Distributed Energy Resource Technologies

Distributed Energy Resource Technologies Overview

Typically, centralized power plants generate electricity and distribute it to end-users through the electric grid. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are localized sources of electric generation or storage used to reduce demand or provide supply. DERs systems can usually be sized to meet customers’ particular needs and installed on site. DERs systems may be either connected to the local electric power grid or isolated from the grid in stand-alone applications. DER is a term applied to a wide variety of technologies and consumer products, including fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, combustion turbines, cogeneration, photovoltaics (PV), and energy storage systems.

24/7 mode:

illustration of microgrids in the 24/7 mode

When connected to the electric utility’s lower voltage distributed lines, behind-the-meter microgrids at end-users’ premises can help support the delivery of clean, reliable power to additional customers and reduce electricity losses along transmission and distribution lines. The switch between distribution and end-users is on in this mode. Operating the microgrids in the 24/7 mode can also reduce energy costs for the end-use customers by producing electricity at rates that are less than the electric utilities delivered price and by recovering heat (if applicable) that can be used to displace energy consumption somewhere else at the customer’s premises.

Islanding Mode:

illustration of islanding mode
When the electric utility is down or not providing sufficiently stable power, behind-the-meter microgrids can operate in parallel with the grid. The switch between the distribution and end-users is off in the islanding mode. A combination of DER technologies, such as solar, storage, and fuel cells, could provide on-site power generation indefinitely until utility service can be restored. Behind-the-meter microgrids could help increase energy resiliency and power quality.

Supply

1. Power Plants
2. Distributed Generation/Behind-the-meter Microgrids

Delivery

3. Transmission
4. Substation
5. Distribution

Demand

6. Residential End-users
7. Commercial & Industrial (C&I) End-users
8. Switch - Connect or Disconnect to Utility grid

Additional DER Technologies

DER Technologies Include Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Waste Heat to Power, Linear Generator, Power to Gas, Battery Storage, and Solar Photovoltaic.

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Benefits of
Distributed Energy Resources

In comparison to paying for power at the rate offered by the electric utilities, customers could reduce their monthly energy bills with the on-site power generation option using DER technologies. Customers can save even more by using the heat associated with the generation of power that is ordinarily wasted, thus avoiding the purchase of the natural gas that would have provided the heat.

DER technologies have the opportunity to provide environmental benefit by lowering emissions. For example, natural gas generators emit 18% less carbon, 39% less smog-forming (NOx) emissions and 93% less particulate matter (PM) 10 than diesel generators. Natural gas fuel cells emit 50-69% less carbon, nearly 100% less NOx emissions and 100% less PM 10 than diesel generators. Additionally, DERs utilizing renewable fuel can have zero greenhouse gas emissions, therefore offsetting what would be emissions generated from the electric grid.

Source: CARB Potential Emissions Impact of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

As the world is experiencing extreme weather events such as heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and storms, relying on only one source for energy from the power grid could be insufficient to meet the customers' needs for energy resiliency. DER technologies can help customers keep their lights on during the rolling blackouts and Public Safety Power Shutoff that could last longer than 24 hours. Additionally, DERs in concert with small power storage systems, can offer improved power quality. Harmonics, voltage sag, and momentary outages (enough to trip expensive computers) can all be mitigated through the use of such systems.

Distributed Energy Resources can be used as a physical hedge to lock in the cost of power, rather than expose your business to the fluctuations of the electric energy market.

Research Development and Demonstration (RD&D)

Our Research Development and Demonstration Program develops and demonstrates products and technologies that promote decarbonization.

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Hydrogen

We are demonstrating hydrogen development for California’s homes and businesses.

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Fuel Cell Technology

Localizing power generation, such as a fuel cell, could increase energy resiliency and power quality.

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