Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Concerns for Distributed Generation Technologies

Philip Keebler, Kermit Phipps, Bill Howe, EPRI Solutions, United States

Significant energy performance and power quality testing has been conducted on distributed resource (DR) technologies to determine energy efficiency and susceptibility and immunity to power line disturbances. However, comparatively little electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing has been conducted to address radiated and conducted emissions and immunity performance. DR technologies contain significant power electronic devices for the purposes of DR control and energy conversion. Such devices generate both radiated and conducted emissions into nearby environments where DR technologies may be installed, and are themselves susceptible to such emissions from the outside environment. This article will address the various types of emissions that various DR technologies can generate, and examine ways to reduce the levels of these emissions and enhance EMC immunity levels associated with DR technologies.