Many utilities around the world could not see the gap between Grid Codes & Safety Rules, nor take it as priority. Multiple reason could be but this is very important aspect to deal with. Authority like NERC North American Bulk Power System is setting very nice benchmark for the rest of world by aiming to regulate and ensure the quality, reliability, efficiency, safety & risk management of operations of its bulk power system very well .
In this article I am trying to write the importance of a Grid Codes along Safety Rules; least the gap will take any utility to best operation, safety, & reliability.
Below is list of System Operator Certification & Credential Maintenance Program taking to reduce this gap by NERC Authorization Certification.
The four exams are the:
- Reliability examination;
- Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission examination;
- Transmission examination; and
- Balancing examination.
After initial certification is obtained, the credential is maintained by meeting the continuing education requirements every three years.
NERC’s system operator certification exam tests set specific knowledge of job skills and Reliability Standards. It also prepares all system operators to handle the BPS (bulk power system) during normal and emergency operations. These industry-accepted qualifications are set through internationally recognized processes and procedures for agencies that certify persons.
(Now we can start talk about out topic of Grid Codes & Safety Rules).
Grid Codes are a set of technical requirements and procedures that power generators, transmission and distribution companies need to follow to connect their power plants to the transmission grid, and operate their facilities in a sustainable and reliable manner. Grid codes are important for the effective operation of a power system for several reasons:
1. Safety: Grid codes specify safety standards and procedures to ensure that power generation, transmission, and distribution systems operate within safe limits and do not create safety hazards. They ensure that power plants are connected to the grid in a manner that doesn't put the safety of people and equipment at risk.
2. Quality of Power: Grid codes help to ensure that the power generated and supplied to the grid is of the required quality, i.e., voltage, frequency, and waveform. This is important because sensitive electronic devices and equipment cannot function properly if the power quality is substandard.
3. System Stability: Grid codes specify technical requirements for the operation of the power system that helps to ensure system stability. Power system operators must balance the supply and demand of electricity in real-time to maintain system stability. Adherence to grid codes helps to ensure that power plants operate in ways that do not destabilize the power grid.
4. Interconnection Requirements: Grid codes stipulate technical requirements for the interconnection of power plants to the grid. These requirements ensure that power plants are connected to the grid in a manner that is both safe and reliable.
5. Legal Compliance: Grid codes are mandated by national and regional regulatory authorities, and adherence to these codes is a legal requirement. Non-compliance with grid codes can result in penalties or fines and can affect the generator's access to the grid.
In conclusion, grid codes are important for the safe, reliable, and effective operation of a power system. They help to ensure that power plants are connected to the grid in a safe and reliable manner, maintain power quality, and ensure system stability. Additionally, adherence to grid codes ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and helps to ensure access to the grid.
Safety Rules: are crucial for power grid systems for several important reasons:
1. Protecting Personnel: Power grids consist of a complex network of electrical components and equipment, which expose power workers to potentially dangerous situations. Safety rules outline procedures and protocols that are designed to protect power workers from exposure to hazards such as electrocution, burns, and fires.
2. Maintaining Infrastructure: Following safety rules helps to maintain the integrity of the infrastructure of the power grid system. Faulty equipment and components can cause significant damage to the infrastructure, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.
3. Preventing Accidents: Safety rules are critical in preventing accidents that may result in injuries, fatalities, or property damage. Power grid systems are prone to several types of accidents, such as electrical fires, explosions, and equipment malfunctions. Safety rules help to minimize these risks by providing workers with clear guidelines on best practices.
4. Compliance: Compliance with safety regulations is a legal requirement and failure to comply with such regulations can result in significant penalties and legal action. Therefore, it is essential for power grid systems to adhere strictly to safety rules to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies.
5. Cost Savings: Following safety rules can lead to cost savings in the long run. By investing in training workers in proper safety procedures, power grid companies can reduce the frequency of accidents, reduce downtime for repairs, and increase productivity.
In summary, following safety rules is essential for the successful operation of a power grid system. These rules safeguard the well-being of workers, protects infrastructure, prevents expensive accidents, ensures regulatory compliance, and lowers costs.
Three key recommendations for regulators to support the development and evolution of grid codes:
• Implement a grid code revision process in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Grid connection codes have an impact on all actors involved in the power system, and only the local stakeholders are able to estimate the impact of requirements in their respective areas. They should be involved from the earliest stages of grid code formulation, as their input is crucial when determining the required parameters for national adoption of regional and international standards. Co-ordination between international equipment standards and grid codes is an important point.
• Join regional initiatives and standardization efforts to share resources and harmonise connection requirements. In a regional context, grid codes serve the purpose of facilitating international power trade and ensuring competitiveness in regional markets. Harmonised requirements facilitate regional sharing of flexibility and hence contribute to a successful energy transition. Further, they enable fair competition within regional markets and therefore more market efficiency and lower consumer prices.
Examples are identified in the United States and the European Union, focusing on operational security and power system stability in the regional market and co-ordination among TSOs.
• Design grid codes not only to reflect the needs and specificities of the power systems in its present state, but also anticipate future development and ensure that the needs will still be met in the medium term where significant amounts of additional VRE capacity will be installed. In general, the requirements applicable to a grid user facility should remain the same as they were when the permission to connect was granted, since it means that facilities cannot easily be upgraded during their lifetime.
Best solution is to open a debate within the utility departments; is suggested along a set of policies for tamely revision of these grid codes & safety rules along innovation day, seminar... and proper training courses, compliance & true figure of KPI's are way forward.
KNOWLEDGE IS A POWERFUL TOOL NOT A PUZZLE 🧩 we need to find the missing link, out of box solution is the need of a time. Regards