Grid architecture is primarily about structure and ensuring coherence. Addressing the scale and scope of the dynamic resources for the modern grid requires a holistic architectural approach.
The U.S. electric distribution system is significantly changing due to federal, state, and local policies addressing climate mitigation and increasingly diverse and distributed electricity resources. This transformation will require a systematic approach in how we build out the distribution system.
The Department of Energy is examining the functional and structural features needed to support envisioned future grid scenarios and developing reference designs based upon grid architecture principles. The effort will include a series of documents that will describe the grid capabilities needed to enable the seamless integration of distributed energy resources with grid operations. The materials developed through this program are meant to inform both technical and non-technical decision makers with respect to the formulation of grid modernization strategies.
Distribution System Design is a component of the Distribution Grid Transformation effort. Other components include:
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory supports the Department’s efforts in distribution system architecture, modeling, and design where additional materials are available.
Topic Description Date Operational Coordination across Bulk Power, Distribution and Customer Systems This report provides a comparative summary of the status of leading global discussions through 2018 regarding transmission-distribution-customer frameworks to reliably manage the integration and utilization of DER. February-19 Grid Architecture 2: Advanced Concepts for Grid Architecture The Grid Architecture 2 document builds from the fundamental Grid Architecture report providing insight about grid structural issues to support informed decision making. In this industry, market, control and coordination, and sensing and communication structural considerations are discussed. January-16 Grid Architecture: Foundational Report The Grid Architecture document introduces a holistic approach to analyze the U.S. grid as a means of identifying structural constraints to grid modernization. Potential future views of the grid architecture are identified and issues and considerations that could have public policy implications are highlighted. January-15 Topic Description Date Distribution System Transformation Architecture Guidebook This Guidebook describes how to apply integrated views from the Distribution Grid of 2040 system architecture, requirements, roadmaps, and reference designs to utility?s distribution system transformation strategy. FY 2024 Distribution System Transformation Guidebook for Regulators The Guidebook for Regulators provides guidance to better understand why architectural changes are required to meet the desired grid objectives, how utilities need to transform their systems, and what are the pathways to ensure the right no-regret investments. FY 2024 Distribution System Transformation Technology Roadmap Considerations The Technology Roadmap Considerations report identifies and describes critical technologies that will be required for the Distribution Grid of 2040. It articulates considerations for decision makers to shape distribution system technology strategy. FY 2024 Reference Design: Coordination Platform for Transmission, Distribution, and Consumers This reference design describes distribution system structures and an operations model to realize the foundational coordination framework that enables active participation of grid edge resources in the overall energy supply of the grid while maintaining safe and reliable operations in the distribution system. Reference designs provide an example of the application of the Distribution System of 2040 Architecture to a representative electric system environment to assist and accelerate industry transformation. FY 2024 Reference Design: Flexible Distribution Grid Structures This reference design defines structures and an operational model with associated design guidelines/standards for distribution systems with moderate to high levels of DER/EV integration that can coordinate grid edge resources and leverage variable distribution system structures to enhance reliability and resiliency while at the same time enabling increased customer choice and value streams. Reference designs provide an example of the application of the Distribution System of 2040 Architecture to a representative electric system environment to assist and accelerate industry transformation. FY 2025 Reference Design: Dynamic Multi- Directional Energy Transport This reference design defines structures and an operational model with associated design guidelines/standards for distribution systems with high levels of DER/EV integration that utilize dynamic and autonomous control and coordination to enable high levels of energy exchange from grid edge resources for both local and bulk system supply and services. Reference Designs provide an example of the application of the Distribution System of 2040 Architecture to a representative electric system environment to assist and accelerate industry transformation. FY 2025