Richard DeBlasio

Benefits of Power Electronic Interfaces for Distributed Energy Systems

With the increasing use of distributed energy (DE) systems in industry and its technological advancement, it is becoming more important to understand the integration of these systems with the electric power systems. New markets and benefits for DE applications include the ability to provide ancillary services, improve energy efficiency, enhance power system reliability, and allow customer choice. Advanced power electronic (PE) interfaces will allow DE systems to provide increased functionality through improved power quality and voltage/volt-ampere reactive (VAR) support, increase electrical system compatibility by reducing the fault contributions, and flexibility in operations with various other DE sources, while reducing overall interconnection costs. This paper will examine the system integration issues associated with DE systems and show the benefits of using PE interfaces for such applications.

IEEE 1547 series of standards: interconnection issues

IEEE 1547 2003 standard for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems is the first in the 1547 series of planned interconnection standards. Major issues and a wealth of constructive dialogue arose during 1547 development. There was also a perceived increased vitality in updating complementary IEEE standards and developing additional standards to accommodate modern electrical and electronics systems and improved grid communications and operations. Power engineers and other stakeholders looking to the future are poised to incorporate 1547 into their knowledge base to help transform our nations aging distribution systems while alleviating some of the burden on existing transmission systems.

Microgrid standards and technologies

Microgrids are intentional islands formed at a facility or in an electrical distribution system that contain at least one distributed energy resource and associated loads. Microgrids that operate both electrical generation and loads in a coordinated manner can offer benefits to the customer and the local utility. The loads and energy sources in a microgrid can be disconnected from and reconnected to the utility system with minimal disruption, thereby improving reliability. Any time a microgrid is implemented in an electrical distribution system, it must be well planned to avoid problems. This paper discusses current microgrid technologies and standards that are being developed to address implementation of microgrids.

Standards for the Smart Grid

To get from todays electricity grid to tomorrows smart grid with interconnection and full two way communications connection to distributed energy sources such as wind, solar, and plug-in electric vehicles requires an interoperability framework of protocols and standards.

Photovoltaic systems: an end‐of‐millennium review

The production of electricity from photovoltaics continues to attract worldwide interest, most recently as a power source for distributed energy generation. Todays photovoltaic systems are already being used effectively for smaller power needs in remote applications. For both of these applications, the issues of reliability, efficiency, safety, and low cost are the principal drivers of system technology. This review uses these design issues to provide a system perspective on the current status of the technology, the changes it has already experienced and the necessity for improvements, especially in tomorrows systems. The discussion of remaining issues focuses on the reduction of area-related and collector costs, the accurate prediction of performance and lifetime, and the need for developing much better information on recurring costs for maintenance and component replacement. Copyright

Microgrid Standards and Technology Development

Distributed resources can provide power to local loads in the electric distribution system as well as benefits such as improved reliability. Microgrids are intentional islands formed at a facility or in an electrical distribution system that contain at least one distributed resource and associated loads. Microgrids that operate both electrical generation and loads in a coordinated manner can offer additional benefits to the customer and local utility. The loads and energy sources can be disconnected from and reconnected to the area or local utility with minimal disruption to the local loads, thereby improving reliability. This paper describes research being conducted in microgrid standards, technologies, and applications to allow successful implementation of this concept.

IEEE P1547-series of standards for interconnection

The IEEE P1547 Standard For Interconnecting Distributed Resources With Electric Power Systems is the first in the P1547-series of planned interconnection standards, and, there are additional standards needed. There are major issues and obstacles to an orderly transition to using and integrating distributed power resources with electric power systems (grid or utility grid). The lack of uniform national interconnection standards and tests for interconnection operation and certification, as well as the lack of uniform national building, electrical, and safety codes, are understood, and, resolving that needs reasonable lead time to develop and promulgate consensus. The P1547 standard is a benchmark milestone for the IEEE standards consensus process and successfully demonstrates a model for ongoing success in developing further national standards and for moving forward in modernizing our nations electric power system.

Interconnection testing of distributed resources

With the publication of IEEE 1547-2003 standard for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems, the electric power industry has a need to develop tests and procedures for verifying that interconnection equipment meets the technical requirements. A new standard IEEE P1547.1 is being written that will give detailed tests and procedures for confirming that equipment meets the interconnection requirements. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been validating new test procedures that are being developed as part of IEEE P1547.1. As work progresses on the validation of the procedures, information and test reports are passed on to the working group of IEEE P1547.1 for changes to future revisions

Status on developing IEEE standard P1547 for distributed power resources and electric power systems interconnection

There are major issues and obstacles to an orderly transition to using and integrating all distributed power resources with electric power systems (grid or utility grid). The lack of national interconnection standards and tests for interconnection operation and certification, as well as the lack of national building, electrical, and safety codes, are understood and resolving that needs reasonable lead time to develop and promulgate consensus. The IEEE P1547 interconnection standard should prove to be a benchmark milestone for both the IEEE standards consensus process and as a model for developing further national standards dedicated to the ongoing success of our nations electric power system. Based on a fast-track timeline, the P1547 working group voted unanimously to complete a final P1547 draft so it could be ready for submittal to the IEEE Standards Association Standards Board for no later than their December 2001 meeting. The working group met its target of March 2001 for a balloted P1547 draft.

Code requirements and standards for installations of photovoltaic systems in the US

Electrical code requirements and a broad base of standards for PV installations in the US have been written. The National Electrical Code® (NEC®) focuses primarily on electrical system installation requirements in the US. The NEC addresses both fire and personnel safety. This paper describes recent efforts of the PV industry in the US and the resulting requirements in the 1999 National Electrical Code-Article 690-Solar Photovoltaic Systems, It provides an overview of the most significant changes that appear in Article 690 of the 1999 edition of the NEC. A summary of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) PV standards and current standards development efforts is also provided. Related and coordinated efforts of the other standards-making groups are also briefly reviewed.