Grid-Supportive End-Use Electronics

Lead Performer: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Golden, CO
DOE Total Funding: $100,000
Project Term: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023
Funding Type: AOP Project (Direct-Funded Lab Project)

Project Objective

This project is focused on investigating the use of grid-supportive loads (GSLs) in power systems. GSLs are power electronics-based residential and commercial loads (e.g., electric vehicles chargers, HVAC equipment, modern refrigerators, and other appliances) that act as active participants in maintaining the dynamic stability of the grid. As synchronous machines are replaced by power electronics-based generation (such as PV and wind) and energy storage, the more difficult it becomes to maintain system stability and reliability expectations. The dynamic response of the grid can be improved by incorporating autonomous controls for fast frequency response in loads, which enables more integration of renewable generation resources. Previous work from this project has shown the theoretical benefits of GSLs on grid stability, the technical and economic potential of GSLs, and considerations for implementation in real products and markets.

Project Impact

This project will define a pathway for grid-supportive load implementation that is verified by hardware testing and informed by feedback from a diverse set of industry stakeholders.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Wyatt Merrill
Lead Performer: Michael Blonsky, National Renewable Energy Laboratory