SunSpec Modbus Network Design and Implementation

As of 2021, nearly all solar PV and energy storage inverters

Power Conversion Systems will be required to support a local communication interface complying to the SunSpec Modbus standard. This interface will allow local area communication and will facilitate connection to wide area networks using IEEE 2030.5 or IEEE 1815 protocols, thus enabling Distributed Energy Resources, including solar PV+energy storage systems and natural gas- or diesel generators, to communicate with utilities and system operators. Because this standard is new, interface software must be written for the 100’s of products that will be developed, manufactured, and interconnected during the coming decade. This course will provide software engineers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to develop this type of software, thus allowing them to contribute effectively on software engineering teams specializing in energy technology.

Course Highlights:

• SunSpec Modbus - Theory of Operation
• SunSpec Modbus device types (inverters, batteries, meters, etc.)
• Network topology and its relationship to utility operations
• Roles of SunSpec Modbus system components
• Design considerations for SunSpec Modbus
• Necessary certifications and regulatory requirements
• 2030.5 to Modbus gateways - role of gateways
• Network security considerations
• Device security considerations
• TCP/IP networking fundamentals and best practices
• S-485 Networking
• Scheduling and timing of installations
• Commissioning
• Coordination with operations team
• Additional resources, products and available solutions

Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the theory of operation of SunSpec Modbus
• Identify the various SunSpec Modbus device types (inverters, batteries, meters, etc.)
• Understand network topology and its relationship to utility operations
• Explain the roles of SunSpec Modbus system components
• Design and implement a SunSpec Modbus network
• Identify necessary certifications and regulatory requirements
• Recognize the role of gateways
• Include network and device security features
• Implement TCP/IP networking fundamentals are and best practices
• Understand RS-485 Networking
• Schedule and time installations
• Commission and coordinate with the operations team
• Select appropriate products and solutions

Course Typically Offered: TBA

Contact: For more information about this course, please email unexengr@ucsd.edu

Course Number: ECE-40310
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Communications Software Development for Distributed Energy Resources