Optimal Integrated Control of Grid-Connected PV Generation and On-site Load

Maximizing the value proposition for solar and distributed energy resources to consumers requires a more integrated and coordinated approach to utilizing these resources on-site. Commercial solutions are not yet widely available to provide optimal use of combined on-site resources locally, while at the same time optimizing their value to the electric power distribution system as well. Solutions still tend to be very customized and follow very traditional approaches to controlling resources that are very suboptimal. Further, there is little or no coordination at all with the electric utility as this is very much an emerging area. Approaches used in other fields such as the process industries and aerospace provide powerful techniques for multivariable control problems such as the coordination and optimal control and dispatch of multiple distributed energy resources. In Phase I, the Developing Optimal Control Technology for Distributed Energy Resources (DOCTdER) project will formulate local and grid-connected distributed energy resource integration and coordination as an optimal control problem, develop a generalizable, scalable framework and architecture and design to accommodate multiple DER, and develop in simulation a pilot of this for the limited case of solar PV generation and building loads, and test it for performance improvement potential. This would be a completely new approach compared to what is currently available by the major suppliers to the industry in Distribution Management Systems (DMS) and other products on the utility side, and completely new compared to existing products on the building control and smart buildings side, and, therefore, would have significant potential commercial application licensed as part of integrated solutions by others or fully developed into an integrated solution that can be productized. Key Words: Distributed Energy Resources, Optimal Control, Solar PV and Load Integration Synopsis: The Nhu Energy team will develop breakthrough control technology to drastically improve the value proposition for distributed energy resources such as solar PV, storage, electric vehicles, and priceresponsive load, to enable significant improvements to electric power system resiliency, economics, and environmental impact.