Interconnection of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Grid Modernization

Participants will learn how to safely and reliably interconnect Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to electric utility systems. You will also learn the protection aspects of DER integration. Included are sections on battery storage, grid modernization and a section with a microgrid case study detailing its integration to the power grid.

This course will benefit those involved in system protection, planning, substation design, operations or distribution engineering such as:

• Electric utility engineers
• Project managers and consultants

Earn 2.0 CEUs, 20 PDHs with this course.

Course overview

• Overview of traditional power system operations and protection
• Value of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
• Impact of the DERs on power system power quality, transmission and distribution protection
• Grid Modernization

 Distribution System Protection and Challenges with DER Penetration:

• Limited fault current contribution from inverter based resources and the impact on overcurrent protection
• Ground fault overvoltage on ungrounded systems
• The DER’s frequency and voltage protection

Interconnection transformer and grounding:

• Interconnection transformer winding configurations

Impact of Renewable Generation Intermittency on System Power Quality:

• Impact of DER switching on/off on the power system quality
• DER flicker and harmonics

IEEE 1547

• An overview of the recently published IEEE 1547 standard
• Standard mandates for DER capabilities i.e. voltage regulations, frequency regulations, interoperability, ride through, etc.
• Performance of these capabilities and the impact on the power system
• Examples of standard adoption 

Non-Wires Alternatives

• Evaluate the potential of non-wires alternatives to replace or defer traditional infrastructure investments.
• Analyze the technical and economic aspects of deploying distributed generation as NWAs.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities of implementing DG for NWAs.

Flexible Interconnection

• Analyze and design flexible interconnection solutions for DG integration.
• Develop control strategies and protection schemes for DG integration into flexible interconnection solutions.

Battery Energy Storage

• Battery energy storage technologies
• Applications of BESS in power systems, including load leveling, frequency regulation, peak shaving, and providing backup power
• BESS integration with solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources

Grid Modernization

• Defining grid modernization and its role in power systems
• Objectives of grid modernization, including reliability, renewable integration, and energy efficiency
• Key grid modernization technologies, including modern protection systems, advanced SCADA systems, and DERMS
• Grid modernization challenges, including cybersecurity, financial barriers, and skill development
• Case studies of successful grid modernization projects

Microgrid Case Study

• Ameren Microgrid Overview
• Distributed energy resources in microgrids, including rotating-machine generators, battery energy storage systems, wind, and solar
• Protection of microgrids, including the challenges of microgrid protection, approaches utilizing adaptive relaying, and communications (e.g., IEC 61850 GOOSE), and protection testing
• Microgrid controls, including steady state operation, transitions, and communications with microgrid assets

Babak Enayati

Babak Enayati received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, USA in 2009. He joined Luma Energy in 2023 as the Senior Director of Grid Modernization. Babak and his team are responsible for creating and implementing a strategy to modernize the Puerto Rico electric power system to meet the reliability and clean energy goals. Prior to joining Luma Energy, Babak worked at New Leaf Energy as the Director of Engineering, where his team provided engineering services for the development of solar, wind and energy storage facilities. Prior to joining New Leaf Energy, Babak worked in the utility industry for 13 years holding various grid modernization engineering and managerial positions.

He joined Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 2006 and currently is a Senior IEEE Member. Babak currently serves as the Vice President of Education on the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Governing Board. He is the current chair of the IEEE PES Transmission Subcommittee. Babak serves as the Vice Chair of the IEEE Std 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Energy Resources with Electric Power Systems, and IEEE P2800 Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Inverter-Based Resources Interconnecting with Associated Transmission Electric Power Systems. Babak is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Massachusetts.

Michael Higginson

Michael Higginson is a Principal Engineer at S&C Electric Company with over ten years of experience in the electric power industry.  Michael has lead power system design, consulting, and analysis for distribution systems and microgrid development.  His work has focused on distributed resource integration, power system protection, and automation.  Michael has led power system analysis and protection efforts for award-winning distribution-integrated microgrid systems and renewable generation projects. He is active in the IEEE Power & Energy Society and CIGRÉ organizations, receiving several awards for his contributions and leadership. He has authored several papers on microgrid design, operation, and smart inverter system impacts on power systems.  Michael is currently leading the development of IEEE P2030.12 Guide for the Design of Microgrid Protection Systems and led the development of its predecessor which won the 2022 IEEE PES Outstanding Working Group Recognition Award.  He has been awarded patents based on innovative solutions applied in microgrid projects.