VAR-002-WECC-1: Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR)

Purpose
To ensure that Automatic Voltage Regulators on synchronous generators and condensers shall be kept in service and controlling voltage.

Applicability

• Generator Operators
• Transmission Operators that operate synchronous condensers
• This VAR-002-WECC-1 Standard only applies to synchronous generators and synchronous condensers that are connected to the Bulk Electric System.

Effective Date
On the first day of the first quarter, after applicable regulatory approval.

Requirements
R1. Generator Operators and Transmission Operators shall have AVR in service and in automatic voltage control mode 98% of all operating hours for synchronous generators or synchronous condensers. Generator Operators and Transmission Operators may exclude hours for R1.1 through R1.10 to achieve the 98% requirement. [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Operations Assessment]

R1.1. The synchronous generator or synchronous condenser operates for less than five percent of all hours during any calendar quarter.

R1.2. Performing maintenance and testing up to a maximum of seven calendar days per calendar quarter.

R1.3. AVR exhibits instability due to abnormal system configuration.

R1.4. Due to component failure, the AVR may be out of service up to 60 consecutive days for repair per incident.

R1.5. Due to a component failure, the AVR may be out of service up to one year provided the Generator Operator or Transmission Operator submits documentation identifying the need for time to obtain replacement parts and if required to schedule an outage.

R1.6. Due to a component failure, the AVR may be out of service up to 24 months provided the Generator Operator or Transmission Operator submits documentation identifying the need for time for excitation system replacement (replace the AVR, limiters, and controls but not necessarily the power source and power bridge) and to schedule an outage.

R1.7. The synchronous generator or synchronous condenser has not achieved Commercial Operation.

R1.8. The Transmission Operator directs the Generator Operator to operate the synchronous generator, and the AVR is unavailable for service.

R1.9. The Reliability Coordinator directs Transmission Operator to operate the synchronous condenser, and the AVR is unavailable for service.

R1.10. If AVR exhibits instability due to operation of a Load Tap Changer (LTC) transformer in the area, the Transmission Operator may authorize the Generator Operator to operate the excitation system in modes other than automatic voltage control until the system configuration changes.

R2. Generator Operators and Transmission Operators shall have documentation identifying the number of hours excluded for each requirement in R1.1 through R1.10. [Violation Risk Factor: Low] [Time Horizon: Operations Assessment]

Measures
M1. Generator Operators and Transmission Operators shall provide quarterly reports to the compliance monitor and have evidence for each synchronous generator and synchronous condenser of the following:

M1.1 The actual number of hours the synchronous generator or synchronous condenser was on line.

M1.2 The actual number of hours the AVR was out of service.

M1.3 The AVR in service percentage.

M1.4 If excluding AVR out of service hours as allowed in R1.1 through R1.10, provide:

M1.4.1 The number of hours excluded, and

M1.4.2 The adjusted AVR in-service percentage.

M2. If excluding hours for R1.1 through R1.10, provide the date of the outage, the number of hours out of service, and supporting documentation for each requirement that applies.