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Grid Interconnection Flashcards

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  1. What is the primary standard that defines technical requirements for interconnecting distributed energy resources, including solar PV systems, to the electric power system?

    Answer: IEEE 1547-2018

    IEEE 1547 is the nationally recognized standard governing the technical interconnection requirements for distributed energy resources such as solar PV systems.

  2. Anti-islanding protection in grid-tied inverters is designed to:

    Answer: Shut down the inverter when grid power is lost to protect utility workers

    Anti-islanding protection prevents the inverter from continuing to energize the grid during an outage, protecting utility linemen performing repairs on de-energized lines.

  3. The Point of Common Coupling (PCC) in a grid-tied PV system is:

    Answer: The location where the PV system electrically connects to the utility distribution network

    The PCC is the electrical boundary point where the customer's generation system interconnects with the utility grid, and is the reference point for interconnection requirements.

  4. What document must be executed between a solar system owner and the utility before a grid-tied PV system can be legally energized?

    Answer: Interconnection Agreement

    An Interconnection Agreement is the legally binding contract between the customer and the utility governing the terms and conditions for connecting a distributed generation system to the grid.

  5. What is 'unintentional islanding' in the context of grid-tied solar PV systems?

    Answer: A condition where a PV system continues to energize a section of the utility grid after that section has been disconnected from the main grid

    Unintentional islanding occurs when a PV system continues to power an isolated section of the grid after disconnection from the main utility, creating shock hazards for utility workers.

  6. Under IEEE 1547, what clearing time is required for a distributed energy resource when voltage drops below 50% of nominal voltage?

    Answer: 0.16 seconds (approximately 10 cycles)

    IEEE 1547 Table 1 specifies a clearing time of 0.16 seconds (approximately 10 cycles) for severe undervoltage conditions (V < 0.50 pu) to rapidly protect equipment and personnel.

  7. Which type of inverter is required for a grid-direct (no battery backup) solar PV system to legally export power to the utility grid?

    Answer: Grid-tied synchronous inverter

    Grid-tied synchronous inverters lock onto the utility grid's frequency and voltage to safely synchronize power export, and include required protections like anti-islanding.