Systems integration considers the relationships among electricity, thermal, and fuel systems and data and information networks to ensure optimal interoperability across the energy spectrum. The Energy Systems Integration Facility's suite of systems integration laboratories provides advanced capabilities for research, development, and demonstration of key components of future energy systems.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility allows testing of advanced power systems before interconnection with the grid.
Capability Details
Advanced research and development in this area ranges from technology innovation to electric, fuel, thermal, and water infrastructure deployment.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility offers laboratories equipped to allow researchers to:
- Interconnect energy generation and storage systems with the utility grid
- Test ultracapacitors and other energy storage technologies
- Develop, test, and prove stationary and mobile energy storage system performance
- Develop and test large-scale distributed energy system components for grid-connected, standalone, and microgrid applications
- Test large power system components such as inverters, diesel and natural gas generators, battery packs, microgrid controllers, interconnection switchgear, and vehicles
- Test megawatt-scale DC and AC power systems as well as advanced hardware-in-the-loop and model-in-the-loop simulations
- Test combined heat and power systems
- Develop and integrate smart commercial and residential energy technologies, including distributed and renewable energy resources
- Develop advanced inverters and power converters
- Test residential- and commercial-scale meter and control technologies
- Perform integrated system experiments involving building-to-grid interactions.
Research Activities
Systems integration activities that can be performed in the Energy Systems Integration Facility include:
- Demonstration of technology to control loads dynamically without affecting occupant comfort to smooth generation variability
- Demonstration of dynamic load control with energy storage
- Demonstration of the ability of renewable energy to work synergistically with natural gas generation at the local and system level
- Development of grid architectures that enable cell controllers to allow microgrids for improved reliability and security
- Linking power system controls that integrate combined heat and power applications for wind and solar energy systems to demand controls
- Use of advanced sensors and control technologies to modify high-energy, low-energy building use and campus load shapes
- Development and application of large-scale transportation system simulation scenarios highlighting options for charging, fuel flexibility, and response to events affecting availability and cost
- Development of control algorithms for power electronics to enhance grid stability and reliability with distributed resources
- Development and evaluation of advanced power system components and systems that can provide new grid services
- Development and evaluation of optimal dispatch algorithms and communication interfaces
- Testing of advanced appliances, home automation, HVAC, and energy management systems
- Study of interactions between the distribution system and residential and commercial loads
- Development of effective building control architectures, sensors, and interoperation platforms.
