Guidance Notes for

Model Exchange for

Interaction Studies
EU Code Users - Issue 1
April 2021

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 0
Internal Use
Foreword

These Guidance Notes have been prepared by the National Grid Electricity System Operator
(NGESO) to describe to Generators and other Users on the system the model sharing process for
interaction studies. Throughout this document National Grid refers to National Grid ESO (NGESO)
unless explicitly stated otherwise.

These Guidance Notes are prepared, solely, for the assistance of prospective Users connecting
directly to the National Electricity Transmission System. In the event of dispute, the Grid Code and
Bilateral Agreement documents will take precedence over these notes.

The Customer Technical Policy Manager (see contact details) will be happy to provide clarification
and assistance required in relation to these notes.

NGESO welcomes comments including ideas to reduce the compliance effort while maintaining the
level of confidence. Feedback should be directed to the NGESO Customer Technical Policy Team
at:

Telephone: +44 (0) 7921 437099

Email: [email protected]

Xiaoyao Zhou
Customer Technical Policy Manager
Faraday House, Warwick

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared for guidance only and does not contain all the
information needed to comply with the specific requirements of a Bilateral Agreement with NGESO.
Please note that whilst these guidance notes have been prepared with due care, NGESO does not
make any representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, in or in relation to the
completeness and or accuracy of information contained in these guidance notes, and accordingly
the contents should not be relied on as such.
© National Grid 2021

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 1
Contents

Foreword ............................................................................................................... 1

Contents................................................................................................................ 2

Abbreviations ........................................................................................................ 3

1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 4

2. Short Circuit Data ........................................................................................ 4

3. Defining Study Area .................................................................................... 5

4. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) .............................................................. 6

5. RMS Dynamic Model................................................................................... 6

5.1. Pre-Requisites ...................................................................................................................... 6
5.2. Third Party Data ................................................................................................................... 6
5.3. Model Setup ......................................................................................................................... 6
5.4. Reduction of Model............................................................................................................... 6
5.5. Power System Analysis Tools .............................................................................................. 7

6. Plant Models ............................................................................................... 7

6.1. Synchronous Generators ..................................................................................................... 7
6.2. Windfarms ............................................................................................................................ 7
6.3. HVDC Interconnectors.......................................................................................................... 7
6.4. Future Plant .......................................................................................................................... 8

7. Checks on Models ....................................................................................... 8

8. Detailed Models .......................................................................................... 8

8.1. Shaft Data ............................................................................................................................. 8
8.2. Power Electronic Devices EMT Models ............................................................................... 9

9. Expected Timelines ..................................................................................... 9

10. References ................................................................................................ 11

Appendix A: Contacting NGESO ......................................................................... 12

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 2
Abbreviations

This section includes a list of the abbreviations that appear in this document.

Abbreviation Description
AVR Automatic Voltage Regulator
CI Control Interaction
DRC Data Registration Code
ETYS Electricity Ten Year Statement
HVDC High Voltage Direct Current
MIIF Multi-Infeed Interaction Factor
NDA Non-Disclosure Agreement
NETS National Electricity Transmission System
NGESO National Grid Electricity System Operator
PE Power Electronic
POC Point of Connection
PSS Power System Stabiliser
SSO Sub-synchronous Oscillations
SSTI Sub-synchronous Torsional Interaction
TO Transmission Owner
TOV Transient Over-voltage

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1. Introduction
Sub-synchronous Oscillations (SSO) in power system occur below the grid frequency, 50 Hz in GB.
These oscillations can become poorly damped or unstable due to interactions between different
elements in the power system.
Sub-synchronous Torsional Interaction (SSTI) refers to interactions between power electronic
devices and torsional oscillations of turbine-generator shafts. Interactions between multiple power
electronic devices can also lead to poorly damped or unstable oscillations. This is referred to as
Control Interaction (CI)
Grid Code ECC.6.1.9 requires NGESO shall ensure that Users' Plant and Apparatus will not be
subject to unacceptable Sub-Synchronous Oscillation conditions as specified in the relevant License
Standards.

Grid Code ECC.6.1.10 requires NGESO shall ensure where necessary, and in consultation with
Relevant Transmission Licensees where required, that any relevant site specific conditions
applicable at a User's Connection Site, including a description of the Sub-Synchronous Oscillation
conditions considered in the application of the relevant License Standards, are set out in the User's
Bilateral Agreement.

The Grid Code (ECC.6.3.17) requires the User to ensure its HVDC converters (including controllers)
within the HVDC System do not cause negatively or lightly damped resonances or interactions on
the NETS. Adequate damping control facilities are to be installed if there is a risk of the following
phenomena:
• SSO due to interactions between the User’s Plant and Apparatus and the NETS. For clarity,
sub-synchronous torsional oscillation with other User’s Plant and Apparatus shall be included in
the SSTI study.
• CI due to interactions between the User’s Plant and Apparatus, network and/or any plant directly
or indirectly connected to the NETS. For clarity, CI with the network and other User’s Plant and
Apparatus shall be studied in the sub-synchronous and super-synchronous frequency ranges
where the User’s Plant and Apparatus is identified to be responsive.

This document provides a guidance to users on the provision of data and models to enable the User
to carry out SSTI and CI studies.
NGESO will provide a PowerFactory RMS (Root Mean Squared) dynamic model of the system area
appropriate to the User’s connection (refer to Section 3).
Following the screening studies the user may require additional detailed models for plant that have
a risk of interaction with the User’s plant.

2. Short Circuit Data

TO will provide short circuit data for the Point of Connection (POC) and the connection
date.
Table 1 below shows the format of the data and the values recommended for different studies.
The ESO will provide two RMS models to represent the winter maximum fault level and summer
minimum fault level system condition. As a result, the fault level data need to be agreed before
the work on producing the RMS model can start.

4
Internal Use
 System Condition 3-phase Sub- 1-phase sub- Purpose
Transient transient (It is recommended
(kA) (kA) the relevant fault
levels are used for
the following
purposes)
Summer Minimum 1- Protection
fault level settings with
additional
appropriate safety
margins.
2- Electromagnetic
transient study in
relation to
CC.6.1.7(a) and
(b) and TOV
(TGN 288).
3- Any study in
relation to
unbalance.

Post fault minimum 1- Fault ride through

fault level 2- Transient active
and reactive
power exchange
studies
3- For SSTI and
control interaction
studies the part of
network around
the point-of-
interest is usually
modelled. Post
fault minimum
fault level, which
represent a N-1-D
condition on a
summer minimum
scenario should
be included in the
study cases.

Winter Maximum Switchgear

fault level specification?

Table 1: Fault Data Template

3. Defining Study Area

The RMS model will cover the area of the system relevant to the User’s connection. The main
objective of defining the study area is to cover all generators and devices that have a potential to
interact with the user’s equipment.
The ESO will initially define the area using Multi-Infeed Interaction Factor (MIIF) which is
recommended by CIGRE [1] for finding HVDC converters at risk of CI interaction. MIIF is defined
as:

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 5
 ∆𝑉𝑒
𝑀𝐼𝐼𝐹𝑒,𝑛 =
∆𝑉𝑛

Where ∆Ve is the observed voltage change at bus e for a voltage change at bus n.
The study area is initially based on the CIGRE recommended MIIF threshold of 0.15. The area is
then reviewed and may be expanded if there are large generators or interconnectors close to the
boundary of the area. This initial study area is then proposed to the User.
The User should review the proposed area and ensure that they are satisfied with the study area
before agreeing the boundaries of the study area with NGESO.

4. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A Non-Disclosure Agreement is required between NGESO and the User, and any other party that
will have access to the model data, e.g., consultant or developer. The model cannot be provided
before the NDA’s have been signed.

5. RMS Dynamic Model

NGESO will provide the user with two RMS dynamic models of the agreed system study area. The
model will be derived from the ETYS model close to the User’s connection date. For projects with
multiple stages, the model will be based on the suitable date taking into account the major future
network developments within the study area.

5.1. Pre-Requisites
Before starting the work on providing the model, the fault levels and study area must be agreed with
the User. NGESO will provide RMS model of the agreed study area. Changes to the study area,
connection date, or fault level could result in re-starting the model reduction work from scratch.

5.2. Third Party Data

The model will contain third party data (TOs and other generator owners), if the permission to share
the information has been obtained from the data owner. NGESO will write to the data owners, asking
for permission to share their data with the User. Detailed information on the third party data can be
found in section 6.

5.3. Model Setup

The model will be derived from the Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS) model suitable for the
connection year of the User.
The generation and demand profile will be based on Future Energy Scenarios (FES) data used for
ETYS model. The model will be setup for winter peak (maximum fault level) and summer minimum
(minimum fault level) system condition.

5.4. Reduction of Model

In the ETYS model, after setting up the winter peak and summer minimum condition, the model will
be reduced according to the agreed study area. The parts of the network outside of the study area
will be reduced and represented by equivalent voltage sources with corresponding fault levels.
These equivalent voltage sources do not have detailed dynamic representation for other parts of the
system.
The reduced network will represent 400kV and 275kV networks in detail. Networks on or below
132kV will be reduced unless they are deemed essential to the study.

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5.5. Power System Analysis Tools
These models will be produced with DIgSILENT PowerFactory (PF) tool. PF version information will
be provided as part of model release. The winter maximum and summer minimum system condition
will be produced as separate project files (.pfd).
With the produced model, it will be possible to carry out load flow analysis, fault level analysis and
RMS dynamic analysis. The reduced model will be able to perform RMS simulation with a 1ms time
step.

6. Plant Models
The main dynamic plant types are as discussed in the sections below (6.1 to 6.4). NGESO will
share these models subject to data owner’s explicit permission if required as detailed below. Users
should make their own assessment on the suitability and level of detail required to carry out their
assessment. NGESO, where possible can facilitate the user to obtain any additional data that
would be required to complete their assessment. Please note that some data owners might only
be willing to share the encrypted model.
These models are owned by the manufacturers of the equipment and Grid Code modification
GC0141 is currently investigating different options to facilitate the model sharing and carry out the
necessary interaction studies.
Similar approach will be adopted for other dynamic equipment in the system including FACTs
devices and Synch Comps etc

6.1. Synchronous Generators

Synchronous generator models use specific third-party models which contain third party data.
NGESO requires permission from the plant owners before sharing the models with the User. The
models contain the Synchronous Machine model with AVR and PSS models attached to the
synchronous machine. Governor models will not be provided due to the following reasons:
• Governor performance is linked to commercial services the generators offer to the grid. Hence
highly commercially sensitive and it will not be appropriate to share detailed governor models.
• For SSTI/CI and Fault Ride Through (FRT) studies, the governor system response is slow
(between 2 seconds and 10 seconds). Hence it will not make any difference compared to
using generic model.
• For frequency response studies, it is not necessary to simulate the frequency response of
other users, which would require simulation of the entire GB system. It is sufficient to assume
rest of the system complies with Grid Code requirement and demonstrate that the user’s
system frequency response complies with the Grid Code.

6.2. Windfarms
Wind farms are modelled using NGESO developed generic models that are validated against test
results. These models are owned by NGESO and do not require third party permission for sharing
with the user.

6.3. HVDC Interconnectors

HVDC interconnectors are modelled using NGESO developed generic models that are validated
against test results. These models are owned by NGESO and do not require third party permission
for sharing with the user.

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6.4. Future Plant
The Model will include future generators and interconnectors that are due to connect before User’s
connection date.
NGESO does not have validated models for future connections and so will only supply generic
models for future generators and interconnectors. Since this is generic data, it will not require third-
party permission.

7. Checks on Models
After creating the reduced model, the following checks will be carried out:
• Load flow converges without an excessive number of iterations.
• RMS initialisation without any errors or warnings (sometimes warnings may appear but will not
have any impact on results or performance of the model).
• RMS simulation will be carried out and number of busbar voltages and frequencies will be
observed. Similarly, different generators in the reduced area will be selected and their real and
reactive power output will be observed. This is to ensure there is stable operation without any
fault event.
• For a circuit fault event at the POC of the generator, the pre/post fault voltage levels and
TOV are within acceptable limits along with stable post fault response, within the capabilities of
an RMS model.

8. Detailed Models
The user may carry out screening studies to identify any generators that are at risk of SSTI and
power electronic devices that are at risk of CI.
If there are plants that are identified as having a risk of SSTI or CI, the User can request detailed
models to investigate any potential SSTI or CI issues.

8.1. Shaft Data

Following a screening study, the user may need to carry out detailed SSTI analysis. This requires
modelling the turbine-generator shaft. The shaft is modelled using a multi-mass model with an
inertia constant for each mass and a stiffness constant between adjacent masses. Table 2 below
shows the data format requested in the DRC.
The Grid Code requires generators to supply the mechanical data to NGESO as part of the
connection compliance process. However, this only applies to generators connecting after 2015.
NGESO will contact the generator owners to request permission to share the shaft data. If the data
is not available, there may be a cost to obtain the data from the equipment manufacturer. The
generator will need to approach their manufacturer/equipment supplier for the relevant data. Any
payment incurred by the generator will be passed on to the User. Ongoing Grid Code modification
GC0141 includes the different options for obtaining shaft data for generators connected before 2015.

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 8
Table 2 Shaft Model Data

8.2. Power Electronic Devices EMT Models

Where a user has identified another Power Electronic (PE) device as having a risk of CI, the user
may need to run studies which require a detailed EMT (Electromagnetic Transients) model. These
models are owned by the manufacturers of the equipment and Grid Code modification GC0141 is
currently investigating different options to facilitate the model sharing and carry out the necessary
interaction studies.
NGESO will facilitate tripartite discussions with the third party and the User to help reach an
agreement to share the EMT model.

9. Expected Timelines

Figure 1 shows the data sharing process. NGESO would normally expect a user to enter model
discussion at least 42 months prior to the connection date to agree the scope of the RMS model and
the delivery timeline. Recognising the importance and complexity of the process, it is highly
recommended to have the discussion as soon as possible once the HVDC contractor/manufacture
is appointed, and they should also attend the discussion.

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 9
 User appoints HVDC
Contractor

NGESO and User agree

model scope and
delivery timeline

NGESO and User Agree NGESO, TO and User NGESO and User Sign
Study Area Agree Fault Levels NDA

NGESO requests
NGESO Validates Plant
permission to share 3rd
Models
Party Data

NGESO Provides RMS

Model

User requests detailed

shaft/EMT models

NGESO requests data

from 3rd Party

Figure 1 Model data sharing process

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 10
Table 3 gives the indicative timelines for provision of models. The estimated time for receiving the
RMS model could take around 6 months from the time the model requirements are agreed.

Task Indicative Timeline

Obtain Permission from Generator Owners 4 weeks
Windfarm, HVDC model validation 8 – 12 weeks
Model Reduction Work and RMS Model 8 weeks
Provision
Obtain Turbine-Generator Shaft Data (the 2 - 8 months
timeline can vary depending on whether the
data is available and when the permission will
be granted)
Obtain detailed EMT Model of Power 6-12 months
Electronic Device (the timeline can vary
depending on whether the data is available
and whether permission will be granted)
Table 3 Indicative timelines for the provision of data and models

10.References
[1] “Systems with multiple DC infeed”, Cigre Technical Brochure, Working Group B4.41, 2008.

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Appendix A: Contacting NGESO

There are a number of different departments within National Grid that will be involved with this
connection. The initial point of contact for National Grid will be your allocated Customer Connection
Contract Manager for your Bilateral Agreement. If you are unsure of who your allocated Customer
Connection Contract Manager is then the team can be contacted on
[email protected].

Contact Address:
National Grid ESO, Faraday House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV34 6DA,

April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 12
Faraday House, Warwick Technology Park,
Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV346DA
April 2021 | Guidance Notes for Model Exchange for Interaction Studies 13
nationalgrideso.com