Signature Capabilities
Energy Systems
With a focus on systems engineering to enhance reliability and security for large interconnected power systems, we develop, assess, and deploy advanced technologies for power grid operation and control. Specific areas of emphasis include measurement, analysis, simulation, and modeling of power system dynamic responses, analysis of energy storage benefits and distributed generation interconnection issues, power quality and reliability inputs of distributed generation, and energy infrastructure information security and vulnerability. We have demonstrated national leadership through the development and deployment of the Wide Area Measurement system across both the Eastern and Western power grids and the creation of GridWise™, a Department of Energy program led by PNNL to redefine the electrical system of the future.
Diagnostics and Controls
This capability includes the development of sophisticated methods and software to monitor, control, and diagnose the operating state of complex engineered processes ranging from electrical and thermal power generation to the end use of energy in industrial and residential facilities. Examples of these technologies include the Decision Support for Operations and Maintenance (DSOM) technology suite and the Whole Building Diagnostician (WBD).
Other principal capability areas of the Energy Technology Development (ETD) group include:
Electrical Power Systems: With a focus on systems engineering to enhance reliability and asset management for large interconnected power systems, we develop, assess, and deploy advanced technologies for power grid operation and control. We provide extensive support to the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution, Office of Energy Assurance, and critical infrastructure protection elements within the Department of Homeland Security. Specific areas of emphasis include measurement, analysis, simulation, and modeling of power system dynamic responses, and energy infrastructure information security and vulnerability assessment. Our vision of the grid of the future will harness information technology and new energy technologies to transform the energy system into one that is intelligent, robust, reliable, and secure. For more information, contact Jeff Dagle.
Operation and Maintenance Systems and Technology: Our group employs many years of experience in plant operations and maintenance engineering to develop sophisticated methodologies and software to substantially enhance effectiveness, efficiency, use, and lifetime of energy plants. One of the principal results of these efforts is the Decision Support for Operations and Maintenance (DSOM) technology suite. For more information, contact Dick Meador.
Buildings Science: PNNL conducts R&D in support of the U. S. Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology, State and Community Program. One major area focuses on technology that promotes energy efficiency during commissioning and operation of new and existing commercial buildings. Our group supports DOE's mission to educate owners and state and local government on the benefit of good operation and maintenance. In addition, PNNL is a leader in the development of automated diagnostics for building applications. We work with industry to develop technology and capabilities needed for intelligent buildings of the future and micro-scale heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning devices. See also the Whole-Building Diagnostician. For more information, contact Michael Brambley.
Micro-technology: PNNL is a recognized leader in the development of Micro Chemical and Thermal Systems (MICRO-CATS) for a variety of applications. Wherever chemical reactions and heat are used, our microsystems can offer important advantages. Some of the microenergy components and systems our group develops include microchannel heat exchangers, miniaturized absorption heat pumps, microscale gas absorbers, desorbers, and combustors, and microactuators for pumps and valves. Our laboratories have capabilities in micro fabrication including state-of-the-art technology in photolithography, non-reactive ion etching and chemical etching, electrodischarge machining (EDM), and photoablation by excimer laser. For more information, contact Nathan Bauman.
GridWise™ : GridWise™ is a vision of how advanced communications, information, and controls technology can transform the nation’s energy system from customer loads through central generation into a collaborative network filled with information and market-based opportunities. The U.S. Department of Energy's GridWise program promotes a more efficient, reliable, environmentally sensitive, and secure electric power system through the applications of these technical advancements. Researchers at PNNL are developing fresh approaches to integrate the traditional elements of supply and demand, transmission, and distribution with new technologies, such as distributed generation, energy storage, and consumer energy management, using emerging pervasive communications infrastructures and e-business transaction technologies. For more information, contact Rob Pratt.
Eastern Interconnect Phasor Project (EIPP): The EIPP is led by an industry work group comprised of knowledgeable stakeholders. The mission of the work group is to create a robust, widely available, secure and accessible synchronized data measurement and communication infrastructure over the eastern interconnection with associated analysis and monitoring tools for better planning and operation and improved reliability. The work group has set a goal to integrate 30 or more synchronized monitors into a coherent data network in Phase I of the project plan. For more information contact, Matt Donnelly.