NEWS

JOURNAL EIGHTH YEAR

N ° 8 9 / N OV E M B E R 20 07

Dossier on ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS AND METROLOGY Fostering the energy-related services of
SUEZ utility companies
The capability of offering energy-related
services is becoming a key differentiator among
companies supplying electricity. Clients are
realizing that the price of energy itself is not the
only issue. High quality energy-related services
are also in great demand. That is why Laborelec
experts recently conducted a series of training
courses for Elyo, a SUEZ utility company in
France. Laborelec has certified expertise in
areas such as power quality and availability,
Electrical discrimination study of electromagnetic compatibility, and protection.
Based on this knowledge we provided staff at
the Interconnector site in Zeebrugge Elyo with training on how to find appropriate
solutions to typical problems encountered by
Calculating and optimizing selectivity and testing LV, MV, industrial clients.
and HV networks bernard.dethy@laborelec.com

Laborelec audited the internal high, medium, and low voltage

networks of the Interconnector site in Zeebrugge. Our experts CONTENTS
calculated and optimized selectivity and tested all of the strategic
electrical protection systems. As a result, any fault in the electrical
Fostering the energy-related services
installation will be eliminated in the shortest amount of time. of SUEZ utility companies p. 1
Electrical discrimination study of the
Interconnector Zeebrugge Terminal voltage) and 3EI.bt (for low voltage).
Interconnector site in Zeebrugge p. 1
(IZT) is the European end of the These software packages calculate
Bacton to Zeebrugge bi-directional selectivity diagrams, short-circuit currents, Are you protected against
gas interconnecting pipeline. The site voltage drops, etc. revealing any weak electromagnetic fields ? p. 2
is of strategic importance for UK and points in the safety and selectivity of
continental European energy markets. electrical networks. Our experts discussed Belgium’s new Antarctic research
Reliable operation of all equipment their conclusions with the local staff and station p. 2
is essential. Laborelec calculated and proposed changes where necessary.
Ripple Control Signals on the grid p. 3
optimized selectivity and tested all of the
site’s strategic 150 kV, 36 kV, 10 kV, 5.1 kV, New settings for maximum Using pulse output for peak
and 400 V network protection systems. selectivity detection p. 3
Laborelec worked out new protection
Modelling the site’s electrical settings that guarantee the highest Building a micro-grid on
networks possible level of selectivity with the the Laborelec site p. 3
In a first phase, Laborelec examined all of current equipment, without affecting
the electrical installation documentation, safety levels. After implementation was Solving generator differential protection
including two transformers of 160 MVA completed, our experts conducted the problems p. 4
and four frequency-driven 35 MW VSDs. required tests in close collaboration with
The electricity grid in 2020 p. 4
All of the necessary data was collected IZT’s site staff and Elia (for 150/36kV
with the assistance of IZT’s site staff. step down transformers). Afterwards
Laborelec experts then developed Vinçotte certified the settings.
a model of the site’s electrical networks Today, the Interconnector site has
based on this information. guaranteed maximum selectivity with
Next, the models were run through the the existing protection equipment.
appropriate software applications, in this
case NEPLAN (for high and medium didier.empain@laborelec.com
sven.kerremans@laborelec.com
The technical Competence Centre
in energy processes and energy use.
From innovation to operational assistance.
 Are you protected
against electro-
magnetic fields ?
The new European 2004/40/EC
directive regarding electro-
magnetic fields aims to protect
workers at risk. Legislation
is currently being enacted by
member countries. Laborelec
provides audits and services
assessing compliance with
the prescribed safety levels
and suggests means of
improvement.
The new directive prescribes mandatory
safety levels for workers. It also discusses
the obligations of employers in ensuring
the safety of their workforce. It is up
to the employer, for instance, to assess
the risks and to take the technical and
organizational measures necessary
to ensure that these risks remain within
guideline levels. The directive must be
enacted in the legislation of each EU
member country by April 2008.
From analyses to recommendations
Laborelec has the appropriate devices
and expertise necessary to accurately
measure electromagnetic fields (EMF)
in industrial environments (vicinity of
HV lines, transformers, and other EMF
inducing equipment). Our experts
provide you with a risk assessment
report and suggest practical solutions
that keep you within the mandatory
guidelines. In addition, Laborelec
holds a BELAC accreditation for on-site
measurements of electric fields at 50 Hz
and of magnetic fields ranging from 50
Hz to 10 kHz.
monica.burceanu@laborelec.com
2 JOURNAL EIGHTH YEAR - N° 89 / NOVEMBER 2007 - Dossier on ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS AND METROLOGY
Belgium’s new Antarctic
research station
Laborelec assists with EMC, electrical
protection, and dimensioning of the
station’s LV installation
On 5 September, his Royal Highness Prince Philip inaugurated
Belgium’s new Antarctic research station. The Princess Elisabeth
Station was conceived and built by the International Polar
Foundation (IPF). Technical partner Laborelec provided design
specifications to help create a safe and reliable research centre.
The IPF is a non-profit organization Our experts also provided advice on
headquartered in Brussels. Its goals minimizing interference between
include communicating and educating electrical equipments, including cable
the public on the importance of Polar routing, layout of the distribution
studies. When the IPF decided to network, and the selection of cable trays
build a new Antarctic research station, and electrical boards.
they called upon their vast network
of technical and financial partners. Guaranteeing a safe installation
Laborelec provided recommendations Furthermore, Laborelec specified
for the Electromagnetic Compatibility electrical protection and LV dimensioning,
(EMC) concept, electrical protection calculated short-circuit currents, and
and LV dimensioning, and other safety established a standard set of safety
calculations for the station’s electrical requirements. Cable resistance
installations. to extreme weather conditions was
a major design consideration.
Minimizing interferences and Wind and solar power were chosen
avoiding electrostatic discharges as the primary energy suppliers for
The extremely low humidity level of the Antarctic research station. Laborelec
0.03% has proved to be a major issue carefully examined problems related
at other research stations in Antarctica. to their low short-circuit currents.
Electrostatic discharges affect computers Laborelec will continue to work with
and delicate scientific instrumentation. the project with pre site assembly testing,
Laborelec minimized these dangers with power quality studies, and perhaps even
advice ranging from choosing appropriate with site assembly and testing.
materials for clothing and furniture to the
installation of antistatic tiles to discharge conrad.bottu@laborelec.com
researchers when walking and entering sven.kerremans@laborelec.com
the station.
© Détrois SA-IPF
 Ripple Control Signals Using pulse output
on the grid for peak detection
Preventing signal attenuation caused Industrial operators sometimes
by distributed generation use pulse output devices
on remote electricity meters
With the rise of distributed generation, concern is growing among for real time peak detection. But
grid operators about the interference caused by power electronics using this pulse pattern for peak
with Ripple Control Signals (RCS). Laborelec can map this influence shaving measures requires
and advise grid operators on the most appropriate actions to take. special precautions. Laborelec
Laborelec is currently developing a simulation model to predict the has worked out guidelines
optimal configuration of generation units and RCS generators in the to ensure correct interpretation
grid. This will help prevent expensive interventions in the future. of the measured values.

Remote electricity meters are equipped

Remote control over the grid
Grid operators and utility companies
worldwide use Ripple Control Signals
(RCS) to remotely control various
functions over the electricity grid.
Day/night tariff switching and street
light control are two of the most
common applications. Grid operators
inject the high frequency RCS onto the
distribution grid over the normal 50 Hz
power signal. Once the RCS receiver on
the consumer side recognizes the ‘ripple’,
it turns a switch on or off.
Recommending corrective measures
Predicting the influences of generation
units on the RCS before their connection
to the grid can save grid operators and
users the cost of later, more expensive
corrective measures. It enables grid
operators to proactively suggest the best
locations for distributed generation units
and to demand that users incorporate
adjustments in the design phase of
the project. Laborelec is currently
extending its simulation models
for prediction of power electronics
controlled generation units.
with a pulse output device that
translates the measured energy quantity
into an electrical pulse and sends it
to a receiver or a data logger. Correct
results are obtained by averaging
the generated pulses over a certain
time frame.
But such pulse generators are not
meant for measurements in real time.
That means that plant managers
who want to use them for real time
peak detection need to take special
precautions. This is especially true since
peak shaving actions can drastically affect
industrial operations.

michele.dewitte@laborelec.com

At the request of Eandis, Laborelec tested

Building a micro-grid on the Laborelec site
Laborelec is building a micro-grid on
its site in Linkebeek. This micro-grid
will be able to operate autonomously
and in a stable manner when
detached from the main Belgian
electricity grid. Laborelec will use it to
study stability of power electronics in
electricity grids.
Three single-phase battery-fed power
supplies will ensure the grid’s stability.
The photovoltaic (PV) energy sources
have been operational since
mid-October 2007. The PVs consist
three different types of remote electricity
meters. All three of them comply with
European standards for pulse output devices
(IEC 62053-31). Our experts formulated strict
of 10 kWp poly crystalline, amorphous, minimum time frame guidelines for each of
and multilayer solar panels. them that will ensure an accurate reflection
In the next phases, Laborelec plans of the system’s actual peak consumption.
to install two micro wind turbines
of 6 kWp. The construction permit dries.lemmens@laborelec.com
has already been requested. A
Stirling motor will also be installed.
This micro Combined Heat and
Power (CHP) unit, with an electrical
power of approximately 1 kW, will
be operational in 2008.
sven.kerremans@laborelec.com

JOURNAL EIGHTH YEAR - N° 89 / NOVEMBER 2007 - Dossier on ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS AND METROLOGY 3
 Solving generator
differential protection
problems
An Elyo cogeneration unit
in Arles, in Southern France,
kept tripping whenever a
thunderstorm occurred.
The problem was caused
by a misinterpretation by
the differential protection
equipment. Laborelec was
called upon to suggest possible
solutions.
The protection of generating units on the
grid is a complex matter involving both
the owner of the generating unit and the
grid manager. In Arles, EDF recently asked
Elyo — a member of the SUEZ group — to
increase their supply reliability.
Thunderstorms are causing single-phase
faults on the high voltage lines of the
network to which the cogeneration
unit is connected. As a result, the main
differential protection would trip. The
resulting loss of power injection caused
unexpected power variations on the
network managed by EDF.
The transformer of the cogeneration
unit is grounded on the network side.
Therefore, in the event of a fault, a zero-
sequence component was created at the
network’s side only. This was interpreted
by the differential protection equipment as
an internal fault, causing the unit to trip.
Given the complexity of the problem, Elyo
asked Laborelec’s grid protection experts
to assess the situation. After completing
their analysis, they made the following
recommendations:
• Either replace the current differential
protection with one that includes a
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) function to
identify whether it concerns an internal or
an external fault
• The installation of a Buccholz protection
as main transformer protection – Elyo’s
final choice - also makes it safe to delay
the tripping of the differential protection
on the transformer by several hundred
milliseconds until the network’s protection
eliminates the single-phase fault
didier.empain@laborelec.com
4 JOURNAL EIGHTH YEAR - N° 89 / NOVEMBER 2007 - Dossier on ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS AND METROLOGY
The electricity grid in 2020
The most probable energy
concepts for residential areas
What will the energy system of a typical residential area look like in
the year 2020? Gaining insight in the technical possibilities and user
aspects of future energy systems can help grid operators make sound
investment decisions today. That’s why the HERMES DG steering
committee asked Laborelec to define the six most probable near
future energy system configurations of a typical residential area.
Laborelec was awarded this contract
through HERMES, an online market
place for innovative solutions for energy
grids in the Netherlands. The platform
is coordinated by EnergieNed,
the Federation of Energy Companies
in the Netherlands.
Twelve possible energy concepts
Laborelec designed twelve energy
concepts for a virtual residential area
of about 3,000 households with an Otto motor micro-CHP and plastic
a diversity of dwellings and public PV panels, and where the public utilities
utilities. Their energy demand was have gas motor mini-CHPs and heat
predicated upon generally accepted pumps at their disposal. The final
European models. Each energy concept selection was made using a MultiCriteria
integrated several distributed generation Analysis (MCA). In collaboration with
technologies such as micro-CHP, the HERMES DG steering committee,
photovoltaic (PV) systems, urban Resource Analysis, and Gasunie,
wind turbines, and fuel cells as well Laborelec defined nine weighted criteria
as collateral techniques such as energy related to environmental, technical,
storage and district heating. Laborelec economical, and social aspects.
made its selection from literature Balancing the concepts against those
based on the technical maturity criteria resulted in an overall ranking
and economical feasibility of each of their probable use by 2020.
technology. In a second phase of the project, the six
most probable configurations from this
Decisions based on multiple, ranking will be subjected to more
weighted criteria in-depth simulations. Laborelec has bid,
From these twelve possible energy via the HERMES platform, to collaborate
concepts, those most likely to be in on this research as well.
use by 2020 were configurations
where households are equipped with michiel.vanlumig@laborelec.com
Responsible editor: André Even
Rodestraat 125
B-1630 Linkebeek
Belgium
Tel: + 32 (0)2 382 02 11
Fax: + 32 (0)2 382 02 41
www.laborelec.com