interface requirements between the Generator and Ergon Energy
for the proposed connection.
Ergon Energy will require information (as detailed later in the document) to perform the detail
analysis study and fees may apply.
4.4 Types of Embedded Generators

For the purpose of this Standard, all proposed generating units designed to connect to the
distribution network as either export or non-export embedded generating as shown in Table 1.
Operation Type Export Non-export

Stand-by generator with testing requirements Yes Yes
(typically 6 hours per 3 months) (refer Section 6.4.1)
Bumpless or seamless load transfer between No Yes
generator and network (short time parallel
operation – typically less than 1 minute)
Commercial generator operation including co- Yes Yes
generation and tri-generation
Table 1 – Types of Embedded Generating Systems
4.4.1 Export Embedded Generation

An export embedded generating unit is an embedded generating unit designed to export electricity
that is in excess to the site load (Demand) to the distribution network.
A direct connected generation unit is directly connected to the distribution system. An export
embedded generating unit and a direct connected unit must have an agreement with a Retailer to

purchase the exported electricity generated by the embedded generating unit and a type 4
metering installation in accordance with the NER.
All export embedded generating units may require communication links installed between Ergon
Energy and the embedded generating unit installation to provide SCADA monitoring and control.
This will be determined by Ergon Energy in accordance with Section 6.6.
4.4.2 Non-Export Embedded Generation

A non-export embedded generating unit is an embedded generating unit within a Customer’s
installation which does not exceed the Customer’s electricity demand.
Where the Embedded Generator and does not have an agreement to export electricity to the
distribution network, reverse power flow protection (towards the network) must be installed to
disconnect the embedded generating unit from the distribution network in the event that the
minimum import electricity buffer is encroached upon.
4.5 Permissible Generator Connection Arrangements

Typical connection arrangements for embedded generators are given in Annex A for both rotating
generating plant and inverter based systems. There are a number of configurations of HV and LV
embedded generator arrangements involving the network connection point, network coupling point,
generator location and customer load.
To minimise the potential for adverse impact on the quality of electricity supply to other network
customers, the following limitations shall apply for this connection arrangement:
 Ergon Energy will not provide LV circuit ties between the dedicated transformer / LV circuit
incorporating the embedded generator network connection point and adjacent transformers
or substations.
 Only local load associated with the Proponent’s own installation shall be supplied from the
section of the customer’s installation that is supplied from the embedded generator. The
connection of other customer loads to the dedicated substation or transformer as applicable
shall not be permitted. Where this results in a requirement for additional network equipment
or infrastructure, the total cost of such equipment/infrastructure shall be borne by the
Proponent.
 If the embedded LV generation facility is proposed to connect to the Ergon Energy
distribution network at an existing transformer or substation, any existing loads not related
to the local customer site must be relocated to other network supply sources or an
approved protection system installed. The total cost of such works shall be borne by the
Proponent.
Notwithstanding the above limitations, connection to, and parallel operation with, any part of Ergon
Energy’s network shall be subject to achieving compliance with the requirements outlined in this
document at each point capable of paralleling the generator with Ergon Energy’s LV distribution
network.
Furthermore, in accordance with this document and Qld Electricity Connections and Metering
Manual - Service and Installation Rules, the Proponent shall ensure that where an embedded LV
generator connects within the customer’s installation and supplies only part of the customer’s
installation:
 Adequate mechanisms are provided to ensure that paralleling of Ergon Energy substation
transformers from within the customer’s installation cannot occur; and/or
 The generator cannot be connected to the Ergon Energy LV distribution network without
synchronisation and the associated protection systems.

5. Connection Application Process

The connection application process may be found at:
http://www.ergon.com.au/your-business/connections/major-connections
5.1 General Requirements for Connection of Generators

Generators cannot be connected to the Ergon Energy Network without the approval of Ergon
Energy (Queensland Electricity Regulation Section 28).
Generators may require registration with AEMO.
Generators that are intending to export energy to the network must enter into a power purchase
arrangement with an Energy Retailer and have export and import metering installed.
Connection Applicants facilities shall comply with technical and performance standards as defined
in the NER and Ergon Energy’s Connection Agreement. (e.g. protection systems, disturbing loads,
harmonic emission limits, and power factor).
Detailed technical requirements for the connection of Generators are outlined in Section 6.2.
5.2 Connection Enquiry

A formal connection enquiry shall be made by the Proponent / Connection Applicant in accordance
with Section 5.3.2 of the NER. Both the Proponent and Ergon Energy shall comply with the NER.
The enquiry must be submitted on the Ergon Energy Connection Enquiry form.
It is recommended that the Connection Applicant makes early contact with an Electricity Retailer.
The installation cannot be connected unless there is an electricity supply contract between the
Connection Applicant and an Electricity Retailer.
Additional information may be required by Ergon Energy and this will be advised as necessary.
Further information on the Connection Application is given in the Large Customer Connections
Process.
The Proponent shall submit the following technical information as part of their Connection
Application.
(a) Detailed description of the proposed embedded generation facility; including, but not
limited to:
 Type of plant – (eg. Gas turbine, Photovoltaic array etc).

 Number of generators
 Maximum power generation or demand of whole plant (maximum MW and/or MVA, or
average over 15 minutes or similar)
 Expected energy production or consumption (MWh per month).
 Proposed operating mode(s) - ie peak load lopping, continuous operation, seasonal
operation etc.
 Proposed interaction with Ergon Energy’s distribution network under both normal
network conditions and abnormal network conditions.
 Proposed local customer loads to be supplied from the embedded generation facility.

 Requirement for Customer Islanded operation. Note Network Islanded Operation is
not permitted.
 Power export intentions – refer also items (b) and (c) below.
 Known future staging / development of the embedded generation facility and/or local
customer loads.
(b) Anticipated 24 hour local customer load profiles (both summer and winter) for the local
customer loads that are to be normally supplied from the embedded generation facility.
The profiles shall include apparent power (S), active power (P) and reactive power (Q) for
both lightly loaded and maximum demand scenarios.
(c) Anticipated 24 hour power (import from network) / (export to network) profiles (both
summer and winter) at the network connection point. The profiles shall include apparent
power (S), active power (P) and reactive power (Q) for both lightly loaded and maximum
demand scenarios.
(d) Site Plan showing the precise physical location of the embedded generator, the location of
customer main switchboards and other relevant switchboards and the location of Ergon
Energy substations and associated infrastructure.
(e) Detailed electrical single line diagram(s) showing the configuration of all embedded
generation facility/customer equipment and circuits between the embedded generator(s)
and the network connection point; including as a minimum:
 All primary circuit equipment such as main switchboards, other switchboards, circuit
breakers and isolators/load break switches. In particular, all points where the
customer embedded generation facility and the Ergon Energy distribution network can
be connected / disconnected must be clearly identified.
 All secondary protection and control equipment associated with the generator’s
connection and parallel operation with the Ergon Energy distribution network
including:
 current transformers, voltage transformers, protection and control elements and

sensing points.
 evidence that this equipment is compliant with relevant standards
 Local customer load connections including any interconnections with other parts of
the customer’s installation. In particular, where interconnection with other parts of the
customer’s installation are proposed the means to prevent paralleling of Ergon
Energy substations/transformers and/or unsynchronised connection to the Ergon
Energy distribution network shall be clearly identified.
 All metering equipment associated with the generator and the import and export of
power from/to the Ergon Energy distribution network.
 All proposed power factor correction equipment that will be installed within the part of
the customer’s installation that is supplied directly from the embedded generator.
(f) Detailed functional block / schematic diagram of the protection and control systems
relevant to the generator’s connection to the Ergon Energy distribution network showing
the philosophy of the protection and control systems including all relevant relay current
circuits, relay potential circuits, alarm and monitoring circuits, back-up systems, auxiliary

power supply systems and proposed parameters / settings of all protection and control
system elements.
(g) Detailed schematic diagram of the proposed earthing system arrangements for the
embedded generation facility and associated customer electrical installation including all
proposed earth connections, MEN connections and relevant switchboard earthing
arrangements.
(h) Generator data for each generator proposed to be installed as listed in Annex B or C,
depending on generator type.
(i) Full details of the proposed metering equipment and associated current transformers.
Nomination of the Responsible Person for metering in accordance with the National Grid
Metering.
(j) Full details of any proposed power factor correction equipment including:
 Rating of capacitors – individual stages and total installation (kVAR)

 Capacitor Bank capacitance (microfarads)
 Rating of switching reactors (kVAR)
 Inductance of switching reactor (millihenries)
 Resistance of reactors (Ohms)
 Method of Switching including capacitor bank stage sizes
 Description of the automatic control of the power factor correction unit such that
its operating characteristics can be determined.
Sufficient detail must be provided to enable Ergon Energy to assess compliance with the minimum
requirements outlined in this document, and conduct protection and load flow studies to assess the
impact on plant fault ratings, protection scheme requirements and power export limits of existing
infrastructure; and assess generator power factor and voltage limit requirements.
6. Technical Requirements and Performance Standards

6.1 General
Connection Applicants facilities shall comply with technical and performance standards as defined
in the NER and Ergon Energy’s Connection Agreement.
The equipment associated with each generating unit must be designed to withstand without
damage the range of operating conditions which may arise consistent with the specified system
standard of NER (Schedule S5.1a).
Generators must comply with the performance standards and any attached terms or conditions of
the Connection Agreement in accordance with a relevant provision of NER Schedules S5.2.
6.2 Network Connection Arrangement and Voltage Level

6.2.1 General
Unless otherwise specified by Ergon Energy, a Generator is required to connect to Ergon Energy’s
network via a single point of connection at a voltage agreed with Ergon Energy. It is the
Generator’s responsibility to provide a circuit breaker at the point of connection, generator
transformer(s) and all associated protection controls and ancillary equipment.

6.2.2 Nominal Interconnection Voltage

Ergon Energy distribution networks normally include systems operating at 132kV, 110kV, 66kV,
33kV, 22kV, 11kV and 415V. The nominal supply voltage for the low voltage network is 240 Volts,
phase to neutral, and 415 Volts phase to phase with a tolerance of 6%. Grid connected inverters
and grid protection devices shall be capable of operation within these parameters.
The voltage level which an embedded generator will be connected depends primarily on the size of
the generator, and the availability of distribution network in the area concerned.
An investigation will need to be undertaken by Ergon Energy to determine the most appropriate
connection voltage.
6.2.3 Power Frequency

The performance standard for power frequency variations are defined by the National Electricity
Rules and the Frequency Operating Standards published by the AEMC1. These standards cover
normal conditions as well as the period immediately following critical events when frequency may
be disturbed.
The AEMC standards state that “The frequency operating standards require that, during periods
when there are no contingency events or load events, the frequency be maintained within the
normal operating frequency band (49.85 Hz to 50.15 Hz) for 99% of the time, with larger deviations
permitted within the normal operating frequency excursion band (49.75 Hz to 50.25 Hz) for no
more than 1% of the time.” (See Table 2)
AS/NZS61000.2.2 details that the frequency range is typically plus or minus 1 Hz, but it is usually much less where
1
synchronous interconnection is used on a continental scale. This requirement is overridden by the National Electricity
Rules.

Condition Containment Stabilisation Recovery
Accumulated 5 seconds
time error
No contingency 49.75 to 50.25 Hz*, 49.85 to 50.15 Hz within 5 minutes
event or load 49.85 to 50.15 Hz
event 99% of the time^
Generation 49.5 to 50.5 Hz 49.85 to 50.15 Hz within 5 minutes
event or load
event
Network event 49 to 51 Hz 49.5 to 50.5 Hz 49.85 to 50.15 Hz
within 1 minute within 5 minutes
Separation 49 to 51 Hz 49.5 to 50.5 Hz 49.85 to 50.15 Hz
event within 2 minutes within 10 minutes
Multiple 47 to 52 Hz 49.5 to 50.5 Hz 49.85 to 50.15 Hz
contingency within 2 minutes within 10 minutes
event
^ - This is known as the normal operating frequency band.
* - This is known as the normal operating frequency excursion band.
2
Table 2 – Frequency Standard (Except islands)
The frequency standards in Table 3 apply to where a part of the national grid becomes islanded.
This table does not strictly apply to isolated systems but will be used by Ergon Energy as no other
standard applies at this time.
Condition Containment Stabilisation Recovery

No contingency 49.5 to 50.5 Hz
event or load event
Generation event, 49 to 51 Hz 49.5 to 50.5 Hz within 5 minutes
load event or
network event
The separation 49 to 51 Hz or a wider 49.0 to 51.0 Hz 49.5 to 50.5 Hz
event that formed band notified to within 2 minutes within 10 minutes
the island NEMMCO by a
relevant Jurisdictional
Coordinator
Multiple 47 to 52 Hz 49.0 to 51.0 Hz 49.5 to 50.5 Hz
contingency event within 2 minutes within 10 minutes
including a further
separation event
3
Table 3 – Frequency Standard for National Grid - Island Conditions
6.2.4 Network Characteristics

Ergon Energy Network is operated as a solidly or impedance earthed system.
6.2.5 Equipment Ratings

The equipment ratings on the Ergon Energy or customer networks shall not be exceeded when the
generation units are in parallel operation. Ergon Energy will make available existing fault levels
and equipment ratings on a project by project basis. Proponents shall provide a fault level study to
Ergon Energy to demonstrate compliance.
Frequency Operating Standards published by the AEMC Reliability Panel Frequency Operating Standards
2
Determination Sept 2001 Part A – Summary of Standards.

Frequency Operating Standards published by the AEMC Reliability Panel Frequency Operating Standards
3
Determination Sept 2001 Part A – Summary of Standards.


6.2.6 Fault Levels and Protection Impacts

In designing protection associated with embedded generation interconnection, faults and
abnormalities to be considered will be:
 In the generator itself

 In the embedded generation customer installation
 In the interconnection assets
 In the wider utility network
Typical distribution feeders are fed radially from a utility substation. In these feeders, all of the
short-circuit fault current for faults on the feeder, as well as the load current, will come from the
source substation. The magnitude of the fault current is determined by the impedances of the
utility source, the transformers, reactors and feeder conductors etc, and fault resistance.
Embedded synchronous generators, will increase the fault current level at the fault point and
reduce the current being supplied by the source substation to the point of actually causing a
reversal of fault current flow in some circuits.
The maximum and minimum values of fault current are an important consideration for any
protection scheme. Maximum values determine the interrupting rating needed for circuit breakers,
automatic circuit reclosers (ACRs), fuses, etc as well as the upper design limit for the protection
scheme performance. Minimum current values determine the lower limit settings of overcurrent,
earth fault relays and other protective devices to provide a satisfactorily high probability of
detecting all faults. .
On a radial feeder, all protective devices between the substation relays and the fault measure the
same current if the substation is the only source. This simplifies the coordination of overcurrent
tripping devices to interrupt the fewest number of customers. Earth fault coordination may be
affected if feeders have other sources of earth current.
Sources of feeder fault current due to embedded generation may affect relay, fuse and ACR
coordination, equipment rating, and safety of utility personnel and the general public. The
magnitude of fault current from these sources will depend upon the type, size, and number of
generators, their impedances, and their location with respect to the fault and utility substation.
If the embedded generation contribution is large, the operation of the relays at the substation may
be delayed due to a reduction in fault current from the source substation. A more likely case is
that of a relatively high impedance embedded generation source located near the source
substation. Such an arrangement contributes limited fault current until the utility circuit breaker
opens, which may result in slow detection and sequential clearing of the fault. These multiple
current source problems will apply to phase-to-earth faults if there is an earthed neutral
(transformer or generator) at the faulted network voltage level.
A fault study is essential for embedded generation proposals covering faults in the customer
installation and the utility network. This should recognise the presence of other embedded
generation installations that may be “electrically” nearby.
The fault levels shall not exceed the embedded generator equipment rating. Temporary fault
levels (less than 1 minute) above the equipment rating may be tolerable based on a case by case
risk assessment basis.
Where transformers operate in parallel, Ergon Energy has additional requirements as given in
Annex D.

Lightning Insulation Levels For Surge Arresters

Surge arresters shall as a minimum be installed at the HV connection point. The minimum
insulation levels for the surge arresters are given in Table 4.
Network Voltage Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (kV)

(kV)
11 95
22 150
33 200
66 325
Table 4 – Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage for Surge Arresters
6.3 Generator Control System

6.3.1 General Requirements
The Proponent must ensure that each point capable of paralleling the generator to the network
contains suitable protection and control as detailed in this standard.
6.3.2 Means of Isolation

The Proponent must provide a means of isolation, capable of disconnecting the whole of the
customer’s electrical system from the network, and vice versa. This means of isolation must be
lockable, in the open position only, by a separate padlock.
6.3.3 Synchronising and Synchronising Check Facilities

The Proponent must supply synchronising and synchronising check facilities at the Generator’s
circuit breaker that interfaces with the network and where ever else they may choose to
synchronise. These facilities are to include a dead bus check system preventing the customer
closing the generator onto the network when it is de-energised.
Note: Ergon Energy circuit breakers are not fitted with synchronising facilities.
6.3.4 Generator Control

The Proponent must be fitted with either automatic or operator controlled equipment, which
ensures that frequencies, voltage, and phase sequences are identical before connection to the
network. In addition, the equipment must ensure that after a disconnection there is no chance of
re-closing onto the network before synchronising is completed.
To ensure control over real and reactive power contribution to the network, adequate control must
be provided over both the governor (regarding input motive power to the rotor) and the excitation
system (controlling output voltage level). The generator kW and kVAr output must be controlled
within the agreed limits. Power factor limits are given in Section 6.8.
6.3.5 Reactive Power

Generators must be capable of injecting or absorbing VArs in accordance with the requirements of
the NER and Ergon Energy may need to impose limits on, or specify the operating power factor to
ensure there are no excessive voltage swings to customers.
6.3.6 Fault Level Control

The Proponent may raise the fault levels of the network beyond the capacity of Ergon Energy
interruption devices. This must be determined at the design stage. The Generator will bear the
costs that Ergon Energy may incur in respect of fault level control.

6.3.7 Feeder Rating

The Proponent may raise the load flow of the network beyond its capacity. This must be
determined at the design stage. The Generator will bear the costs that Ergon Energy may incur in
respect of feeder capacity augmentation to facilitate the network connection of the embedded
generation.
6.3.8 Feeder Reclosing

Ergon Energy applies an automatic feeder re-closing scheme on most of its distribution feeders.
Automatic re-energisation of the feeder will occur at a time three to five seconds after the feeder
has been disconnected due to a system disturbance. The customer control and protection scheme
shall be designed to ensure that the generator has disconnected within three seconds of the loss of
supply. Failure of the customer’s equipment to disconnect during an Ergon Energy loss of supply
may result in damage to the generation equipment.
6.4 Protection System

6.4.1 General
A general discussion on the protection considerations associated with the connection and parallel
operation of synchronous generators and inverter energy systems with the distribution network is
given in Annexes D & E respectively.
All protection equipment must comply with the relevant Australian and International Standards. All
protection equipment must be tested and commissioned by a competent commissioning officer, to
the agreed settings, and a Certificate of Compliance for the complete generator installation must
be issued by the Proponent to Ergon Energy prior to connection to the network.
The Proponent must keep a written record of all protection settings and of test results. A copy of
this record should be available at the service point or as required by Ergon Energy.
The protection shall be designed in accordance with Ergon Energy standards, which require a
main and back-up set of protection to detect all credible fault types. The protection will include
sufficient redundancy to ensure that a faulted element within the protection zone is disconnected
from the network within the applicable fault clearance time with any single protection element
(including communications upon which that protection system depends) out of service.
The Generator must submit complete details of the generator protection system including the
proposed settings to Ergon Energy for review and agreement.
Embedded generators must not be able to operate in network islanded mode. To prevent the
generator operating in network island mode, an Ergon Energy approved protection scheme/s shall
be installed. These schemes may include:
 An inter-trip protection scheme (DIT)

 Voltage vector shift (VS)
 Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF) protection
 Reverse power protection
 Overvoltage/Undervoltage (OV/UV)
 Overfrequency/Underfrequency (OF/UF)
 Loss of Mains (LoM)

The customer’s embedded generation unit shall disconnect from the Network in the event of a fault
on the Ergon Energy HV and LV network. Approved protection shall be provided to ensure this
occurs. These schemes may include:
 An inter-trip protection scheme

 Voltage vector shift (VS)
 Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF) protection
 Neutral voltage displacement
 Negative sequence voltage or current
 Overcurrent and earth fault
 Directional overcurrent and earth fault
 Overvoltage/Undervoltage
 Overfrequency/Underfrequency
 Loss of Mains (LoM)
Proponents may propose other forms of loss of mains protection schemes which are commercially
available. These schemes need to be approved by Ergon Energy.
In addition to the protection installed for the generator, the generator proponent must install a
protection system so that:
 The generator cannot connect onto the Ergon Energy Network unless all phases of the
Network are energised at the supply point. The connection must ensure synchronisation
before closure. If one or more phases of the Network are lost, then the generator must
disconnect from the Network;
 The protective equipment is operating within the agreed protection settings;
 If a system abnormality occurs that results in an unacceptable deviation of voltage or
frequency at the supply point, the generator must be disconnected from the Network; and
 The generator is to automatically disconnect from the Network in the event of failure of any
auxiliary supplies to the protection equipment that would inhibit its correct operation.
When any of these conditions are detected the generator must be disconnected from the network
at an agreed circuit breaker within the embedded generator’s system that will ensure complete
disconnection. To detect these conditions, as set out above, the Proponent must install suitable
protection. Table 5 outlines the range of risk scenarios to the network and the protection
requirements to address the network risks.
The protection equipment shall be compliant with the relevant sections of IEC60255 and operate
the circuit breaker directly or through interposing equipment that is also compliant to the relevant
sections of IEC60255. Marshaling of protection trips through control equipment that is not
compliant to IEC60255 is not acceptable.
The instrument transformers used to interface the protection equipment to the proponents
installation must be compliant with the relevant sections of AS60044.

Risk Scenario Hours of Operation Protection Requirements
1. Continual energisation of Daily operation < 2.5 MW nameplate rating: Two
other customer loads when forms of protection i.e main and
in Islanding mode Less than 300 hours per backup (any 2 of DIT, ROCOF, VS,
annum (e.g market OV/UV + OF/UF, LOM)
generator or load testing ) > 2.5 MW nameplate rating: DIT
plus one other form of protection
Must have OV/UV + OF/UF, and at
least one of DIT, ROCOF, VS and
LOM
2. Energisation of Ergon Daily operation or less Two forms of protection to detect
Energy network fault whilst than 300 hours per annum interconnected network faults and
in parallel operation disconnect generation fault
contribution
3. Network auto-closing onto Co-ordination of automatic
embedded generation unit sequences (e.g auto-reclose and
auto-changeover) and protection
systems
4. Embedded generation unit Not allowable – interlock schemes
energising de-energised are required to prevent operation
Ergon Energy network
5. Energisation during live line No parallel operation during live line
work on Ergon Energy work
network
6. Generation instability during Daily operation Protection system to disconnect in
remote network fault (this event of instability (e.g Out of Step)
can cause voltage
disturbances on Ergon Less than 300 hours per
Energy network or annum
unnecessary tripping of
customers generation unit)
Table 5 – Risk Scenarios for Various HV and LV Embedded Generator Operations and Protection
Requirements
6.4.2 Types of Protection

6.4.2.1 Loss of Mains (LoM)
The generating unit must be disconnected from the distribution network whenever the network is
de-energised. This includes that whenever the Ergon Energy’s substation circuit breaker and / or
re-closer controlling the feeder that supplies the generator operates either for a fault or switching
operation the generator must disconnect from the network.
A communication link may be required between the embedded generator and the Ergon Energy’s
substation. This link must be continuously monitored for integrity. In the event that the link fails the
generator must be automatically disconnected from the network until the communications link is
restored.
6.4.2.2 Synchronising Facilities

The generating unit control system must include synchronising facilities at the circuit breaker that
interfaces with the network and / or where ever else that it is proposed to synchronise the
generator with the network.
6.4.2.3 Under/Over Frequency
Under and over frequency protection must be installed at the service point and/or at the generator
location. The frequency protection tripping will be based on the proposed network connection
arrangement and operating requirements. The protection frequency settings will be determined at

the design stage (based on Table 2) and subject to the results of the network study and
subsequent Engineering Report.
6.4.2.4 Under/Over Voltage

Under and over voltage protection must be installed to monitor all three phases at the service
point. This protection is set to detect if the phase to neutral voltage on any phase at this point
exceeds predetermined values, which will be based on the proposed network connection
arrangement and operating requirements. The over/under voltage protection settings will be
determined at the design stage and subject to the results of the network study and subsequent
Engineering Report.
6.4.2.5 Negative sequence voltage & current protection

Negative sequence voltage and current protection shall be installed at the generator to protect
against voltage and current imbalance from the generator source, which together with neutral
voltage displacement (NVD) protection also provides back-up protection to the Loss of Mains
protection.
6.4.2.6 Overcurrent and earth fault protection

Overcurrent and earth fault protection shall also be provided at the generator and this shall provide
back-up to the protection installed at the network connection point. This protection shall be set to
detect faults within the customer’s installation and Ergon Energy’s distribution network (back-up to
the network connection CB OCEF protection). This protection must coordinate with Ergon Energy’s
network protection scheme.
Generator overcurrent and earth fault protection relays should have compensation for under
voltage field weakening unless the Proponent can demonstrate that voltage depression at the
generator during fault events will not adversely impact on protection scheme operation.
6.4.2.7 Neutral voltage displacement protection

Where the export of power is intended, neutral voltage displacement (NVD) protection shall be
installed. Neutral voltage displacement protection is required to ensure disconnection of a
generator in the event of a high voltage network earth fault. This backfeed situation arises
because of the delta to star connection of the distribution transformers.
As this protection scheme will require the installation of voltage transformer(s) on the Ergon Energy
HV distribution network near the network connection point; the voltage transformer(s) will be
supplied and installed by Ergon Energy. The total cost of this VT and associated equipment will be
borne by the Proponent.
The voltage transformer(s) required for this protection scheme may be either 3 x single phase
voltage transformers or a single three phase 5 limb voltage transformer, with the primary winding
star point connected to earth and the secondary winding connected in broken delta supplying a
NVD protection relay. If Overvoltage/Undervoltage or Overfrequency/Underfrequency protection is
required, an additional star connected secondary winding shall be provided on the voltage
transformer.
Ergon Energy will provide the VT secondary wiring to the Generator Interface Cubicle. The
Proponent will be required to supply and install the NVD protection relay and associated equipment
/ wiring within the embedded generation facility.

6.4.2.8 Reverse power / power limit protection
Reverse power (with respect to sending electricity back to the distribution network), or power limit
protection shall be installed at the network connection point, where the export of power HAS NOT
been approved by Ergon Energy.
Similarly, where Ergon Energy has nominated a limit on the amount of power that can be exported
to the distribution network as a result of network infrastructure or performance constraints power
limit protection shall be installed at the network connection point.
Any power limit protection settings will be determined by Ergon Energy at the detailed design stage
after the detailed network studies have been undertaken.
The power protection must include three phase power monitoring relays installed at the Network
Coupling Point to prevent the embedded generating unit exporting power beyond the agreed power
limit to the distribution network.
Where no export operation is permitted the power monitoring protection is to be set to ensure
electricity is always imported from the distribution network; (typically a minimum threshold of 10%
of the nominal supply rating to the customer’s installation as determined by instrument transformer
and protection relay capabilities).
Where an export power limit has been provided by Ergon Energy the Proponent shall have a
protection system that is capable of operating within 10% of the nominated power limit.
Whenever the power protection limit is exceeded for more than 2 seconds, the embedded
generating unit must be disconnected from the distribution network.
Power protection shall be compliant with the relevant sections of IEC60255 and directly operate
the circuit breaker or operate through interposing equipment that is also compliant to the relevant
sections of IEC60255. In addition to the power protection specified by Ergon Energy the user may
manage their power export through their control system.
The instrument transformers used to interface the protection relaying equipment to the proponents
installation shall be compliant with the relevant sections of AS60044.
6.4.2.9 Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF)

The ROCOF relay controls the disconnection of a generator from the network (islanding of an
embedded generator) by monitoring frequency excursions. It is specifically designed to protect
the network from the potential damaging effects of reconnection whilst out of synchronism.
6.4.2.10 Remote or Transfer Trip (Intertripping)

Where a protection signalling communications link exists, or can be included within the scope of an
embedded generation project, then remote tripping from Ergon Energy to embedded generation
installation can provide:
a) Interruption of the embedded generation fault current flow or energisation of all faults on the
interconnecting feeder detected by protection at the source substation.
b) Secure, quick and direct separation at the embedded generation installation for LoM
conditions. This can include manual or auto tripping all of the circuit breakers in the source
substations that could result in islanding.

The communications link can also be used for monitoring or SCADA type services from the
embedded generation installation back to Ergon Energy. Where such a communications link is a
part of the primary protection scheme either for interconnecting circuit protection or LoM, then its
availability and integrity should be monitored. Depending on the level of risk accepted, it may be
necessary to prevent operation of the embedded generator, but not customer load, or not allow
parallel operation of the generation, should the communications link be out of service.
Suitable communications link include:

 Protection signalling quality digital radio
 Optical fibre cable
GSM modem or mobile phone communication links are not considered to be a protection signalling
quality but may be suitable for SCADA. The most cost effective communication link will be
dependent on the distance between the generation facility and the Ergon Energy substation. The
longer distance generally favours the digital radio link.
6.5 Protection Schemes

6.5.1 General
In this section protection types described above are applied to provide an overall protection
scheme for particular embedded generation connection arrangements. The schemes presented
here are typical only. The factors to be considered when designing a suitable protection scheme
are:
 Switchgear configuration and customer installation single line diagram
 Utility network arrangement – dedicated or shared use
 Islanding requirements and embedded generation load reliability needs
 Availability of protection signaling quality communications link
 Risk accepted for various failure mechanisms
 Probability of particular types of faults occurring
 Acceptable cost
 Regulatory and contractual constraints
Figure 2 following shows a complete range of protection types superimposed on a low voltage
embedded generation installation configured according to Arrangement 2 from Annex A. The types of
protection and their function are summarized in
Table 6 and discussed below.
6.5.2 P1a – Utility Feeder Protection

This is the primary protection scheme for the utility high voltage feeder and will be installed at the
source substation. It will trip the feeder circuit breaker. Auto-reclose is commonly installed where
the feeder is primarily overhead line construction. Multi-shot reclose may be used. This
protection is required to detect all faults on the feeder up to the protection device on the high
voltage side of distribution transformers. The phase fault sensitivity will be limited by the
maximum current that will flow - in or out of - the feeder circuit breaker. The minimum fault will be
dictated fault resistance and for phase-to-earth faults high resistance faults can occur that will not
result in protection operation. This protection scheme can consist of all or some of the following:
 Phase overcurrent, usually inverse-time

 Inverse time earth fault
 Definite time sensitive earth fault
 Negative sequence overcurrent

The operating time of feeder protection can be relatively slow and may not clear faults fast enough
to prevent transient instability of embedded synchronous generation. In this scenario faults on
adjacent feeders, that is not the interconnecting feeder, may be cleared too slowly for the
embedded generator to maintain synchronism.
It is a general utility requirement that the earth fault protection be quite sensitive because as noted
above feeder phase-to-earth faults can involve hazards that need to be minimized.
The feeder protection P1a can send a remote trip via P2S (see below) where a protection signaling
quality communications link is available.
Live Line blocking (or Voltage Check) may be installed with the feeder auto-reclose to prevent a
reclose attempt should the feeder be back energised by the embedded generation. Unless this
feature is specifically requested by the generator proponent it will not be implemented. Clearly for
this a line-side voltage transformer would be required. Where this feature is specifically requested
a study will be carried out to determine if the VT can be retrofitted. The cost of the study and
installed solution will be on a fee-for-service basis and will be borne by the proponent.

Standard for Connection of Embedded Generators in the Ergon Energy
Distribution Network
LEGEND
G Embedded Generator P8 Connection Point Protection Scheme
P1 HV Protection Scheme at ZSS P9 Generator Protection Scheme
P2 Remote Trip S: Send R: Receive P10 Comms link fail trip and interlock
P3 Distribution Substation HV Protection P11 Auxiliary supply fail trip and interlock
P4 HV Neutral Displacement Protection Syn Automatic Synchroniser
P5 HV OV-UV Protection M Metering
P6 Distribution substation LV Protection
P7 CB Close Interlocks
Zone Substation
Distribution Substation Customer Installation
P1b Internal
P3 P6 Customer
Load Embedded
Generation
CB1 CB4 CB5
CB2 CB3
M M G
BUS P5 P8 P9
P4 P7 P7
P1a
P11
Syn
Syn
P2S P2R
Aux
P10
Supply
Figure 2 – Protection for Low Voltage Embedded Generation with Dedicated Low Voltage Connection
Generation at low voltage with parallel low voltage load – Dedicated low voltage connection – Shared HV feeder

PROTECTION
PROTECTION SCHEME and COMPONENTS TRIPPING COMMENTS
PROVIDED
Feeder Protection CB1
Feeder – primary
protection and
Phase Overcurrent backup for
Earth Fault distribution
Sensitive Earth Fault substation
Live Line Blocking Prevents closure of CB1 if feeder is alive
Bus and Backup Protection Bus CBs
Primary bus
protection - backup
Bus Protection
for feeder relays
Bus Overcurrent
Backup Earth Fault
Remote Trip Send
From P1a and P1b operation Primary protection for

From CB1 local or remote trip operation feeder from customer
From other CB trip as required end
Remote Trip Receive CB4 or CB5 As required to suit customer’s operational
regime
Distribution Substation HV Protection Distribution CB2

substation primary
Phase Overcurrent protection and
Earth Fault backup to LV CB
HV Feeder Neutral Displacement CB4 For phase-to-earth faults only
Feeder - primary
HV Feeder UV-OV Protection CB4 Alternative to UV-OV in P8 for islanding
Feeder - backup
prevention
Table 6 – Protection Schemes

PROTECTION
PROTECTION SCHEME and COMPONENTS TRIPPING COMMENTS
PROVIDED
Distribution Substation LV Protection CB3
LV bus - primary
Phase Overcurrent
Earth Fault
Main or Generator Circuit Breaker Synch Prevents closure of CB4 or CB5 as required
Check Interlock Prevent closing for
Phase angle difference network or
Voltage difference generation
Phase sequence abnormality
Slip frequency
Customer Incoming Protection CB4
Directional Overcurrent (to Installation)

Directional Overcurrent (to Network) Primary protection
Directional Earth Fault (to Installation) for HV feeder,
primary protection
Directional Earth Fault (to Network)
for customer
UV-OV Protection
installation, backup
UF-OF Protection for generator
Negative Sequence Current protection or CB5
Reverse Power or Export Power Limit (to fail
Network)
Loss of Mains (Voltage Vector Shift or
ROCOF)
Communications Link Fail CB4 or CB5 As required to suit customer’s operational
regime
Auxiliary Supply Fail CB4 or CB5 As required to suit customer’s operational

regime
Table 6 – Protection Schemes (Continued)

in the Energy Distribution Network
6.5.3 P1b – Substation Bus and Backup Protection

This protection will provide backup for feeder protection relay failure and feeder circuit breaker
failure for faults on the interconnecting feeder and other outgoing feeders, as well as possibly
providing primary and/or backup protection for the bus. This protection scheme can consist of all
or some of the following:
 Phase overcurrent, usually inverse-time, connected as summated bus overcurrent or

transformer overcurrent
 Inverse time earth fault, connected bus earth fault or transformer earth fault
 Definite time sensitive backup earth fault using transformer neutral current
 Negative sequence overcurrent or bus impedance
6.5.4 P2 – Remote Trip System

This scheme uses a secure protection signaling quality communications link to directly trip into the
customer’s installation to disconnect completely or alternatively just the embedded generation,
depending on the operating regime chosen by the customer, i.e. islanding or not.
The inputs into the remote trip send can be all or some of the following:
 Feeder protection trip

 Opening of the feeder circuit breaker from manual or remote control action
 Any other protection trip or control action that could lead to an islanding situation
If a remote trip is the primary or only means ensuring separation for LoM or interrupting embedded
generation feeder fault energisation, then best practice would require that the communications link
be monitored and the generation be shut down if the link is not healthy. Therefore a good
reliability is necessary. Telco communications links are sometimes used but may not always be
reliable enough. Utility grade protection signaling using digital radio, supervisory cable, or optical
fibre cable are preferred. Power line communication (PLC) can also be used if it can successfully
signal through a feeder fault.
A direct remote trip can be the most secure method of providing LoM unless there is switchgear
installed between the source substation circuit breaker and the embedded generation. If this
switchgear can be automatically or manually opened then the remote trip would not ensure loss of
mains separation.
Note that if the communications link is suitably physically located then line differential protection
could be added for sole use feeders. Ergon Energy’s period contract for line differential protection
will be used to determine the relay types for line differential protection.
6.5.5 P3 – Distribution Substation HV Protection

The purpose of this protection is to disconnect the distribution substation or a transformer if there
are multiple units, in the case of faults in the distribution substation. Its protection zone is to the
low voltage side protection and circuit breaker, P6 in Figure 2 and it trips CB2. This protection will
probably be non-directional overcurrent and earth fault. It may be built into a Ring Main Unit if this
is the switchgear used for the application. The settings for this protection would be basically
determined by the requirement to protect the distribution transformer(s) and as such it may not be
able to be set to operate for the fault current infeed through the distribution substation into a feeder
fault from the embedded generation.

If a suitable voltage transformer is installed on the feeder side as shown in Figure 2, then this
protection could be readily made bi-directional and hence be used to detect and disconnect at the
distribution substation the embedded generation fault infeed into a phase type feeder fault. Note
that because of the transformer vector group, this protection cannot provide earth fault protection
from the embedded generation side. Generally this protection will be a utility asset and it may not
be contractually possible to set it up in this manner to provide bi-directional protection.
6.5.6 P4 – Neutral Displacement Protection

Neutral Displacement, sometimes referred to as Neutral voltage displacement or Residual
Overvoltage, is fundamentally a voltage operated earth fault protection used on a network
energised from an unearthed source e.g. a section of line supplied from a delta or unearthed star
connected transformer winding. If a phase-to-earth fault occurs on a single radial interconnecting
feeder the current to earth will be supplied by the utility source. After that has been tripped by say
the feeder EF or SEF protection, the fault will still be energized from the embedded generation
end. As only current due to capacitance will flow, a current operated protection generally cannot
be set. Neutral displacement protection will detect this fault condition and the embedded
generation energisation disconnected by tripping the appropriate circuit breaker. Without this
protection an earth fault of a hazardous nature could be energized for too long a time. This
protection has the effect of separating the embedded generation for this particular fault scenario
but will not operate for non earth fault situations where separation is required, for example manual
tripping or interconnecting feeder phase faults.
This protection needs to be applied on the high voltage side of the connection transformer and a
suitable voltage transformer will be required. The voltage transformer needs to transform the zero
sequence voltage correctly and either three single phase voltage transformers with an earthed star
connected primary winding connection or a 5-limb three-phase voltage transformer with a residual
voltage winding is required. In the former case the voltage signal for the NVD protection is
obtained from a set of secondary windings connected in open delta, or from an appropriately
connected set of auxiliary voltage transformers connected to earthed star connected secondary
windings on the main voltage transformer.
The ND protection should trip the customer’s circuit breaker, CB4.
Neutral Displacement Protection will be required for applications that have the ability to export
power and enough generation capacity to supply the minimum anticipated load on the smallest
adjacent network section.
6.5.7 P5 – HV Side UV – OH Protection

Where necessary or convenient and if a suitable voltage transformer is installed on the feeder side
as shown in Figure 2, then the overvoltage and undervoltage protection can be installed on the
distribution feeder side as an alternative to the low voltage side. Its function is as outlined in
Section 6.4.2.
6.5.8 P6 – Distribution Substation LV Protection

The purpose of this protection is to disconnect the customer LV installation from the distribution
substation. Its protection zone is to the customers incoming circuit breaker CB4 and provide
backup for failure of P8 in Figure 2. It trips CB3. This protection will probably be non-directional
overcurrent and earth fault. It may be built into a low voltage circuit breaker or a component of a
MCCB. The settings for this protection would be basically determined by the requirement to
protect the distribution transformer(s) from low voltage side faults and as such it may not be able to
be set to operate for the fault current infeed through the distribution substation into a feeder fault
from the embedded generation.

In principle this protection could be made bi-directional and hence be used to detect and
disconnect at the distribution substation the embedded generation fault infeed into a phase type
feeder fault where a separate protection relay is used However if it a component of a low voltage
circuit breaker or MCCB this would not be possible. Note that because of the transformer vector
group, this protection cannot provide effective HV earth fault protection from the embedded
generation side. Generally this protection will be a utility asset and it may not be contractually
possible to set it up in this manner to provide bi-directional protection.
6.5.9 P7 – Synchronising Circuit Breaker Interlocks

This could be in the form of a synchronism check relay prevent paralleling a synchronous
generator with the system unless the phase angles, voltage magnitudes, phase rotation and slip
frequency are within acceptable limits. They also would prevent connecting to a de-energised
interconnection feeder or connecting a generator at standstill. These check or interlock relays
should be installed across each circuit breaker that may be used for synchronizing. In Figure 2 if
the customer load generation is required to operate as an island, and it is required to synchronise
the island with the utility supply for seamless transfer back to the utility, the check relay would be
required across CB4.
6.5.10 P8 – Customer LV Protection

This is the main interconnection protection for the embedded generation protection. It will trip CB4
and should consist of the following protection components:
 Directional Overcurrent (towards customer installation)

 Directional Overcurrent (towards utility network)
 Directional Earth Fault (towards customer installation)
 Directional Earth Fault (towards utility network)
 UV-OV Protection
 UF-OF Protection
 Negative Sequence Current
 Reverse Power or Export Power Limit (to Network)
 Loss of Mains (Voltage Vector Shift or ROCOF)
The UV-OV Protection may be installed on the HV side as discussed in Section 6.5.7 (i.e. as P5) in
which case the protection here could be used as a backup if that was required.
The LoM protection may be backup to a remote trip system (P2) or the primary means of detecting
separation with the UV-OV and UF-OF possibly with reverse power as backup.
6.5.11 P9 – Generator Protection

The generation protection scheme is the responsibility of the Proponent and shall be designed so
that failure of the generating plant does not place Ergon Energy’s assets at risk:
The generator protection would act as backup for failure of protection P8 or its associated circuit
breaker.
6.5.12 P10 and P11 – Fail Interlocks

As discussed above if the communications link is required for protection or operational monitoring
or control then the generator should be shut down promptly on communications failure or
prevented from starting. Note that generally the customer installation as a load consuming
installation only could still be able to operate without the communications link and therefore tripping
would be directed to CB5.

For auxiliary DC supply failure the same could apply if all of the protection required for safe
operation of the customer installation as a load consuming installation only was self-powered. If
not then the entire installation should be shut down.
6.6 SCADA (Remote Monitoring and Control)

For embedded generation systems with less than 1MW export capability at the connection point,
no SCADA interface to Ergon Energy is required. For systems with the potential for 1MW or
greater export, the following information applies.
To facilitate the interface between the Generator and Ergon Energy, a communications system
may be required. The communication link will be assessed on a case by case basis but in general
is required where the embedded generator has the potential to operate as part of a network
support agreement.
Where the site has been provided with intertripping facilities the communications system shall
provide a two-channel communications link, one for protection inter-trip and the second for the
SCADA interface for the monitoring and control of the generator network access. This
communications link must be continuously monitored for integrity. In the event that the link fails the
generator must be automatically disconnected from the network until the communications link is
restored.
Ergon Energy will nominate both the type and amount of data, and the location of the SCADA
interface point in the distribution network SCADA system (typically a nearby zone substation).
The Proponent shall provide the following remote monitoring and control functions, for each
generator and/or network connection point, as applicable, to the Ergon Energy Network System
Control Centre. The minimum functionality to be provided is given in Annex F.
Subject to availability, Ergon Energy prefers the use of fibre optic telecommunications cable
between the generating unit and the nominated SCADA interface point, and the nominated
protection intertripping point. The Proponent shall provide and install telephone line isolation
equipment to comply with ACA, NEC and TC regulations. Where fibre optic telecommunication
cables are not readily available, Ergon Energy will investigate the suitability of alternative radio
options. This will be done on a case by case basis.
In the event of communications failure for the protection intertripping circuit, it will be responsibility
of the Generator’s protection equipment to trip the source of generation. The generation source
shall remain tripped until the protection intertripping communications circuit is operating.
Where the Ergon Energy feeder to the generating station is dedicated and the Connection
Application states that Ergon Energy is allowed to energise the distribution feeder at the local zone
substation without confirming that the generating unit has tripped, then a communications failure
on the SCADA circuit can be ignored. If this is not the case, then a communications failure on the
SCADA circuit must also cause the source of generation to trip and inhibit closure until the
communications fault clears.
Communications services must continue to operate when the Generator is off-line.
Selected components of Ergon Energy’s protection, SCADA, and communications systems will
need to be installed at the Generator’s facility to facilitate intertripping, SCADA and
communications interface requirements. Ergon Energy will provide the equipment in a panel.

The Generator must provide space to house the Ergon Energy equipment and the list of equipment
is given in Annex F.
6.7 Earthing Requirements

6.7.1 High Voltage Generators
High voltage generating units directly connected to the network must have their neutral effectively
isolated from earth; (i.e. isolated or earthed via high impedance). This is to limit any contribution to
a network earth fault, and inhibit the flow of harmonic currents through the neutral.
6.7.2 Low Voltage Generators

Generating units connected to the network via a delta/star transformer, (delta on network side),
may have their neutral directly connected to earth via an MEN link in accordance to AS/NZS 3000
(refer to Figure 3). Earth fault protection is required to trip the HV circuit breaker in the event of an
earth fault on the customers low voltage network.
If a switch fuse is used instead of HV circuit breaker, the switch fuse shall meet the requirements of
the appropriate Australian Standard (AS 1033 - High voltage fuses) and provide short-circuit and
secondly overload protection. To be effective, fuses shall not operate for magnetising inrush
currents, cold-load pickup or sustained overloads. The HV fuse shall also coordinate with the
upstream protective devices and grade where possible, with the LV fuse for all possible values of
fault current.
Effective isolation of this neutral may be required to inhibit the flow of harmonic currents through
the neutral. The Proponent is to investigate and advise Ergon Energy on their proposed method to
limit harmonic currents through the neutral. The Proponents proposed scheme would be subject to
the proposed commissioning and testing.
G Distribution
Network
E/F
Figure 3 – Generator connected via a Star-Delta transformer with the neutral directly connected to earth
All metallic equipment housing and fixtures shall be connected to an earth point in accordance with
AS/NZS 3000.
Alternative earthing arrangements (eg connection to the network via a delta/star transformer with
the star on the network side with a high impedance earth) must be agreed by Ergon Energy on a
case by case basis.
6.8 Power Quality

6.8.1 Power Factor
The customer shall operate with a target power factor at the Connection Point, which meets the
requirements of the National Electricity Rules. For power export, at rated power output and target
network voltage as determined in accordance with clause S5.1a.4 of the system standards when

measured at the connection point of the customer, the embedded generator must be capable of
operation in the range from a lagging power factor of 0.9 to a leading power factor of 0.95. For
power import, the power factor must satisfy the requirements of National Electricity Rules clause
S5.3.5 of Table 5.3.1
Permissible Range
Supply Voltage (Nominal) Power Factor Range
> 400 kV 0.98 lagging to unity
250 kV – 400 kV 0.96 lagging to unity
50 kV – 250 kV 0.95 lagging to unity
1 kV < 50 kV 0.90 lagging to 0.90 leading
Table 7 – Power Factor Requirements (Table S5.3.1 of NER)
Ergon Energy may specify alternative power factor ranges for the purposes of voltage
management.
6.8.2 Network Disturbance Limits

The distortion, fluctuation and unbalance limits specified for the Customer supply network shall be
assessed at the connection point. The following standards can be referred for details:
 AS/NZS 61000.3.6:2001 “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3.6: Limits -

Assessment of emission limits for distorting loads in MV and HV power systems (IEC
61000-3-6:1996, MOD)”
 AS/NZS 61000.3.7:2001 “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3.7: Limits –
Assessment of emission limits for fluctuating loads in MV and HV power systems (IEC
61000-3-7:1996, MOD)”
 HB 264 - 2003 “Power Quality – Recommendations for the application of AS/NZS
61000.3.6 and AS/NZS 61000.3.7.”
Network disturbances can be categorised into the following:
Rapid /Step Voltage change

The process of starting an embedded generator can sometimes cause step changes in voltage
levels in the Ergon Energy distribution network. Rapid/step voltage changes will also occur
whenever a generator is suddenly disconnected from the network due to faults or other
occurrences. Ergon Energy will advise customers’ acceptable level and frequency of step voltage
changes prior to the connection
Voltage Flicker
Voltage flicker refers to rapid fluctuations in the voltage level on the distribution system. These
fluctuations cause light bulbs to ‘flicker’ instead of producing a steady light.
Ergon Energy will specify customers’ emission limits for voltage flicker prior to the connection.
Harmonics
Harmonic distortions are mainly introduced by inverter-coupled embedded generation scheme.
Recommended limits of harmonic voltages permitted to inject into the Ergon Energy distribution
network at the point of common coupling will be specified by Ergon Energy prior to the connection.
Voltage Unbalance
The connection of unbalanced loads and generation to the distribution network can result in
unbalanced currents and voltages.

Network users must ensure that the loads are balanced across all phases in order to maintain the
negative sequence voltage at each connection point at less than or equal to the limits set out in
NER Table 8.
For automatic connection, the requirements are as follows:
a) For connections at 30kV or higher voltage, the current in any phase is not greater than
102% or less than 98% of the average of the average of the currents in the three phases;
and
b) For connection at voltages less than 30kV, that the current in any phase is not greater than
105% or less than 95% of the average of the currents in the three phases.
Customers must balance the current drawn in each phase at each of its connection points so as to
achieve average levels of negative sequence voltage at its connection points. The average voltage
unbalance, measured at a connection point, should not vary by more than the amount set out in
column 4 of Table 8 for the relevant nominal supply voltage, when determined over a 10-minute
averaging period.
Nominal supply
voltage Maximum negative sequence voltage (% of nominal voltage)
(kV)
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
No contingency Credible General Once per
Event contingency event hour
30 minute average 30 minute average 10 minute 1 minute
average average
More than 100 0.5 0.7 1.0 2.0
More than 10 but 1.3 1.3 2.0 2.5
not more than
100
10 or less 2.0 2.0 2.5 3.0
Table 8 – Negative sequence voltage, Table S5.1a.1 of NER
7. Commissioning and Testing of Embedded Generation

Plant
Prior to the connection of the embedded generator to the Network, Ergon Energy is entitled to
inspect and, where necessary, require the Generator to test those parts of the embedded
generation plant that have a direct effect on the Network. This is to enable Ergon Energy to verify
that the embedded generation plant is acceptable for connection and complies in all respects with
the requirements of the Technical Report and Applicable Standards and Regulations. This
Technical Report shall be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ)
The Proponent will conduct commissioning tests to demonstrate compliance of the embedded
generation plant and network connection with the Engineering Report and NER Schedule 5.2.
The Proponent must submit to Ergon Energy for approval, the proposed commissioning program
including test procedures and proposed test equipment to be used in the commissioning.
The generation unit’s commissioning program and test shall include all relevant tests to confirm the
embedded generation plant compliance with the Engineering Report.

The Proponent will develop commissioning program and test procedures for the embedded
generation plant to ensure that the commissioning of the embedded generator:
 Does not adversely affect the security of the Network or the quality of supply of electricity
from the Network; and
 Minimises any possible threat of damage to the Network, or any other plant, equipment or
installations of any other person that is connected to the Network.
8. Compliance Monitoring and Maintenance

The Proponent must develop a compliance monitoring program, including an agreed method by
which the Proponent can demonstrate ongoing compliance of the embedded generation with the
Applicable Standards and Regulations and the embedded generators continued operation in
accordance with Good Engineering Practice and the Applicable Standards and Regulations. The
Proponent will provide to Ergon Energy a copy of the agreed compliance-monitoring program.
It should be noted that Section 28 of the Electricity Regulations 2006 states:
1. A customer must not install generating plant for interconnection with a supplier’s network
without the supplier’s agreement
2. The agreement must include the conditions for securing safe and stable parallel operation
of the supply network and the generating plant
In respect of the ongoing operation of the embedded generator, the Proponent must maintain the
embedded generation plant protection and control systems and any other service provided by the
Proponent in connection with the embedded generation plant that impacts on the generator, its
safety or operation, or the safety or operation of the network.
9. Notice of Alternation to Approved Design

The Proponent must not materially alter the original approved design covered in the connection
agreement of the embedded generation plant without the prior written consent of Ergon Energy. If
at any time the Proponent wishes to propose an increase in the agreed export capacity of the
embedded generation plant, the Proponent must request the increase in writing to Ergon Energy.
Upon receipt of the written request, Ergon Energy will advise the Generator if it is necessary for
Ergon Energy to undertake a new network analysis and engineering report (at the Generator’s
cost) in order to ascertain the operational constraints of the embedded generation plant with the
proposed changes to the embedded generation plant.
10. Metering Installations

Metering must be installed in compliance with the NER for all embedded generation with
export capacity (ie import / export meters). The Proponent must pay the costs of the supply
and installation of import / export metering and arrange the metering via their Energy
Retailer.

The operational requirements of the Proponent and National Grid Metering must be
addressed, with the appointment of the role of Responsible Person/Metering Provider/Meter
Data Agent to be decided by the Generator.
11. Maintenance
The Proponent shall notify Ergon Energy of scheduled and unscheduled protection, SCADA,
or Communications outages or failures.
Ergon Energy may require access to the generation unit’s site for maintenance and testing
purposes.
Protection, SCADA, or Communications system maintenance may cause interruptions to

generation. Co-operative scheduling of these activities can reduce the outage period, and
minimise the associated costs.
12. Disputes
A party may also have the right to access dispute resolution provisions under other
legislation e.g. the National Electricity Rules or Energy Ombudsman Act 2006 (Qld).

Annex A – Embedded Generation Connection Arrangements

HV and LV Distribution
NOTES:
The following single line diagrams (Arrangements 1 to 12) show a range of possible connection
arrangements for embedded generation operating in parallel with utility distribution networks.
The network voltage is 415/240V for low voltage (LV) or 11 or 33kV for the high voltage (HV)
distribution. Connection arrangements for sub-transmission or distribution networks are shown in
a separate document.
The variations considered are connection to a LV or HV network, whether the feeder is shared use
with 3rd party customers and transformer connection arrangements between customer load and
generation.
Network Coupling Point (NCP) is the point where power quality criteria would normally be
assessed and the Connection Point (CP) is the point of asset ownership change from utility to
customer.
The metering arrangements are indicative only. Metering may be Nett or Import/Export as
required and either metering arrangement can be used in any connection arrangement. Metering
may be on either side of the CP to suit utility requirements.
These diagrams apply regardless of the type of generator. The energy source or “generator” can
be synchronous, asynchronous (induction machine) or power electronic (inverter or converter)
coupled.
For protection and control requirements see the separate diagrams showing these.

Ln
L3
HV LV
HV FEEDER
ZONE
SUBSTATION DISTRIBUTION L2
SUBSTATION
LEGEND
CP Connection Point L1
L1 Internal load for embedded generation Customer NCP M
L2 to Ln Third party customer low voltage load CP
M Metering G
NCP Network Common Point CUSTOMER INSTALLATION
HV or LV fuse
Circuit breaker, protection or switching device
ARRANGEMENT 1: LOW VOLTAGE GENERATION AND SHARED LOW VOLTAGE CONNECTION

RD
Generation at low voltage with parallel low voltage load - Low voltage reticulation shared with 3 party customers - Shared HV feeder

M L
HV LV M
HV FEEDER NCP CP
ZONE
M G
SUBSTATION
DISTRIBUTION CUSTOMER
SUBSTATION INSTALLATION
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
L Internal load for embedded generation Customer
M Metering – may be Nett or Import/Export type
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 2: LOW VOLTAGE GENERATION AND DEDICATED LOW VOLTAGE CONNECTION

Generation at low voltage with parallel low voltage load - Dedicated low voltage connection - Shared HV feeder

Ln
L3
HV LV
HV FEEDER
ZONE
SUBSTATION DISTRIBUTION L2
SUBSTATION
LEGEND
CP Connection Point PCC M L1
CP
L1 Internal load for embedded generation Customer
L2 to Ln Third party customer low voltage load
M Metering NCP
HV LV M
CP
G
DISTRIBUTION CUSTOMER INSTALLATION
HV or LV fuse
SUBSTATION
ARRANGEMENT 3: SEPARATED LOW VOLTAGE GENERATION

Generation at low voltage with no parallel low voltage load - Low voltage load on shared reticulation - Shared HV feeder

HV LV M L
HV FEEDER CP
ZONE
SUBSTATION HV LV M G
NCP CP
LEGEND
DISTRIBUTION CUSTOMER
CP Connection Point SUBSTATION INSTALLATION
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 4: LOW VOLTAGE GENERATION AND SEPARATED LOW VOLTAGE CONNECTIONS

Generation at low voltage - Separate dedicated low voltage connection for generation and load - Shared HV feeder

L
CP
M HV LV
HV FEEDER NCP
ZONE
M G
SUBSTATION
CUSTOMER INSTALLATION
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 5: LOW VOLTAGE GENERATION AND HIGH VOLTAGE CUSTOMER CONNECTION

Generation at low voltage with parallel low voltage load - Customer owned high voltage connection substation - Shared HV feeder

ZONE
SUBSTATION
L
NCP CP
M HV LV
HV FEEDER
M G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 6: LOW VOLTAGE GENERATION AND DEDICATED HIGH VOLTAGE CONNECTION

Generation at low voltage with parallel low voltage load - Customer owned high voltage connection substation - Sole-Use HV feeder

CP
M HV LV L
HV FEEDER NCP
ZONE
SUBSTATION M HV HV G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 7: HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATION WITH ISOLATION TRANSFORMER

Generation at high voltage with step-up isolation transformer - Separate dedicated low voltage connection for load - Shared HV feeder

CP
M HV LV L
HV FEEDER NCP
ZONE
SUBSTATION M G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 8: HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATION WITH DIRECT CONNECTION

Generation at high voltage with direct connection to feeder - Separate dedicated low voltage connection for load - Shared HV feeder

ZONE
SUBSTATION
NCP CP
M HV LV L
HV FEEDER
M HV HV G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 9: HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATION WITH ISOLATION TRANSFORMER

Generation at high voltage with step-up isolation transformer – Separate dedicated low voltage connection for load - Sole-Use HV feeder

ZONE
SUBSTATION
NCP CP
M HV LV L
HV FEEDER
M G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 10: DIRECT CONNECTED HV GENERATION

High voltage generation direct connected to feeder - Customer owned high voltage connection substation - Sole-Use HV feeder

CP
M HV HV HV LV L
HV FEEDER NCP
ZONE
SUBSTATION M G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 11: HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATION AT INTERMEDIATE VOLTAGE LEVEL

High voltage generation at intermediate voltage level - Customer owned high voltage connection substation - Shared HV feeder

ZONE
SUBSTATION
NCP CP
M HV HV HV LV L
HV FEEDER
M G
LEGEND
CP Connection Point
HV or LV fuse
ARRANGEMENT 12: HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATION AT INTERMEDIATE VOLTAGE LEVEL

High voltage generation at intermediate voltage level - Customer owned high voltage connection substation - Sole-Use HV feeder

Annex B – Rotating Generator Data Requirements
The following information shall be provided for each generator proposed to be installed:
Item Data Description Units
1 Type of Generator Text

2 Connection Arrangement (Delta or Star/Wye) Text
3 Rotor Type (Round Rotor or Salient Pole) Text
4 Nominal Rated Output kVA, kW &
kVAr
5 Nominal Terminal Voltage (Line to Neutral) V or kV
6 Highest Voltage (Line to Neutral) V or kV
7 Rated Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage kVp
8 Rate Short Duration Power Frequency Withstand Voltage kV
9 Maximum Current kA
10 Rated Short Time Withstand Current kA for
Seconds
11 Ambient Conditions under which Item 9 & 10 currents apply Text
12 Synchronous Reactance – D Axis (Xd) PU
13 Synchronous Reactance – Q Axis (Xq) PU
14 Transient Reactance – D Axis (X’d) PU
15 Transient Reactance – Q Axis (X’q) PU
16 Subtransient Reactance – D Axis (X”d) PU
17 Subtransient Reactance – Q Axis (X”q) PU
18 Open Circuit Transient Time Constant – D Axis Seconds
19 Open Circuit Transient Time Constant – Q Axis Seconds
20 Open Circuit Subtransient Time Constant – D Axis Seconds
21 Open Circuit Subtransient Time Constant – Q Axis Seconds
22 Armature Resistance PU
23 Negative Sequence Resistance PU
24 Locked Rotor Impedance (Resistance & Reactance) PU
25 Zero Sequence Reactance PU
26 Grounding Impedance (Resistance & Reactance Ohms
27 Saturation Co-efficient at 1.0PU and 1.2PU -
28 Mechanical Inertia Constant Seconds
29 Fault Contribution from the Generator(s) at the Network kA
Boundary
30 Description of the proposed voltage, active power (P) and Text
reactive power (Q) control system including details of the
operation and performance of the system under normal
conditions, fault conditions, and network disturbance
conditions
Where the Data Item Unit is identified as PU it shall be the PU value calculated on a base of
the generator nominal terminal voltage and nominal generator kVA rating.

Annex C – Photovoltaic Inverter Energy System Data

Requirements
The following information shall be provided for each IES generator proposed to be installed:
Item Data Description Units

1 Inverter model and associated data sheets Text
2 Overall average system efficiency (panels + %
inverter)
3 Inverter reactive control capabilities Text
4 Panel capacity kW
5 Inverter capacity kVA
6 Information on inverter configuration – Text and Diagrams
single or three-phase systems, number of
inverters, electrical schematic if embedded
in sub-boards
7 Battery details, planned operating modes Text and Diagrams
and dispatch schedule (if applicable)

Annex D – Protection of Embedded Generation Network

Connections
Introduction
This discussion pertains to the power system protection considerations associated with the
connection and parallel operation of synchronous generators with utility distribution networks, also
referred to as embedded generation.
The following issues relating to protection systems need to be considered when interconnecting an
embedded generator with a utility distribution network:
a) Safety: Interruption of the utility supply source may not de-energize a circuit if an
embedded generator is supplying power to the same circuit; therefore, safety for other utility
customers, the public and utility personnel is a key issue to consider
b) Protection of Equipment: All network and embedded generation installation

equipment must be adequately protected within expected ranges of load, fault current, and
voltages.
c) Detection of Faults: All faults and hazardous abnormalities must be detected and
cleared promptly within the limits of sensitivity that protection technology can provide. The
effects of changed short-circuit currents due to embedded generation on circuit protection
and coordination need to be considered. Fault detection performance and risk in the face
of protection relay or circuit breaker failure has to be considered.
d) Restoration of Service: A common technique used by utilities to restore normal service

promptly after an interruption is auto-reclose. This may cause damage to an embedded
generator still connected to the circuit. Equipment installed to prevent reclosing if the line
is still energized may cause a delay in restoration of normal service and may not be
acceptable to other utility customers.
e) Power Quality: Temporary, fluctuating or sustained over and undervoltages may also
occur. These effects need to be controlled within acceptable limits. Maintenance of
steady-state frequency level and frequency fluctuations within acceptable limits under all
operating conditions is also to be considered.
f) Transient Stability: The ability of embedded generation to ride through or disconnect in

an acceptable manner during a short-circuit fault event in the utility network needs to be
considered.
g) Neutral Earthing: Adequacy under all normal and sustained abnormal operating
conditions has to be ensured.
h) Islanding: Depending on the purpose of the embedded generation installation, a

requirement may be that the generation and load automatically separate from the utility
network during disturbances and operate as a stable generation-load island.
While the foregoing issues need to be resolved, and mostly they all have technical solutions
available, the cost of protection should be considered when evaluating the feasibility of a proposed
embedded generation installation. It is essential to ensure safe and reliable interconnections

within acceptable risk parameters. Sometimes the cost of necessary protection systems can
significantly impact on the economic viability of an embedded generation project.
For the purposes of this document, the term “island” is used to describe the situation in which the
embedded generation is feeding un-faulted and isolated customer load or loads. Since
synchronous generators do not require interconnection with a utility system to operate, they may
be capable of supplying part of the utility load if separation occurs somewhere between the
embedded generation and the source substation. These installations can be divided into three
categories:
a) An installation, such as an industrial plant or hospital, where the primary purpose of the
generator is to feed continuous power to the facility when the tie to the utility is interrupted.
Operating such a facility as an island is desirable, but such plants must be designed so that
the voltage and frequency excursion is within acceptable limits when separation from the
utility occurs. Synchronising facilities, either automatic or manual are used whenever the
connection to the utility is re-established and are owned and operated by the embedded
generation owner.
b) Any radial distribution line where an interconnected embedded generator is capable of

supplying the power requirements of the entire line and its load. However, only certain
embedded generators would be capable of providing frequency, voltage and power factor
control necessary for this. In most instances, the separation from the utility will be initiated
by a distribution circuit fault, which will persist until the embedded generation
interconnecting circuit breaker opens. An island may also be formed when the feeder
circuit breaker is tripped due to a fault in the source substation, or as the result of an
upstream fault. Because of the possibility of forming an island, it will be necessary to
assure tripping of the embedded generator before reclosing the utility circuit breaker.
Reclosing of the utility circuit breaker could damage the embedded generator if closed out-
of-phase. It is not normally unacceptable to operate the embedded generation as an
island serving other utility (3rd party) customers.
c) In special instances, it may be desirable to establish a successful island of a radial line. An

example might be a remote resort village fed by a single long distribution line. The
isolation of the village and provision for operation as an island must be carefully designed
using techniques similar to those used in (a) above and the legal aspects accounted for
where different customers are involved.
Islanded operation can only be acceptable when there is no risk to 3rd party utility customers and
where they can receive the equivalent to utility service. This requires not only the same phase
configuration (three-phase generator for three-phase load), but the proper transformer connections
to supply the distribution load in the same manner as the utility. Islanded operation also would
require that the frequency and voltage stay within narrow limits set by the utility (with regulatory
body approval). Deviations beyond these limits should be detected by protection relays, which
would open the embedded generation interconnection.
However due to safety, power quality and liability concerns, most utilities will not permit embedded
generation to remain connected to isolated feeders under any circumstances. In some instances,
this may require installation of a transfer-trip (remote trip) system to make sure that an embedded
generator is promptly disconnected when the source substation circuit breaker opens.

Short-Circuit Fault Considerations
General
In designing protection associated with embedded generation interconnection, faults and
abnormalities to be considered will be:
 In the generator itself

 In the embedded generation customer installation
 In the interconnection assets
 In the wider utility network
In these notes the protection for generator faults is not considered in detail and only to the extent of
a suitable minimum standard and from the view of its use for interconnection or network faults.
Fault Currents
Typical distribution feeders are fed radially from a utility substation. In these feeders, all of the
short-circuit fault current for faults on the feeder, as well as the load current, will come from the
source substation. Non-radial distribution networks are considered in another document.
The magnitude of the fault current is determined by the impedances of the utility source, the
transformers, reactors and feeder conductors etc, and fault resistance. Embedded synchronous
generators, will increase the fault current level at the fault point and reduce the current being
supplied by the source substation to the point of actually causing a reversal of fault current flow
some circuits.
The maximum and minimum values of fault current are an important consideration for any
protection scheme. Maximum values determine the interrupting rating needed for circuit breakers,
automatic circuit reclosers (ACRs), fuses, etc as well as the upper design limit for the protection
scheme performance. Minimum current values determine the lower limit settings of overcurrent,
earth fault relays and other protective devices to provide a satisfactorily high probability of
detecting all faults.
On a radial feeder, all protective devices between the substation relays and the fault measure the
same current if the substation is the only source. This simplifies the coordination of overcurrent
tripping devices to interrupt the fewest number of customers. Earth fault coordination may be
affected if feeders have other sources of earth current.
Sources of feeder fault current due to embedded generation may affect relay, fuse and ACR
coordination, equipment rating, and safety of utility personnel and the general public. The
magnitude of fault current from these sources will depend upon the type, size, and number of
generators, their impedances, and their location with respect to the fault and utility substation.
If the embedded generation contribution is large, the operation of the relays at the substation may
be delayed due to a reduction in fault current from the source substation. A more likely case is
that of a relatively high impedance embedded generation source located near the source
substation. Such an arrangement contributes limited fault current until the utility circuit breaker
opens, which may result in slow detection and sequential clearing of the fault. These multiple
current source problems will apply to phase-to-earth faults if there is an earthed neutral
(transformer or generator) at the faulted network voltage level.

A fault study is essential for embedded generation proposals covering faults in the customer
installation and the utility network. This should recognise the presence of other embedded
generation installations that may be “electrically” nearby.



Annex E – Protection of Inverter Energy System Network

Connections No Export / Conditional Export
For conditional export agreements the generation proponent is required to participate in the
protection of the distribution network. The generation proponent shall provide protection systems in
addition to the inherent inverter protections to ensure that systems can disconnect when the
distribution entity has disconnected. The protection requirements are those detailed as P8 above.
Where a power limit has been set by Ergon Energy (either import or export) the customer shall
provide a power protection measurement at the connection point. This protection shall be used to
trip either the source of generation or the incoming circuit breaker.
For IES sites with nameplate rating <100kW where the power limit set by Ergon Energy is above
the nameplate rating of the Inverter Energy System, the customer may elect not to install a power
protection. Should Ergon Energy review the power limit to a value below the IES nameplate rating
the customer will be required to retrofit a power protection system. In instances where it is not
possible to operate the IES without a connected load at the customer premises, the value power
limit may be regarded as the IES rating minus the absolute minimum site load.
Where a customer expects to export power, Ergon Energy shall be notified of the desired power
export threshold at the time of the connection application. Ergon Energy will study the impact on
the system and agree or review the threshold. Under these arrangements Ergon Energy reserves
the right to reduce the power export threshold at any time in order to accommodate network
conditions. In some cases this may be reviewed and changed to an import power threshold.
Voltage and frequency protection shall be configured to values stated in AS4777 and the
connection agreement where applicable.
Relays providing these functions are expected to comply with the appropriate sections of IEC
60255. The instrument transformers used to interface these protection relaying equipment to the
proponents installation shall be compliant with the appropriate sections of AS60044.

Figure 4 – Protection Arrangement for IES without an Export Agreement

Export
For export agreements the generation proponent is required to participate in the protection of the
distribution network. The generation proponent shall provide protection systems in addition to the
inherent inverter protections to ensure that systems can detect and clear all faults on the high
voltage network reliably. The protection requirements are those detailed as P4 and P8 above.
For generators with an export agreement a voltage transformer connected to the high voltage
network shall be utilised to provide a neutral voltage displacement protection. Operation of this
shall trip either the source of the generation at the site or circuit breaker at the customer
connection point. The circuit breaker that can be tripped is at the discretion of the customer and
would be decided on operational convenience.
In addition to the neutral voltage displacement protection an overcurrent protection shall be applied
to detect and clear all faults on the high voltage network. This shall be set to the rating of the
generation and maybe set directional looking towards the utility network.
Voltage and frequency protection shall be configured to values stated in AS4777 and the
connection agreement where applicable.
Relays providing these functions are expected to comply with the appropriate sections of IEC
60255. The instrument transformers used to interface the protection relaying equipment to the
proponents installation shall be compliant with the relevant sections of AS60044.

Figure 5 – Protection Arrangement for IES with an Export Agreement

Annex F – SCADA Communication Requirements

(Minimum)
Input/Output Function
Digital Status Signals
HV connection point tripped status
HV connection point closed status
LV CB tripped status
LV CB closed status
Analogue Status Signals
HV Voltage (V) three phases
HV Current (C) three phases
Bi-directional HV Power (MW)
Bi-directional HV Reactive Power (MVA)
Digital Control Signal
HV connection point trip
Alarm Signals:
Ergon Energy System Operator trip
Intertrip received from HV feeder CB
Intertrip communications failure (time delayed)
SCADA Interface Panel DC supply failure (fail safe contact)
The communication requirements will vary depending on the type, size and function of the
embedded generator.
Space Requirements for Ergon Energy’s Protection, SCADA and Communications Equipment are:
Mounting space for 20 RU 19” Racks – air conditioned installations

Mounting space for 25 RU 19” Racks – non air conditioned installations
200 mm (minimum) cable zone up to same height adjacent to the above mounting space
24 V DC, 8 A continuous, fused, battery backup for 24 hours
240 V AC, 10A, GPO with earth leakage protection
Provision for gear tray mounted equipment
Lockable hinged door with rubber seal
Signal marshalling terminal strip complete with labelled SCADA signal wiring and protection
intertripping signal wiring
Suitable lighting for both the equipment panel and access way(s)
Adequate protection from environmental elements such as temperature extremes, water,
dust, vibration and humidity

Annex G – Ergon Energy Requirements for Parallel

Operation of Low Voltage Transformers
Proponents shall meet the following requirements for parallel operation of low voltage
transformers:
1. Provide Ergon Energy with a Technical Report which covers:
 Statement of Purpose
 Fault level calculations
 Equipment ratings
 Protection schemes
 Operational procedures for the customers network
 Associated risk assessments
2. Co-ordinate with Ergon Energy protection relay settings
3. Restrict parallel operation to 2 transformers
4. For each transformer, install an LV circuit breaker between the customers LV board and
Ergon Energy 415 isolator
5. Install a bus section circuit breaker for the parallel transformers
6. Install direction protection (overcurrent and earthfault) on the customers LV circuit

breakers to detect faults in the transformer zone
7. Intertrip the LV circuit breaker following operation of the HV circuit breaker or switch fuse
8. Pay actual cost for the assessment and implementation of the above requirements.
These charges will be generally be payable up front but in some circumstances may be
included within ongoing network charges

Annex H – Summary of NER Schedule 5.4 Connection

Enquiry
The following items of information are required to be submitted with a preliminary enquiry for
connection or modification of an existing connection. Type of plant - (eg. gas turbine
generating unit; rolling mill, etc.)
I. Preferred site location - (listing any alternatives in order of preference as well).

II. Maximum power generation or demand of whole plant - (maximum MW and/or
MVA, or average over 15 minutes or similar).
III. Expected energy production or consumption (MWh per month).
IV. Plant type and configuration - (e.g. number and type of generating units or
number of separate production lines).
V. Nature of any disturbing load (size of disturbing component MW/MVAr, duty cycle,
nature of power electronic plant which may produce harmonic distortion).
VI. Technology of proposed generating unit (e.g. synchronous generator, induction
generator, photovoltaic array, etc).
VII. When plant is to be in service - (e.g. estimated date for each generating unit).
VIII. Name and address of enquirer, and, if relevant, of the party for whom the enquirer
is acting.
IX. Other information may be requested by Ergon Energy, such as amount and timing
of power required during construction or any auxiliary power requirements.

STNW1165ver3 Generator

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

STNW1165ver3 Generator

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

STNW1165ver3 Generator

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Standard

Standard for Connection of

Approver Jason Hall

Rob Coggan 11801

Blake Harvey 10323

Keywords: embedded generation, generator, inverter systems

 The person is a Registered Participant; or

i Standard STNW1165 Ver 3

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

iv Standard STNW1165 Ver 3

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

National Electricity Rules – http://www.aemc.gov.au

2.2 Other documents

AS 2067 Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1 kV ac

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

3. Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations

Connection Asset Those components of a transmission or distribution system which

Connection Applicant A person who wants to establish or modify connection to a

Customer A person who engages in the activity of purchasing electricity

Distribution System A distribution network, together with the connection assets

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

Embedded Generator A Generator, who owns, operates or controls an embedded

Interconnection Synchronous parallel operation of an embedded generator to the

This definition includes initiatives such as:

This does not include plant which is operated and connected in

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

A micro embedded generator has a nameplate rating less than 2

Proponent: Means the Generator, Customer or developer or their agent (i.e.

3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

4. Network Connection Overview

4.2 Network Connection Assets

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

Figure 1 – Asset Boundary Principles

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

4.3 Technical Considerations

 Network Safety and Security;

4.4 Types of Embedded Generators

Operation Type Export Non-export

4.4.1 Export Embedded Generation

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

4.4.2 Non-Export Embedded Generation

4.5 Permissible Generator Connection Arrangements

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

5. Connection Application Process

5.1 General Requirements for Connection of Generators

Generators may require registration with AEMO.

5.2 Connection Enquiry

 Type of plant – (eg. Gas turbine, Photovoltaic array etc).

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

 current transformers, voltage transformers, protection and control elements and

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

 Rating of capacitors – individual stages and total installation (kVAR)

6. Technical Requirements and Performance Standards

6.2 Network Connection Arrangement and Voltage Level

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

6.2.2 Nominal Interconnection Voltage

6.2.3 Power Frequency