This activity focuses on assessing distributed energy solutions in response to resilience events, such as hurricanes. The goal is to understand site-specific conditions, facilitate a systematic assessment, and conceptualize solutions.

Specific activities include:

Microgrid Design Modeling, Analysis, and Plan Review

SNL and ANL are collaborating to support DOE efforts to develop technical capacities to ensure that funded recovery actions adhere to industry best practices for the implementation of resiliency enhancing microgrids.

ANL is equipping local Puerto Rico stakeholders with actionable dependency analyses of electricity infrastructure that may shape options, prioritize strategies, and drive decisions related to energy-focused recovery investments—and the planning and implementation of microgrids.

SNL is utilizing existing mature toolsets and previous involvement in planning and modeling microgrids in Puerto Rico and other demonstration projects to support selected microgrid sites. They are developing microgrid designs that enhance resiliency but also achieve fuel savings and minimize renewable energy curtailment.

Resilient Design Solutions for Electrically Vulnerable Areas

SNL is creating an electric infrastructure hazard map that highlights vulnerable power delivery infrastructure. SNL is also developing and testing an inexpensive dynamic microgrid methodology that supports critical loads during an extreme event using a minimal amount of photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage.

Small-Scale Renewable Microgrids for Resilience of Critical Services

SNL is investigating the ability for small-scale renewable microgrids to power loads such as pumps in water treatment facilities, flood control pumps, and telecommunications towers by considering the location, power demand, and distribution networks of these services.

Microgrid and Technical Requirements

NREL is developing microgrid technical requirements consistent with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1547-2018, including considerations for potential pilot demonstrations at multiple scales. This includes developing a modeling and simulation framework focused on inverter-based distributed energy resources (DER) technology types and capabilities supported by the IEEE standard.