Grid code impact on electrical machine design

Due to the integration of more renewable energy sources into transmission grids throughout the world, grid codes are being adapted to take into account the diversity and intermittent production of these types of power sources. These adaptations to the grid code affect new and existing plant connected to the grid and are putting new demands on the turbogenerators in many aspects of their electrical parameters and performance. The existing machine design codes (e.g. IEEE C50.13 and IEC60034) do not take into account these new operating demands and are in need of review. Additionally grid code legislators, system operators and plant owners need to be aware of the potential impact on new and existing plant when deciding on revised performance criteria. This paper discusses the major effects of changes in grid code requirements on generator machine design and the challenges associated with meeting these requirements.