Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Energy and Engineering Division

Electric 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Specific areas of emphasis include:

  • Power system dynamic analysis, simulation, and modeling activities
  • Wide-area measurement systems including signal analysis methods and tools
  • Analysis of energy storage benefits and distributed generation interconnection issues
  • Transmission and distribution (T&D) system efficiency and performance enhancement
  • Energy infrastructure information security and vulnerability assessment.
  
     

Much of the research in this area takes place in PNNL's Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center, a fully capable grid operations center that serves as a platform for grid research and development, testing and training