Japan is a major consumer of energy, ranking fifth in the world by primary energy use. Fossil fuels accounted for 88% of Japan’s primary energy in 20191 2. Japan is increasing its reliance on renewable energy to replace imported fossil fuels, and in 2019 renewable energy accounted for 7.8% of primary energy supply. Japan has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, setting a target to reduce GHG emissions by 46% from 2013 levels by 20303.
To align with these initiatives, Japan’s energy sector is working to integrate renewable energy sources while keeping the grid stable. Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) are essential, especially those that require fast response times and can be provided by inverter-coupled generation or storage technologies, without reducing renewable energy output (i.e. without curtailment).
The Tesla Megapack battery storage system (BESS)4 has entered Japan’s ancillary services market, demonstrating the feasibility of such projects. Japan’s FCAS market, managed by the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), is crucial in maintaining these services. Accurate Contingency FCAS metering is a critical component of responding to changes in system frequency. Accurate FCAS event reporting is important for stakeholders in securing their revenue. VECTO is ideally positioned to meet both these requirements as investors add these services to the Japanese grid.
VECTO System offers an adaptable and flexible suite of tools designed to support stakeholders in Japan’s evolving energy market. This flexibility is especially critical given the country’s mixed 50Hz and 60Hz grid system5. By providing accurate, reliable waveform synchronised data and complying with stringent industry standards, VECTO System stands to contribute to the stability and efficiency of Japan’s electrical grid.
VECTO: Ensuring Precise Frequency Control
At the heart of VECTO’s offering is the VECTO 3, a multifunction device combining the capabilities of a Waveform Measurement Unit (WMU)6 7 8, Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU), and Power Quality analyser. This advanced edge-computing technology, deployed at critical grid points like substations and renewable energy plants, provides comprehensive, real-time Power Quality and synchrophasor grid data for proactive management, analysis and control in Distributed Grids with Intermittent Power Sources.
Meeting Japan’s Stringent FCAS and Grid Requirements
VECTO System is engineered with a commitment to accuracy and compliance:
- High-Resolution Monitoring: The VECTO 3 captures data at a rate exceeding 20 times per second, surpassing the requirements for monitoring even the fastest FCAS events in Japan.
- Precise Frequency Measurement: With an intrinsic uncertainty of less than 0.01 Hz, VECTO exceeds the precision necessary for accurate frequency control in Japan’s demanding grid environment.
- Synchrophasor accuracy and speed: Simultaneous compliance with both IEEE C37-118 Class P (Protection Class) & Class M (Measurement Class)9 10 solves the accuracy and speed of frequency calculation requirements, which are critical for effective FCAS metering. These standards ensure that synchrophasors can provide the necessary data quality and timeliness needed for robust grid management and ancillary services.
- Comprehensive Event Recording: VECTO records data for an extended period before and after fault detection, enabling in-depth analysis of grid events and supporting compliance with reporting requirements.
- Billing Class Metering: All metered data complies with IEC 62053-22 Class 0.2S standards, ensuring precise billing data for Ancillary Services claims. Using IEC62053-22 Class 0.2S meters ensures that the data used for billing and Ancillary Services claims is highly accurate, which is essential for financial transactions and regulatory compliance.
Seamless Integration for Enhanced Grid Management
VECTO seamlessly integrates with existing grid management systems through various communication protocols and standards, including SCADA, Modbus, and DNP3. This interoperability ensures a smooth flow of data, empowering operators with real-time data feeds, facilitating proactive grid management.
Key Benefits for Japanese Stakeholders
- Enhanced Grid Stability: VECTO’s accurate, real-time, GPS time synchronised grid data empowers Ancillary Services stakeholders to respond effectively to grid fluctuations, ensuring stability even with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources.
- Stringent Compliance: VECTO adheres to international standards such as IEC61000-4-30, IEC61000-3-2/3-3, IEC61000-4-7 Class 1, IEC61000-4-15 Class F1, among others, providing a reliable foundation for meeting Japan’s evolving regulatory landscape.
- Proactive Grid Management: VECTO’s GPS time-synchronised data enables proactive identification and mitigation of potential grid issues, minimising downtime and maximising efficiency.
VECTO System: A Partner in Japan’s Energy Future
By providing advanced metering and analysis capabilities, VECTO System empowers Japanese stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the evolving energy landscape with confidence.
References:
- https://www.energy-storage.news/tesla-megapack-battery-storage-system-enters-japans-ancillary-services-market/ ↩︎
- https://www.naspi.org/sites/default/files/reference_documents/pnnl_31215_follum_phasors_waveforms.pdf ↩︎
- https://intra.ece.ucr.edu/~hamed/IMRcISGT2020.pdf ↩︎
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8973736 ↩︎
