Distributed Energy Resources Interoperability Profile Template

Climate change has necessitated the development and widespread integration of renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) of differing sizes and varieties at all levels of the electric power grid. Successful DER integration depends upon the ability of devices from different manufacturers to interoperate.

This report develops and implements an Interoperability Profile Template to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) into electric power systems.

Key Takeaways:

• Climate change has necessitated the development and widespread integration of renewable distributed energy resources (DERS) of differing sizes and varieties at all levels of the electric power grid.
• DER integration depends upon the ability of devices from different manufacturers to interoperate. Challenges remain regarding the implementation of protection, automation, and control systems using communications technologies and communication protocols.

Figure 1: Generic Interoperability Profile Template Development Process

A profile is a valuable tool in achieving system interoperability, ensuring different devices can understand each other while exchanging messages over different interfaces.

To learn more, complete the form to download the report.

Authors:

Aaron Smallwood, Vice President, Research & Industry Strategies, Smart Electric Power Alliance
Dr. Alex Apostolov, Consultant, ESTA International
Christoph Brunner, Consultant, ESTA International
Cuong Nguyen, Manager Industry Affairs and Standards, ABB E-mobility
Ron Cunningham, Enterprise Architect, American Electric Power (AEP)
Rosanna Kallio, Senior Engineer II, Consumers Energy
Dr. Stuart Borlase, Principal Consultant, ESTA International
Yashar Kenarangui, Principal Engineer, Xcel Energy