Companies to create smart microgrid using Internet of Energy platform

DNV GL, Group Nire and Geli (Growing Energy Labs, Inc.), will produce and operate an Internet of Energy (IoEn) platform integrating the management of up to 100 distributed energy resources (DER). The project, which is financed through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), is one of 12 projects in the Network Optimized Distributed Energy Systems (NODES) program. The goal of the program is to accelerate technologies that improve the U.S. electrical grid’s efficiency and reliability. An increased number and types of electricity sources creates additional need for smart grid applications to monitor and control electricity flow.

The IoEn project will be deployed at Group Nire’s utility-connected microgrid test facility in Lubbock, Texas, where it will be integrated with local utility monitoring, control and data acquisition systems to demonstrate advanced management of up to 100 disparate distributed energy resources using Geli’s "Internet of Energy" software. The Internet of Energy platform will simultaneously manage both market level regulation and distribution system support functions to facilitate large-scale integration of renewable generation onto the grid. The platform will demonstrate a scalable approach for the fast registration and automated dispatch of DERs by combining DNV GL’s power system simulation tools and independent third-party validation with Geli’s networking, control, and market balancing software.

The project will continue adding complexity, inviting participation by multiple makers of dozens of disparate resources and technologies, until it encompasses up to 100 resources. Resources will include load, generation and storage assets such as residential batteries, electric vehicles, controllable HVAC systems, water heaters and LED lighting controls.

– Edited from a DNV GL press release by CFE Media. See more Control Engineering energy and power stories.

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