Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar PV to Transmission
About this course
This course will be submitted to IEEE for qualifying for CEUs.
For those without a working knowledge of transmission systems, it is strongly recommended to first take the "Introduction to Transmission Systems" course. If you are interested in both courses, you can purchase the Electric Transmission and Solar PV Interconnection Bundle for a discounted-price. Either course may also be taken separately.
Finding concise and timely training and resources on solar PV interconnection to transmission is typically difficult and very time-consuming. The topic is quite broad, covering transmission systems and electric power equipment, transmission operators interconnection procedures and requirements, specialized system studies, and solar PV interconnection equipment and control. In addition, the technology and the processes are constantly changing.
It also covers the very-involved and often difficult-to-understand generator interconnection requirements, processes, and terminology of transmission operators.
What You Get
This course has been designed so that you will:
- Get a thorough understanding of the considerations and criteria for successful interconnections of utility-scale solar PV to transmission
- Become conversant in the language and concepts of transmission system interconnections, and have better conversations during solar PV project development and execution
- Become more valuable to your organization, and enhance your career progression in the connection of utility-scale solar PV to transmission
What You Can Expect
Due to the nature of the subject, the material in this course is a mix of technical and non-technical content. It is recognized that not everyone taking this course will be an electric power engineer, and the material was developed to accommodate that and still provide meaningful content. At any point, you are free to request more material on the background of this course, and we will do our best to help you out. Also, see the note at the top of this page regarding bundling this course with the "Introduction to Transmission Systems" course.
Non-technical topics include roles of industry participants, interconnection processes and queues, and current interconnection issues and reforms. Technical topics include electric power concepts, equipment, applications, and power system studies.
Visual Learning
Extensive use of graphics is used in the instructional videos, and you can download a copy of all class material for future use.
Tim is readily available through the class discussion board.
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This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
5 modules • 13 assignments
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Presentation/Lecture Materials
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Solar PV Interconnection to Transmission - Current State and Challenges
In this module, generation interconnection to transmission is introduced. We look at the current state of interconnections, trends, and challenges. We discuss the goals of successful interconnections from the perspectives of generation developers/owners and from transmission owners and ISOs. We go over the important role that FERC plays in generator interconnection to transmission. We briefly look at OATT (Open Access Transmission Tariffs) and their role in generator interconnection. We also have a look at the most significant NERC federal regulations pertaining to generator interconnections.
- Glossary of Terms Used in NERC Reliability Standards (.pdf)
- MORE ASSIGNMENTS ARE BEING ADDED
Module 2 • 1 assignments
Processes for Generator Interconnection to Transmission
In this module we take a look at processes for generator interconnection to transmission. We step through typical generator interconnection processes and the steps in the processes. We look at how interconnection queues operate, and and differences between "First Come, First Served" and "First Ready, First Served". We look at the difference between ERIS (Energy Resource Interconnection Service) and NRIS (Network Resource Interconnection Service). We also go through typical Generator Interconnection requirements.
- MORE ASSIGNMENTS ARE BEING ADDED
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Technical Studies for Generator Interconnection to Transmission
For each proposed generator interconnection, the transmission provider (or designated consultant) performs a series of studies, which are typically called Feasibility Study, System Impact Study, and Facilities Study, which are performed in this order in the interconnection process. We take a look at these studies, data requirements, what they entail, and what their results are. We discuss the different types of studies, including frequency-domain power flow, short-circuit, and transient stability. We also look at the emerging requirements for EMT (Electromagnetic Transient) time-domain simulations, the reasons why they are being requested, and how they impact the generator interconnection process. We look at example reports from actual studies, and discuss their meaning. Affected system studies are described. Finally, we take a brief look at cost allocation for transmission system upgrades driven by generator interconnection.
- RTDS - Real Time Digital Simulator for EMT Models (.pdf)
- MORE ASSIGNMENTS ARE BEING ADDED
Module 4 • 1 assignments
Principal Interconnection Equipment
Connecting a new generating facility to transmission requires a set of equipment that must be highly-engineered with one another, as well as the transmission system. In this module, we look at that interconnection equipment, from the inverters to the transmission POI (Point of Interconnection), including cables, switches, overhead lines, underground cables, circuit breakers, protective relaying, substation automation, and communications equipment. We also discuss how this equipment is engineered as a system, and the different architectures that can be used to connect a generating facility to transmission.
- MORE ASSIGNMENTS ARE BEING ADDED
Module 5 • 0 assignments
Interconnection Monitoring, Control, and Protection
In this module, we take a look at monitoring, control, and protection of the interconnection. We go over NERC standards that define requirements in this area, and requirements that ISOs/RTOs and Transmission Operators may have. We look at the roles of the power plant controller and the inverter control in the interconnection. We also look at protective relaying and disturbance reporting on transmission systems.
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Instructor
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Tim Taylor
Owner and Managing Director, Electric Distribution AcademyTim is Owner and Managing Director of Electric Distribution Academy and has over 30 years of experience in distribution system engineering. He’s led and participated in many projects with many North American utilities and has also worked in Europe and Latin American. In addition to papers, articles, and conference presentations, he has served as an instructor for... Learn more