Smart Power Plant Controller (SPPC)
Bachmann electronic has developed a product that offers the required functionality for controlling different energy generators and components combined to form a higher-level power station and also fully meets the requirements of the new VDE‑AR-N 4120:2018 and the new VDE-AR-N 4110. An energy park consists of power generation units (PGU), such as wind turbines (WTGs), CHP units, photovoltaic installations (PVs) or battery storage systems, as well as consumers (hybrid farms). These must all be combined and controlled as generation plants by a controller at the point of common coupling (PCC) if the total connected load ratings are ≥ 135 kW (new VDE guideline from May 2019).
Bachmann has developed a controller as a software module for the control system that provides all the functions and setpoint definitions required by the guideline for active and reactive power. Besides the controller module, a simulation model in Mathworks Matlab® is also provided for the PC, which can be integrated in standard simulation software for certifying the customer‘s overall system. Other simulation models, e.g. DIgSILENT PowerFactory, can also be used as required.
In addition to the actual controller core, the SPPC also features an operational management software which includes a status machine for general functions and controls as well as event handling. Bachmann offers a high-performance CPU as a hardware platform for the park controller, which offers in combination with the GMP232/x2 grid measurement and protection module an ideal solution for the acquisition of measured values at the grid connection point. Additional modules from the Bachmann hardware portfolio can also be incorporated as required. The modular software structure of the controller makes it possible to expand this product to suit customer requirements.
The product also includes a local operation and configuration visualization tool which can be called with any browser via a web server on the controller. Topologies, signal flows and charts can be displayed, and setpoints can also be defined. The historization of active power setpoints, as required by the guideline, has also been implemented on the system and data can also be exported via the visualization. There is also a separate area that makes it possible to carry out various tests for commissioning, in order to ensure that the parameters of the Smart Power Plant Controller are correct.
Bachmann places prime importance on access security. For this reason, the Smart Power Plant Controller also features a user and access management system that meets the highest safety standards while still enabling a flexible setup by the user. Thanks to the host of communication protocols available in the Bachmann automation system, it is possible to respond flexibly to the wide range of different communication connections, e.g. to direct energy trades.
Facts + Features
- Power plant controller, certification in accordance with the latest publication of VDE-AR-N-4110/4120 (May 2019)
- Full range of functions for active and reactive power control, as well as all the general processes required
- Proven Bachmann hardware with powerful CPU and high-precision grid measurement and protection module
- Standard communication and energy protocols in accordance with IEC, OPC UA, etc.
- Visualization for commissioning and monitoring of the power plant controller
- Simulation model for overall plant certification
- Expandable hardware and software concept
