What is IEEE 1547-2018 and how it it relevant to utility scale solar projects?

Summary

In this video, Tim Taylor discusses the IEEE 1547 standard and its critical role in integrating distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar PV, into the electric grid. He covers essential topics like voltage regulation, frequency droop, unintentional islanding, power quality, and communication protocols for DERs. Taylor explains how IEEE 1547 provides guidelines to ensure DERs operate safely and efficiently within the distribution system, addressing grid stability and quality issues. While voluntary, the standard is becoming mandatory in many regions, making it crucial for energy professionals to understand its requirements.

Takeaways

• 😀 1547 is an IEEE standard that applies to distribution systems, not transmission systems, and addresses the impacts of utility-scale solar on voltage regulation.
• 😀 The IEEE 1547 standard was updated in 2018 to address the increasing number of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), including solar PV, interconnecting to the grid.
• 😀 The standard applies to all types of DER, including solar PV, fuel cells, and synchronous machines, but excludes emergency and standby generation.
• 😀 IEEE 1547 does not have any size limits on DER installations, meaning it applies regardless of the generation capacity of the system.
• 😀 1547 focuses on individual DER capabilities, not on system-wide considerations like how much DER a particular feeder can accommodate.
• 😀 The standard is technology-neutral, meaning it focuses on performance and capabilities rather than prescribing specific technologies or applications.
• 😀 Although voluntary, many jurisdictions are beginning to make compliance with IEEE 1547 mandatory for distribution utilities and other regulatory bodies.
• 😀 Key aspects of 1547 include abnormal system event handling, where DERs must be able to ride through voltage and frequency variations in the grid.
• 😀 DER must have voltage control capabilities to help maintain system voltage, with solar PV playing a role in voltage regulation on the distribution network.
• 😀 The standard specifies the need for DER to detect and cease unintentional islanding, ensuring no separate grids are unintentionally energized during system separations.
• 😀 Power quality issues such as DC current injection, voltage fluctuations, and harmonics must be addressed by DER to ensure compliance with the standard, including specific grounding and overvoltage protections.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of IEEE 1547 and how does it apply to distribution systems?

IEEE 1547 focuses on the integration of distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar PV, into electric distribution systems. It specifies capabilities for DERs to manage voltage, frequency, and power quality to ensure safe and stable grid operations, but it only applies to distribution, not transmission systems.

What updates were made to IEEE 1547 in 2018 and why?

IEEE 1547 was updated in 2018 to address the increasing number of DERs, including solar PV, connecting to the electric grid. These updates reflect new challenges and requirements for voltage control, regulation, and grid support as DER penetration increases.

Does IEEE 1547 apply to all types of distributed energy resources (DER)?

Yes, IEEE 1547 applies to all types of DERs, including solar PV, fuel cells, and synchronous machines. However, there are exemptions for emergency and standby generation.

Is there a size limit for DER installations under IEEE 1547?

No, there is no size limit for DER installations under IEEE 1547. It applies to individual DER installations regardless of their size.

What specific system considerations are excluded from IEEE 1547?

IEEE 1547 does not address system-level considerations such as how much DER generation individual feeders can accommodate. It is focused on individual DER installations and their capabilities, not overall grid capacity or integration.

How does IEEE 1547 help with voltage control in distribution systems?

IEEE 1547 specifies capabilities for DERs, including solar PV, to help regulate and control voltage in the distribution system. This includes ensuring that DERs can manage voltage fluctuations and support voltage regulation as grid conditions change.

What is frequency droop, and how does it relate to DER performance?

Frequency droop refers to a change in real power output of a DER in response to frequency variations outside a specified bandwidth. It allows DERs to adjust their real power output to stabilize grid frequency when it deviates from normal levels.

What is unintentional islanding, and how does IEEE 1547 address it?

Unintentional islanding occurs when a portion of the grid, such as a feeder, becomes isolated from the rest of the system. IEEE 1547 requires DERs to detect and cease energizing such islands to prevent unsafe or unstable grid conditions.

What types of power quality issues does IEEE 1547 address?

IEEE 1547 addresses several power quality issues, including DC current injections, voltage fluctuations, current harmonics, and system grounding. It requires DERs to avoid contributing to overvoltage conditions and other power quality problems.

What communication protocols are required for DERs under IEEE 1547?

IEEE 1547 mandates that DERs must support one of three communication protocols: DNP3, SunSpec Modbus, or IEC 2030.5, to ensure interoperability and effective communication with the grid.