Model Acceptance Test Guideline Nov 2021
Model Acceptance Test Guideline Nov 2021
Model Acceptance Test Guideline Nov 2021
Guideline
Version 2: November 2021
Important notice
PURPOSE
This Guideline provides information to National Electricity Market participants about the assessment and
testing process AEMO undertakes before accepting new or updated plant models for use in system studies
and due diligence assessments for connection applications, registrations and plant alterations.
Participants and vendors should ensure they refer to the most recent version of this document for AEMO’s
general requirements.
DISCLAIMER
This document or the information in it may be updated or amended from time to time. This document does
not constitute legal or business advice, and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining detailed
advice about the National Electricity Law, the National Electricity Rules, or any other applicable laws,
procedures or policies. AEMO has made every reasonable effort to ensure the quality of the information in
this document but cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, AEMO and its officers, employees and consultants
involved in the preparation of this document:
• make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the currency, accuracy, reliability or
completeness of the information in this document; and
• are not liable (whether by reason of negligence or otherwise) for any statements or representations in this
document, or any omissions from it, or for any use or reliance on the information in it.
VERSION CONTROL
Version Release date Change summary
1.0 17/2/2021 First issue after consultation with NEM Power System Model Reference Group (PSMRG)
2.0 26/11/2021 Revised after operational experience in response to requests for clarification from industry and
NSPs:
• Purpose statement updated (in Important Notice) to clarify DMAT application
• Table 2 updated to reflect POC conditions for initialisation and snapshot checks
• Section 2.5 and checklist (A1, Table 20, item 14) updated to highlight implications of submitting
non-FORTRAN source coded models for PSS®E (not advisable).
• Update to section 2.2 to clarify initialisation cannot rely on scripts. Checklist in A.1, Table 20, item
34 (bullet point 3) also confirms use of scripts not permitted.
• Footnote update to Table 20, item 16 (use of MINS models), item 26 (firmware versions), item 39
(transformer saturation).
• Clarification and a footnote update to Table 20, item 30 (open loop gain and phase margin
information)
• Unbalanced faults updated in section 3.2.5 Table 4 to reflect the most relevant (minimal) POC
conditions of interest for assessment of asymmetrical disturbances.
• Clarification of fault duration in “note A” for Test 121 (section 3.2.6).
Abbreviations 70
1
At present AEMO primarily uses PSS®E and PSCADTM/EMTDCTM, respectively, for RMS and EMT studies.
2
At https://aemo.com.au/Stakeholder-Consultation/Consultations/Power-System-Model-Guidelines-and-System-Strength-Impact-Assessment-Guidelines.
3
AEMO or the relevant NSP may have specific requirements for an individual connection.
4
See http://www.aemo.com.au/-/media/Files/Electricity/NEM/Security_and_Reliability/System-Security-Market-Frameworks-Review/2018/Power_Systems_
Model_Guidelines_PUBLISHED.pdf.
5
See http://www.aemo.com.au/-/media/Files/Electricity/NEM/Security_and_Reliability/System-Security-Market-Frameworks-Review/2018/Power_System_
Design_and_Setting_Data_Sheets_PUBLISHED.xlsx.
6
See https://www.aemo.com.au/-/media/Files/Electricity/NEM/Network_Connections/Access-Standard-Assessment-Guide-20190131.pdf.
Plant items
The scope of this Guideline covers each primary plant item for which dynamic models have been provided
independently. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to:
• For synchronous generating units (and synchronous condenser units where applicable), models and
settings of:
– Excitation system (automatic voltage regulator [AVR], exciter, power system stabilisers [PSS], and
limiters) derived from the actual plant information, using a generic (or user-specific, if provided)
synchronous machine model (with specific parameters).
– Governor system.
• For inverter-connected technologies (for example, wind farms, solar farms, and/or battery systems),
models and settings of:
– Aggregated equivalent wind turbine model including central park level controller.
– Aggregated equivalent solar inverter model including its park level controller.
– Aggregated equivalent battery system including its central park level controller.
– Equivalent aggregate generating system representation, if composed of various individual
technologies, including the overall generating system controller.
• For dynamic reactive support plant such as static Var compensator (SVC) and static synchronous
compensator (STATCOM), models and settings of:
– Main and auxiliary control systems for power electronic plant including its limiters and supplementary
controls such as power oscillation damper (POD) and phase balancing.
– Auxiliary control systems for any mechanically switched elements.
• For high voltage direct current (HVDC) links:
– If intended as interconnectors, the DC link model and its settings with a generic large (nearly infinite)
generating system connected at one end.
– If intended as embedded DC links with generating systems connected to one or both ends, the DC link
model with a generic (or specific, if provided) model of the generating system(s) at one end or both
ends (if applicable).
– If intended to interface islanded networks, for example DC-connected wind farms, the DC link model
with a specific model of the wind farm.
Test application
The following model acceptance tests apply for models in line with AEMO’s required simulation platforms:
• Tests bounded by low and relatively high short circuit ratio (SCR)7 conditions defined in this Guideline.
• Tests bounded by low and relatively high X/R conditions defined in this Guideline.
• Tests for System Strength Conditions taking into consideration proposed Connection Point characteristics.
• Test with very low SCR.
• Balanced Undervoltage – Fault Conditions.
• Unbalanced 1 Phase to Ground, 2 Phase to Ground, and Line-to-Line faults for PSCADTM/EMTDCTM
models.
• Balanced Overvoltage Disturbances.
• Over and Under Frequency Injection Tests.
• Active Power Step (for example, Run-back), Voltage, and Power Factor (PF)/Reactive Power Step Tests.
• Step change to the input power source (for example, wind, irradiance)
• Voltage Step and Ramp tests.
• Dynamic response tests for abrupt voltage phase shifts.
• Test Run with a fault condition in large network for AEMO’s OPDMS PSS®E model and AEMO’s
PSCADTM/EMTDCTM Network Model (performed by AEMO in addition to PSS®E tests that the Generator
may be undertaking themselves using AEMO’s OPDMS data, see Table 1) to ensure no suspect states,
variables, satisfactory initial conditions, and no model interactions, as well as to test model adequacy for
real-time operational and planning purposes.
Scope of Tests Initial Screening and Assessment Final Assessment and Acceptance
All SMIB tests involving PSS®E model Proponent or NSP as agreed AEMO
and PSCADTM/EMTDCTM
PSS®E OPDMS wide area model test Proponent or NSP as agreed AEMO
7
SCR is a measure of the strength of the network to which the equipment is connected. This is defined as the ratio of the short circuit capacity of the grid at
the point of common coupling (PCC) in megavolt amperes (MVA) to the nominal power at the PCC in megawatts.
8
As agreed with AEMO and where alternative examples may include and not limited to: Laboratory tests, Hardware in the Loop (HiL) tests for converter
modules and specific functions and features, e.g. chopper limitations (ratings - temperature tests) for DFIG or FSFC type wind turbines in consideration of
MFRT and so on.
9
Included in this category are the central park level controllers that schedule active and reactive power across the IBR plant.
10
It is also expected that the functional block diagrams provided with the Power System Design and Setting Data Sheets for a specific generating system
connection will match these diagrams, although the parameter values might differ to reflect particular connection point performance requirements.
11
For the purpose of LVRT and HVRT assessment, the actual per unit converter current related to the connection point shall be used, and not the capability
established in S5.2.5.1 (which refers to operating voltage range of 90% to 110%). For IBR utilising d and q axis control quantities, d and q axis voltages and
currents shall be provided to verify the measured power quantities.
12
Set-points must be run-time settable without the need for the model to be re-compiled.
13
PLL settings and outputs must be provided for all frequency (phase) measuring devices, especially where different frequency meters are used. Examples
include PLL use (frequency estimation) for protective functions, PLL use for control functions, PLL use on wind turbine models on a machine side as well as
the grid side converter. Where PLL is not used, a technology specific measurement and settings shall be provided and made available; for example, for –
grid forming technologies.
14
To meet initialisation times, availability of load flow conditions (for example voltage magnitude and phase angle) for the point of connection of the plant
may be assumed.
15
Application of phase shifts is expected to meet accuracy/consistency requirements. Where differences are observed (and they may be expected with the
use of PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models vs PSS®E implementation), detailed control block diagrams (or the implemented source code) and applicable settings
(including the PLL implementation for IBR) shall be provided to substantiate inconsistencies.
16
Note that ‘oversimplification’ of control coded capabilities (for example, due to minimisation of coding effort with FORTRAN) in PSS®E software may not
be accepted if it is reasonably implementable otherwise.
17
For example, including IBR control – and controlled signal reference tracking capability, PLL capability including adequacy of settings, severity of the
contingency studied at inception, , during and on clearance of such, magnitude and duration of the response, LVRT type test validation report.
18
It is recommended to test simulation speed on a 2.8GHz processor or equivalent machine.
19
AEMO can provide an additional list of requirements for consideration.
3.2.1 Application of faults – voltage dips via short circuit impedance – labelled
by Zf
The MATs that need to be carried out are outlined in this section.
As examples, the test circuits used for variable generation and synchronous generation technologies are
shown in Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) respectively.
In Figure 1(a) and 1(b), the network slack bus is an infinite bus where the voltage magnitude and voltage angle
are determined by an ideal voltage source being the reference node and balancing node. The unit and
substation transformer voltages provided are example values and can vary according to the nominal values of
the particular equipment. The substation transformer impedance shown in Figure 1(a) represents two parallel
connected transformers.
Ignoring the effect of the generating system current injection, referring to Equation (1), with the application of
a network fault the remaining voltage, U dip can be calculated as a function of fault impedance Z f, system
impedance Zs, and source voltage Vs based on a simple voltage divider circuit theory.
Equation (1) Zf
U dip = Vs
d Zs + Z f
where d is a variable which allows varying fault distance with respect to the generating unit.
Note that Udip as the remaining voltage that appears when zero in-feed is provided by the generating unit for
which the model is being tested.
Equation (2) implies that the fault impedance can be determined as a function of the predefined residual
voltage at the fault location.
Fault
SG
Fault
20
For tests in this DMAT, a value of d=1 applies (unless specified otherwise) where the value of Zf is varied to create different applied fault voltage levels at
Upcc – point of connection voltage, and in general this shall not limit the application of faults for different locations (different values of d) along the
transmission circuit. Depending on the connection point characteristics, application of grid faults may be carried out at an agreed location for which model
acceptance and benchmarking is carried out. Where subsets of tests appear (example tests 97-120, 149-152, 155-158 etc), these can be marked as tests “a”
to “c” and so on.
3.2.3 Pre-requisite tests – single machine infinite bus (SMIB) flat run
[PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models]
0.1 300 seconds (s) Flat Run and memory leak 3 times consecutive flat POC POC 1
test run and results
(5 – (6 – optional
comparison without
(test performed with optional X/R)
disturbance
‘Store feed forward SCR)
signals’ enabled) (Results are to be
observed identical in all
cases)
0.2 300 seconds (s) Flat Run and memory leak 3 times consecutive flat POC POC 1
test run and results
(5 – (6 – optional
comparison without
(test performed with optional X/R)
disturbance
‘Store feed forward SCR)
signals’ disabled) (Results are to be
observed identical in all
cases and with the test 0.1)
0.3 300 s Flat Run Test at lower than POC POC 0.05
maximum output
(5 – (6 – optional
optional X/R)
SCR)
21
For relevance to the connection point, these tests are recommended to consider equivalent details of the connecting system impedance, whilst
maintaining optional tests for robustness purposes at different SCR and X/R ratios. Tests 0.4 and 0.5 are identical if same SCR and X/R values are used and
thus need not be repeated.
Test Fault Fault type Fault impedance Zf [pu] SCR X/R Active Reactive
duration Power [pu] Power [pu]
[s]
22
These are model robustness tests. It is noted that the assumed SCR (and X/R) range may not be credible for certain parts of the network.
Test Fault Fault type Fault impedance SCR X/R Active Reactive
duration Zf [pu] Power [pu] Power [pu]
[s]
23
While not explicitly indicated, AEMO may undertake any of these tests at POC specific conditions taking into account different PF operating ranges. A
minimum set of POC tests is outlined to capture performance or limitations for different unbalanced faults and different active power levels. For line to line
faults, impedance values refer to ground.
Sequence RANDOM (Fault Type) RANDOM (Fault RANDOM (Time RANDOM (Fault
Duration [ms]) between recurring Impedance)
events [s])
Test Fault Fault type Fault impedance Zf [pu] SCR X/R Active Reactive
duration [s] Power [pu] Power [pu]
Note A. Sequence S1 includes application of a 3PHG fault at 5, 5.25, 5.5 seconds, followed by 2PHG fault at 8, 11 and 13 seconds. Each
fault is of 100ms duration. Sequence (S1) is a specific sequence whilst others (S2 to S4) are randomly generated.
24
The purpose of the test is to assess MFRT capability where models are adequately equipped with protective functions.
Test Fault Fault type Fault impedance Zf [pu] SCR X/R Active Reactive
duration [s] Power [pu] Power [pu]
Table 8 Voltage and Reactive Power (and/or PF) control reference step change test
Note: For PF tests, appropriate PF control setpoint is to be issued to achieve (at least) targeted 0.3 pu change in the reactive power
output.
Acceptance criteria is based on the plant reaching the reference point before the next step is applied. In cases
where this is not possible, evidence must be provided to substantiate the shortfalls. This requirement must be
met by IBR.
Test Event SCR X/R Available Power Active Power [pu] Reactive Power
[%] [pu]
25
Or use 0, if no deadband is applicable/used, for example, for reciprocating machine.
Figure 6 Grid frequency test – overfrequency [Hz] (fast 4 Hz/sec (250 ms) ramp rate and frequency
reaching 52 Hz over 3 seconds)
Figure 8 Grid voltage ramp response test [pu] (voltage ramped over 6 seconds)
Note: RED: 0.1 pu, BLUE: 0.5pu and GREEN: 0.8 pu voltage dip followed by 1 second ramped up recovery.
26
The upper frequency at which tests would be conducted will depend on the control system bandwidth and may need to cover up to and including
nominal frequency. At least tests up to 20Hz shall be performed as a minimum in all circumstances.
27
Optional test where deemed necessary
3.2.17 POC SCR = 1 Active Power reference change test [PSS®E and
PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models]
This test increases active power reference in gradual steps until the plant reaches its rated output under low
SCR conditions. Due to the low grid SCR, it is expected that the plant is unable to maintain stable operation at
100% output level. Active power ramp durations may be extended to meet the equipment maximum slew rate
limitation.
28
It is expected that IBR do not lose control for grid voltage angle change equal to ±40°. These tests do not supersede network connection and compliance
requirements where phase angle changes of different magnitude and duration may be present.
29
Tests 193 to 198 include subsets of tests for ±40° and ±60° phase angle changes, where each test covers +40°, -40°, +60° and -60° phase angle responses.
They could be done in a sequence (with sufficient time between step applications to allow settled responses) or treated as standalone steps.
Test Fault Fault Fault impedance Zf SCR SCR X/R Active Reactive
duration [s] type [pu] [pre- [post-fault] Power Power [pu]
fault] [pu]
Table 17 Input power source step change (for example, wind speed, irradiance)
Full Load
UEL OEL
½ to ¾ Load
Minimum Load
Full Load
UEL OEL
½ to ¾ Load
Minimum Load
3.6.2 Governor
To ensure there is no adverse interaction between the governor and PSS, the following case study is carried
out (for time domain studies, and not ruling out small signal assessment of the linearised model otherwise):
for operation at full load and unity power factor compare PSS performance with and without the governor
model (constant mechanical power applied to the synchronous generator model). The governor is not
expected to materially change the overall performance.
30
The model must be robust, initialise, run in a stable manner, and not crash for any operating conditions of the actual plant being snapped in OPDMS, e.g.
this may apply to solar farm models or wind farm models, at no sun or no wind conditions, respectively.
31
If there is a governor model that requires a waterway model it is expected to be of MINS (miscellaneous) model type.
3. The PSS®E model has the following information: Models with all control
features are required unless
• Generating unit model. Yes ☐ No ☐
exempt. Models which have
• Plant controller – Voltage Control. parts of the plant controller Yes ☐ No ☐
expected functions
• Plant Controller – Reactive Power control. Yes ☐ No ☐
implemented within the
• Plant Controller – PF Control. Generating unit, shall be Yes ☐ No ☐
• Plant Controller – Frequency Control. stated. For example, this
Yes ☐ No ☐
could relate to frequency or
• Plant Controller – Active Power Control. voltage Control of Yes ☐ No ☐
• MFRT protective mechanisms are implemented. synchronous generating
Yes ☐ No ☐
units.
4. The PSCADTM/EMTDCTM model has the following Models with all control
information: features are required unless
Yes ☐ No ☐
exempt. Models which have
• Generating unit model.
parts of the plant controller Yes ☐ No ☐
• Plant controller – Voltage Control. expected functions
Yes ☐ No ☐
implemented within the
• Plant Controller – Reactive Power control.
Generating unit, shall be Yes ☐ No ☐
• Plant Controller – PF Control. stated. For example, this
Yes ☐ No ☐
• Plant Controller – Frequency Control. could relate to frequency or
voltage Control of Yes ☐ No ☐
• Plant Controller – Active Power Control. synchronous generating
Yes ☐ No ☐
• MFRT protective mechanisms are implemented. units.
6. Transfer Function Block Diagram indicating all STATES, and For PSS®E – Generating Yes ☐ No ☐
CONS. Unit, see Note C.
7. Transfer Function Block Diagram indicating all STATES, and For PSS®E – Generating Yes ☐ No ☐
CONS. System Plant Controller, see
Note C.
8. For the PSCADTM model, if the transfer function diagram For the Plant Controller, and Yes ☐ No ☐
and parameters are different from the implemented version for the Generating Unit
in PSS®E, a PSCADTM specific transfer function diagram
shall be provided indicating the applicable settings and a
mapping file provided to substantiate parameter alignment
between the two software platforms and models. Examples
of such could be and not necessarily limited to, for example,
Simulink model or a detailed functional description
document with all control block diagram masks and values
provided.
A. Dynamic data must be provided as ‘per unit’ quantities on the machine MVA base.
B. It is also expected that the functional block diagrams provided with the Power System Design and Setting Data Sheets for a specific
generating system connection will match these diagrams at time of Registration, although the parameter values might differ to reflect
particular connection point performance requirements. All parameter values must be included and shown, for example, as an Appendix.
C. The model inputs and outputs shown in the transfer function block diagram representation must match those indicated in the model
datasheet tables. The state variables shown in the transfer function block diagram representation must match those indicated in the
model datasheet tables. Model documentation and transfer function block diagram representation must be provided at the level of detail
required for AEMO and the network service providers to derive the corresponding linear small-signal model of the equipment.
D. Prior to undertaking MAT, AEMO may ask to sight the source code of the PSCADTM/EMTDCTM and a complete parameter file
applicable. In general, AEMO acknowledges that certain technologies may have an exhaustive list of values, some which may not be of
direct relevance for the intended purpose – in these cases a shortlist of relevant parameters could be agreed with AEMO.
Table 19 Evidence of type test (or otherwise, such as laboratory converter module test) FRT validation,
evidence of low SCR capability, evidence of multiple FRT testing and validation including
protective mechanisms
Yes ☐ No ☐
12. Low SCR statement of capability and evidence provided Statement that behaviour
which shows when the technology is unable to perform under low SCR may be
under low SCR conditions: subject to eBoP design or
particular grid conditions
• Evidence must include either laboratory (module)
that need to be evaluated,
simulated/tested or actual tested results.
are not found acceptable.
• Evidence must include overlays with PSS®E and This also applies to
PSCADTM/EMTDCTM. statements quoting that non
default settings could be
optimised for low SCR
conditions.
The accuracy of the model
must be clearly mentioned
against the accuracy
requirements specified in the
AEMO’s Power System Model
Guidelines.
Yes ☐ No ☐
13. Overvoltage ride-through validation report comparing The accuracy of the model
the model’s fault ride-through performance with the must be clearly mentioned
measurements and validation against: against the accuracy
requirements specified in the
• PSS®E model and measured results, and
AEMO Power System Model
• PSCADTM/EMTDCTM and measured results. Guidelines.
14. PSS®E model is coded in FORTRAN completely and no Note: Wrapper based models Yes ☐ No ☐
wrapper files have been used. require special assessment by
AEMO. AEMO should be
contacted ahead of time to
determine the additional
requirements and assessments.
Refer to Section 2.5 and
Appendix A.2.
Attention: If you click “No”, the
DMAT process cannot
commence. In this instance,
and in the interest of
minimising any complications
for your project, it is advised
not to submit studies and
model information to AEMO
for assessment purposes and
not prior to AEMOs acceptance
of models coded in language
other than FORTAN.
15. PSS®E model supports the following dynamic Models are expected to work Yes ☐ No ☐
parameters (currently used by AEMO and AEMO reserves for a range of the dynamic
the right to change its run time data requirements for simulation parameters rather
operational purposes): than for specific settings.
• Acceleration Factor 0.2.
• Tolerance 0.0001.
• Frequency Filter 0.008.
• Timestep (DELT) 0.001.
• Time step variation 0.001 to 0.01 s.
• ITER variation 250-600.
• Network Frequency Dependence.
Note: In general, the frequency filter time constant
should be set to four times the integration time step (as a
minimum). AEMO currently uses 0.008 as the filter time
constant and requires models to conform to the latest
modelling requirements which are used in real time
production environment of OPDMS.
16. PSS®E model is a MINS type model. MINS models may be Yes ☐ No ☐
reviewed/accepted on a
(for information only)
case-by-case basis, however in
general found acceptable32.
17. For IBR, the PSS®E model is a user written model derived AEMO requires user written Yes ☐ No ☐
and validated from the actual equipment information models with all features and
(Type test or validation report provided) functions including settings
and controls as per the actual
firmware/controls.
32
MINS models may be used instead or USRMDLs for plant level control taking into account multiple aggregates within the plant (and removal of
dependency for CONEC calls).MINS models may be more advantageous to satisfy operational configuration validity requirement considering internal plant
conditions (e.g. outage of one or multiple parts of the aggregate plant representation).
18. For synchronous plant, the PSS®E/ PSCADTM/EMTDCTM Provision of evidence and/or Yes ☐ No ☐
models are sufficiently accurate representation of the model / setting mapping is
actual plant (planned or) installed at the specific site required, including frequency
under consideration. response, control block
diagrams etc. prior to
commencing model
acceptance tests/review.
19. For the PSS®E/ PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models: AEMO would advise of the Yes ☐ No ☐
need to change model naming
• Using identical names should be avoided for models of Yes: the model conflicts
as part of the assessment
similar structure to avoid e.g. linking problems, with the pre-existing
evaluation
definition conflicts and/or model dependencies for naming convention
wide area power system model integration.
26. Firmware version for the Model and Plant equipment is For the Converter. Yes ☐ No ☐
provided.33
Must be provided for IBR.
27. Firmware version for the Model and Plant equipment is For the Plant Controller. Yes ☐ No ☐
provided.
Must be provided for IBR.
Yes ☐ No ☐
28. Releasable User Guide must contain Instructions on how Equipment supplier
the model should be set up and used for: information may be sufficient
Yes: RUGs are provided
for this purpose initially,
• PSS®E models, and
however, it does not substitute
Yes ☐ No ☐
• PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models. a requirement and information
required for a Releasable User
Yes: OEM user guide is
Guide which must be a site-
provided
specific document.
29. The models of the controllers and items of plant must be Yes ☐ No ☐
easily identifiable.
30. Open loop gain and phase margin plot and data is Most IBRs are expected to have Yes ☐ No ☐
available and provided taking into account controller completed and know design
transfer function (i.e. impedance representation) coupled stability margins of their
with the equivalent network representation at POC34. equipment.
31. The interconnection of the different functional controllers This could be supported with Yes ☐ No ☐
and the items of plant must be clearly shown (examples an overlay of the substation
may relate to hybrid generating systems). primary design, indicating what
the measurement inputs and
signal exchanges between
different controllers and
generating units are.
In addition, all control modes
must be shown and how they
are switched from one mode to
another including the dispatch
logic.
32. Model parameter values that are intended to be (or can This could relate to Power Yes ☐ No ☐
be) externally adjusted (i.e., those explicitly in PSS®E and Reference or voltage reference,
PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models must be clearly identified in as an example.
the model block diagram.
33
Firmware versions may not be available for new technology prototypes which are yet to be manufactured. In this instance the manufacturer/model owner
shall state on what basis has the model been released including evidence to substantiate its validation (e.g. type tests for a similar product, de-rated
product and so on). Other examples for when firmware declarations are readily available include IBRs undergoing the settings or firmware change
following the NER process.
34
This is an admittance or impedance based approach with values covering both low to high end frequencies (e.g. 0.1Hz to 2kHz if available). This
information is sought to support system studies and evaluation of stability margins. Discontinuity is expected at synchronous frequency due to positive
sequence current source control.
Yes ☐ No ☐
34. For PSS®E models:
• The derivative of all state variables should be less than Yes, the model meets all
0.0001 during initialisation. the requirements.
• Models must be initialised successfully for the entire
intended plant operating range. The model operating
range must be consistent with the actual equipment
design in particular with respect to the following:
– The entire range of active power.
– The entire range of reactive power/power factor
(including limits of reactive power generation and
consumption).
• The use of scripts is not acceptable. Specific conditions
or any ‘corner points’ of the technical envelope must
be clearly explained, represented in the RUG and
corresponding documentation to enable the User of
the model to setup and execute the model simulation
run without reliance on any script. This could refer to
and not necessarily limited to (examples where scripts
are not acceptable): 1. Voltage control strategy and
applicable coordination of operating devices within the
plant, 2. Operating conditions which have active
power, reactive power and voltage dependencies, 3.
use and application of specific taps for different
operating ranges, 4. Specific dispatch of power or
reference signals, 5. Script for specific reactive power
value for initialisation of the model etc.
37. PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models must initialise within 3 Models must be initialised Yes ☐ No ☐
seconds for strong and weak networks (where snapshot successfully for the entire
capability is not enabled). intended plant operating
range. The model operating
range must be consistent with
the actual equipment design in
particular with respect to the
following:
• The entire range of active
power.
• The entire range of reactive
power/power factor
(including limits of reactive
power generation and
consumption).
If acceleration factors are used
to aid the initialisation process,
they shall be clearly identified
and documented.
38. PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models must allow stable initialisation The maximum duration of the Yes ☐ No ☐
and steady state run up to 5 minutes. dynamic simulation run for
which the model accuracy is
proven should be clearly
mentioned and evidence
provided to substantiate it.
40. Shortest time constant (name, use and identifiable in the Yes ☐ No ☐
control block diagram) confirmed for both PSS®E
models and also PSCADTM/EMTDCTM models (for IBR
plant, this applies to both converter and the plant
controller).
The Power System Model Guidelines outline a range of model output quantities. The following quantities (in
Table 21) may be additional, and specifically related to IBR (and where mentioned synchronous) plant.
35
Where data is not available during system design stage (S and D data categories), certain tests may need to be repeated to cross check the influence of
transformer saturation. This may include and not limited to tests in section 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.6 to 3.2.9, 3.2.19 and so on with the main emphasis on the
performance of the PSCADTM/EMTDCTM model. While it is understandable that factory tests or detailed data may not be available at time of DMAT
assessment, application of appropriate transformer saturation data has been found critical on numerous NEM projects and may impact the design basis of
affected plant and its performance acceptance. It is advised to collate this information earlier rather than later in the connection process.
47. FRT (LVRT) Flag [ON/OFF status]. Converter and Plant Controller (if Yes ☐ No ☐
used).
Including FRT activation/deactivation for negative
sequence FRT.
48. HVRT Flag [ON/OFF status]. Converter and Plant Controller (if Yes ☐ No ☐
used).
50. For synchronous machines (including synchronous Additional requirements may Yes ☐ No ☐
condenser): apply for MFRT assessments, for
example, pole slip protection
• Field current.
elements.
• Field voltage Limiter outputs.
• Mechanical power or torque Rotor angle.
• PSS output.
• Unit speed.
• AVR output.
• Exciter output.
• Valve position.
• Guide vane/needle positions.
• Governor control output.
• Set-point for active power.
• Set-point for voltage.
• External protection relay(s).
52. Protection Flags, pickup and activation times including All protection Flags (and Yes ☐ No ☐
settings for MFRT. description of each). Provision of
just one overall protection flag as
a summation of all internal flags
will not be sufficient.
Applies to synchronous and IBR
plant.
53. Self assessment is completed and all output files Report and output files. Yes ☐ No ☐
provided for review as per Appendix A.2 Table 22
Report must outline technical
reasoning for excluding other
tests contained within the
Guideline.
What happens if the generating system has multiple technologies, or if there are changes in the
plant design?
New plant may be added due to a need to overcome compliance shortfalls, or new equipment may be added
pre- or post-energisation. As an example, this could include:
a. Determining the size of STATCOM, SVC, or synchronous condenser, which would be feasible only after
the technical assessment studies are undertaken.
b. Addition of a battery storage system to an existing generating system.
c. Change in supplier or technology.
In these cases:
• A separate DMAT would be carried out for the additional plant on its own when such model information
becomes available.
• A DMAT would also be carried out for the combined generating system representation.
Therefore, the DMAT applies to the individual (technology-specific) plant components, as well as the
combined generating system representation – DMAT for each component is carried out first, and, thereafter,
for the combined generating system.
In a hybrid system, equipped with a combination of wind turbines, solar PV, and/or battery systems,
STATCOM, synchronous condensers, a combined DMAT would be carried out, for example:
• DMAT for the battery system (charging and discharging).
• DMAT for the wind turbine.
• DMAT for the solar PV.
Is the complete PSCADTM/EMTDCTM parameter list requested for the ‘Releasable User Guide’?
No, although the proponent/Generator could suggest these be included for AEMO’s review. The parameter
list would be embedded in the encrypted model itself. Otherwise, the “complete” parameter list is to be
provided to AEMO (nominated person) from the OEM owners Engineer or the Participant/Intending
Participant.
Is validation required which demonstrates the lowest SCR which the equipment can sustain?
Yes, AEMO requires a validation result to be provided, together with evidence (validated FRT responses from
the type test, FAT or HIL test) and reasoning including the settings for SCR limitations.
Do models need to have protective elements included for multiple FRT assessment?
Yes, as outlined in the Power System Model Guidelines.
Would DMAT be required for an existing plant undergoing settings or plant change?
Yes, the entire DMAT or parts thereof would be undertaken as AEMO considers appropriate, depending on
the nature of the change. In the first instance, certain aspects of the DMAT could be covered by the
Proponent to ensure that changes are reflected across both PSS®E and PSCAD TM/EMTDCTM models and
checked for consistency and accuracy.
Use and application of control modes – what control mode shall be applied in the DMAT?
MATs shall be undertaken with the default control mode being the voltage control mode. If the plant is to
operate in a mode other that the voltage control mode, then the bulk of tests shall be undertaken with such
control mode unless tests specify otherwise.
Which part of the NER does the DMAT Guideline relate to?
The Power System Model Guidelines (PSMG), made under clause S5.5.7(a)(3) of the NER, outlines a number of
requirements that need to be met for model confirmation.
The DMAT Guideline has been developed to provide visibility of the specific model acceptance tests, and to
assist proponents and vendors’ understanding of:
• the specific criteria for a model to meet the PSMG requirements; and
• how to demonstrate the model meets those requirements.
If not all tests, then which tests need to be completed and submitted?
AEMO has specified (Table 22) the minimum mandatory tests from the DMAT Guideline that we expect to be
conducted and reported by the proponent as part of its DMAT submission. It is expected that the tests in
Table 22 will be reviewed regularly and may be expanded or changed with the benefit of operational
experience.
• Updates to technology and ratings (e.g. new wind turbine prototypes, batteries, solar inverters)
• Updates in firmware and model source codes affecting the inverter and / or the plant controller (as an example)
• Updates to bug fixes and settings affecting the control system performance
• Update or enablement of specific control functions/settings
• Robustness of model differences (performance) subject to system strength/settings and numerical simulation
environment
To overcome the shortcomings of generalisation, this DMAT requires evaluation of POC specific conditions
and a range of SCR and X/R values taking into account the latest model releases. Therefore, generalisation of
the DMAT is not recommended considering the pace of change in the network topology, and constantly
changing and improving OEM features, functions and settings.
36
Output files allow use of adequate plotting tools and zoom in functionalities in improving legibility (e.g. from *.png or *.pdf plots that are typically
submitted to AEMOs or NSPs) and review of model behaviour.
54. 0.1 to 0.4 Flat run, snapshot and initialisation test at POC Yes ☐ No ☐
55. 37, 43, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 79, 85, Unbalanced fault – large disturbance test cases Yes ☐ No ☐
91
Performed at the Point of Connection, applicable SCR
level. As per DMAT- total current and its reduction (if
any) must be checked and presented including
settings. Manufacturer declared settings for treatment
of asymmetric events, negative sequence fault logic,
activations, deactivation, and (controlled current)
limitations must be provided prior to application of
unbalanced faults.
56. 121 – 122 MFRT random event selection for EMTP model test Yes ☐ No ☐
57. 126 – 127 MFRT random event selection for RMS model test Yes ☐ No ☐
59. 153, 159, 165 Voltage and Reactive Power (and/or PF) control Yes ☐ No ☐
reference step change test
60. 169 Active Power Controller Reference step change test Yes ☐ No ☐
63. 190, 191 (up to and including Grid oscillatory rejection test Yes ☐ No ☐
25Hz)
64. 197 Grid phase angle response test ( for ±40° ) Yes ☐ No ☐
67. 206 -225 FRT Benchmarking for POC SCR and X/R Conditions Yes ☐ No ☐
68. 226, 228 Input power source step change (for example, wind Yes ☐ No ☐
speed, irradiance)
69. 3.6.1 – case study 1 For synchronous generating systems only. Full load Yes ☐ No ☐
level and minimum load level
For synchronous generating systems only. Full load
3.6.2- case study 2 Yes ☐ No ☐
level, 5% Vref step into UEL and OEL
70. Full DMAT scope Any (other) tests or DMAT requirement that Yes ☐ No ☐
AEMO/NSP may find necessary for any specific project
Yes, other tests are
shall be provided or undertaken for assessment.
included.
No, other tests are not
included.
Figure 15 PSSE and PSCAD benchmarking inconsistency and instability in the DQ reference frame for an
IBR plant
Figure 15 shows an example of an issue observed for an IBR plant showcasing instability and inconsistency of
the model/plant. In this instance, the IBR model evaluation was done (consistent with one of the DMAT tests
in this Guideline) in a fairly robust part of the system with high short circuit influence represented via
simplified Thevenin equivalent source.
Figure 16 provides an example of poorly coded MODE2/MODE3 aspects in PSSE exposing the
numerical/robustness integrity of the PSSE model provided to AEMO. In this instance active current spikes to
a value of nearly 6 pu in a single time step. These issues are solvable via adequate rectification and
improvement of the PSSE source code and are identified via application of tests in this Guideline.
Figure 17 Active and Reactive Power benchmarking inconsistency for RMS quantities
Figure 17 shows an example of inconsistent model behaviours during the FRT performance and balanced voltage
disturbance tests under this Guideline. It is important for models to be cross checked, validated and issues rectified prior
to provision to AEMO. To assist with these matters, a checklist of validations and LVRT tests are included in this Guideline
considering application of balanced and unbalanced disturbances.
Figure 18 shows a difference in modelled responses using different proponent/vendor recommended time
steps for the model. The implications arising as a result of lack of evidence, confidence and sufficient work
(testing and validations by the vendors) in this area are likely to implicate system strength remediations both
technically and commercially, increase system security risks/uncertainties, impact interpretation of
compliance, operational outage planning assessments where Generators may be requested to disconnect and
so on. This DMAT includes a checklist of information for fundamental justifications of model validity, and
evidence to the effect of different time step requirements, recommendations or assumptions used, including
validation of tests for LVRT, low SCR, MFRT, frequency rejection tests, and tests at different SCR and X/R levels
to name a few.
Hz Hertz
IBR Inverter based resources (inclusive of all asynchronous and grid forming network devices (other than
conventional synchronous machines)). This includes batteries, SVCs, STATCOMs, Wind Turbines and PV
solar systems, HVDC etc.
mHz millihertz
ms Milliseconds
PF power factor
PI proportional integral
pu per unit
PV photovoltaic