Black start experiences for 400 kV hydro power plant in western regional grid of India

摘要

Black start exercises are planned exercises carried out with the black start capable generating stations to test their readiness for the unforeseen emergency situation. The Western Regional grid in India is having a number of such units, which are either hydro or gas based power stations. Since 2011, various such exercises are being carried out on a regular basis in Western Regional Grid of India to bring out the challenges associated with grid restoration with black start of hydro & gas generators. This has helped the system operators in the upgrading the methodology of restoration and identifying other corrective actions for improving upon the existing practices for a successful black start. This paper is an attempt at sharing the experiences gained during various black start mock drills conducted in western region on a hydropower plant connected at 400 kV EHV grid and bring forth the challenges faced during this controlled black start activity followed by remedial actions. These exercises have helped in boosting the confidence of system operators to deal with real blackout scenarios while improving the performance of the black start capable generators over the years.