The AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard introduces significant updates that impact both solar energy systems and electric vehicle (EV) integration. This new update includes important changes, particularly regarding new definitions: Inverter Power Sharing Devices (IPSD) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.

Inverter Power Sharing Devices (IPSD)

The 2024 update now defines what is an Inverter Power Sharing Devices or more commonly known as an IPSD and their role in integrated photovoltaic systems. The purpose of an IPSD is to share power from one photovoltaic system amongst several units or buildings.

Community solar installations for multi-dwelling facilities are on the rise, and this demands a proper system of power distribution. Shared IPSDs distribute all the power to users equitably, supporting fair consumption of electricity produced by solar systems. This adjustment comes in tandem with the increased employment of communal solar systems and gives way to clearer guidelines over shared resource management.

Vehicle-to-Grid Technology (V2G) in AS/NZS 4777.1: 2024

This new definition introduces better integrations of electric vehicles with the grid. It also introduces two modes of Vehicle-to-Grid technology namely:

Mode 3

This mode allows AC charging connections for bidirectional power flow. It allows the flow of energy toward and from the vehicle that helps in balancing the grid and energy usage. EV cars using Mode 3 would be inverter devices themselves, which would mean that they need to be compliant to AS4777.2, so this is unlikely to happen in teh short term.

Mode 4

DC charging – It enables fast energy transfer either from the vehicle to the grid or vice versa, therefore enhancing efficiency in the V2G system. DC chargers are generally larger and more expensive than AC chargers, however we may see more of a market for these in the future for V2G purposes.

These enhancements promote smoother integration of EVs within the energy system. It opens up new opportunities for EV owners and further stabilises the grid.