TRANSLATION
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE OPERATIONAL
PERFORMANCE OF POWER PLANTS
Introduction
Power system security requires that the integrated
operation of power plants and network comply with the
plans in all operational circumstances, including
disturbances.
It is important that power plants remain synchronised in
the network and behave as planned in case disturbances
in the network occur. Otherwise the disturbance may lead
to total blackout, and the restoration after the blackout will
be more difficult and may take a considerably longer time.
Specifications for the operational performance contribute
to the system operational security so that
− power plant withstands the variations in voltage and
frequency caused by the power system
− power plant does not cause any inconvenience to
other power plants synchronised to the electrical
power system.
In order to maintain security during the normal operation
of the power system, it is also important that power plants
have adequate and compatible capabilities concerning
load following, power control rate and starting times.
These specifications follow in applicable parts the Nordel
specification "Operational Performance Specifications for
Thermal power Units larger than 100 MW", 1995
Application
Specifications are applied to new power units to be
connected to the Finnish power system. Specifications
shall also be applied to the existing units, if new
installations or modifications e.g. in the excitation system
is introduced. Otherwise the existing units are supposed
to fulfil the requirements, which were valid when
connecting the units to the power system.
These minimum specifications apply to all units 1 larger
than 50 MW, if the text does not mention any other power
limit. It is recommended, however, that the requirements
are also applied to power plants smaller than 50 MW.
All the units shall fulfil the requirements specified in
sections 1 - 5. In section 6 there are also
recommendations concerning the power control
characteristics of the power units. In case the power unit
is utilised as frequency control reserve and/or as
instantaneous disturbance reserve, a separate contract is
concluded concerning the power control properties and
power reserve of the unit.
In addition to these specifications there can also be
additional requirements for a unit caused by the local
grid. These shall be agreed separately with the local grid
owner.
1
'Unit' refers to one or more generation plants combined in a way
that one internal fault in the unit will cause the disconnection of the
whole generation plant.
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1 GENERATOR AND VOLTAGE
REGULATOR CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 Generators
The reactance of the generator as well as its step-up
transformer shall be as low as technically and
economically possible in order to support the system
stability and reactive power control.
Generators with outputs below 500 MVA shall have
− no-load short circuit ratio Kc (saturated) of at least
0.5,
− direct axis transient reactance Xd' (saturated) of less
than 0.35.
Generators with outputs above 500 MVA may deviate
from these values, the allowable limits being Kc ≥ 0.43
and Xd' ≤ 0.42.
Each generator shall be capable of operating on the rated
active power continuously at power factor down to at
least 0.95 underexcited, and 0.9 overexcited. This shall
be possible in connection with voltage and frequency
conditions described in section 3.1, however, at
underexcited conditions the normal grid voltage is applied
instead of the 90% voltage.
1.2 Voltage Regulation
The preferred dynamic characteristics of a steady state
are defined in a measurable way as follows:
The 10% step response of generator voltage is recorded
in no-load conditions, the unit disconnected from the grid.
The set value of the voltage is changed with plus and
minus stepwise changes causing change of generator
terminal voltage from 95% to 105%, and from 105% to
95%. In both cases, the step response of the generator
terminal voltage shall be as follows:
− response is non-oscillating
− rise time from 0 to 90% of the change is 0.2 ... 0.3
sec in case of static exciter, or in case of brushless
exciter: 0.2 ... 0.5 sec at a step upwards, 0.2 ... 0.8
sec at a step downwards.
− overshoot is less than 15% of the change.
The excitation system shall be designed so that its ceiling
voltage is in case of static exciter at least twice and in
case of brushless exciter at least 1.6 times the
magnetising voltage of the generator at its rated values.
However, the other requirements for voltage control have
to be taken into account. The excitation system shall be
capable of supplying its ceiling voltage for 10 seconds.
To secure the operation of the power system, the
excitation system shall be implemented so that automatic
control system has at least a manual control of the
excitation current as a reserve.
 1.3 PSS, Power System Stabiliser the normal voltage at any frequency between 51 and 52
Hz. During such transients, the power may be reduced, if
PSS shall normally be included in each generator. It shall stable operation at full power can be re-established when
be tuned to improve the damping of the oscillations of the the frequency again drops below 50.3 Hz.
generator and the power system, in particular the low
frequency (0.2 ... 1.0 Hz) interarea oscillations. It shall be
possible to disconnect the stabiliser. The stabiliser output
shall also have limiters with adjustable settings.
Frequency (Hz)
1.4 Additional Voltage Control 53
Equipment 3 min island operation
large power reduction
In addition of the excitation system and the power system
stabiliser (PSS), the control system shall also include 52 3 min island operation
protective limiters and reactive current statics (providing large power reduction
or 5 sec transients
droop characteristic) equipment.
at reduced power
51
Current limiters for generator rotor and stator shall have 30 min. 10 hours/year
inverse time characteristics to utilise the generator small power reduction
overloading capability in various network conditions. 50.3 1 hour
1 hour small
50 10 % reduc.
reduction
1.5 Voltage Control Mode 49.7 Continuous operation

The normal way of operation is automatic control of the

49
generator voltage.
30 min
In case a different type of control is needed, such as power reduction
0 % at 49 Hz
control of reactive output or power factor, the control shall 48 15 % at 47.5 Hz
also be able to react to the voltage variation. The
application of these control systems shall be agreed with
the grid company.
47
85 90 95 100 105 110
2 TOLERANCE TO FREQUENCY Grid voltage (%)
VARIATIONS

2.1 Frequency Range 49 Hz to 51 Hz Figure 1. Performance requirements for power production

It shall be possible to operate the unit continuously at the
full output power2 within the grid voltage range of 90-
105% of the normal3 voltage, and at any frequency
between 49 and 51 Hz. A maximum operating time of 10
h/year and maximum duration of 30 minutes per case can
be assumed within the frequency range of 50.3-51 Hz. At
a frequency above 50.3 Hz, a small power reduction is
accepted, if stable operation at full power can be re-
established when the frequency again drops below this
value (see Figure 1).
2.2 Frequency Range 49 Hz to 47.5 Hz
It shall be possible to operate the unit in disturbance
conditions for 30 minutes within the grid voltage range of
95-105% of the normal voltage, at any frequency down to
47.5 Hz. The output power may then be reduced by 0%
at 49 Hz and a maximum of 15% at 47.5 Hz, and by a
value found with linear interpolation at frequencies
between these two limits. Efforts should be made to lower
this reduction in output power, if this can be achieved
without high additional costs.
2.3 Transitory Frequency Variations 51
Hz to 52 Hz
It shall be possible to operate the unit for 5 seconds in
transitory conditions of the network during exceptional
disturbances within the grid voltage range of 95-105% of
2
In the following, the term power means active power supplied to
the grid.
3
During normal operation of the power system, the variations in
400 kV: 380 - 420 kV, in 220 kV: 215 - 245 kV and in 110 kV: 105 -
123 kV (in a radially operated network 100 - 123 kV)
in relation to voltage (requirements in section 2) and
frequency (requirements in section 3).
2.4 Frequency Range 51 Hz to 53 Hz
When feeding a separate electrical network (island
operation) it shall be possible to operate the unit at a
strongly reduced output power within the grid voltage
range of 95-105% of the normal voltage, at any frequency
between 51 and 53 Hz for 3 min.
2.5 Frequency Below 47.5 Hz
The unit may be tripped from the network at frequencies
below 47.5 Hz. The unit shall then be capable of
changing over to house load operation. However, this
should not take place instantaneously, the time delay
being determined by the design limits of the unit and so
that reliable changeover to house load operation can be
obtained.
2.6 Frequency Gradients
The control system shall be designed so that the unit will
not trip because of the transient frequency gradients
occurring in case of short-circuits or switchings in the
high-voltage network to which the unit is connected.
3 TOLERANCE TO VOLTAGE
VARIATIONS
3.1 Grid Voltage Range 90% to
105% of the Normal Voltage
It shall be possible to operate the unit continuously at the
full load within the frequency range of 49 - 51 Hz and at a
grid voltage between 90 and 105% of the normal voltage.

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At a frequency above 50.3 Hz, a small power reduction is
accepted, if stable operation at the full power can be re-
established when the frequency again drops below this
value. A maximum operating time of 10 h/year and a
maximum duration of 30 minutes per case can be
assumed within the frequency range of 50.3 - 51 Hz
(Same requirements as in section 2.1). (Figure 1).
3.2 Grid Voltage Range 85% to 90% of
the Normal Voltage
It shall be possible to operate the unit for 1 hour within
the frequency range of 49.7 - 50.3 Hz at a grid voltage
between 85% and 90% of the normal voltage, and an
output power reduction of up to some 10% of the full
output power may then be acceptable.
3.3 Grid Voltage Range 105% to 110% of
the Normal Voltage
It shall be possible to operate the unit for 1 hour at a
frequency within the range of 49.7 - 50.3 Hz and at a grid
voltage between 105% and 110% of the normal voltage.
A slight reduction in output power is acceptable.
3.4 Consequences of Nearby Grid Faults
3.4.1 Ability to Withstand Mechanical Stresses
Due to Line Side Faults
Power units shall be designed so that the turbine
generator set can withstand the mechanical stresses
associated with any kind of single-, two- and three-phase
earth or short circuit faults occurring in the grid on the
high voltage side of the step-up transformer. The fault
can be assumed to be cleared within 0.25 seconds.
Neither damage nor any need for immediate stoppage for
studying possible consequences is allowed.
3.4.2 Maintaining Stability During Line Side
Faults
The faults occurring beyond the line breaker of an
outgoing line will normally be isolated from the 400 kV
grid within 0.1 seconds. In exceptional cases the clearing
time may, however, extend to 0.25 seconds. In case of
220 kV and 110 kV line faults the normal clearing time is
within 0.5 seconds and in exceptional cases 1 second.
The unit shall be designed so that it remains connected to
the grid and continues its stable operation after isolation
of a line side fault within 0.25 seconds.
A unit equipped with a large single-shaft turbine generator
may be disconnected from the grid at a shorter time limit,
if it is obvious that it will be impossible to maintain stability
anyway. In this case a solution must be agreed upon with
the grid operator.
3.4.3 Deep Voltage Transient
The units with their auxiliary systems shall be designed
so that they can withstand the following generator voltage
variations resulting from faults in the grid, without
disconnection from the grid (Figure 2):
− step reduction to 25% of the rated generator voltage
lasting for 0.25 sec,
− followed by linear increase to 95% in 0.5 seconds,
− followed by constant generator voltage of 95%.
Consequently, only a small power reduction can be
accepted.
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Generator voltage is used in this section to emphasise
the effect of grid faults on the unit as a whole. It shall also
be noted that the design criteria for the voltage protection
may vary, as the unit must manage several kinds of other
faults in various operating conditions.
Generator
voltage (pu)
1.00
0.95
0.25
Time (seconds)
0 0.25 0.75
Figure 2. Deep voltage transient in generator voltage
caused by a network fault.
3.5 Large Voltage Disturbances
The unit may be disconnected from the power system, if
there occur larger voltage variations or longer durations
than those for which the unit has been designed, and
shall, in each case, be disconnected if the unit falls out-
of-step.
The unit and its auxiliary power system shall be designed
for such voltage variations as to enable safe changeover
to house load operation after disconnection from the grid.
3.6 Reactive Power Output at Low
Voltages
Power unit shall be equipped with such excitation system
and shall be designed for such power factor as to enable
the generator to be capable of providing a reactive power
output of about the same magnitude as the rated active
power output for 10 seconds, in conjunction with a
network disturbance where the generator busbar voltage
has declined to 70% of its rated value.
3.7 Reactive Power Capability
Transformation ratio and tap-changers of the step-up
transformer and the auxiliary service transformer of the
unit, as well as voltage range and excitation system of the
generator shall be designed and adjusted so that the
generator is at normal operating voltage of the grid
capable of generating continuously the reactive power
defined by the capability curve of the generator (at
generator voltage level) and, on the other hand, is at
normal operating voltage of the grid capable of
consuming continuously the reactive power defined by
the capability curve of the generator (at the generator
voltage level).
The generator shall be capable of consuming
continuously the reactive power (underexcited operation)
defined by the capability curve of the generator also at
the maximum voltages (420, 245 and 123 kV) of the grid,
assuming that the stability is maintained.
 4 REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING instantaneous disturbance reserves are not enough to
POWER CONTROL CHARACTERISTICS return the power system to its normal condition.

Turbine Governor 6.1 Power Control - General

All power plants shall be equipped with a turbine governor
and associated speed control systems. 6.1.1 Starting Time
Units for load following should be designed so that the
4.2 House Load Operation starting time from standstill to full load operation is as
short as possible.
All power plants shall be designed to safely change over
to house load operation from conditions specified in The following guidelines apply to gas turbines for
sections 2.4, 2.5 and 3.5 or when the grid frequency emergency and peak load generation, from rolling-up to
and/or the grid voltage variation exceed the requirements. full power output:
House load operation is a unit operating with its own − gas turbines of the jet engine type 3 to 3.5 minutes
auxiliary supply as the only load.
− industrial gas turbines 10 to 15 minutes.
Power plants shall be designed so that they can operate
in house load operation for at least 1 hour. Nuclear power 6.1.2 Minimum Output
units shall be capable of operating in house load
operation for the duration determined by the nuclear The minimum continuous output power should be as low
safety conditions. as possible. The following practical guidelines for the
minimum output power of power units can be used:
4.3 Island Operation − Coal-fired units: 40% of full output
In island operation the power system is separated into power
smaller systems, which operate asynchronously. In order − Oil and gas-fired units: 20% of full output
to be able to resynchronise the power system, power power
plants connected to islands shall be able to control their − Nuclear units: 20% of full output
power according to instructions given by the grid power
operator. − Hydro units (Francis): 20% of full output
power
− Hydro units (Kaplan): 10% of full output
5 VERIFICATION power

5.1 Tests
The specifications shall be verified with full-scale tests, if
possible.
These tests shall be made at the commissioning and by
the owner at regular intervals throughout the entire
lifetime of the power plant. Recordings of data from the
actual operation shall be reviewed regularly in order to
prove compliance with the specification.
5.2 Verification during Commissioning
5.2.1 Tests Concerning the Grid
For different kinds of power plants the above guidelines
can be used when applicable.
6.1.3 Overload Capacity
It is recommended to utilise the overload capacity only to
the extent that is intrinsically available in the unit.
6.1.4 Operational Modes
The change of output power of a power unit, during
normal control and during disturbance control, is normally
activated either with manual operation or with the unit
controller.

The tests concerning the grid must be separately agreed
with the grid operator. Following tests and measurements
shall be done:
− Deep voltage transient by short circuit
− Changeover to house load operation
− House load operation for 1 hour
5.2.2 Tests Concerning the Power Unit
Following tests and measurements shall be done:
− Full output power and capability curve
− Step response of generator voltage
− Power system stabiliser (PSS) test
− Overload capacity.
The set value of the unit controller is 50 Hz. The set point
resolution or the adjustable frequency dead band of the
controller should be 0.05 Hz or less. It shall also be
possible to disengage the dead band.
The statics set point (providing droop characteristic) is
recommended to be adjustable within the range from 2%
to 8%. The normal operation is generally within the
setting range of 4% to 6%.
6.1.5 Power Step Change Limiter
The units are recommended to be equipped with
adjustable devices for limiting the magnitude and rate of
the power change.

6 RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING 6.1.6 Power Control - Normal Operation and

POWER CONTROL CHARACTERISTICS Disturbances

In this section some recommendations are given, that
aim to maintain adequate power control characteristics in
power units connected to the Nordic grid. These
characteristics may be needed for instance in exceptional
situations, where normal frequency control and
The required power output during normal operation is the
manually pre-set power output, modified by a frequency-
sensing unit controller (or turbine governor). Power
control during normal operation is recommended to meet
the specifications of section 6.2. When using the power

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unit to frequency control, the control characteristics must
be specified more accurately in a separate contract.
The normal operation turns into disturbed operation when
the rate of change in frequency exceeds ± 0.5 Hz/s, or
the error in frequency set point is more than 0.5 Hz. The
need for disturbance control shall be governed by the
frequency-sensing equipment (e.g. consisting of
frequency relay set at a certain value below normal
frequency). Power control during disturbances is
recommended to meet the specifications of section 6.3. If
the power unit is utilised as instantaneous disturbance
reserve, the control characteristics must be specified
more accurately in a separate contract.
6.2 Power Response Capability during Normal
Operation of the Power System
6.2.1 Load Following
All condensing units are recommended to be designed so
that they can be used for load following using the load
change rates specified in sections 6.2.2 - 6.2.5. In case of
other type of units than mentioned in these sections, the
recommendations given in section 6.2.3 can be used
when applicable.
6.2.2 Power Response Rate and Range - Oil and Gas
Oil-fired and gas-fired units are recommended to be
designed for a power response rate of at least plus or
minus 8% of the full power per minute.
The above rate of change is recommended to be
applicable to any 30% change between 40% and 100% of
the full power according to the load schedule. The power
response rate may be limited to the maximum power
response rate permissible for the turbines or the steam
boilers in the range below 40% and above 90%.
6.2.3 Power Response Rate and Range - Coal
Coal-fired units are recommended to be designed for a
power response rate of at least plus or minus 4% of the
full power per minute.
The above rate of change should be applicable to any
30% change between 60% and 100% of the full power
according to the load schedule. This range may be
restricted to 20% in certain cases. The power response
rate may be limited to the maximum power response rate
permissible for the turbines or steam boilers in the range
below 60% and above 90%
6.2.4 Power Response Rate and Range - PWR
Nuclear
PWR nuclear power units are recommended to be
designed for a power response rate of at least plus or
minus 5% of the full power per minute within the output
range of 60% to 100% of the full power. At outputs below
60%, the power response rate may be limited to the
maximum power response rate permissible for the
turbines.
6.2.5 Power Response Rate and Range - BWR
Nuclear
BWR nuclear power units are recommended to be
designed for a power response rate per minute of at least
plus or minus 10% of the initial output value. This is
recommended to be maintained throughout the output
range within which the power can be controlled with the
speed of the main circulation pumps. This output range is
recommended to be at least 30% of the initial output
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power. In the remainder of the power range between the
minimum load and the full load, the power response rate
is recommended to be at least 1% of the full power per
minute.
Comment on items 6.2.4 and 6.2.5: The power response
rates of the units equipped with standard versions of light
water reactors are usually sufficient. However, it should
be noted that the power response rate is subject to
certain restrictions, due to the structure of fuel elements.
It is expected that these problems will be solved, and the
units should therefore be designed to conform to the
recommended power response rates. However, in order
to limit the stresses imposed, the power changes during
normal daily and weekly load following should be carried
out gradually over a period of about two hours.
6.3 Power Response Capability during Power System
Disturbances4
6.3.1 Power Step Change - Fossil Fuel
Fossil-fired thermal units are recommended to be
designed with an operating mode allowing an
instantaneous step change in output power of at least 5%
of the full output within the range of 50-90% when
requested.
Backpressure units with condensing turbines are
recommended to be designed so that during network
disturbances the maximum condensed power is available
for 15 minutes by steering the heating power to the
condenser.
6.3.2 Power Step Change - Nuclear
PWR nuclear power units to which the power change
signal is applied directly to adjust the turbine control valve
are recommended to be designed so that a power step of
10% of the full power can be accommodated within 30%
of the power range. BWR nuclear power units operating
on pressure control are recommended to be designed so
that, within the range of the pump control, they will be
capable of accommodating a power step change of 10%
of the initial value.
6.3.3 Subsequent Power Response Rate
After the power step changes specified above, thermal
power units are also recommended to be capable of
accommodating a load change at the rates specified in
section 6.2. However, the total load change may then be
limited to the values specified in sections 6.2.2 - 6.2.5
above.
6.3.4 Spinning Disturbance Reserve
Power units are recommended to be designed so that
they can be used as spinning disturbance reserves. In
case the power system can not be restored to its normal
state by utilising the separately contracted reserve, the
grid operator has the right to demand units to adjust their
power in the region specified above. This kind of
exceptional situation can be caused by a disturbance
more severe than the main grid dimensioning criteria
specify, or by some other unexpected reason.
6.3.5 Island Operation
In case of very serious (and exceptional) disturbances, in
which the power system is separated into smaller islands,
4
Power system disturbances are frequency or voltage
disturbances and include in severe cases stability disturbances as
well.
the units are also recommended to be capable of
performing the above power changes (upwards or
downwards), and then achieving stable operation and
normal power control capability according to section 6.2.
The additional requirements for the units caused by the
local grid shall be taken into account separately.
14.4.2000 / JYJU

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