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Template: ElectraNet Generator Performance Standards (GPS) Assessment Guideline

Preview of template's gridmo Flow showing Nodes

Version: 3

Last updated: 16 Apr 2025

Country:

AU

Software required:

PSS®E
PSCAD™

Source: ElectraNet | Generator Performance Standard Assessment Guideline | Version 1.0 | 21 June 2024

How to download: Add a new Flow in gridmo and select this template from the list.

Quick start

Before running this template, complete the following:

  • Complete the Model setup template, including setting and testing all standard global variables for the PSS®E and PSCAD™ models of your generating system.
  • If your project is a battery (BESS), set up scenario variables for both discharging and charging mode.
  • Complete the System Strength Impact Assessment Guidelines (SSIAG) template, or otherwise identified the withstand SCR (minimum stable) of your generating system.
  • Add this template to your project.

Changes required before first run​

  • PSS®E Static Node 1847: Change the reference GEN=999#1 to the bus and ID of your equivalent Thévenin voltage source in your PSS®E model.
  • Plot Node 2124: If your generating system is not expected to increase active power in response to a frequency disturbance, delete the command starting with GRADIENT, XMIN=50 from the scatter subplot in this Node.
  • Loop Start Node 2356: If your generating system is a battery (BESS), disable any rows in this loop which have l_pcmd equal to 0.1 (there are 4 rows with this value).
  • Loop Start Node 2366 & 2381: Modify the l_scr loop variables in this Node based on your results from the SSIAG template (the Withstand SCR of your generating system).
  • Loop Start Node 2374 & 2386: Modify the l_withstand_scr loop variable in this Node based on your results from the SSIAG template (the Withstand SCR of your generating system).
  • For tests using NEM/OPDMS snapshots, configure the Nodes for:
  • PSCAD™ Nodes 1915 and 1937: Enable these Nodes. They are disabled by default as they are extremely long PSCAD™ simulations.
  • PSCAD™ Node 1957: Change the simulation time from 30 seconds to 1215 seconds. This PSCAD™ Node has a shorter simulation time so you can test the short-term over-voltage performance of your generator, without waiting several hours for the PSCAD™ simulation to complete.
  • Loop Start Node 2084: Modify the loop variable l_freq_playback from the default/assumed value of 51 Hz to the value specified by AEMO/ElectraNet as per S5.2.5.8(a)(2)(i).
  • Post-process the output from Table Node 2029 to calculate the iq sequence ratio as described here.

Background​

The following sections detail the assumptions and notes that have been made in the development of this template.

Important

It is important to review the below assumptions and notes to ensure that the template is suitable for your project.

This template assumes National Electricity Rules (NER) Automatic Access Standard (AAS) compliance for all tests, unless otherwise specified.

Note any references to the Australian National Electricity Rules (NER) below from version 217, the latest version at the time of writing of this template.

Assumption

The ElectraNet requirements document frequently specifies that test are to be repeated at an initial active power setpoint of -1 p.u. - which are only applicable for battery energy storage systems (BESS) or other generator types which act as loads (e.g. synchronous condensers).

If your project supports acting as a load, you will need to configure scenario variables to complete the entire template in this mode in order to complete all test at active power of -1 per unit. This avoids lengthy template modifications to enable/disable loop variables with active power of -1 per unit.

4.2.1 (S5.2.5.1) Reactive Power Capability​

4.2.1.1 Steady State Load Flow Studies​

Tests for section 4.2.1.1 are not currently in this template.

Consider using a disaggregated model of the generating system in DIgSILENT PowerFactory (which is usually created for harmonic analysis) to complete these tests. This is because PowerFactory natively supports voltage-dependent reactive capability curves, unlike PSS®E, and has a built-in macro for generating a static PQ capability curve.

4.2.1.2 Dynamic Simulations​

Note the tests in Table 2: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.1, other than the flat run tests, comprises of a single voltage step (a relative voltage dip or rise by 0.1 p.u.) with the pass criteria being the generating system remains connected at its pre-disturbance active power output and responds appropriately to the voltage step.

4.2.2 (S5.2.5.3) Generating Unit Response to Frequency Disturbances​

All frequency ride-through PSCAD™ tests are disabled by default, because some simulations are over 1200 seconds long. These Nodes (e.g. PSCAD™ Nodes 1915 and 1937) should be enabled and launched prior to submission.

Assumption

This template assumes your generating system will trip for frequencies 46.9 Hz and lower, hence the 45 Hz at 3 Hz/sec ROCOF test and 46.9 Hz at 4 Hz/sec ROCOF tests have been combined into a single Loop Start Node (as they are both under-frequency trip tests)

4.2.3 (S5.2.5.4) Generating System Response to Voltage Disturbances​

The 'UV profile tests' and 'OV profile tests' in Table 4: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.4 of the ElectraNet requirements reference a final voltage of 0.90 p.u. for the over-voltage ride-through profile and 1.10 p.u. for the under-voltage ride-through profile. This differs from the normal S5.2.5.4 automatic access profile. In compliance with the requirements, this template has a voltage profile which:

  • (Under-voltage) Steps immediately from 0.80 p.u. to 1.10 p.u. and
  • (Over-voltage) Steps immediately from 1.15 p.u. to 0.90 p.u.

Change the simulation time of PSCAD™ Node 1957 from 30 seconds to 1215 seconds before submission. This PSCAD™ Node has a shorter simulation time so you can test the short-term over-voltage performance of your generator, without waiting several hours for the PSCAD™ simulation to complete.

Assumption

The 'Individual voltage step tests' section of Table 4: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.4 of the ElectraNet requirements is unclear on how long the 0.90 p.u. and 1.10 p.u. voltage disturbances should be applied for, it instead refers to the duration 'As per AAS'. The Automatic Access Standard (AAS) for S5.2.5.4(a)(6) of the NER specifies that a generator must remain connected indefinitely for a voltage disturbance in this range.

This template assumes 125 seconds is sufficiently long to demonstrate ride-through capability for a voltage disturbance in this range.

Optional

The 'UV profile tests' and 'OV profile tests' in Table 4: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.4 of the ElectraNet requirements are specified as PSCAD™ only tests, however our template includes optional PSS®E Dynamic Nodes for these tests as well.

4.2.4 (S5.2.5.5) Responses to Disturbances following Contingency Events​

4.2.4.1 [Network] Single Fault Disturbance​

Section 4.2.4.1 of the ElectraNet requirements specifies several NEM/OPDMS PSS®E snapshot models to use for this test. Inputs you require from AEMO/ElectraNet to complete this section are as follow. These inputs are not provided in this template.

  • Tuned raw/seq/dyr PSS®E NEM snapshot files of the scenarios specified in the ElectraNet requirements (or as otherwise agreed with AEMO/ElectraNet).
  • A list of faults to apply in the PSS®E NEM snapshot files, including clearance times and auto-reclose settings.
  • Information on nearby generators, including their Voltage Control Strategies (VCS).

Our template is pre-configured for two distinct PSS®E NEM snapshot files. If you are using additional, copy everything between Loop Start Node 1983 and Loop End Node 1987 and update as per below.

With this information, complete the following:

  • Loop Start Nodes 1973 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 1983 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
  • PSS®E Static Nodes 1975 & 1980 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 1984 & 1988 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network model and Network model: Bus number fields to allow gridmo to auto-merge your SMIB model into the specified NEM snapshot file.
    • Add CONTROL commands to put your generating system into its default voltage control mode in a PSS®E Static Node (e.g. using a CONTROL, GEN=, Q=VDROOP... command).
    • Add CONTROL commands into this Node to set the initial conditions of nearby generation based on their respective VCS.
  • PSS®E Dynamic Nodes 1976 & 1981 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 1985 & 1989 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network dynamics model data to a folder containing all .dyr files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot.
    • Set the Network dynamics user models to a folder containing all .dll files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot, including the dsusr.dll library.

4.2.4.2 [SMIB] Multiple Fault Ride-Through (MFRT)​

The ElectraNet requirements specify that a fault sequence 'aligned with AAS' is to be used. This template is configured to use sequences S6 and S7 using the MULTIFAULT command, which meet the automatic access standard (AAS) criteria of S5.2.5.5(d) of the NER.

Assumption

Table 6: Dynamic studies to assess MFRT for S5.2.5.5:

  • This table specifies a fault duration of 'Primary protection clearance times and circuit breaker failure'. This is unclear, we've instead used an unbalanced fault sequence compliant with S5.2.5.5(d) of the NER. Balanced fault sequences are not applied as the test is specified as PSCAD™ only.
  • This table specifies Vpoc to be as per VCS (voltage control strategy) - the initial conditions required are unclear, we've assumed the test should be completed with:
    • The generator in its default voltage/reactive power control mode (as per its VCS)
    • The point of connection voltage to the default (as per the global variable default_poc_voltage)
    • Repeated at Qmin, Q0 and Qmax

4.2.4.3 [SMIB] Reactive Current Injection, Rise Time and Settling Times​

This template combines the 'Capacitive current tests: Balanced faults' and 'Inductive current tests' into a single Loop Start Node so a combined balanced iq scatter plot can be created.

Note ElectraNet have specified that this test must be completed at all permutations of Pmax/Pmin and Qmax/Qmin, with the exception of Pmin and Qmin.

Manual post processing of the output from Table Node 2029 (filename ENET GPS\S5.2.5.5\4.2.4.3 - Unbalanced fault performance.csv) is required to identify the ratio between ΔIqpos and ΔIqneg during an unbalanced fault. You can use the Excel formula =J2/H2 to calculate this ratio.

Assumption

Table 7: Dynamic studies to assess reactive current injection for S5.2.5.5 specifies that capacitive current tests (LVRT) are to be completed using a fault, but inductive current tests (HVRT) are to be completed using a playback generator.

We've instead implemented HVRT tests via a capacitor switch-in, as applying a playback generator for large voltage deviations can lead to strange inverter performance, as there isn't actually a disturbance present to sink fault current.

Assumption

Table 7: Dynamic studies to assess reactive current injection for S5.2.5.5 specifies that settling time, active power recovery time, reactive current rise and settling times must be provided at multiple points throughout the generating system. Our template assumes only point of connection values are necessary, this also minimises the size of summary tables generated by Table Nodes in this template.

Assumption

Table 7: Dynamic studies to assess reactive current injection for S5.2.5.5 specifies the initial voltage is specified as 'Initialised voltage between 1pu to the expected voltage level based on historical data' - this is unclear, we've assumed the test should be completed with:

  • The generator in its default voltage/reactive power control mode (as per its VCS)
  • The point of connection voltage to the default (as per the global variable default_poc_voltage)

4.2.6 (S5.2.5.7) Partial Load Rejection​

Section 4.2.6 of the ElectraNet requirements specifies several NEM/OPDMS PSS®E snapshot models to use for this test. These inputs are likely the same as used for section 4.2.4.1.

Our template is pre-configured for two distinct PSS®E NEM snapshot files. If you are using additional, copy everything between Loop Start Node 2050 and Loop End Node 2054 and update as per below.

With this information, complete the following:

  • Loop Start Nodes 2050 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2061 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set all the loop variables in this Node (excluding l_pcmd and l_qcmd) based on a load reduction event you are simulating (for example, a trip of a large smelter load in Victoria, or the loss of an interstate interconnector e.g. Heywood-SESS or PEC)
  • PSS®E Static Nodes 2051 & 2059 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2062 & 2067 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network model and Network model: Bus number fields to allow gridmo to auto-merge your SMIB model into the specified NEM snapshot file.
    • Add CONTROL commands to put your generating system into its default voltage control mode in a PSS®E Static Node (e.g. using a CONTROL, GEN=, Q=VDROOP... command).
    • Add CONTROL commands into this Node to set the initial conditions of nearby generation based on their respective VCS.
  • PSS®E Dynamic Nodes 2052 & 2060 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2063 & 2068 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network dynamics model data to a folder containing all .dyr files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot.
    • Set the Network dynamics user models to a folder containing all .dll files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot, including the dsusr.dll library.
Assumption

The SMIB over-frequency ride-through test specified in Table 8: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.7 implies, but doesn't specify, that the frequency should ramp down to nominal during the test (by the inclusion of the requirement that 'the generating system maintains CUO following the disturbance').

Our template is configured to ramp the frequency back down to nominal after 10 seconds.

4.2.7 (S5.2.5.8) Protection from Power System Disturbances​

Loop Start Node 2084 is used to demonstrate compliance to S5.2.5.8(a)(2) of the NER. Based on input you require from AEMO/ElectraNet, modify the loop variable l_freq_playback from the default/assumed value of 51 Hz to the value specified by AEMO/ElectraNet.

Assumption

The tests 'Frequency disturbances to just outside of the protection settings' in Table 9: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.8 are a functional duplicate of the tests in section 4.2.2 of the same document (S5.2.5.3) - specifically Loop Start Node 1887 and 1920.

We've assumed that these tests do not need to be duplicated.

4.2.8 (S5.2.5.11) Frequency Control​

All specified frequency changes are completed at a maximum ramp rate of 4 Hz/sec, with a minimum resolution of 250 mHz for the P(f) scatter plot.

If your generating system is not expected to increase active power in response to a frequency disturbance (such as solar PV), delete the command starting with GRADIENT, XMIN=50 from the scatter subplot in Node 2124.

4.2.9 (S5.2.5.12) Impact on Network Capability​

The following tests from Table 11: Steady state and dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.12 are not included in this template:

  • 'Contingency studies - steady state and dynamic'
  • 'Inter network damping study' The tests specified in these sections are very similar to that of section 4.2.4.1 (S5.2.5.5) and section 4.2.6 (S5.2.5.7) and likely could be completed using the same PSS®E Nodes, possibly with additional NEM/OPDMS snapshots and additional disturbance scenarios.
Optional

The 'intra-plant damping study' section of Table 11: Steady state and dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.12 is included - however is specified to only be completed in PSS®E.

Typically, small signal damping studies are completed in PSCAD™ - hence we have included an optional PSCAD™ Node for this test.

4.2.10 (S5.2.5.13) Voltage and Reactive Power Control​

SMIB step and limiter tests​

As per ElectraNet requirements, the tests below apply for all three typical voltage control modes (Vdroop, Q control and PF control). If your generating system does not support one or more of these control modes, you will need to disable several Loop Start Nodes in this template.

note

The tests 'Reactive power set point reference steps' in Table 12: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.13 have quite large reactive power step tests (up to +/- Qmax in a single step) and a requirement to output the rise and settling time for each step.

Our template is configured to output these values - however, we note that S5.2.5.13(c1)(3) of the NER implies that 50% PFref or Qref step is the largest step which needs to meet the rise and settling time requirements as per the NER.

Assumption

The initial reactive power conditions for set point reference tests in Table 12: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.13 (voltage, reactive power and power factor) are unclear. We've assumed that all tests should be repeated at Qmax, Q=0 and Qmin - to show reactive power injection does not exceed the specified capability.

This does mean that the expected performance for some of these tests is a flat run. For example, if your generating system initialised at Qmax, the generator should not inject more than Qmax, even if the Vref/Qref/PFref input steps to a value which implies a reactive power injection greater than Qmax.

The above does not apply to the limiter tests.

The power factor reference values in Start Node l_step1_pf_equiv_to_25percent_q l_step2_pf_equiv_to_50percent_q are pre-calculated based on a project maximum reactive power capability of 0.395 per unit (active power base) as per S5.2.5.1 of the NER. If your project has a different PQ capability, you will need to adjust these values.

Network step and disturbance tests​

This section repeats the above reference tests using several NEM/OPDMS PSS®E snapshot models. These inputs are likely the same as used for section 4.2.4.1.

Note there several Nodes to configure for this section due to the duplication required for each reactive power control mode and specified NEM/OPDMS PSS®E network case.

Reference control steps​

  • PSS®E Static Nodes 2272,2298,2317 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2282,2305,2324 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network model and Network model: Bus number fields to allow gridmo to auto-merge your SMIB model into the specified NEM snapshot file.
    • Add CONTROL commands to put your generating system into its default voltage control mode in a PSS®E Static Node (e.g. using a CONTROL, GEN=, Q=VDROOP... command).
    • Add CONTROL commands into this Node to set the initial conditions of nearby generation based on their respective VCS.
  • PSS®E Dynamic Nodes 2273,2299,2318 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2283,2306,2325 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network dynamics model data to a folder containing all .dyr files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot.
    • Set the Network dynamics user models to a folder containing all .dll files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot, including the dsusr.dll library.

Network voltage disturbance tests​

  • Loop Start Nodes 2201,2228,2252 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2212,2237,2259 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Modify the Q= argument of each ADD command in the l_event loop variable in order to induce an over-voltage/under-voltage event at the point of connection. As this is a network model (with potentially variable system strength depending on the base case and in service generation) you will need to test a series of events to identify what size of capacitor/reactor to use to induce the required voltage disturbance. Also update the l_event_description loop variable to describe the event on the output plots.
  • PSS®E Static Nodes 2202,2210,2229,2235,2253,2257 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2213,2218,2238,2243,2260,2264 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network model and Network model: Bus number fields to allow gridmo to auto-merge your SMIB model into the specified NEM snapshot file.
    • Add CONTROL commands to put your generating system into its default voltage control mode in a PSS®E Static Node (e.g. using a CONTROL, GEN=, Q=VDROOP... command).
    • Add CONTROL commands into this Node to set the initial conditions of nearby generation based on their respective VCS.
  • PSS®E Dynamic Nodes 2203,2211,2230,2236,2254,2258 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 1) and 2214,2219,2239,2244,2261,2265 (NEM PSS®E snapshot 2):
    • Set the Network dynamics model data to a folder containing all .dyr files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot.
    • Set the Network dynamics user models to a folder containing all .dll files for your NEM PSS®E snapshot, including the dsusr.dll library.

4.2.10 (S5.2.5.14) Active Power Control​

Assumption

The 'Active power reference steps' specified in Table 13: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.14 are configured assuming that there is not an active power rate limiter in your generating system, as the tests are only to demonstrate capability to regulate to the specified setpoint.

If an active power ramp rate limiter is included in your generating system, you will need to increase the simulation time in all Nodes in this section to at least 305 seconds to demonstrate ramping over 5 minutes (including initialisation time). Note these PSCAD™ simulations may take several hours to complete.

The Pmin limiter tests specified in Table 13: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.14 of the ElectraNet requirements may inadvertently indicate that there is not a minimum active power limiter for BESS projects, as a -0.10 p.u. relative step from Pmin will instruct a BESS to start charging. If your generating system is a BESS, disable any rows in the Loop Start Node 2356 which have l_pcmd equal to 0.1 (there are 4 rows with this value).

Assumption

The 'Limit tests: Pmin - 10%, Pmax + 10%' specified in Table 13: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.14 may not clearly illustrate that a limiter has activated, as the generator is being initialised at maximum power and then instructed to step into the limiter it is already at.

We've assumed that, similar to section 4.2.9 (S5.2.5.13), the tests should instead be at P=0.90 p.u. with a relative step of 0.20 p.u. and P=0.10 p.u. with a relative step of -0.20 p.u. to demonstrate the limiter activating.

4.2.12 (S5.2.5.15) Short Circuit Ratio​

tip

The tests in this section are a subset of the tests required as per the AEMO System Strength Impact Assessment Guidelines (SSIAG) template. However, for completeness, the tests are repeated here with the requirements as per the ElectraNet document.

Assumption

The 'Grid voltage impulse with site specific X/R range' test as part of Table 14: Dynamic studies to assess S5.2.5.15 does not specify the actual impulse to apply.

We've assumed the impulse is the same as tests 2 and 3 of Table 3 of Appendix B of the AEMO SSIAG (a -0.05 p.u. impulse and -0.1 p.u. impulse, both applied for 40 ms).

Sources​

  • ElectraNet | Generator Performance Standard Assessment Guideline | Version 1.0 | 21 June 2024 (not publicly available)

Revision history​

Version 3 | 16 April 2025​

Fixed
  • Fixed incorrect Internode Variable name in Table Nodes 2235, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2239, 2240, 2241, 2242, 2243, 2244, 2245, 2246 for Ppoc - settling time.
  • Fixed incorrect Internode Variable name in Plot Node 2292 for frequency at POC.
  • Fixed incorrect Internode Variable name in Plot Nodes 2164 and 2178 for Qpoc - final value.
  • Added applied test displays for 4.2.3 (S5.2.5.4) Generating System Response to Voltage Disturbances.
  • Fixed incorrect reference to Delta Vpoc in Plot Node 2039. Added new ADVOUTPUT command positive sequence Vpoc in Plot Node 2033, updated linked Table Node 2029 to use this new Internode Varaible and updated Plot Node 2039 (FRT injection curve scatter plot) to use positive sequence voltage.

Version 2 (v1.4.19) | 27 November 2024​

  • Removed extra blank subplot (was present in only some Plot Nodes).
  • Fixed template mapping issue which caused LVRT and HVRT signals to not appear on the specified sub-plots.

Version 1 (v1.4.18) | 25 November 2024​

  • First template release