Certified Open-Source Software to Support the Interconnection Compliance of Distributed Energy Resources
The project will create an open-source communication software client for distributed energy resources.
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Recipient
Palo Alto, CA
Recipient Location
13th
Senate District
23rd
Assembly District
$806,503
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
The project completed in March 2019. The final report [i]Certified Open Source Software to Support the Interconnection Compliance of Distributed Energy Resources[/i] was received. Four different product vendors have implemented the open sourced IEEE 2030.5 client. The software integrates with their commercial gateways, or facility energy management systems to provide a Rule 21 compliant interface to utility operations. Several others are currently testing the viability of incorporating the open source software in their products.
The Issue
Revisions being made to Rule 21 require grid-supportive functionality and communication interfaces, and the revisions specify the IEEE 2030.5 communication protocol for monitoring and managing distributed energy resources (DER). This protocol is complex, making the development of products difficult and putting interoperability at risk. The application of the IEEE 2030.5 protocol to DER is new, and certification procedures and test software for this application do not exist. These challenges translate to delays in the availability of products and programs that provide grid support opportunities, which prevents owners of DERs to realize additional value of their asserts from grid services.
Project Innovation
This project developed two key open-source software technologies: 1) implementation of a complete, certified IEEE 2030.5 communication protocol that manufacturers can freely incorporate into their products. This reduces the cost and complexity of bringing systems to market, streamlines the certification process, and helps ensure that products can successfully connect and participate in grid programs; and 2) a certification procedure and associated test software by which any system or device can be checked for compliance to the standard. Independent evaluation provides manufacturers with an unbiased assessment of their products and provides both business and individual consumers with assurance that their purchases will work as expected. The project also validated the completeness and quality of these technologies by implementing the open-source client in a commercial DER system and performing field testing.
Project Benefits
This project helps accelerate availability and connection of DER products and systems in California that meet Rule 21 requirements. This also helps more rapidly increase grid-tied solar generation to meet California's aggressive solar mandates.
Affordability
The cost of product development and system integration is reduced through the availability of free open source software. These cost savings are reflected in retail costs and program incentives that directly benefit California rat
Energy Security
Emergency backup power and smart home systems that aid consumers during disasters become practical because of the accessibility and interoperability of systems provided by a successful open communication protocol.
Key Project Members
Sunil Chhaya
Subrecipients
Xanthus Consulting International
SunSpec Alliance
Enphase Energy
QualityLogic
Match Partners
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Xanthus Consulting International
SunSpec Alliance
Enphase Energy
QualityLogic
