Electronics > Power/Renewable Energy/EV's

Islanding and regulations.

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paulca:
I regret going looking for this now.
https://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2021/84-march-2021/island-mode-earthing-arrangements-new-guidance-in-the-second-edition-of-the-iet-code-of-practice-on-electrical-energy-storage-systems/

The concern is the definition of the BS standard.



PEI.  Prosumer Electrical Installation.

They stipulate that it includes any local power supply and/or energy storage that supplies local devices whether or not it is connected to any public distribution network.

I have not read the full article yet, but I am dearly hoping that these PEI anti-islanding and other BS regulations are not now applying to any and all solar+energy storage, regardless of voltage or whether it is grid tie or not, may actually require anti-islanding equipment.

I could see the UK being the way they are about electrical safety to do something like this.  It could, at it's extreme mean, even a completely DIY solar panel in the garden running a 12VDC system may actually need to adhere to ITE/BS and "prosumer" electrical standards, including certification for anti-islanding.  That would be taking the concern away from the individual as to whether their particular DIY islanding system is or is not safe for the electrical line workers in the area.  Such regulations, if/when the surface for a home owner can get really expensive.  If building control flag a DIY solar panel on a garage roof as requiring PEI anti-islanding certification, that could really ruin your day or cost you a lot of money.

paulca:
What I am hoping however is that this is just for "Profressional installers" such that (1) they do it correctly to standard when they do it and (2) when doing an inspection, including of DIY consumer/prosumer installation that they can correctly flag "concerns" with the installation in relation to regulations.

These often happen with inspections and tests for house electrics, problems are found that if they were to be done today would be done differently.  Things that were done DIY that if there were ever to be touched by a profressional would be redone entirely, but... importantly, the house can still "pass" the electrical standards with such "observations".

I hope this doesn't go further than that.

I do understand though.  If an electrician performs such an assessment AND flags an installation as having a concern AND it was DIY AND it later burns you house down, the insurance company will absolutely use it to pass some liability to you.

NiHaoMike:
I suspect the "anti islanding equipment" could be as simple as a transfer switch. The key point is that they don't want someone just hotwiring into an existing circuit, with the chance that it might get connected to the mains later on by someone not aware of that arrangement.

paulca:

--- Quote from: NiHaoMike on March 23, 2023, 02:00:02 pm ---I suspect the "anti islanding equipment" could be as simple as a transfer switch. The key point is that they don't want someone just hotwiring into an existing circuit, with the chance that it might get connected to the mains later on by someone not aware of that arrangement.

--- End quote ---

Yes.  As long as it remains that "simple" and the "certification" requirements are just that a spark looks at it and says, "Yes, it has a transfer/grid/island isolator".

Its just that BS (British Standard) is a synonym for "Generate work for the civil service and money for the electrical contractors, but screw the consumer"

Consider, on topic, if I want to buy a 2kW hybrid PEI grid-tie invertor system AND have it legally connected to the grid, I have to buy equipment that is (a) pre-certified, (b) I can find a certified installer to install it, (c) I take care of all the building regulations and everything else, all at my cost.

A 2kW off-grid DIY pro-sumer inverter is about £500.  Even going to the "brand names" like Victron etc.

A 2kW on-grid/hybrid pro-sumer inverter is about £3000.  That £2500 is what British standards do to equipment.  Getting those certificates is NOT at all cheap.  So the gear that comes with those documents is 3 to 10 times the price.

The various electrical institutions will see this one way and only one way.  Business.  Work.  Good for the trade.

jonpaul:
Solar connection anti islanding is a safety critical utility requirement everywhere.

If a backup or solar generation mains 240V is connected to the utility line, that line is,live,even if,the utilitie disconnected for maintenance or there isa power outage.

The utilities workers can be killed ( on a supposed,un energized line)'by a distribution transformer, (12kV pri) energized on secondary side by the backup power source.

Very severe criminal and insurance repercussions.

Thus, commercial solar and backup generator /battery installations must have anti islanding protection.

Neither the utility nor the local building / permit inspectors can approve a non compliance connection

Consult a local liscenced electrician and your town's building permit departmental before proceeding

See the professional electrical forums and Mike Holt.com for solar / backup anti islanding regulations and devices.


Bon chance

Jon

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