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Resilient Alaskan Distribution system Improvements using Automation, Network analysis, Control, and Energy storage (RADIANCE)
Lead Companies
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Lead Researcher (s)
- Tamara Becejac, PNNL
- Sigifredo Gonzalez, SNL
This project aims to perform a full-scale regional deployment of advanced technologies and methods for resiliency-enhanced operation of regional distribution grid in the City of Cordova, AK under harsh weather, cyber-threats, and dynamic grid conditions. PNNL will lead the efforts for design, analysis and evaluation of communication networks, fault propagation, interoperability and communication protocols, including IEC 61850 (and associated standard IEC 62351), for loosely- and tightly-networked microgrids. PNNL’s expertise in advanced sensors such as micro-PMUs will be utilized in the project and aspects related to optimal placement of sensors in Cordova grid will be addressed in collaboration with SNL’s efforts for microgrid design and INL’s real-time CHIL and cyber-testing.
Technology Application
Physical & Cyber Security, Small or Non Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Technology
Research Sub-Category
Future Grid
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
Expected 2022
- Small or Non Conventional Hydro
Small Hydro Interconnection Benchmarking
Lead Companies
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Lead Researcher (s)
- Travis Douville
Deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) has increased in recent years and is anticipated to continue growing in the future. Small hydropower is one of the DERs that is projected to rise, and as this resource grows there is a need for utilities and regulators to consider interconnecting them to the main grid. Connecting DERS to the grid may allow utilities to better manage peak demand, avoid transmission overloads and keep electricity flowing to the customers. An emerging application for renewable DERs is resilience – providing power if a site loses grid electricity. Although these upgrades have the potential to improve resilience, a barrier to their execution are distribution and transmission interconnection processes which have been described as prolonged, opaque, and inconsistent by applicants. On the other hand, utility owners have struggled to understand how to limit strains on both the distribution and transmission grid. To address this gap, a national dataset was developed to summarize different cost drivers and required work that are associated with hydropower projects. This study aims to build a shared understanding that will enhance project selection, limit stranded costs, and benefit interconnection customers as well as the system operators, and ultimately energy consumers. The focus of this study is to find trends within three major queue owners, PJM, PacifiCorp, and Idaho Power Company (IPC) and investigate how network upgrades associated with conductoring, line protection and control, substation modification and construction, and communication infrastructure have an effect on project timeline and cost. This will also help up compare the three different queues and analyze the trends within each one.
Technology Application
Small or Non Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Interconnect Integration and Markets
Research Sub-Category
Future Grid
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
TBD
- Small or Non Conventional Hydro
Standard Modular Hydropower Technology Acceleration
Lead Companies
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Lead Researcher (s)
- Scott DeNeale (denealest@ornl.gov)
Currently, small hydropower development is a complex and uncertain undertaking, with design engineering, construction, equipment selection, environmental impact mitigation strategies, and total installed costs driven by site-specific considerations. Given existing technologies, there are limited opportunities for new, affordable hydropower growth. To address these challenges, the Standard Modular Hydropower (SMH) Technology Acceleration project defines standardization, modularity, and environmental compatibility as three enabling principles of a low-cost, environmentally sustainable hydropower growth strategy. SMH poses the question: Can we develop low-cost, modular, replicable hydropower facilities that preserve or enhance river function? The project takes multiple research approaches for promoting SMH technology acceleration, as evidenced in its two core research tasks: Module Research & Development, and SMH Facility Research & Development. Together, the associated research activities aim to enable the design and development of new SMH technologies for both existing water infrastructure and new stream-reach development.
Technology Application
Small or Non Conventional Hydro
Research Category
Technology
Research Sub-Category
Status
ongoing
Completion Date
TBD
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Contact Marla Barnes at: marla@hydro.org