Implementation of SunSpec Modbus

Course Description:

SunSpec Modbus™ is a set of data models and a communication protocol that is used in electric energy generation and storage applications for in-plant, component-level, monitoring and control.

In May of 2020, IEEE 1547.1-2020, the U.S. national standard for Distributed Energy Resources (DER), a term that encompasses solar PV, energy storage and other types of energy generation equipment, was officially published. This standard requires that every DER system support at least one of three possible communication interfaces to IEEE 1547 electrical functions. Standard interface options include SunSpec Modbus, IEEE 2030.5, and IEEE 1815. Products with this capability are expected to come to market over the coming one to two years and be deployed over the coming decade.

SunSpec Modbus is expected to be present in the vast majority of new DER equipment. Correspondingly, the growth in demand for individuals with SunSpec Modbus skills is expected to dramatically outstrip supply in the near term.

This course is intended for software developers, implementers of DER networking solutions, and others involved in DER manufacturing, operations, and support. Those seeking employment in this field as well as those seeking to increase their knowledge will benefit from this course. Students with prior knowledge of data communication, industrial networking, and software development will benefit most. In addition to credit from UC San Diego Extension, those seeking NABCEP certification will receive NABCEP credit. Military Veterans and other matriculants qualify to participate in a job placement program that is run by the SunSpec Alliance and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Course Highlights:

• SunSpec Modbus theory of operations
• The SunSpec Modbus interface for IEEE 1547 functions
• How the SunSpec Modbus interface for IEEE 1547 functions and interacts with SunSpec Modbus energy storage models in energy storage systems
• Comparer SunSpec Modbus 700 series models to 100 series models
• SunSpec Modbus modeling techniques
• Vendor-specific SunSpec Models
• How to implement SunSpec Modbus in a DER device
• Working with Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories for functional safety and communication testing
• System design, commissioning and troubleshooting considerations
• Long-term operational- and supply chain considerations of SunSpec Modbus solutions

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will understand:

• The fundamentals of the Modbus protocol, including Modbus/RTU and Modbus/TCP variants
• The theory of operation of SunSpec Modbus including protocol fundamentals, system architecture, register maps, discovery techniques, and supported information model types
• Comparative advantages of SunSpec Modbus, IEEE 2030.5 and IEEE 1815
• How SunSpec Modbus inter operates with IEEE 2030.5 and IEEE 1815 in gateway applications
• Available open source libraries for SunSpec Modbus development
• Cybersecurity considerations
• Testing, certification and marking considerations
• SunSpec Modbus solutions in the market today