Distribution Operator Simulation Studio

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Program:
OPEN 2015
Award:
$3,400,000
Location:
Atlanta, Georgia
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
06/01/2016 - 08/30/2019

Technology Description:

ProsumerGrid, with its partners, will develop a highly specialized and interactive software tool capable of simulating the operation of emerging DSOs at the physical, information, and market levels while capturing the interactions among the various market participants. The software will offer electricity industry analysts, engineers, economists, and policy makers a "design studio environment" in which various propositions of participant roles, market rules, business processes, and services exchange can be studied to achieve a robust DSO design. The software will utilize a powerful decentralized decision-making algorithm, and extend state-of-the-art grid solvers with the ability to develop DER scheduling, DSO market rules, and energy service transactions. The tool could ensure correctness and reduce risk in upcoming regulatory decisions as various states move towards the formation of DSOs.

Potential Impact:

If successful, innovations from this project will equip industry analysts, engineers, economists, and policy makers with a tool to test various propositions of participant roles, market designs, rate structures, and service definitions. This will lead to more comprehensive and robust DSO designs that are consistent with the physical constraints and decentralized operational paradigms of the future grid.

Security:

Tools to improve DSO design and delivery that will help enhance grid resiliency and security.

Environment:

DSO development will promote cost-effective use of DERs, such as solar and wind, that can significantly increase renewable generation deployment and can lead to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Economy:

Dramatically reduce the costs and times associated with DSO design studies, simulations, and implementation. Design the market mechanisms needed to empower consumers and DER owners to offer and exchange distributed energy services while maintaining system reliability and operational efficiency.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Kory Hedman
Project Contact:
Dr. Santiago Grijalva
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
sgrijalva@prosumergrid.com

Partners

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
New York State Smart Grid Consortium
Newport Consulting Group

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Release Date:
01/07/2015