Driving the energy transition with BESS
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Q&A Summary
What is the SEL protocol mentioned in the architecture block diagram?
Ιn this specific project we used protocols such as MODBUS, IEC 61850 and also hardwired connections.
On the project presented by George (Protasis), did zenon controller control the energy modules directly or they relied on the BESS supplier BMS in between?
In this specific project, the PMS communicates with the manufacturer's BMS.
What are the options available to link higher systems, for example VPP or demand response?
It is possible to connect via industrial protocols like IEC 104/DNP3/IEC 61850/OPC UA or to use API-based approaches similar to the methods used when communicating to trading entities. Also a file-based or data-base-based information exchange is possible.
Do you have standard methodology / hierarchies for client - server communication with zenon? In cases, such as PMS architecture with / without main & standby computers at client & server location?
Yes, zenon has the option to run in a client/server or redundant server plus clients architecture.
The Fixed Control Mode by Time in day, how can the operator create control profiles that are different during holiday, or change to cycle of 30min instead of 1 hour?
At this time a pre-defined schedule is incorporated in the system.
Please explain about the SEL controller and it's function within the system
SEL AXION is a Real Time Automation Controller, similar to a PLC, which executes the control algorithms in real time (20ms task cycle). It is actually the Power Plant Controller of the System.
Any specific requirements for inverters or BESS components to be compatible with zenon EE?
From a zenon perspective there are no specific requirements regarding which inverters or BESS components to use. The standard communication protocols are all well established within the platform making connection to a diverse range of devices possible
The graph shown for BESS frequency response was simulated or a real capture?
It was derived by connecting the actual Controller to a network simulator in a Hardware in a loop topology.
How much of this application is custom code?
It is a combination of custom code and the libraries that are already available.
What is your view for further integration of IEC 61850 directly into the BESS control, in contrast to Modbus TCP?
It depends on the controllers and inverters capabilities. In general, the inverters are comforming to MODBUS SunSpec. On the other hand, the dominant protocol for power systems is IEC 61850. So I believe that both protocols will be present, MODBUS for inverters, Meteo Stations, Temp. Sensors and IEC61850 for the Protection and Control IEDs.
Which IEC standard is used for BESS? Do we have anything similar to UL9540?
There are relevant standards in this area such as IEC 62933-5-2:2020 that primarily describes safety aspects, matters related to the surroundings etc.
Which device reads the CTs & VTs? SEL controller? Is this controller taking the decision to dispatch the commands to the BESS? What is the timing response?
The system is communicating with protection relays, bay controllers etc. The PMS system in the refinery network communicates with the BESS manufacturer's Battery Management System and sends the commands for power injection-consumption. The time response is in the area of ms.
What kind of energy protocol did you use in this example?
We have used MODBUS TCP for Inverters and Batteries and IEC61850 for Controllers and IEDs.
Are you using SNMP protocol for device information?
Yes, for monitoring the ethernet switch status.
Do you also plan to connect with energy trading platforms?
It is possible to use API-based approaches similar to the methods used when communicating to trading entities. Also a file-based or data-base-based information exchange is possible.
Is there any support for IEC 61850-90-9 in the BESS application?
As the IEC TR 61850-90-9:2020(E) describes the IEC 61850 information model for electrical energy storage systems (EESS), it is easy to support it from the IEC 61850 MMS client perspective which we are when we speak about zenon. This means, yes with the zenon IEC 61850 client diver we support the information model of IEC TR 61850-90-9.
How is the capacity of the BESS size determined? From the grid or client? What is the general approach?
In the project presented, the size was determined by the client. The battery size depends on the specific project and the special requirements that need to be considered.
Did COPA-DATA make any collaboration with inverter manufacturers for PV systems?
As COPA-DATA, the manufacturer of the software zenon, is an independent company who has no direct collaboration with inverter companies. We rely on standard protocols such as Modbus and IEC 61850.
Did you (or are planning to) develop a library of control and interface logic in zenon to ensure native integration with existing BMS (battery controller) on the market, taking into account functionalities like temperature monitoring, power control?
We are always updating and improving our standard library in the various renewable applications. There are currently ongoing developments for such control algorithms and interfaces.
What is the role of SCADA in managing fast control loop of battery systems?
The SCADA is a separate system which offers the possibility to communicate with the BMS. It is it's user interface that provides option for interaction.
Were there any performance issues on TCP/IP network if you are acquiring data from each module of the battery Cell Voltage and Cell temperature, since many BMUs offer large amounts of data?
Since we are utilizing VLANs for traffic segmentation and prioritization and the fact that in this project, there was a Data Concentrator for the BESS, no TCP issues have arisen.
What was the protocol for exchanging data from the batteries?
The MODBUS TCP protocol was used.
How do you prevent islanding when you have wind power generation connected to the same busbar as the BESS when the incoming/outgoing bay is down?
BESS inverters are equipped with islanding detection schemes in order to detect such events and either change the mode of operation or shutdown the system in a safe manner.
How is the measured temperature of the of the container related to the temperature of each battery module?
The temperature of the battery modules surely affects the temperature of the container and vice-versa. It is important to consider these interactions when sizing the cooling system of the container.
What are the minimum requirements for a battery bank to be compatible with zenon?
The only requirement for zenon is that the hardware simply supports a standard protocol. Such as Modbus.
About our guest
PROTASIS SA
PROTASIS Engineering & Consulting SA serves the power and energy industries, providing expert studies and technical consulting, as well as specialized integrated systems’ solutions since 2002 in several countries worldwide. SCADA system application is one of its main fields of expertise and thus PROTASIS is a silver partner of COPA DATA.
George Arvanitis is an electrical & computer engineer, holding a MSc on Energy Production and Management. George is the Head of Systems Integration & SCADA Department at PROTASIS, being member of the PROTASIS team for the last 14 years.