EPRI receives $2.2M award from NYSERDA for distributed energy system

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and its partners received a $2.2 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS).

The system is designed to mitigate potential issues caused by integrating distributed energy resources (DER) with the electric grid. EPR is spearheading the project, working with Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions, received a $2.2 million award to develop a distributed energy resource management system. The award came through NYSERDA’s Smart Grid Innovation program.

“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,” Daniel Brooks, EPRI’s vice president of integrated grid and energy systems, said. “EPRI is implementing this critical pilot program, and we are developing the requirements for technologies and protocols for DERMS to communicate with DER successfully and securely.”

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 power to customers.

“As we work to implement Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading goals, collaborative solution-based projects like this are helping New York State to advance technology needed to ensure that the electric grid has the capacity to integrate and deploy clean energy in a safe and cost-effective way,” John Lochner, NYSERDA’s vice president of innovation, said. “We are eager to learn from this research project and pilot program to further inform efforts as we ramp-up renewable energy distribution across the State.”

It includes a pilot program with Central Hudson Gas & Electric to develop a system that enables a large quantity of DER to be integrated into transmission and distribution systems.

“We’re at an exciting and critical moment as we work toward achieving New York State’s ambitious clean energy goals,” said Ryan Hawthorne, Assistant Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. “This research initiative will help overcome potential challenges with DER while also ensuring the quality and reliability of service that our customers expect.”

Schneider Electric, General Electric, and Smarter Grid Solutions each offer insights into operating experiences and best practices with DERMS, distribution management systems, and energy management systems.

EPRI is a non-profit organization that conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery, and use of electricity for the public’s benefit. EPRI is leading the industry on DERMS research and development.