NERC Proposes Implementation Guidance for PRC-019-2

NERC has proposed implementation guidance for PRC-019-2, the standard that verifies coordination of generating unit facility or synchronous condenser voltage regulating controls, limit functions, equipment capabilities and protection system settings.

The proposed guidance provides valuable information regarding approaches to assuring coordination between a generator voltage control system and its associated protection functions. The guidance aims to provide utilities with reasonable assumptions that may be used in the calculations to meet the intent of this standard.

The implementation guidance provides details and examples of methods along with the type of coordination affirming plots that are expected to be provided as audit evidence. The addition of dispersed generating resources to the guidance is important to note.

• Traditional Synchronous Generation
• Synchronous Condensers
• Type 1 & Type 2 Wind Turbines
• Inverter Based Resources:
  • Type 3 Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) or Doubly Fed Asynchronous Generator (DFAG) Wind Turbine
  • Type 4 Full Conversion Wind Turbine
  • Photovoltaic (Solar) System
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Synchronous Generators

The NERC System Protection and Control Working Group (SPCWG) has made available a supporting technical reference document to aid the industry. The document provides details regarding the variables, system conditions and analysis associated with generation control and protection coordination.

Next Steps

Utility NERC compliance departments and their protection analysis groups should carefully review the most recent NERC implementation guidance for PRC-019-2 as they prepare and revise internal controls and develop evidence for proving their company’s compliance in future NERC compliance audits.

With expertise in all areas of power system planning and power delivery, along with protection and control system engineering, TRC can provide independent technical advice and project management services regarding PRC-019-2 compliance to review your company’s affected compliance related documents. TRC can make recommendations for your company’s compliance process changes and assist in preparation or perform the studies and protection analysis required to verify compliance.

Resources

• PRC-019-2 Coordination of Generating Unit or Plant Capabilities, Voltage Regulating Controls, and Protection Standard
• NERC SPCWG PRC-019 Technical Reference Document – September 2021
• TRC Protection and Controls Services
• TRC System Studies Services
• TRC NERC Compliance Solutions

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