DEWI first agency to perform LVRT testing in India

As renewable energy sources increase dramatically worldwide, decentralized energy production must also contribute to grid stability. In order to ensure security of supply, transmission system operators have established so-called “grid codes” with critical values and control characteristics.

An important focus of these requirements that affect wind power generation is low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. LVRT is the ability of wind turbines to continue supplying energy when grid voltage dips, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. This counteracts the negative effect that weak grids can have on the operation of wind turbines.

To address this negative influence on a growing market, the Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) issued grid connectivity standards for wind and solar generating stations in 2013. They stipulate that wind power stations connected at the 66 kV voltage level and above must verify LVRT capability starting from April 2014.

DEWI, a UL company and independent measuring institute, is leading the way for LVRT testing in this growing market. After the CEA grid connectivity guidelines were issued, UL-DEWI became the first agency in India to complete an LVRT test for a large turbine manufacturer.