Types of Backfeeding
– Intentional backfeeding
– Development and economization of consumer power generation equipment
– Increase in the number of consumers that may produce more electrical power than they consume
– Excess power generated may be fed back into the electrical grid
– Electric utility providers install a specially engineered electrical meter for net metering
– Consumers become temporary producers during backfeeding
– Unintentional backfeeding
– Common source is improperly connected electrical generator
– Proper installation includes a transfer switch or generator interlock kit
– Absence of transfer switch may result in unintentional backfeeding
– Power generated from equipment can backfeed through the electrical transformer
– Transformer’s capability to operate in both directions enables unintentional backfeeding
– Intrinsic backfeeding
– Occurs when an electrical generation plant is shut down or operating at reduced capacity
– Parasitic power load becomes greater than generated power
– Parasitic load includes pumps, facility lighting, HVAC equipment, and control equipment
– Electrical utilities take steps to decrease parasitic load and minimize backfeeding
– Improving efficiency by minimizing backfeeding and reducing costs
Grid Design Considerations
– Most circuit protection and power quality control devices assume one-directional power flow
– Interconnection agreement for equipment designed to backfeed
– Engineering and specialized equipment required for proper protection
– Minimizing distributed generation capacity to less than local consumption
– Installing a reverse-power cutoff relay to prevent backfeeding
Safety and Operational Hazards
– Backfeeding involves transfer of significant amounts of energy
– Personnel must be aware of all possible power sources and follow protocols
– De-energizing equipment before commencing work or using special equipment for live equipment
– Lineworkers use temporary protective grounding assemblies to prevent energization
– Usage of equipment that defeats safety mechanisms is illegal and against electrical codes
Related Phenomenon
– Islanding, a similar phenomenon involving local generators
References
– J.W. What is Backfeeding. Electricians Library. Archived from the original on 2020-07-26.
– Vesel, Richard. Utilities Can Improve Power Plant Efficiency, Become Emission-Compliant in Short Term. Power Grid International.
– Ram, Badri; Vishwakarma, D.N. (April 2001). Power system protection and switchgear. Tata McGraw-Hill. p.456. ISBN0074623508. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backfeeding
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Backfeeding is the flow of electric power in the direction reverse to that of the generally understood or typical flow of power. Depending on the source of the power, this reverse flow may be intentional or unintentional. If not prevented (in the case of unintentional backfeeding) or properly performed (in cases of intentional backfeeding), backfeeding may present unanticipated hazards to electrical grid equipment and service personnel.
