International (Technical)

(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.

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(Note: Superseded by 2018 version) This standard focuses on the technical specifications for, and testing of, the interconnection itself.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).

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

This paper addresses the need to define all important aspects of self-consumption with the focus on commercial issues and avoidance of cross-subsidization among consumer’s groups.  A primary goal of this paper is to recognize all important aspects that need to be regulated to make prosumers concept fully effective in practice. Where possible it provides recommendations that can be used as a good practice for policy makers in the European Union Energy Community countries (ECDSO-E Working Group, EU).

This brief presents key technical, interconnection and regulatory measures that should be considered to enable a smooth integration of renewable-based DG with high modularity and widespread installation in the distribution grid, such as PV and wind power plants.
Authors:
Leonard Hülsmann, Thomas Ackermann and Jan-David Schmidt