Microgrids continue to transform our energy infrastructure. From utility level installations, to campus settings, to communities, microgrids continue to drive empowerment of energy consumers and resilience and security of energy resources. However, proper integration, installation, commissioning and maintenance of microgrids requires that safety be planned and implemented. This session will review the development of American and Canadian National safety standards for microgrids and distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), protocols to address interoperability of the energy assets, requirements for functional safety of software-based systems within the microgrid, compatibility with applicable codes, and requirements for safety related software updates over the life of the microgrid to support safe performance in all modes of operation. Understanding and addressing these requirements proactively is essential for safe deployment of microgrid technology.
