To develop interoperability standards for integrating energy storage with existing grid infrastructure, a multi-stakeholder approach that prioritizes safety, performance, and adaptability is critical. Below are key strategies based on global frameworks and emerging practices:
1. Coordination Across Standards Organizations
- Leverage existing frameworks: Build on international standards like IEC 62933 (BESS performance/safety), IEC 62109 (power converter safety), and IEEE 1547 (DER interconnection).
- Harmonize efforts: Align with organizations like NERC (North America), CENELEC (Europe), and UL to ensure consistency in safety and operational guidelines across regions.
- Integrate with renewables: Extend standards such as IEC 61400-21 (wind) and IEC 61850-7-420 (DER communication) to accommodate hybrid generation-storage systems.
2. Safety and Performance Requirements
- Unified testing protocols: Adopt standards like UL 1741 (inverter safety) and EN 50549 (low-voltage connection) to ensure grid compatibility.
- Dynamic operational parameters: Develop guidelines for voltage/frequency response, ramping rates, and power quality to manage storage’s dual role as load and generation.
- Cybersecurity: Incorporate protocols to protect communication interfaces between storage systems and grid operators.
3. Grid Modernization and Policy Alignment
- Update legacy standards: Replace rules designed for traditional generation with those addressing storage’s flexibility (e.g., bidirectional power flow, ancillary services).
- Holistic planning: Integrate storage interconnection with distribution planning, decarbonization goals, and resilience mandates.
- State vs. federal coordination: Balance utility-specific requirements (e.g., municipal co-ops) with overarching frameworks to avoid fragmentation.
4. Global Collaboration and Scalability
- Cross-border alignment: Use models like GRIDSTOR (DNV GL) to unify safety, operation, and sustainability metrics globally.
- Scalable guidelines: Ensure standards apply universally across residential, commercial, and utility-scale storage.
- R&D integration: Continuously update standards to reflect advancements in battery chemistries, hybrid systems, and grid-forming inverters.
5. Stakeholder Involvement
- Technical working groups: Include utilities, manufacturers, regulators, and academia to address gaps in communication protocols and DER interoperability.
- Public-private partnerships: Pilot projects (e.g., NREL’s grid modernization initiatives) can inform real-world standards.
- Consumer-focused standards: Simplify interconnection for behind-the-meter storage while ensuring grid stability.
By prioritizing adaptability and collaboration, interoperability standards can future-proof grid infrastructure for widespread energy storage deployment.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-interoperability-standards-be-developed-to-integrate-energy-storage-with-existing-grid-infrastructure/
