Magazine | Issue 1 2024 What happens during a black start? The German transmission system operators Amprion and TransnetBW commissioned us to perform all measurements for a complete grid restoration test using 34 DANEO devices. Statements such as „We have to reckon with blackouts in the future“ and „The risk of a large-scale and long-lasting power outage in Europe is increasing“ are no longer seen as dubious attempts to manipulate public opinion; they now reflect the views of many experts. Various parties in the energy supply field, especially power plant and grid operators, are doing everything they can to ensure this scenario does not come to pass. Nevertheless, its likelihood is increasing. The reasons for this are complex: Both the type of generation, its spatial distribution, the ongoing transition from fossil fuels to electrical energy (electric cars, heat pumps, etc.), as well as system-unrelated factors, such as hacker attacks or armed conflicts, all represent potential triggers. We have to accept the fact that one day, we might well experience a power outage. Does that mean we have to fear being without power for weeks on end? Definitely not. While a bit of preparation wouldn’t hurt in our private sphere, it’s good to know that specific procedures are in place in the event of an emergency. Specially trained engineers rehearse various scenarios and are ready to spring into action to restore our energy supply, like Amprion, TransnetBW, and Schluchseewerk AG staff, who have performed a grid restoration test with OMICRON’s support. The entire test was monitored in real-time using DANEO 400 measurement devices, and all the results were recorded for subsequent analysis. The grid will need to be restored if there is a longer lasting and widespread outage in parts of the transmission and distribution grid due to a disturbance. Whenever this occurs, the grid has to be restored step-by-step. ENTSO-E (the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) maintains a series of Grid Codes that lay out framework conditions and duties for transmission system operators to restore the power grid. In addition to demonstrating that a grid restoration plan exists, they must verify its effectiveness and develop a practical routine by conducting regular simulations and field tests. Power plants with black start capability are indispensable to any grid restoration concept. These plants must be able to be restarted autonomously without an external energy supply. These may include hydroelectric power plants or gas turbines, but in particular, appropriate pumped-storage plants, such as those used by Schluchseewerk AG. However, test processes like these are anything but an everyday occurrence, so they also offer a rare opportunity to test and investigate the behavior of assets under extreme operating conditions. By measuring the major nodes and assets in the trial grid extensively, it’s ensured that relevant events won’t go unnoticed, and the results can be used for in-depth scientific analysis. However, the requirements placed on the measurement system should not be underestimated. The system must: › be able to carry out extensive measurements on equipment distributed over many kilometers, › record readings from any number of measuring points at the same time, › permit all the measuring points to be monitored and controlled in real-time from a central operating station, › and deliver a high sampling rate for the acquisition of measurands. The only solution on the market that satisfies all these requirements is our DANEO 400. The grid operators will not always have the necessary experience for complex measurements like these, and especially the number of measuring devices required. Therefore, we are proud to support Amprion and TransnetBW by working with them to make this ambitious project a reality. Like many projects of this kind, the lion’s share of the effort went into detailed preparations, which took four years to complete due to various legal hurdles. OMICRON began participating in the project about two years before its realization. «The challenges inherent in a test like this are considerable. In addition to demonstrating the black start capability of certain power plants, these same power plants must be able to energize a widely distributed testing network. What is essential is that all the measurements, including communications, work perfectly and reliably on the day of the test.» Dr. Robert Dommerque, Amprion 33
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