© 2011 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Emerging Implications of DC Power & Energy Storage

Ken Boyce

NFPA Alternative Energy Technologies and Electrical Safety Standards Symposium

December 2011

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The dynamic nature of energy

• More distributed generation such as solar & wind power

• Emergence of the Smart Grid & microgrids

• Mass deployment of electric vehicles

• Increased interest in low voltage DC distribution

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Trends and driversEnergy volatility

Increased demand for control

Reduced environmental impact

New technologies

Pricing

Energy efficiency

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Energy is the currency of the future

The intersection of technology and our changing world gives us both challenges and opportunities

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Opportunities

Alternative energies give us the chance to:

• Build an energy infrastructure more in line with societal values

• Increase benefits to the public – ease of use, global compatibility, etc.

• Make the most impactful use of emerging technologies

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Challenges

Alternative energies require that we must:

• Understand the implications of new technologies and systems

• Holistically address interoperability and performance

• Make systems beneficial to users; and• Assure a safe, sustainable deployment for

all – consumers, users, professionals, first responders, etc.

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The role of Codes and Standards

Model codes and product standards:

• Provide a baseline for product features and characteristics

• Allow for standardized expectations and properties

• Promote acceptance of products and systems within the market

• Generate a platform for harmonization

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UL Standards

UL has written over 30 standards in the last two years to cover electrical alternative energy products

UL has numerous standards projects, harmonization projects, Technical Committee work and research projects underway in this sector

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Product Standards

Product standards need to be developed where they do not exist

Existing standards need to be updated to reflect new technologies and/or new uses

Standards need to reflect learnings from the field as products are deployed, and used and misused

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Requirements for PV arc-fault protection devices

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ANSI standards for wind turbines

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Development of the ANSI standard for electric vehicle batteries

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Requirements for low-voltage DC appliance connectors

Source: The Green Grid

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What’s next?

Much work has been done, but some issues will require further attention:

• Form factors and interoperability issues

• Home & community energy storage systems

• Implications of V2G, V2H power from EVs

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What’s next?

• Staying ahead of new energy storage technologies, with new benefits and potential hazards

• Increased understanding of material responses to DC arcing

• Trends to increased voltages as a way to promote energy transfer

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What’s next?

• Repurposing of equipment like batteries for second life in different applications

• Understanding and predicting consumer behavior as it relates to new alternative energy products & systems

• Implications of accumulated storage products

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Conclusion

• Development of alternative energy products is extremely dynamic

• The codes and standards community has been diligent in anticipating, researching, and addressing alternative energy technologies

• Continued effort in the technical community is needed to support safe deployments

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Thank you.

Ken Boyce

UL

Principal Engineer Manager - Energy

Kenneth.p.boyce@ul.com

847.664.2318