Research for a Modern Grid
The challenge to transform the U.S. power grid to meet the demands of the 21st century is daunting and urgent. To meet this challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative harnessed the scientific and technical power of its national laboratory system with the formation of the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium (GMLC).
This strategic partnership between DOE and 13 of its national laboratories involves coordinating unique capabilities across collaborating institutions. Together, grid experts are developing the framework for U.S. industry and regulators to achieve a national power grid that seamlessly delivers clean and reliable electricity to people wherever they are, whenever they need it.
Researchers at PNNL are leading or participating in several GMLC projects. They include:
Foundational Research Projects
- 1.1: Foundational Metrics Analysis, led by PNNL's Michael Kintner-Meyer
- 1.2.1: Grid Architecture, led by PNNL's Jeff Taft
- 1.2.2: Interoperability, led by PNNL's Steve Widergren
- 1.2.3: Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium Testing Network
- 1.2.4: Grid Services and Technologies Valuation Framework
- 1.2.5: Grid Sensing and Measurement Strategy
Regional Partnerships
- 1.3.09: Smart Reconfiguration of Idaho Falls Power Distribution Network
- 1.3.21: Alaska Microgrid Partnership
- 1.3.22: Technical Support to the New York State Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) Initiative
- 1.3.33: Midwest Interconnection Seams Study
Devices and Integrated Systems Testing
- 1.4.01: Standards and Test Procedures for Interconnection and Interoperability
- 1.4.2: Definitions, Standards and Test Procedures for Grid Services, led by PNNL's Rob Pratt
Sensing and Measurements
- 1.4.04: Advanced Sensor Development
- 1.4.09: Integrated Multi Scale Data Analytics and Machine Learning for the Grid
System Operations, Control, and Power Flow (technical area led by PNNL's Jeff Dagle)
- 1.4.10: Control Theory
- 1.4.11: Multi-Scale Integration of Control Systems
Design and Planning Tools
- 1.4.15: Development of Integrated Transmission, Distribution, and Communication Models, led by PNNL's Henry Huang
- 1.4.17: Extreme Event Modeling
- 1.4.18: Computation Science for Grid Management
Security and Resilience
Institutional Support
- 1.4.25: Distribution System Decision Support Tools
- 1.4.26: Development and Deployment of Multi-Scale Production Cost Models
- 1.4.29: Future Electricity Utility Regulation
Resilient Distribution Systems