The Problem in Detail
Distributed assets are relatively small, yet they must energise large transmission infrastructure, including high-capacity transformers and long overhead lines, without causing excessive inrush currents or voltage instability.
Finding the Solution
The first test involved using the grid-forming BESS to energise:
• A 90 MVA, 33 kV / 132 kV grid transformer
• 10.6 km of 132 kV overhead transmission line
The results highlighted the core problem. To overcome this, the same test was repeated using Point-on-wave (PoW) control on the 33kV circuit breaker.
Results
This demonstration proved that large transmission assets can be reliably energised from a relatively small, renewable-connected BESS, provided that point-on-wave switching is used to manage inrush currents.
What that means for the project
The Distributed Restart project demonstrates a viable, scalable path to maintaining grid resilience in a renewable-dominated energy system, enabling faster, safer restoration without reliance on thermal generation.
Distributed Restart of the Transmission Network Using Grid-Forming BESS and Point-on-Wave Control
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