Determining Feasibility for Safe Effective Control

Client: A major Canadian electricity generating company

Project objective:

The owner of a high-rise office tower in Toronto wanted to employ an existing emergency generator to reduce peak demand, and have the ability to dispatch generation capacity remotely. This objective required that the generator be capable of operating in parallel with the local utility system. Kinectrics was asked to perform a feasibility study and develop control, operating and protection that would allow safe and reliable interconnection of the generator to the utility system.

Project scope of work:

A technical feasibility study to support the client’s application for approval of the local distribution utility was required for connection of 1 MW DG capacity in the office tower. Technical feasibility studies included impact assessment on fault level, coordination with utility protection, and reclosing practices

Work performed:

Kinectrics completed the feasibility study and provided technical assistance for commissioning of the entire facility. This work included switchgear for paralleling the generator to the local grid, communications for remote dispatch and all necessary protections and settings to enable safe and reliable operation.

Detailed calculations of fault levels were completed to demonstrate to the local utility that the specified facility protections (over/under voltage, over/under frequency, reverse power) provided adequate coordination with utility protection and operating practices.

Results and client benefits:

The DG facility has been fully commissioned and has been successfully operating. Approval was granted by the local utility to operate the generator in parallel with the grid for load displacement.

For more information, info@kinectrics.com