Generator Mode (Grid-Following vs Grid-Forming)
ISO 15118-20 BPT parameter describing the inverter behavior during discharge: following the grid voltage/frequency (grid-following) or actively forming them (grid-forming).
Technical Details
GeneratorMode supports different grid-integration use cases. Grid-following aligns with typical grid-tied export; grid-forming can support islanded or microgrid scenarios but increases requirements for protection, stability control, and islanding detection.
Fleet Applications
Relevant for depots exploring backup-power or microgrid strategies: selecting converter behavior impacts grid-connection approvals, protection design, and resilience during outages.
Related Terms
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Bidirectional charging technology that enables electric vehicles to return digitally managed energy from their batteries back to the power grid during peak demand periods.
ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge)
Family of standards for high-level communication between an electric vehicle (EV) and a charging station (EVSE), enabling certificate-based "Plug & Charge" and advanced charging control (including bidirectional charging in newer editions).
Bidirectional Power Transfer (BPT)
ISO 15118 concept for charging and discharging where an EV and EVSE coordinate power flow in both directions (V2G/V2B), not just charging.
Islanding Detection (Active vs Passive)
Techniques to detect an unintentional “island” where a site keeps energizing a local grid segment after it is disconnected from the main grid.
Smart Grid
A modernized electricity grid that uses digital control and two-way communication to balance supply and demand.