The NAEEA+ project is investigating the necessity of external grid and system protection (NA protection) for energy generation systems (EEA) in low-voltage grids, with a focus on photovoltaic inverters. Since every inverter already has an internal NA protection function, the core question of the project is whether additional external NA protection is needed.
The grid and system protection (external or internal) disconnects the power generation systems from the grid if the voltage or frequency are outside the specified characteristics over time. The correct functioning and configuration of the grid and system protection ensures that, on the one hand, the EEA are safely disconnected from the grid in the event of a local grid fault and, on the other hand, that the EEA behave correctly in the event of faults in the higher-level grid and do not disconnect “too early”.
The project consortium consists of representatives from four academic partners (ETHZ, BFH, TU Graz, FHNW), the company Kühn – Netz und Systemschutz, Swissolar, the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE), the Association of Swiss Electrical Inspectors (VSEK), 18 distribution system operators, Swissgrid and manufacturers of grid and system protection devices. In addition, the expertise of protection specialists, inverter manufacturers and specialist groups from Switzerland and abroad was obtained through meetings and training courses.
In workshops, meetings and within individual work packages, the questions regarding NA protection and the potential consequences of a malfunction were identified. In addition, surveys were conducted by VSE, Swissolar and VSEK to obtain the perspective of the industry.
The results will be taken into account in the revision of the VSE's “Industry Recommendation for Grid Connection of Energy Generation Systems to the Low-Voltage Grid NA/EEA-NE7 - CH”. The revised industry recommendation is expected to be published in spring 2025. The VSE has published a transitional regulation that is valid until then.