Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174

Transcription

1 Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 Program Description Program Overview The integration of distributed renewable generation into the electricity grid poses a number of challenges for the electric industry. Utilities face various generator sizes, connection points, and electronic interfaces, including cases of relatively high penetration on existing distribution systems. This program addresses these challenges with projects that assess feeder impacts, inverter interface devices, analytics, studies, monitoring, special applications, and strategies related to future business impacts. Best practices for effective interconnection and integration with distribution operations are also considered. The program includes lab and field evaluations and demonstrations of improved power control and communications. A primary objective is to expand utility hands-on knowledge to monetize cost and value of distributed renewable generation without reducing distribution safety, reliability, or asset utilization effectiveness. Research Value With the knowledge acquired through this research program, members will have access to information that supports distribution network reliability and safety; strategies for responding to customer-sited renewable generation business models, economic analysis of ownership options, and potential to rate-base distributed assets; proactive response to state and federal renewable portfolio standards (RPS); planning for renewable deployment and advanced distribution automation; and realizing value of the existing utility distribution system to support distributed generation. Approach This research program continues and builds on previous work related to distributed renewable resource integration coordinating with advanced distribution automation, efficient distribution circuits (Green Circuits), and the IntelliGrid research program as well as smart-grid demonstrations. A range of products are identified for each project. Participants' input and prioritization will determine the final research investment and deliverable plan. Accomplishments The distributed integration program has delivered valuable information to members and industry. Over the past year the following information came out of the program: Impact of High-Penetration PV on Distribution System Performance: Example Cases and Analysis Approach ( ) discusses the factors that can have a significant impact on a distribution feeder s response to photovoltaic (PV) generation. Modeling High-Penetration PV for Distribution Analysis ( ) describes how to model distributed PV and bring that model into a distribution analysis framework. The report focuses on four main areas of high-penetration PV modeling and analysis: variability and potential impact on voltage regulation, shortcircuit, reactive power control, and harmonics. Demonstration of the DNP3 Protocol for Smart Inverter Integration ( ) summarizes an integration demonstration project commissioned to validate selected smart inverter functions and better understand derived outcomes. Common Functions for Smart Inverters ( ) provides a summary of the inverter function descriptions that the EPRI-led initiative has produced thus far.laboratory Evaluation of Grid-Tied Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems ( ) describes the test procedures, results, and recommended future research related to applying energy storage to support PV. p. 1

2 Current Year Activities Develop improved models, screening tools, criteria, and guidelines for increasing penetration of renewable generation in existing radial and network distribution, as well as future circuit functional requirements, including interface with distribution management systems (DMS). Investigate and create a reference guide for field experience with inverters that have grid support functions. Also report on the communication interfaces and use of these functions in practical applications. Develop performance criteria, design, test to evaluate available intertie hardware, systems, and configurations Assess business impacts and practices for different distributed PV business models and markets. Develop monitoring and analysis tools for evaluating the performance and interactions of PV systems in the electric grid. Estimated 2013 Program Funding $3.5M Program Manager Tom Key, , tkey@epri.com Summary of Projects PS174A Modeling and Simulation of Renewables on Distribution (067431) Project Set Description This project set provides analysis of existing distribution issues and looks at future options and concepts that address higher penetration of photovoltaic (PV) and wind generation, and storage. It focuses on the distribution system s readiness, both radial and network distribution, for incremental increases in distributed generation. The project set is aligned with EPRI's Distribution, Green Circuits, Smart Grid, Electric Transportation, and IntelliGrid programs. Project Number Project Title Description P Planning and Analysis to Integrate Variable Resources into Distribution This project continues the prior year activities engaging utility personnel in applying screening tools, developing planning and application guidelines, and looking at new feeder designs and operating parameters for higher penetrations of distributed generation. P Planning and Analysis to Integrate Variable Resources into Distribution (067492) Key Research Question Most existing radial and network distribution systems are not designed for a significant penetration of distributed generation (DG)resources. Standards that address the interconnection of distributed generation (for example, IEEE ) have assumed low penetration levels. The industry recognizes that these requirements are changing with a more robust deployment of distributed PV in many utility systems. This project set addresses changing requirements for distribution with wind and solar generation. The main objective is to enable higher levels of distributed generation without jeopardizing safety, reliability, operational efficiency, and power quality. New learning is expected to come from planning methods, analysis techniques, and sharing of field experiences. Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 2

3 Approach This project looks at adding incremental renewable generation into today s existing radial and network distribution systems without sacrificing safety, reliability, or effectiveness. Design concepts and functional requirements for future distribution are developed. Starting with prior EPRI research and development, the focus is on changes needed in planning, design, and operating criteria for high penetration of distributed and variable generation resources. Outcomes are expected to be guidelines, impact analysis, and assessment methods to determine the limits and analyze the expansion options and potential system value. Impact Enhance participants' ability to conduct resource planning, improve on interconnection screening and requirements, and maintain circuit performance and reliability Gain access to and exchange up-to-date information; and share best practices, state-of-the-art developments, and related information from other distribution companies Benefit from collaborative research and development (R&D) activities and sharing applications, experiences, lessons learned, and solutions related to integrating distributed wind and solar generation Address current renewable power generation issues via analytical studies, developing planning methods, applying screening tools, and evaluating specific interconnection case studies How to Apply Results Utilities faced with planning or integrating new renewable generation will use the results of this project to ensure that the full implications of safety, reliability, and electrical performance are considered. Findings can be used to work with developers wanting to connect green buildings, construct zero-energy homes, and implement sustainable community strategies Products Impact of High-Penetration PV on Distribution System Performance: Continues the 2012 analysis of the impacts of high-penetration solar PV on distribution system performance by providing case study results of feeders analyzed throughout the United States. Specific focus will be given to how much PV can be accommodated before affecting system performance, as well as the limiting factors resulting in the determined PV hosting capacity. Modeling High-Penetration PV for Distribution Analysis: Time-domain models of PV and wind systems will be developed in EMTP-RV and provided to members, thus allowing performing power quality analysis of distribution interconnection of PV. The prime mover (PV or wind) module in EMTP-RV will be provided along with associated documentation on model usage. Grid Impacts of Distributed Generation with Advanced Inverter Functions: Continuing the advanced inverter modeling in 2012, the inverter models will be utilized along with actual distribution feeder models to evaluate system performance with single and multiple functions implemented. Overall impact on distribution system performance will be evaluated, including the impact on feeder hosting capacity. Considering for bulk system needs and potential impact to distribution performance will be given as well. DG Screener: The DG deployment screening tool, DGScreener, driven by OpenDSS (Distribution System Simulator) will be given added functionality, improved user interface and documentation, allow better access to new and advanced features of the OpenDSS, as well as additional case studies, circuit templates, and solar PV profiles. Software Software Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 3

4 Impact of Distributed Wind on Distribution System Performance: Unlike PV, there exists a range of wind turbine types that are interconnected to the grid. Detailed descriptions of the four basic types of turbines connecting to distribution systems will be covered, along with their potential impact to the distribution system (e.g., energy capture, output regulation, volt-ampere reactive regulation, and flicker). PS174B Connecting Distributed Energy Resources to Distribution Circuits (067432) Project Set Description This project set focuses on end-user-level distributed renewable interface technologies, including inverters, controllers, and other related intertie equipment. It focuses on developing new grid functionalities for these devices, and it evaluates both the electrical power and communication interfaces for distributed energy resources (DER) and advanced inverter functions. The project set includes development of performance criteria, lab, and field testing. Project Number Project Title Description P Inverter Advanced Functions and Grid Communications This project will continue the smart inverter communication initiative, moving from a survey level to direct utility engagement, a requirements assessment, and more hands-on and field applications. Communication interface evaluation in the laboratory continues. P Inverter Performance and Reliability Assessment Laboratory and field evaluation of distributed grid-interface systems for renewable generation and storage P Inverter Advanced Functions and Grid Communications (067494) Key Research Question As technologies improve, distributed energy resources are increasingly able to perform a range of gridsupported functions. These resources, which include photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system inverters, typically have significant processing power and fast response times, enabling both steady-state and dynamic grid benefits. With increasing deployment of these systems, many utilities also are making investments in related communications technology. Timing is critical for the development and testing of communication specifications and standard functional descriptions to prepare for future integration of distributed resources in higher-penetration scenarios. Results of the research are applicable to all utilities and a number of distributed technologies. Approach In prior years, this project engaged a broad group of stakeholders from utilities, inverter manufacturers, and communication system providers to work to establish uniform standard functions that could be built in to off-theshelf products and integrated into utility systems using open standards. Open standards have now started to appear as a result of these efforts, and testing and evaluation in both laboratory and field environments is now possible. This project also conducted studies and laboratory evaluations of existing products, to gauge the state of the industry in terms of device capabilities, efficiency, and reliability. Going forward, the project will focus on laboratory testing and field demonstrations that seek to identify incremental value streams and benefits of these devices. Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 4

5 Impact Informs and guides the PV and storage industries regarding the needs of utilities Accelerates availability of distributed energy devices that can be readily integrated into utility systems using open standards Identifies the capabilities and limitations of various technologies Evaluates integration options, identifying architectures, best practices, challenges, standards gaps, and achievable results Helps members identify use-case opportunities and learn from peer experiences Provides insight in how future supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and other communication systems may be used to integrate distributed resources How to Apply Results Using the field experience and lessons learned from this project, members can refine plans for their own PV and energy storage integration. The opportunity for new value streams, system operating criteria, configurations, and integration architectures identified in this research and development (R&D) program can be incorporated into specifications for existing distribution systems and customer interfaces and taken into consideration for new circuits accommodating high levels of renewable generation Products Inverter Grid-Support Lessons Learned - A Summary of Field Experiences: This project will research and report on the learnings from the utility industry and other sources engaged in field application of advanced inverter functions in the field. The research will be an international exercise, including activities in Asia, Europe, and North America. A report will provide a concise picture of "who is doing what," their timelines, and lessons learned to date. Application Guide for Integration of Grid-Supportive Inverters: This report will provide an overview of functional and architectural options for standardsbased integration of grid-supportive inverters. The report will consider a full range of options, from autonomous scenarios with no fixed communication networks to metered-only systems, limited control scenarios, and full centralized management via a distribution management system (DMS). Smart-Grid Ready Inverter Standards Support: This project will contribute to the acceleration of ongoing interoperability standards for grid-supportive PV and storage inverters by participation in the standards-making process, and by providing related inputs and information. It will also provide members with a concise summary of the status and progress of standards activities. This includes the work of IEEE (interconnect guidelines), IEC TC57/WG17 (standardized functions), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FERC) and other efforts related system operator rid codes and communication protocols. This project is jointly funded under Renewables program /30/13 12/30/13 12/30/13 Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 5

6 P Inverter Performance and Reliability Assessment (067496) Key Research Question Future inverter connections to distribution feeders are expected to provide grid support functions in addition to making the grid connection handshake. With the introduction of many distributed resources there will be an increasing need to analyze and understand the impact and potential of these distributed and variable resources. Better understanding of balance-of-system (BOS) performance and use of storage to mitigate intermittency also is critical. Evaluating and demonstrating new smart inverters and other BOS hardware will position members to more effectively work with developers and customers wanting to deploy distributed renewable resources. Approach This project evaluates electrical performance, including interconnection, compatibility (immunity, emission, and energy performance), protection, and control options for inverters and other BOS hardware. It will define application-specific performance criteria and will include related lab testing and available field demonstration results for smart inverters with advanced grid support features. This project also will evaluate storage to minimize the intermittency of renewable energy sources. If scope of work and schedule matches, then certain deliverables in this project will be developed in collaboration with EPRI energy storage and renewables programs, national laboratories (Sandia, NREL National Labs) and/or international organizations such as Fraunhofer Labs. Impact Hands-on evaluation of new interface hardware and systems with grid support functionalities; positioning members to more effectively deal with interconnection requirements Benefits from collaborative evaluation activities and the shared results of field experiences, lessons learned, and solutions related to integrating distributed renewable generation Insights on what to expect from deployment of distributed renewable power generation, with performance results on available interface systems How to Apply Results Utilities faced with planning or integrating new renewable generation will use the results of this project to confirm that appropriate elements of safety, reliability, and electrical performance are considered. Utilities with relatively high penetration of renewable energy sources will learn about the grid support functions offered by new smart inverter designs. Findings can be used to work with system integrators wanting to connect renewable energy systems and implement sustainable community strategies Products Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Selected Inverters with Grid-Support Functionality: This project will research and test new photovoltaic (PV) and/or storage inverters with one or more advanced features, including grid-support functionality, higher DC voltage, transformerless, and arc detection. This study will also include module level power electronics with some of these features. This report will give grid interconnection and power quality performance assessment of these inverters based on actual test results. Evaluation of Grid-Connected PV-Battery Systems: This project will evaluate the energy storage use cases to mitigate or minimize PV intermittency issues. Target uses cases will include cloud induced ramp-rate control, smoothing, firming, peak shifting, and load following. 12/15/13 Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 6

7 DC Arc Detection and Mitigation Technologies for PV Systems: This project will investigate the challenges of detecting and mitigating DC arcs especially parallel and ground arc faults. This report will discuss the existing and expected future NEC regulations regarding arc fault requirements for PV systems. review of existing and potential future technologies addressing this key safety concern will be included in the report. Inverter and BOS Installation and Operations Issues Lessons Learned: This project will report industry recommended grounding, wiring, and other installation guidelines. Manufacturer suggested routine maintenance practices for inverters and other BOS equipments will be reviewed. This report will include case studies and lessons learned from field experience. Knowledge Base of DC Collection, Inverter, and Grid Connection Hardware for Utility Scale PV Plants: This multi-year project will develop an application guide for inverters and other BOS equipments suitable for utility scale (i.e., megawatt-scale) PV plants. Different technologies and product parameters like maximum DC array voltage, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) voltage range, AC interconnection voltage, CEC/European weighted efficiency, grid-support functionality, warranty, communication method, and environmental protection will be reported based on manufacturer data sheets and independent test results. 11/30/13 11/15/13 Resource Resource PS174D Business Impacts and Practices Addressing Distributed Renewables (073561) Project Set Description The project will assess optimal utility solar PV acquisition and asset management approaches, examine the economic implications of solar PV on bottom-line utility business practices, and develop utility best practices for strategically accommodating solar resources. The project set provides comprehensive assessment of the business models and practices including their associated economics being employed to integrate and use future solar PV generation connected on utility distribution systems. Issues examined include PV integration approaches, plant operational and management practices, output variability mitigation techniques, monitoring and control methods, utility solar business model design, and the various costs related to PV grid operation. Project Number Project Title Description P Utility Solar Business Models, Markets, Use Cases, and Best Practices The project will assess optimal utility solar PV acquisition and asset management approaches, examine the economic implications of solar PV on bottom-line utility business practices, and develop utility best practices for strategically accommodating solar resources. P Utility Solar Business Models, Markets, Use Cases, and Best Practices (073562) Key Research Question As utilities contemplate the integration and use of an expanding amount of solar-based generation on the electric distribution network, they will be confronted by relatively newfound system performance, reliability, and economic priorities. In particular, distributed photovoltaics (PVs) operational differences with traditional power assets, market and pricing dynamism, and evolving value proposition require that utilities better understand the bottom-line procedural and financial impacts associated with increasing PV utilization. Utility responsibilities are growing. They will need to monitor plant operation and discern data-driven performance and cost results; implement optimal, economically justified management strategies; and forecast solar market-related developments that will affect future utility business decision making. Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 7

8 Approach The approach for this project is to interview manufacturers, system owners, and utility personnel to gather and examine available industry site experience data, and collaborate with other researchers to consider how solar business models, PV operational practices, and solar economics may evolve for utilities. Reviewing the results of prior or ongoing rate cases, as well as primary and secondary solar market research, may also provide insights. EPRI will compare the body of existing data-driven knowledge on PV system operation and PV plant performance to identify successful utility variability mitigation techniques and determine their associated utility business impacts. It will also evaluate the existing and potential utility strategies for acquiring solar assets. Collectively, this information will be used to determine best practices and to develop guidelines for costeffectively managing this new asset typer. Impact This project will provide comprehensive assessment of the business models and practices including their associated economics being employed to integrate and use future solar PV generation connected on utility distribution systems. Issues to examine include PV integration approaches, plant operational and management practices, output variability mitigation techniques, monitoring and control methods, utility solar business model design, and the costs related to PV grid operation. How to Apply Results Participants can apply lessons-learned analysis provided by EPRI to all aspects of distributed PV asset management strategies. Subscribers will gain access to analysis and evaluation of the myriad solar business models being employed by utilities that capture multiple value streams (for example, financial, compliancerelated, and customer acquisition). Insights into the structural make-up of utility solar strategies and their policy/regulatory context will be provided. Where possible, financial implications also will be examined Products Utility Solar Business Models (USBMs): Details the diversity of innovative approaches that utilities are employing to acquire solar energy resources, providing best practices/lessons-learned examples, filing trends, a characterization of public utility commission opinions, and guidelines for thinking through core variables affecting decision making. This activity extends ongoing collaboration with the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), which has provided foundational reference documents and summaries that address utility ownership cases and other methods of acquisition. Multiple deliverables include: a periodically updated USBM program database; case studies summarizing utility PV acquisition initiatives; bulletins and briefs describing solar business model nuances and developments; and a offering long-form insights on topical findings. Quarterly Solar PV Market : Provides a snapshot of PV market information, alongside EPRI analysis, to inform about economic, policy, and technology-related developments in the segment. The updates, delivered on a quarterly basis, will synthesize data reporting collected from a variety of primary and secondary sources, highlighting specific industry issues including market outlooks, equipment cost and pricing trends, system design and efficiency advances, changes in the incentive landscape, and spotlights on potential breakthrough technologies that are likely to affect utility solar PV investment and planning efforts. Particular focus will hone in on PV s economic signposts, including changes in module, system, and interconnection/integration cost and pricing metrics. Resource Resource Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 8

9 PV Grid Penetration Benchmarking: Case Studies of Best Business Practices and Processes: Offers a case study-driven narrative of the issues shaping utility approaches for grid integrating additional penetrations of solar PV onto the distribution network. Research will document the PV grid integration processes implemented by examined utilities, detail the impact that context-specific variables (e.g., siting, grid interconnection and costs) have on utility best practices, and relate business-related outcomes and expectations. Products include a searchable database for comparing and contrasting the status, developments, and results of worldwide high-penetration solar PV project demonstrations and research activities; and a that provides descriptive analysis of PV penetration approaches from utility procedural and business perspectives. Monitoring and Reporting on Energy Storage Demonstrations: Presents summary information on all DOE- and utility-sponsored national and international energy storage demonstrations via a periodically updated database and end-of-year case studies report. To be performed jointly with EPRI s Energy Storage Program (P94), research will cover the full gamut of energy storage projects, many of which are dedicated to meeting solar grid integration objectives. Monitoring and Assessment of PV Plant Performance and Variability: Building on a white paper (EPRI ) developed in 2011 and an analysis of 1 2 megawatt PV systems in 2012, EPRI will evaluate larger central-station plants to understand how PV plant size affects output and associated cloud transient impacts. This multi-year, grid integration-focused study will utilize measured data from central-station commercial plants to ascertain the influence of various factors that affect production and output variability vis-à-vis distributed PV. Beyond analysis of performance, this research will also assess the economic implications related to varying capacity, orientation, integration, and output variability factors those issues that can affect utility business practices. Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 9

10 Supplemental Projects Demonstration of Inverters with Smart Grid Functionality (072098) Background, Objectives, and New Learnings To achieve high penetration of distributed energy resources (DER) in distribution systems, inverters need to become utility assets rather than just continuing to be negative loads relative to the feeder and end-user facilities. Approximately 67 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) is currently operating in the world mostly connected at the distribution level without actively supporting the utility grid. Many inverter manufacturers understand the potential that power electronics have for advanced grid-friendly behavior. However, these resources are limited in their practical operation due to the restrictions imposed by existing standards and practices that were designed with low-penetration levels in mind. The aim of this project is to evaluate and demonstrate the smart grid functionalities currently offered by several inverter manufacturers and applied into grid connected DER systems. Results are expected to significantly increase the understanding of how to deploy and utilize inverter-based distributed energy resources more effectively. Project Approach and Summary This project will demonstrate how DER can provide grid support functionality through the application of smart inverters. The advance functions desired from these distributed resources include one or more of the following: Autonomous and scheduled volt-var support for point of coupling active voltage regulation Fault ride-through to stay online during the transient grid disturbances, like sags and swells Extended operating voltage and frequency ranges to avoid nuisance tripping Ability to act on utility commands for connect/disconnect and real power curtailment through maximum generation level setting for distribution system asset protection This project will model and analyze each feeder and demonstration site to study the impact of adding new functionalities and in changing the penetration levels of renewable on the distribution feeder. Pre- and postdemonstration feeder simulations, and analysis will validate the system reliability and quantify the benefits of inverters with smart-grid functionalities for the specific location. Host utilities and DER plant inverter manufacturers are expected to install new smart inverters or retrofit existing units to enable desired grid support functionalities. Benefits This project will demonstrate inverters with smart-grid functionality in actual DER plants. Expected benefits include the following: Better utilization and integration of renewable resources on feeder level, which may lower environmental impact by limiting carbon emissions usually associated with generating electric energy using fossil fuels, and may help the public to meet renewable portfolio standards Identify potential for deferral of investments on capacity expansions and voltage regulation equipments, including extending life of existing switches by minimizing switching activity Enabling higher penetration of DER on the distribution feeder without significant feeder upgrades Accelerate the availability of smart inverters in the marketplace through contribution of this project to understanding the issues and in formation of better industry standards Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 10

11 Active Prevention of Unintentional Islanding for Distribution Operators (072099) Background, Objectives, and New Learnings The anti-islanding mechanisms that are currently identified for individual inverters in IEEE and UL standards are not adequate for high-penetration scenarios. As distributed generation resources become more prevalent, interactions between different inverters and the potential for generation that is closely matched to load may cause traditional anti-islanding techniques to fail. The potential is compounded by advanced inverter behaviors. The more that inverters act to stabilize system voltage and frequency around normal levels, the more inclined a system becomes toward unintentional islanding because of the system's inherent stability. This project will study and identify a workable mechanism for positive island detection, evaluate the mechanism through field trials, and provide coordination and contribution to standards organizations to accelerate the adoption of this capability. Project Approach and Summary The project will investigate the use of an always-on power-line signal that is generated at the substation and received by distributed resources to inform them that connectivity to the substation exists. The idea is that whenever the signal path is broken, whether from an opened switch or line failure, the distributed devices will be able to avoid unintentional islanding by taking appropriate action. This project is the first part of a multi-phase activity intended to lead to a uniform open standard for active prevention of unintentional islanding. The first phase will leverage existing power-line communication technologies to prototype and demonstrate to concept. It also will perform an international search for applicable technologies and intellectual property related to this application. Field evaluations will be conducted using test feeders and distributed resources that may be provided by project participants. Benefits There are a number of benefits that could be realized through this project. They include the following: A solution to unintentional islanding that may remove one key impediment to the adoption of renewable energy and storage technologies Engagement of communication providers and inverter manufacturers in implementing and evaluating a practical solution A real-world evaluation through evaluation in an actual member utility distribution system Acceleration of product availability in the marketplace through contribution to standards organizations Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 11

12 Application of DMS Control and Communication for Distributed Generation (072100) Background, Objectives, and New Learnings Approximately 20 gigawatts (GW) of distributed PV is currently operating worldwide, the vast majority without communication or manageability from the local distribution operator. The power electronics used to interface distributed resources to the grid (for example, PV inverters, battery controllers, and electric vehicle battery chargers) are generally capable of more positive interactions with grid operators. However, these resources are limited in their field usage for lack of visibility to time-varying grid requirements. This project's aim is to complete and demonstrate the end-to-end communication link between distribution operators and distributed resources in several different field applications and environments. Results are expected to directly contribute to understanding and to effective deployment and integration of future distributed energy resources. Experience gained from this project will help inform the standards-making process for more active participation of distributed energy resources. Project Approach and Summary This research project will develop a needed head-end application software that provides a human interface for the configuration, management, and monitoring of smart distributed resources. As possible, the software will draw in system status information from existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. The software will be research oriented, serving as a tool to help identify best practices for the management of smart distributed devices in coordination with existing distribution data and controls such as capacitor banks and regulators. The software will implement and utilize emerging distributed network protocol (DNP3) protocol standards, assessing the capabilities, limits, and limitations. The findings of this project and the practices identified are intended to integrate into distribution management systems (DMS) of the future at the control center or substation level. At field locations, a site controller or communication-ready inverter system will communicate using the DNP3 protocol. Standardized functions for distributed resource inverters continue to be defined on the national and international stage. These functions will be demonstrated at select field sites of participating utilities using the software tool developed in this project. This will, in effect, connect the grid operator and the distributed resource and will allow the resources to be managed in beneficial coordination with existing controls. Benefits The expected public benefits of this project may include the following: Adoption of methods developed in this project are expected to enable higher penetration of PV systems distribution, helping to meet renewable portfolio standards and lower possible carbon emissions The learning from this project will contribute to more effective operations, maintaining safety and reliability, which may enable more customers to install photovoltaic systems. Participants may benefit by gaining experience in these new methods and technologies and by understanding their applications. They include the following: Implementation experience of communication protocols expected to become industry standards Understanding the issues when interfacing existing controls with new DNP3 protocols Optimizing the utilization of distributed resources in coordination with existing controls Building internal experience with active control of distributed resources Understanding the options for harmonizing smart inverter controls with existing data and systems Integration of Distributed Renewables - Program 174 p. 12