The top producer of PV inverters and energy storage systems worldwide, Sungrow, has announced that the National Electric System Operator (ONS) of Brazil has formally certified all of its dynamic inverter types for sale in that country. This milestone demonstrates Sungrow’s continuous dedication to technical excellence and active participation in the modernization and dependability of the country’s electrical industry. It also confirms that the company’s products meet the stringent compliance standards and accurately depict the dynamic behavior during electromechanical and electromagnetic transients.
Addressing Challenges Revealed by Grid Disturbances
A significant outage in Brazil in August 2023 highlighted how crucial precise dynamic modeling is for wind and solar power installations. The incident highlighted the need for more assurance on how inverter-based resources will behave during system disruptions, especially where reactive power support and low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capabilities are involved.
Therefore, in order to improve the robustness and dependability of power system simulations, the ONS released a Report (RAP 0012/2023) in October 2023 that initiated a systematic effort to assess and validate the models of inverters and power plant controllers (PPCs).
Robust Validation Process for Grid Compliance
Sungrow’s inverters were extensively simulated and tested in close collaboration with ONS using PSCAD for electromagnetic transients and ANATEM for RMS-based electromechanical transients. These simulations and tests are essential for examining dynamic events such as faults, switching operations, and power electronics interactions. The procedures were organized into two main phases, each of which presented considerable difficulties.
- Inverter Level 1 (L1): Sungrow validated its PSCAD model using a semi-physical controller to ensure alignment between simulation and actual hardware performance.
- Inverter Level 2 (L2): Based on the verified PSCAD model, an ANATEM model was developed and cross-checked to confirm consistency between the two platforms.
In order to guarantee the stability of the Brazilian National Interconnected System (SIN), Sungrow fully understands and appreciates the role of the operator throughout the process, constantly maintaining a high technical level and a collaborative posture.
The business made a large investment to guarantee that their inverters fulfilled all necessary modeling verification requirements, and it brought together a committed local staff, international R&D specialists, and professional consultants to assist with the process from beginning to end. Consequently, Sungrow was granted formal approval for all marketed inverters, including modular, central, and string inverters.
“This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering high-performance, grid-compliant solutions that contribute to the stability and modernization of Brazil’s national power system,” stated Ada Li, Vice President of Sungrow Americas.
