What Is IEEE Standard 1547?

Created in 2003, IEEE Standard 1547™ establishes a technical standard for interconnecting distributed energy resources (DER) with electrical power systems (EPSs).

Since Standard 1547 was first created, technology has become more sophisticated and the modern electric grid has experienced increased levels of penetration. Due to the increase in DER interconnection applications, there have been ample impacts on utilities, the reliability of the grid, and the quality of electric service to customers. The revised version of the standard was made to establish new DER Requirements to keep the integrity of it intact in the long term.

After undergoing an extensive revision process, Standard 1547-2018 went into effect as of August 2018. The revised standard leverages the capabilities of inverter-based DERs and allows them to operate like conventional generators. By providing requirements relevant to performance, safety considerations, and the maintenance of interconnection, the standard determines how DER devices are designed and tested. It will also define how DER will be integrated into the power system going forward.

The revised standard removes limitations from the original standard, which allows it to:

• Unlock the advanced features of DER (such as smart inverter functionality).
• Significantly impact the design and deployment of all DER systems.
• Mitigate many DER impacts.
• Enhance bulk power system reliability.
• Change the testing standards for critical power generation systems in order to create harmonized interconnection requirements and offer flexible performance requirements.

The revision will also aid utilities in solar integration. For example, it clarifies how DER can support microgrid islanding, provides performance categories for voltage regulation, and gives guidance for grid support under abnormal conditions.

Are your engineers prepared for the inherent changes of Standard 1547-2018? Help them get up to speed with Introduction to IEEE Standard 1547-2018: Connecting Distributed Resources Course Program.

Get access to this online, on-demand program for your organization, and train your entire technical team on how to best implement this important standard. Connect with an IEEE content specialist today.

Resources

NRECA. (12 Jan 2018). IEEE Standard 1547™. Cooperative.com.

(29 Jun 2018). Understanding the IEEE Standard 1547 Revision. T&D World.

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. Revised IEEE 1547 Standard Will Aid Solar Integration. U.S. Department of Energy.

Lydic, Brian. (23 July 2018). Smart Inverter Update: New IEEE 1547 Standards and State Implementation Efforts. Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Active Standards. IEEE Standard Association.