Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has expressed concern over the slow pace of deployment of harmonic filters by renewable energy developers.
In a very recent meeting, Chairperson, CEA, expressed concern at the slow pace of installation of harmonic filters by renewable energy (RE) developers, despite being granted time extensions.
The installation of harmonic filters at RE power generation plants is required for secured grid operations in compliance with “CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) Regulations.”
It was informed in the meeting that of the total of 19 RE plants which were allowed First Time Charging/Energization (FTC) with time extension for installation of harmonic filters, installation has been completed in only five.
It was further informed that of the eight RE plants which were given time extension until March 31, 2024, only four RE plants had completed the installation of harmonic filters till date and of the subsequent time extension allowed up to June 30, 2024 to 11 RE plants, compliance was achieved in only one case,
View of RE generators
One RE developer cited the issue of difference between the simulation study results and the actual field measurements in respect of harmonics. Consequently, the harmonic filter requirement assessed from the simulation study results may not work in the actual field conditions as the order of the harmonics changes.
It was also informed that as the grid network data in not available and grid conditions change, it becomes all the more difficult to get the accurate results for harmonic filters in the simulation studies.
Responding to this view, Chairperson, CEA, noted that the manner of conducting the simulation study for assessing the requirement of the harmonic filters needs to be improved for accuracy of study close to the actual operating/field conditions.
Extension granted
An extension up to October 31, 2024 has been granted for completing the installation of the requisite harmonic filters by RE plants which have either been granted provisional FTC or, the RE plants which are to be given connectivity/FTC for commissioning during the period up to October 31,2024.
The continuation of provisional FTC already granted and issuance of provisional FTC for RE plants which are getting commissioned during the period up to October 31,2024, would be subject to submission of an undertaking by all such RE project developers to Grid-India affirming the installation of harmonic filters in their respective RE plants by October 31, 2024.
Grid-disconnection
In case of non-compliance of above, all such RE developers will disconnect their plant from the grid and report the same to Grid-India. From November 1, 2024, RE plants will be considered for connection to the grid only after they fully comply with the provisions of CEA Regulations and other statutory regulations. Thus, RE Developers must plan their installations accordingly, it was stated in the meeting.
Also read: CEA Issues Advisory For Mandatory Use Of Primary-Grade Copper
Featured photograph (source: enspecpower.com) showing a harmonic filter design is for representation only.
