The grid connection process, which involves connecting a new or modified generating system or load to the electricity network, is a crucial and often complex stage of any project. The process and its complexity are dependent on a variety of factors, such as the size of the generating system or load, system strength at the point of connection, generating system/load technology, and local Network Service Provider (NSP) requirements.
Middleton Group offers a wide range of power system analyses, ranging from static studies to more complex dynamic studies for synchronous generators and Inverter-Based Resources (IBR).
How can we help?
- Generator grid connection studies, from feasibility assessments to R0, R1 and R2 stages, for different energy resources (solar, wind, BESS, hybrid, gas, diesel, coal, and hydro) and different technologies (AC & DC coupled, grid following and grid forming inverters, synchronous generators/condensers)
- Grid connection advisory end-to-end services
- Due diligence of connection application packages on behalf of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and NSPs
- Large load connection studies, including data centres
- Power quality and harmonic assessment
- Distribution and transmission network planning
- GPS commissioning plans and modelling
- Power system modelling in DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD™/EMTDC™, PSS®E, PSS Sincal, EMTP-RV, HOMER, SKM Powertools
Why choose us?
- Our subject matter experts (SMEs) are dedicated to driving the future of energy industry using state-of-the-art technology
- We are your one-stop shop for grid connection projects
- Our SMEs have a proven track record of working closely with the AEMO, different NSPs, OEMs, gencos/developers and EPCs
Our experience
Hybrid generating systems
• 4MW solar and 50MWh energy storage plant: PSS®SINCAL load flow studies, PSS®E and PSCAD™/EMTDC™ dynamic model development and benchmarking studies, including a successful connection application submission
• Grid connection services for a hybrid solar farm consisting of 30MW solar thermal generation with 60MWh energy storage via 36MW synchronous machine technology – organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engine. As this project is a novel technology to be connected to the NEM, Middleton Group engaged with AEMO and negotiated a progressive application process (rather than an iterative process), allowing direct feedback from AEMO on developed studies, reducing the usual timeline in connection application approval
• Grid connection services and obtaining 5.3.4a letter for a solar farm consisting of 4MW solar thermal generation with 3MW/50MWh energy storage by synchronous machine technology
Solar farms
• Connection studies for several solar farm projects and receiving offer to connect from PowerCor, UE and AusNet.
• Energy yield assessments, concept plant design, earthing and bonding system design, EMI and EMF analysis, load flow and dynamic studies using PSS®E and PSCAD™/EMTDC™ for several solar farms.
Wind farms
• Transmission line options study including line route optimisation for a wind farm in Victoria, Australia. Reticulation design and losses calculation
• Feasibility and connection option analysis for a confidential wind farm in Western Australia.
Large load connections and stability assessments
• Grid connection application for multiple data centres in Victoria, providing connection advisory service as well as modelling and preparation of the application package to NSP requirements.
• Voltage stability investigation of large loads and mitigation studies with STATCOM and grid infeed inverter with battery storage
Due diligence
• Full due diligence study for a 170MW grid forming BESS in Ausgrid network
Contact us
Amir Mehrtash
General Manager - Grid Connections
Latest case studies
Enhancing the safety of a wind farm with a detailed harmonics study
Grid Connection Services, Renewables
The harmonic emission level of the confidential wind farm was analysed against the threshold provided by the utility / AEMO.…
Integration and management of synchronous condensers for large solar farms
Grid Connection Services, Renewables
The Darlington Point Solar Farm is a 333MW DC single-axis tracking project located south of the town of Darlington Point. The project has an approximate…