Page 62 - Energize October 2022

TECHNICAL

• Allow for monetising assets via grid support and demand response programs Summary
• Ensure assets in the system are best used Microgrids can provide significant benefits
• Adapt to changing weather conditions (i.e., cloud cover, wind speed and other for resiliency, sustainability and cost savings.
conditions) Every project should begin with a feasibility
• Operate the system entirely or partially off-grid study and stability analysis to determine
• Monitor and/or control assets remotely with real-time notifications the best mix and sizing of assets to meet
the goals of the project. The sequence of
What is not expected from the microgrid controller is the lower-level machine-to- operation should be written to ensure system
machine operations such as synchronising, load sharing and protection. By moving resiliency and power quality with mitigated
these operations to the individual machines, single point of failure is eliminated and failure modes. The integrated paralleling
therefore reliability is increased. Failure of the microgrid’s autonomous controller does and protection controls for the synchronous
not jeopardise the reliability of the microgrid power system. generator sets, as well as the microgrid
Any failures must be analysed and mitigated for safe and reliable operations which controller, are critical components to ensure
is typically performed by the microgrid controller provider. seamless operation, system recovery, failure
mode analysis and system optimisation.
Value of a single supplier/integrator As with all specifications, the microgrid
Microgrids, which incorporate a wide variety of assets such as PV panels, energy storage specification should be based on function
batteries, utility power and generator sets, can seem intimidating with all the complexities and performance. Working with a reputable
of integrating these energy sources. It is critical to work with a reputable system designer power system supplier who fully understands
and supplier who can not only provide engineering guidance on the size, mix and the power system design space can ensure a
configuration of the optimum assets for a project, but can also deliver the individual well-engineered solution which will achieve
components, integrating them into a solution all the way through to commissioning. the project objectives.
While every effort is taken to engineer out issues, with the complexities of
microgrid projects, challenges are often unavoidable. Having a single integrator on the Contact Sbu Gule, Cummins Africa Middle
hook to resolve issues is invaluable. When a system is delivered by a single integrator East, Phone 011 451-3433,
there is no risk of finger pointing between component suppliers and the project will sbu.gule@cummins.com,
ultimately be more successful. www.cummins.com

Public Notice

Notice of the virtual Eskom Transmission
Development Plan Public Forum

The transmission license issued by NERSA to Eskom
Holdings SOC Ltd requires the annual publication of a
Transmission Development Plan (TDP), which details the
proposed strengthening and development of the
transmission network in South Africa over the next 10 years.
Eskom will be hosting a virtual public forum to present the
TDP 2023 - 2032.
The consultative process is intended to provide an
opportunity for stakeholders to influence the long–term
development of the transmission system. Stakeholder
participation is critical to ensure that Eskom Transmission
takes into account the views of the public, industry, business
sectors, local government and other infrastructural
development partners. The aim is to have a Transmission
Development Plan that supports the development of the
country and its people.
The virtual TDP Public Forum is scheduled to take place as
follows:
Date: Thursday, 27 October 2022
Time: 09:00 - 13:00
The public forum will be hosted through the Microsoft
Teams Live on-line platform.
RSVP: Interested parties are requested to please register MM360ESKOM/09/2022
by 21 October 2022, by accepting invitation on outlook or
om.co
.za
emailing tinkie.ndzamela@eskom.co.za
tinkie
.ndzamela@esk
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd Reg No 2002/015527/30
www.eskom.co.za