IREM has obtained CEI 0-21 certification for the generation units composed of hydroelectric turbine + grid parallel switchboard, passing all the required tests, carried out by an accredited laboratory.
IREM is now able to offer Generation Units compliant with CEI 0-21 , thus avoiding expensive and complicated commissioning tests for its customers.
The standard establishes that in order to obtain certification, rotating generators must be subjected to “tests carried out by accredited laboratories”, and specifies that such tests must be carried out on the Generation Unit defined in the following main components:
“…Generator, Generator voltage regulator (not applicable for asynchronous generators), Prime mover, Prime mover control system, Any additional systems for controlling reactive power…” (See Bter.1 execution of tests)
IREM has performed and passed all the tests required by the standard, carrying out the set of field tests. Thanks to the characteristics of its production system, the standardization processes and the highly industrialized product, IREM is able to offer CEI 0-21 compliant generation units composed of TPA model turbines and QPR model switchboards of size up to 200 kw.
Unlike other technologies where the generating units can be tested in the laboratory, tests applied to hydroelectric power require a site with motive water.
The IREM solution allows to avoid significant commissioning tests on the plant built. The extreme complexity of the necessary tests, the high costs of implementation, the probable risks of failure, make such commissioning tests difficult to sustain for investors in the mini-hydroelectric field.
REGULATORY CONTEXT
CEI 0-21 is the reference standard for the connection of renewable energy production plants to the low voltage grid. It defines the characteristics and performances that generation units (also called generators or generation groups) connected to the low voltage grid must have, regardless of the technology (photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric, gas turbines, etc.).
Current standard in force: CEI 0-21 + V1 2022-11 + V2 2024-01 + V2/EC 2024-03: “Technical reference rule for the connection of active and passive users to the LV networks of electricity distribution companies”.
CEI 0-21 is the implementation of COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/631 of 14 April 2016 which establishes a network code relating to the requirements for the connection of generators to the network.
