The system for distributed energy resources testing according to the IEEE 1547-2018 standard

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a new approach to testing distributed energy resources (DERs) in compliance with the IEEE 1547-2018 standard and describes a new, integrated testing and validation system. Design/methodology/approachThe system is built on the virtual instrumentation paradigm, using acquisition modules to measure physical quantities, while signal processing, including intensive calculations of required parameters, data processing, manipulation and reporting are performed on a computing device. FindingsIntensive laboratory measurements were performed on a laboratory prototype of a microgrid that emulates DERs. The results obtained using the system described were compared with the measurements obtained by the reference instruments. As all the results match, the usability of the system was verified. Practical implicationsThis approach to the realization of the testing and validation system has obvious advantages compared to the classical instruments and provides significant flexibility in multiple aspects. First, the system described integrates all the functions of different instruments into one measuring system, making the entire testing and validation process significantly cheaper and faster. Second, the implementation of the system is possible on different computing platforms depending on specific needs. Third, the software implementation of the system functions enables simple upgrading and the introduction of new functions or changes to existing ones according to changes in the standard. Finally, the system described is designed to automatically provide reports on compliance with the standard. Originality/valueThis paper emphasizes the advantages of the proposed approach over classical testing. The value of the paper is reflected in the applicability and practical implications of the proposed and described hardware and software technical solutions.