IEEE-SA approves DR island systems guide

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has announced the approval of IEEE 1547.4, a guide used for the design and operation of distributed resource (DR) islands and grid interconnectivity, by the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Standards Board.

"The first paradigm shift in electricity generation, delivery, and control is rapidly emerging, particularly in Europe, North America, and Japan. The shift is moving the electricity supply away from the highly centralized service model seen today towards a more dispersed system, and distributed island resources will play a key role," said Judith Gorman, managing director of IEEE-SA. "The IEEE 1547.4 guide will be very relevant to the global energy industry as this shift continues to gain momentum."

IEEE 1547.4, or "Guide for Design, Operation, and Integration of Distributed Resource Island Systems with Electric Power Systems," provides alternative approaches and best practices for designing, operating, and integrating DR island systems with electric power systems (EPS). There are several types of DR island systems but they all share the ability to generate their own electric power as well as the ability to connect and disconnect from the EPS that serves a wider geographic area. Customer facility micro-grids and electric utility distribution circuit micro-grids are two instances of planned DR islands. Distributed resources include both generators and energy storage technologies.

DR islands, sometimes referred to as micro-grids, are "islanded" power generation and distribution areas that can operate autonomously from the larger grid infrastructure. They are rapidly gaining popularity because they have the adaptability necessary to use an assortment of energy sources, including renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. Local power generation and storage allow portions of the grid and critical components to operate independent of the larger grid when needed. Another reason for its popularity is that during planning all interested parties can decide upon appropriate local control and appropriate levels of power quality. DR island systems are complex infrastructures, and the interconnections to and from the larger grid must be carefully planned for to be successful.

"In order to have successful deployments of DR island systems, careful planning, designing, integrating, testing and evaluation of the various technologies and systems must be done to ascertain their effectiveness," said IEEE 1547.4 Working Group Chair, Benjamin Kroposki. "The IEEE 1547.4 guide addresses these areas and will be a credible resource for the energy industry."

The IEEE 1547.4 guide includes best practices for implementing the various ways in which a DR island can separate from a part of the area EPS and can reconnect to it while providing power to the islanded local EPSs. The guide also expands on the benefits of using DRs by targeting improved electric power system reliability and builds upon the interconnection requirements of the IEEE 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems. Additionally, it provides informative background and covers distributed resources, interconnection systems and participating EPS. The guide includes sections on electric loads, utility equipment and operations, protection, controls, and system studies. Testing, communications, and, contractual and regulatory considerations are additionally cited. The guide addresses overall engineering concerns, identifies needs and contingencies, and discusses criteria and requirement options for DR island systems.

IEEE 1547.4-2011 is now available to the industry for purchase.