Enabling Behind-the-Meter Distributed Energy Resources to Provide Grid Services

As part of the DOE SHINES program, EPRI presents the objectives, design, modeling results, and field tests/experiences from their DER management system (DERMS). The DERMS uses model predictive control with a combination of static and forecasted inputs (including forecasted solar) to coordinate controllable loads, battery charging/discharging, and PV generation. When applied to a two-house residential system, local load control (consisting of pool pumps, water heaters, and HVAC systems) is shown to potentially reduce power and energy capacity requirements for the battery while still achieving system-level power import and export constraints. At the same time, the controller is shown to reduce battery cycling and provide a financial incentive to the customer by optimizing load usage according to tiered time of use rates.