The Importance Of Aligning Interconnection Rules With IEEE 1547 And UL 1741 Standards

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The energy sector is experiencing a time of great change. The need for clean energy is gradually driving the generation of electricity away from centralized power stations. Now, distributed energy resources (DERs), which focus on the production of clean energy, for example solar and wind power, and supply energy close to the source, are changing the way that energy is generated, stored, and used. 

As the transition to cleaner energy supplies increases, the challenges of interconnecting DERs to the grid continues to grow.

Having a clear set of standards and rules is essential for the smooth transition of DER interconnection and increased use of interconnecting energy storage systems (ESS standards) particularly as demand for clean energy sources is increasing rapidly. 

Interconnection Rules and Standards

Interconnection rules and standards are currently in place for the interconnection of DERs to the grid. These rules need to be followed by all stakeholders involved in the utility and DER industries. 

The two main rules and regulations that must be followed are IEEE 1547 and UL 1741. 

The IEEE 1547 standard is an Institute of Electricals and Electronic Engineers standard, and was last updated in 2020. 

IEEE 1547 sets a uniform standard that distributed resources must follow for interconnection with the grid. 

UL 1741 certification is a standard that inverters and converters must reach to be used in renewable energy systems.

UL 1741 is an Underwriters Laboratory standard, which was updated in 2020 to ensure that inverters met the new compliance standards set out in IEEE 1547.1-2020.

Following these standards is essential. Below, we highlight the factors that make aligning interconnection rules with IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 standards so important:

Safety

Aligning interconnection rules and regulations with the growing demand for DER is vital to ensure the safe and efficient integration of clean energy systems. This becomes even more crucial as the use of clean energy sources grows and a larger number of DERs are integrated to the distribution grid.

Safety rules and regulations must be followed at each stage of the production, delivery, and connection of energy sources to the grid to ensure grid compliance. Components, such as inverters and converters, need to be manufactured and tested to meet UL 1741 to the updated compliance standards set out in IEEE 1547.1-2020. This is vital to ensuring that DER manufacturers can instill trust in utility companies that their devices are safe and reliable to use.  

Future-Proofing Interconnection

As an increasing number of DERs connect to the distribution grid, the need for scalable, future-proof equipment and systems to be implemented becomes even more important than ever.

Upgrading equipment to provide increased functionality and power necessitates to provide advanced capabilities can help to ensure efficiency, particularly as demands for clean energy grow. The introduction of smart inverters will play a valuable role in helping to offset risk and increase functionality. 

Smart inverters offer unique features that can help to bolster grid stability. Advanced functions offered by smart inverters include the ability to sense grid conditions, and then respond by adjusting the amount of power they send to the grid from the DERs they’re connected to. However, for smart inverters to be more widely adopted, they need to undergo strict testing to ensure their unique characteristics are compatible with existing equipment and uphold the standards set out in IEEE 1547 and UL 1741.

Reliability

The impact of brownouts and blackouts can have a devastating impact on the communities served by the grid. So, ensuring that reliability isn’t compromised is a major concern when interconnecting DERs.

Following the standards set out in IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 ensures that all equipment and devices should operate as expected, significantly reducing the chances of problems such as power outages related to the operation of DER systems and overall grid stability.

Continued Importance of Aligning Interconnection Rules with IEEE 1547 and UL 1741

With increasing concern over climate change and the cost of energy prices, it is logical to expect demand for clean energy sources and the DER that facilitate them to grow. Unless this demand is met in a highly-regulated and tested way, it will be impossible to guarantee the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the energy supply. 

As interconnection technology continues to evolve, along with increased demand for clean energy, it’s essential that interconnection rules and standards evolve at the same rate. By aligning interconnection rules with changing demand it will be possible to offer a sustainable, future-thinking approach to energy supply. This will reduce carbon emissions, ensure grid stability, and make it easier to manage energy storage more efficiently to guarantee a reliable supply.