Streamlining NERC Compliance for Utility Companies with Generex

In 2015, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) released a Supplementary Reference and FAQ guide to further clarify some gray areas in previously published guidelines. Utilizing this supplementary Reference and FAQ we’ve examined how Generex provides a NERC compliant system for utility companies. ?

Let’s examine a few of the most common questions we get when it comes to Generex being NERC compliant.

Battery String Continuity

The PSMT SDT (PRC-005-6 Protection System, Automatic Reclosing, and Sudden Pressure Relaying Maintenance and Testing) recognizes that there are several technological advances in equipment and testing procedures that allow the owner to choose how to verify that a battery string is free of open circuits.

The current path through a station battery from its positive to its negative connection to the DC control circuits is composed of two types of elements, the electrochemical or metallic path. There are several methods that can be used to verify the electrical continuity of the battery. These are not the only possible methods, simply a sampling, but are all ways Generex can help you meet this requirement:?

• One method is to measure that there is current flowing through the battery itself by a simple clamp on milliamp‐range ammeter.
• Internal ohmic measurements of the cells and units of (VRLA) & (VLA) can detect lack of continuity within the cells of a battery string; and when used in conjunction with resistance measurements of the battery’s external connections, can prove continuity.

Other testing methods, outside the Generex system include:

• A simple test for continuity is to remove the battery charger from service and verify that the battery provides voltage and current to the dc system.
• Manufacturers of battery chargers have developed methods for their equipment to periodically (or continuously) test for battery continuity. Not all have this ability.
• Applying test current (as in some ohmic testing devices, or devices for locating DC grounds) will provide a current.
• Specific gravity tests could infer continuity because without continuity there could be no charging; and if there is no charging, then specific gravity will go down below acceptable levels over time.

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When should I check the station batteries to see if they have sufficient energy to perform as manufactured?

According to the supplement, batteries should be checked at least every 6 months and load testing should be performed every 3-years. This can be difficult for utility companies with remote and unmanned sites so having a battery monitoring system, a utility company can pull reports through the Generex BACS software (that performs daily testing) and ensure the batteries are functioning correctly and have sufficient energy per the manufacturer's recommendations.

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Establishing a Base Line

Establishment of cell/unit internal ohmic baseline measurements should be completed when lead‐acid batteries are newly installed. After installation, log into the Generex system and pull a report showing ohmic value. Keep that report for your records to show your batteries baseline.

Another accepted industry practice for establishing baseline values is after 6‐months of installation pull past reports through the Generex system to show your baseline.

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Why determine the connection resistance?

The maintenance requirement to verify battery terminal connection resistance in Table 1‐4 is established to verify that the integrity of all battery electrical connections is acceptable. The Generex system uses the below two methods to ensure compliance:

• Cell‐to‐cell (intercell) and external circuit terminations Your method of checking for acceptable values of intercell and terminal connection resistance could be by individual readings, or a combination of the two.
• Test methods presently available that take a combination reading of the post termination connection resistance plus the intercell resistance value plus the post termination connection resistance value.?

?Generex NERC Package

The Generex NERC Compliance Package includes the following items (the below quantities are based on one string of batteries):

• Qty 1 – Web Manager (includes software for system)
• Qty 1 -? Internal Firmware
• Qty TBD – Cxx Modules based on battery size (C20, C40, C60 based on battery type)
• Qty TBD – Cxx Modules Voltage Leads
• Qty TBD – Cxx Modules Communications cables
• Qty 1 – Current Sensor
• Qty 1 – Gx_Aux-IO for Charger Alarm/Electrolyte Input
• Qty 1 – Second Current Sensor for Ground Fault

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NERC compliance is critical for utility companies as it ensures the reliability and security of the power systems in place. By adhering to the standards set by NERC, utilities help prevent widespread outages, protect against cybersecurity threats, and maintain a resilient energy infrastructure. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and increased vulnerability to system failures. Making it essential for utility companies to prioritize NERC standards and compliance in their operations and planning. Generex can provide a battery monitoring system to help you meet NERC requirements and maintain continuity throughout all your remote and unmanned sites.

Download Generex NERC Compliant System Datasheet

Reference

North American Electric Reliability Corporation. “Supplementary Reference and FAQ PRC-005-6 Protection System, Automatic Reclosing, and Sudden Pressure Relaying Maintenance and Testing.” North American Electric Reliability Corporation, 1 Oct. 2015.?