GE, Schneider Electric part of group developing smart grid solution
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) plans to develop a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS).
Image for illustration purposes
USA, Washington DC: The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) plans to develop a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS).
EPRI, along with Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions, received a $2.2 M award to develop a system for mitigation of potential issues caused by integrating distributed energy resources (DER) with the electric grid.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded the funding through its Smart Grid Innovation program, as part of New York State’s overall strategy to achieve Governor Cuomo’s goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040. The project includes a pilot program deployed with Central Hudson Gas & Electric to develop and demonstrate a scalable system that enables a large quantity of DER to be integrated into transmission and distribution systems.
“EPRI is proud to spearhead this effort to develop a control framework for utilities to manage challenges brought on by integrating high amounts of DER,” said Daniel Brooks, EPRI’s vice president of Integrated Grid and Energy Systems.
Research seeks to address potential challenges to integrating more DER into the electric grid, such power quality challenges, overload to distribution and transmission grid components, and over-voltages. The project will also demonstrate how DERMS can be integrated with existing utility back office systems. The results will help utilities integrate higher capacities of renewable energy resources while ensuring reliable, safe, and affordable power to customers.
The three companies—Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions—offer insights into operating experiences and best practices with DERMS, distribution management systems, and energy management systems.
EPRI will extend participation in this initiative to other utilities with the introduction of a new supplemental project designed to help set a repeatable framework for utilities to handle operational challenges of integrating DER actively using the new DERMS technology.
Source: Diesel and Gas Turbine Worldwide