Technical Interconnection

NRS097-2-1 2017 (Ed2.1 revised July 2020): This section of NRS 097 series aims to be technology neutral and focuses on the requirements at the interface between the embedded generator and the utility, although it is expected that the specification will mainly apply to photovoltaic grid connected systems interfaced through static power converter technology. Static power converters are also utilized to convert for example, wind power, micro-hydro power, pico hydro power, battery storage energy and fuel cells to grid compatible electricity.  This specification covers aspects of the Grid Code relevant to small-scale (up to 1MVA) embedded generators, including power quality and safety concerns. (NRS Association)

(Note: Superseded by 2018 version) This standard focuses on the technical specifications for, and testing of, the interconnection itself.  It provides requirements relevant to the performance, operation, testing, safety considerations, and maintenance of the interconnection. It includes general requirements, response to abnormal conditions, power quality, islanding, and test specifications and requirements for design, production, installation evaluation, commissioning, and periodic tests. The stated requirements are universally needed for interconnection of distributed resources (DR), including synchronous machines, induction machines, or power inverters/converters and will be sufficient for most installations. The criteria and requirements are applicable to all DR technologies, with aggregate capacity of 10 MVA or less at the point of common coupling, interconnected to electric power systems at typical primary and/or secondary distribution voltages (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).

This Regulation (EU 2016/631) establishes a network code which lays down the requirements for grid connection of power-generating facilities of any size, namely synchronous power-generating modules, power park modules and offshore power park modules, to the interconnected system. It, therefore, helps to ensure fair conditions of competition in the internal electricity market, to ensure system security and the integration of renewable electricity sources, and to facilitate Union-wide trade in electricity. (European Commission)

(SAMPLE) This European Standard specifies technical requirements for the protection functions and the operational capabilities of micro-generating plants, designed for operation in parallel with public low voltage distribution networks.

It applies irrespectively of the micro-generating plants’ primary source of energy, where micro-generation refers to equipment with nominal currents up to and including 16 A per phase, single or multi phase 230/400 V or multi phase 230 V (phase-to-phase nominal voltage).

In New Zealand, the recent rapid uptake of distributed generation, in particular for photovoltaics, and the diversity of distribution companies’ guidelines, along with the vision of a future common framework for New Zealand has inspired the review of all international standards and a cross comparison with local guide lines has been performed. The purpose of this analysis is to build a picture of these standards and give a brief insight into the current stance the national distribution companies have via their policies.

Electric Power Engineering Centre (EPECentre) New Zealand