Distributed energy resources (DER) will alter the fundamental operating characteristics of the electric grid, transforming it from a one-way central supply structure to one that has bidirectional power flows. Now is the time to learn how to integrate and manage DERs in your distribution system with a learning opportunity offered to TVPPA members through our partnership with TVA.

As a member of Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)’s GridEd project which seeks to educate the next generation of power engineers and data scientists, TVA can offer a designated number of prepaid seats to EPRI educational courses. Through prioritization of TVPPA’s Research & Development Committee, TVA is offering seats to EPRI’s Distributed Energy Resources Course to TVPPA members.

This 16-hour short course includes discussion of key issues that arise when inverter-interfaced DER are added to radial distribution systems and followed by exercises on specific issues.

Key topics in this course include:

  • Typical radial distribution design
  • Voltage rise/drop due to DER
  • Primary and secondary voltage regulation
  • Smart Inverter functions and settings modeling for voltage regulation
  • Fundamentals of hosting capacity
  • Grounding and fundamental frequency temporary overvoltage (TOV)
  • Fault performance and protection
  • Emerging DER management schemes
  • Key integration considerations

Offered in a web-based format, the course schedule is broken down into 8 sessions (120 minutes each) over a 4-week period. Additionally, this course involves several case studies based on the open-source software OpenDSS. Access to an OpenDSS tutorial will be provided as part of this course and no previous experience with this software is needed.

Week 1: October 5, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET – October 8, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET

Week 2:  October 12, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET – October 14, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET

Week 3:  October 19, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET – October 21, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET

Week 4:  October 26, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET – October 28, 2021 from 2:30pm-4:30pm ET

TVA has secured prepaid seats for its local power companies to attend this course. Seating is limited and will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in participating in this upcoming learning opportunity, please send an email to research@tva.gov.