Rapidly Viable and Sustained Grid

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Program:
OPEN 2018
Award:
$3,864,840
Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
07/01/2019 - 05/31/2023

Technology Description:

The University of Minnesota (UMN) will develop a net-load management framework that rapidly identifies neighborhood-units to support grid infrastructure and enable ultrafast coordinated management. UMN’s project will rethink power recovery from near blackout conditions with a focus on rapid energization and maximizing power duration. This project’s approach could fundamentally change the way large contingencies are managed. It would transition power systems and critical infrastructure from fragile to robust using intelligent, self-organizing control for coordinating resources, enhancing resiliency and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. The communication and control layer coupled with rapid decision-making methods for managing local sources and loads will coordinate power resources and leverage renewable energy. This framework will support the grid in contingencies such as failure of aging infrastructure or catastrophic weather events.

Potential Impact:

The University of Minnesota’s proposal will improve the way grid infrastructure is managed after a grid contingency, transitioning from a fragile system dependent on centralized resources to a resilient, intelligent, self-organizing system capable of optimally coordinating resources, supporting critical community infrastructure, and better leveraging sustainable energy sources.

Security:

A more efficient and reliable grid would be more resilient to potential disruptions.

Environment:

The proposed technology will change the way large contingencies are managed by using intelligent, self-organizing control to coordinate resources, enhance resiliency, and employ sustainable energy sources.

Economy:

With time, system efficiencies and the use of renewables increase, reducing fossil fuel demand and fuel prices and resulting in more stable electricity rates.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Mario Garcia-Sanz
Project Contact:
Donatello Materassi
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
mater013@umn.edu

Partners

DYNAPOWER
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
University of Alaska
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

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Release Date:
12/13/2017