© 2011 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Emerging Implications of DC Power & Energy Storage Ken Boyce NFPA Alternative Energy Technologies and Electrical Safety Standards Symposium December 2011

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 2

Trends and drivers Energy volatility Increased demand for control Reduced environmental impact New technologies Pricing Energy efficiency 3

Energy is the currency of the future The intersection of technology and our changing world gives us both challenges and opportunities 4

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 5

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. 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

Requirements for PV arc-fault protection devices 10

ANSI standards for wind turbines 11

Development of the ANSI standard for electric vehicle batteries 12

Requirements for low-voltage DC appliance connectors 13 Source: The Green Grid

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

Thank you. Ken Boyce UL Principal Engineer Manager - Energy