How do you apply the IEEE 1547 standard for interconnecting distributed energy resources?

1 Scope and Structure

The IEEE 1547 standard covers the interconnection of DERs with a capacity of up to 10 MVA at the point of common coupling (PCC) with the area electric power system (EPS). The standard defines the PCC as the point where the DER and the EPS are electrically connected, and the EPS as the portion of the electric power system that serves as a source or sink for the DER. The standard consists of four clauses and nine annexes, each addressing a specific topic related to the interconnection of DERs. The clauses cover the general requirements, the voltage and frequency performance, the power quality, and the islanding and testing of DERs. The annexes provide additional information, examples, and guidance on various aspects of the standard.

2 General Requirements

The general requirements clause outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the DER owner or operator and the EPS operator regarding the interconnection of DERs, along with the terms and conditions for the application, review, approval, and disconnection of DERs. For example, the DER owner or operator must comply with all applicable codes, standards, regulations, and laws related to interconnection. Additionally, the EPS operator must provide a point of interconnection and a metering point for the DER. Furthermore, the DER owner or operator must supply a disconnect device that can isolate the DER from the EPS in case of an emergency or maintenance. Moreover, the DER must not cause any adverse impact on safety, reliability, or power quality of the EPS or other interconnected systems. Lastly, it must be able to operate in parallel with the EPS under normal and abnormal conditions, and disconnect from the EPS when required.

3 Voltage and Frequency Performance

The voltage and frequency performance clause defines the acceptable ranges and limits for the voltage and frequency at the PCC, as well as the response and control capabilities of the DER. This clause also states the conditions and criteria for reconnection of the DER after a disturbance or disconnection. The main performance requirements include that the DER must operate within the specified voltage and frequency ranges at the PCC, adjust its active and reactive power output according to EPS conditions and commands, disconnect from EPS when voltage or frequency exceeds specified limits, reconnect to EPS when voltage and frequency returns to specified ranges, coordinate its voltage and frequency control functions with other DERs and EPS devices, and avoid creating instability or oscillations in the system.

4 Power Quality

The power quality clause establishes the limits and requirements for the harmonic distortion, direct current injection, flicker, and imbalance caused by the DER at the PCC. It also defines the methods and procedures for measuring and evaluating the power quality impacts of the DER. These requirements include limiting total harmonic distortion (THD) and individual harmonic currents at the PCC to the values specified in the standard, based on the short-circuit ratio (SCR) of the EPS. The DER must also limit its direct current injection to less than 0.5% of its rated current, or to a lower value if required by the EPS operator. Furthermore, it must limit its flicker contribution at the PCC to less than 5% of the flicker limit specified in IEEE Std 519-2014, or to a lower value if required by the EPS operator. Additionally, it must limit its negative-sequence and zero-sequence currents at the PCC to less than 10% and 1% of its rated current, respectively, or to lower values if required by the EPS operator.

5 Islanding and Testing

The islanding and testing clause outlines the requirements and methods for detecting and preventing unintentional islanding of the DER with a portion of the EPS, as well as defining the testing procedures and criteria for verifying its compliance with the standard. For instance, the DER must detect and cease to energize an unintentional island within two seconds of its formation, using passive or active anti-islanding methods or a combination of both. It must also not cause or contribute to the formation of an unintentional island, or interfere with the detection or prevention of islanding by other DERs or EPS devices. Moreover, the DER must be tested before and after interconnection, using laboratory or field tests or a combination of both, to demonstrate its compliance with the standard. It should also be retested whenever there is a change in its configuration, settings, or components that may affect its performance or compliance with the standard.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?