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HydroVision International Open New Window
Denver, CO
July 23 – 26, 2013

HydroVision International is the premier event for hydro professionals to network, share best practices, and view the most comprehensive collection of product and service providers in the industry.

Event Hashtag: #HydroVisionIntl
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Distributed Electricity Resources

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Distributed electricity resources are smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power necessary to meet regular demand. As the electricity grid continues to modernize, distributed electricity resources such as storage and advanced renewable technologies can help facilitate the transition to a smarter grid.

Deploying distributed electricity resources in a widespread, efficient and cost-effective manner requires complex integration with the existing electricity grid. Research can identify and resolve the challenges of integration, facilitating a smoother transition for the electricity industry and their customers into the next age of electricity infrastructure.

 
 
 

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For more information please contact:

Don Kintner
Communications Manager
Phone: 704-595-2506
Email: dkintner@epri.com
Featured Research Energy Storage Renewable Integration Demand Response Resources

Lithium-ion Energy Storage System Demonstration: Phase II

A global scale-up of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for electric transportation could enable cost-effective energy storage systems for utility use in the near term. This potential is driven by unique advantages of Li-ion technology and the overlapping requirements for low-cost, long-life, and high energy density shared by stationary grid energy storage applications and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The expected rapid scale-up of PEV battery production, in an effort to meet the demand of mass-produced electric vehicles, may also lead to significant performance and cost improvements.

EPRI is currently in the second phase of a demonstration and test of 1 MW and 2 MWh class grid-scale energy storage systems, establishing a technical and economic foundation for future electric grid deployments in Li-ion technology. These activities are expected to generate significant knowledge and improve the understanding of the performance characteristics and grid reliability impacts of Li-ion batteries, as well as electricity market efficiency improvements. The demo is testing various applications such as peak load management and renewable generation integration—specifications that are the first of its kind, having not been previously evaluated.

Energy storage technologies can be utilized as an effective resource to add stability, control and reliability to the electric grid. Historically, use of storage technologies has been limited by a lack of cost-effective options when compared to cheaper sources of power, like fossil fuels. However, the recent availability of lower-cost, longer-lived storage technologies as well as evolving economies for traditional transportation and grid technologies has once again made storage an attractive option.

Since wind and solar energy resources are intermittent by nature, energy storage technologies can provide necessary power during low generation periods to help keep the system stable. EPRI’s research analyzes how storage technologies’ costs can be decreased through manufacturing-scale experiences and lead to increased storage deployment and newer technologies that maximize opportunities for the industry and society.

 

Integrating distributed renewable generation resources such as solar and wind into the electric grid poses a number of challenges for the electricity industry. Utilities face various generator sizes, connection points and electronic interfaces that add complexity to keeping the system stable. This includes cases of relatively high penetration of power from these resources on existing distribution systems.

EPRI research addresses these challenges by assessing feeder impacts, inverter interface devices, analytics, studies, monitoring, special applications, and developing strategies related to future business impacts. A primary objective is to expand utility hands-on knowledge to monetize the cost and value of distributed renewable generation without reducing distribution safety, reliability, or asset utilization effectiveness.

 

Demand response is a term that describes how distributed electricity can be managed during critical times through the use of signals. EPRI is assessing, testing, and demonstrating the application of technologies in integrated energy management control systems, linking smart thermostats, lighting controls, and other load-control technology with smart end-use devices to enable more sophisticated and effective demand response approaches in homes and buildings. Our research also offers our members an opportunity to work collaboratively with other utilities, government agencies, and manufacturers to define the requirements of end-use devices that are designed to be “out of the box-ready,” creating the potential for dramatic operational and cost benefits.