Specifying a turbogenerator's electrical parameters guided by standards and grid codes

Turbogenerator technical requirements in private utilities grid code documents and established international standards are discussed together with the impact of turbogenerator electrical parameters on design and cost. The differences in turbogenerator parameters required between grid codes and international standards are also highlighted. These differences are the result of obligations on the privatised electricity companies to ensure a stable and flexible electricity system under challenging electricity market conditions. The authors highlight these challenges and argue for a greater degree of harmonisation between grid codes and international standards which would benefit all parties. The paper refers to the grid code in England and Wales where National Grid operates one of the most advanced regulated electricity markets in the world, and reports on current proposals to harmonise the grid code requirements for turbogenerators with those of IEC standards.