Technical

A set of standards that ensure safe electrical installation work relating to embedded generation activities. The standards are legally enforcable and ensure uniformity by stakeholders within the Namibian ESI.
Author: Shootecc Engineering CC

This document legally establishes technical and other requirements for the connection to and use of an electrical utility in a manner that will ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operation.

NRS097-2-3 (2023): This specification clarifies conditions under which small scale embedded generators (<1MW) may connect to distribution feeders without negative network impact, and thus not require impact studies. Application of the specification speeds up connection approvals significantly (NRS Association).

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)

(SAMPLE) VDE -AR-N 4105 (2011) – Technical minimum requirements for the connection to and parallel operation with low-voltage distribution networks. German standard summarising essential aspects to be taken in to account to ensure safe and reliable network operation.

These are the set of rules which define conditions for accessing the electricity grid.

Grid codes provide the rules for the power system and energy market operation, ensuring operational stability, security of supply and well-functioning wholesale markets. A set of grid codes can include, for instance, connection codes, operating codes, planning codes, market codes. This report provides guidance to regulators, policy makers, system operators and other stakeholders on how grid connection codes should be developed and implemented. It considers the country context with a view to enabling a higher share of VRE in the power system (IRENA).

(Powerpoint) Provides an overview of the IEEE 1547-2018 Standard.

This standard:

Specifies functional requirements for all Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) connected to typical primary or secondary distribution voltage levels.  It applies regardless of type and size—synchronous, induction, and inverter-based resources of any size.

Gives precedence to synchronous generator design standards for DERs with synchronous generator units rated 10 MVA and greater.

Does not apply to resources directly connected to the bulk power system.

(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).

Recommendations for the Connection of Type Tested Small-scale Embedded Generators (Up to 16A per Phase) in Parallel with Low-Voltage Distribution Systems.

The purpose of this Engineering Recommendation is to simplify and standardise the technical requirements for connection of Small Scale Embedded Generators (SSEGs) for operation in parallel with a public low-voltage Distribution System, by addressing all technical aspects of the connection process from standards of functionality to site commissioning (Energy Networks Association).