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At their most basic, distributed energy resources can be used independently of the electric power system to provide backup power in the event of an outage. At the next level, interconnection technologies and policies can allow distributed energy producers to sell excess energy back to utilities and the grid. But in complex scenarios, distributed energy resources have the potential to contribute an array of beneficial services to the grid.
When effectively integrated into an electric power system, distributed power systems can be used to provide high-value energy, capacity, and ancillary services such as voltage regulation, power quality improvement, and system-wide emergency power. In such scenarios, distributed energy resources can not only supplement but also strengthen the entire electric power system.
NREL's energy management and grid support activities investigate technologies and methods that enable distributed energy resources to make full-value contributions to the electric grid.
Recent Publications
The following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Acrobat Reader.
- Davis, M.; Costyk, D.; Narang, A. "Distributed and Electric Power System Aggregation Model and Field Configuration Equivalency Validation Testing: Supplemental Report on Penetration Software Algorithms" (PDF 1 MB). NREL/SR-560-37572. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. March 2005.
- Electrotek Concepts Inc. and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. "Aggregation of Distributed Generation Assets in New York State" (PDF 615 KB). NREL/SR-560-34779. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. September 2003.
- Electrotek Concepts Inc. and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. "Aggregation of Distributed Generation Assets in New York State: Appendix" (PDF 5.3 MB). NREL/SR-560-34780. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. April 2004.
- Kramer, R. "System Integration of Distributed Power for Complete Building Systems: Phase 2 Report" (PDF 4.6 MB). NREL/SR-560-35054. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. December 2003.
- GE Corporate Research and Development. "DG Power Quality, Protection, and Reliability Case Studies Report" (PDF 10.3 MB). Golden, Colorado: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. August 2003.
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