Plug-and-Play Distributed Power Systems for Smart-Grid Connected Buildings Research Project

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is currently conducting research into plug-and-play distributed power systems for smart- grid connected buildings.

Project Description

This project seeks to advance and demonstrate a plug-and-play building energy micro-grid concept for integrating energy storage, loads, and sources at the building level with the external utility grid. The micro-grid demonstration is expected to include the following:

Diesel synchronous generator
Energy storage device
Otis regenerative elevator system representing building critical loads
Smart interface with the utility grid
Optimizing supervisory system wirelessly communicating with all installed micro-grid components.

Project Partners

Research is being undertaken by DOE, United Technologies Research Center, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Project Goals

This goal of this project is to advance and demonstrate a plug-and-play building energy micro-grid concept for integrating energy storage, loads, and sources at the building level with the external utility grid.

Benefits and Impacts

The micro-grid will be compatible with the Smart Grid concept, operate in grid parallel and islanding modes, and seamlessly transition between these modes while monitoring and managing energy usage and power quality levels.

Contact Information

Alan Schroeder
alan.schroeder@ee.doe.gov