Connection to electricity grid (injection of electricity)

This LAP deals with:
• The grid connection agreements with electricity grid operators,
• The equipment required to connect the stationary fuel cell and to inject all produced or only surplus electricity into the grid,
• The qualification requirements for professionals entitled to carry out the connection works,
• The differences in treatment between the fuel cells micro-CHP and other comparable technologies.

Glossary:

Connection of the Fuel cell to the electricity distribution network with the possibility to inject electricity produced by the fuel cell.
As explained above, there are different possibilities of connection to electricity grid (injection)
• Stand-alone (no injection)
• Sell surplus electricity to the grid
• Sell all electricity to the grid

Pan-European Assessment:

There is no common EU framework for connection of stationary fuel cells to the electricity grids. In general, the connection procedures among partner countries require the conclusion of a connection (injection) agreements with the local/ regional electricity network operator. Each network operator has a model text for connection contract and number of templates to be filled in. The connection requirements are more general for all types of power generating units and are not specified for FC micro-CHP systems. In some countries for the signing of the connection agreement it is necessary to submit quite extensive technical documentation and even to carry out a feasibility study, which may cause additional costs and delays. The time needed for signing of a grid connection agreement vary widely among the partner countries and may take up to six months. Although, this is not seen as a significant operational or economic barrier to the market entry of stationary fuel cells, there is a need to simplify the administrative procedures and to reduce and adapt the required technical documentation and possible preliminary studies.
Is it a barrier?
no
Assessment Severity
0
Assessment
In case of very small units (< 800 W) the grid operator is not obliged to install a bi-directional metering device. This fact could have an impact on the installation of fuel cells in the household sector since the "typical" electrical capacity is below or aroung 800 W.

Questions:

Question 1 Agreement required? a) From whom? b) Model text? c) How much time does it take?
a) There is a need for an agreement with the grid operator - similar to agreements necessary for the installations of PVs. A metering point is required as well. b) Model texts are available. c) The grid operator has to react within two weeks time. The de-facto connection depends on the circumstances, thus a case by case assessment is necessary. Experience indicates short "connection-periods".
Question 1 Agreement required? a - From whom?
There is a need for an agreement with the grid operator - similar to agreements necessary for the installations of PVs. A metering point is required as well.
Question 1 Agreement required? b - Model text?
Model text is available but it depends on the installed capacity. The thresholds are < 800 W; >=800 W- 3.68 kVA and > 3.68 kVA. The thresholds do have a influence on the metering deviced to be installed - if at all (for capacities < 800 W)
Question 1 Agreement required? c - How much time does it take?
c - The grid operator has to react within two weeks time. The de-facto connection depends on the circumstances, thus a case by case assessment is necessary. Experience indicates short "connection-periods".
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: a - all cases
a - There is a need for additional equipment in terms of an uncoupling provision and metering device in all cases
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: b - additional requirements in case where all produced electricity is sold (injected)
b - There is a need for additional equipment in terms of bidirectional metering devices.
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: c - additional Requirements in case when only surplus electricity is sold (injected)
c - There is a need for additional equipment in terms of bidirectional metering devices. If the electrical capacity of the fuel cell is < 800 W the grid operator is not obliged to install a bi-directional metering device. This provision could force the fuel cell operator to often turn on and switch off the fuel cell if the generated electricity can not be entirely consumed in the household. Such an operating mode could recude the life time of a fuel cell significantly.
Question 2 Requirement for additional equipment: d - additional requirements in case of self-consumption (no injection in the grid)
None. The uncoupling provision is dealt with in question 2.a
Question 3 Who can do the connection work (professional skills requirement)?
Trained electrician capable of installing a power generation unit
Question 4 Technology to be compared with: Difference of treatment between the Fuel cells and the benchmark technology.
Micro CHP; basically there is no difference except the need for a more continuous operation of the fuel cell – in comparison to a CHP
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
Micro CHP

National legislation: