PD IEC TS 63217:2021 Utility-interconnected Photovoltaic Inverters

Standard Number: PD IEC TS 63217:2021

Pages: 26

Released: 2021-12-13

ISBN: 978 0 539 15509 9

Name: Utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters. Test procedure for over voltage ride-through measurements

Status: Standard

Overview

The PD IEC TS 63217:2021 is a comprehensive standard that provides a detailed test procedure for over voltage ride-through (OVRT) measurements in utility-interconnected photovoltaic (PV) inverters. Released on December 13, 2021, this standard is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of PV inverters when they are connected to utility grids.

Key Features

• Standard Number: PD IEC TS 63217:2021
• Pages: 26
• Release Date: December 13, 2021
• ISBN: 978 0 539 15509 9
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Important

As the adoption of renewable energy sources continues to grow, the integration of photovoltaic systems into utility grids has become increasingly common. However, this integration comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of voltage stability and safety. The PD IEC TS 63217:2021 standard addresses these challenges by providing a rigorous test procedure for OVRT measurements.

Over voltage ride-through capability is crucial for PV inverters as it ensures that they can withstand and operate correctly during voltage spikes. This capability is essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of the electrical grid, especially during transient events such as lightning strikes or sudden load changes.

Detailed Test Procedure

The standard outlines a detailed test procedure that includes:

• Preparation and setup of the test environment
• Specific test conditions and parameters
• Step-by-step instructions for conducting the OVRT test
• Criteria for evaluating the performance of the PV inverter

By following this standardized procedure, manufacturers and testing laboratories can ensure that their PV inverters meet the necessary OVRT requirements, thereby enhancing their reliability and safety.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The PD IEC TS 63217:2021 standard is designed for a wide range of stakeholders in the photovoltaic industry, including:

• PV inverter manufacturers
• Testing laboratories
• Utility companies
• Regulatory bodies
• Renewable energy consultants

By adhering to this standard, these stakeholders can ensure that their PV inverters are capable of handling over voltage conditions, thereby contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the electrical grid.

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with the PD IEC TS 63217:2021 standard offers several benefits, including:

• Enhanced Reliability: Ensures that PV inverters can operate correctly during voltage spikes, reducing the risk of failures and outages.
• Improved Safety: Minimizes the risk of damage to the PV inverter and other connected equipment, enhancing overall system safety.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers and utility companies meet regulatory requirements for grid-connected PV systems.
• Market Acceptance: Products that comply with this standard are more likely to be accepted by utility companies and other stakeholders, increasing market opportunities.

Conclusion

The PD IEC TS 63217:2021 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the design, testing, and deployment of utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters. By providing a detailed test procedure for over voltage ride-through measurements, this standard helps ensure the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of PV inverters, thereby contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the electrical grid.

Whether you are a manufacturer, testing laboratory, utility company, or regulatory body, adhering to this standard will help you achieve the highest levels of performance and safety for your PV inverters.

PD IEC TS 63217:2021

This standard PD IEC TS 63217:2021 Utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters. Test procedure for over voltage ride-through measurements is classified in these ICS categories:

• 27.160 Solar energy engineering

This document provides a test procedure for evaluating the performance of Over Voltage Ride-Through (OVRT) functions in inverters used in utility-interconnected photovoltaic (PV) systems.

This document is most applicable to large systems where PV inverters are connected to utility high voltage (HV) distribution systems. However, the applicable procedures may also be used for low voltage (LV) installations in locations where evolving OVRT requirements include such installations, e.g. single-phase or 3-phase systems.

Fundamentally, the assessed OVRT performance is valid only for the specific configuration and operational mode of the inverter under test. Separate assessment is required for the inverter in other factory or user-settable configurations, as these may cause the inverter OVRT response to behave differently.

The measurement procedures are designed to be as non-site-specific as possible, so that OVRT characteristics measured at one test site, for example, can also be considered valid at other sites.

This document is for testing of PV inverters, though it contains information that may also be useful for testing of a complete PV power plant consisting of multiple inverters connected at a single point to the utility grid. It further provides a basis for utility-interconnected PV inverters numerical simulation and model validation.