ARRA SGDP Battelle Memorial Institute (Pacific Northwest Division Smart Grid Demonstration Project)

Battelle Memorial Institute collaborated with utilities, universities, and technology partners in a Smart Grid demonstration project across five states and three climatic regions, spanning the electrical system from generation to end-use, and containing all key functionalities of the future Smart Grid. The purpose of this demonstration was to validate new technologies; provide two-way communication between distributed generation, storage and demand assets, and the existing grid infrastructure; quantify Smart Grid costs and benefits; advance interoperability standards and cyber security approaches; and validate new business models. More than 20 types of responsive Smart Grid assets were tested across six regional and utility operational objectives at 15 unique distribution sites operated by 11 utilities. A base of Smart Grid technology serving more than 60,000 customers was installed, validated, and operated. All use classes are represented in the demonstration including residential, commercial, industrial, and irrigation customers. The demonstration developed a single integrated Smart Grid incentive-signaling approach and tested and validated its ability to continuously coordinate the responses of Smart Grid assets to meet a wide range of operational objectives. It was also among the first to engage distributed control so that wind integration problems are mitigated. Micro-grid islanding was also evaluated for its potential to enhance reliability for customers and relieve energy demand. Team members are committed to commercializing proven technologies.