Solar Energy Research and Development at Brookhaven National Laboratory Patrick Looney Chairman, Sustainable Energy Technology 2011 Advanced Energy Conference October 12, 2011
BNL’s research agenda for the electric grid focuses on developing applied research capabilities in key areas � Smart Grid Development in the Northeast Evaluation/validation of advanced approaches to simulation of distribution • networks and systems (e.g. graph trace analysis using iterators) Using large data sets to inform decisions on grid operation, validate/improve • simulation Evaluation of new grid technologies and control strategies for improved • efficiency and reliability Implementation of automated demand response, particularly in high density • urban applications Improving grid security and resilience • The role of micro-grids and how to manage them • � Integration of Renewable Energy Generation on the Grid Characterization of renewable generation in terms of variability, reliability and • capacity credit Impact of renewables on the grid in terms of controllability, reliability and • power quality (e.g., solar, wind) The role of storage and how it might mitigate the impacts of renewables • Implementation of advanced inverter control schemes to improve grid control • (e.g., DVAR, Voltage regulation) 2
BNL has several ongoing initiatives that GARS will leverage as part of this research initiative NSERC LISF Smart-Grid AEGIS* Demo Grid Research BNL Energy Sustainability Storage Hub Program * GARS is lead 3
Long Island Solar Farm, LLC LISF Solar Energy Research � 32 MWac grid-connected solar photovoltaic plant being built at BNL Owned by Long Island Solar Farm, LLC • (company partially owned by BP Solar) Purpose is to sell power to LIPA under a PPA • Commercial operation expected Nov. 1, 2011 • � GARS will evaluate data from LISF to investigate the impacts of utility-scale renewable energy generation on the grid
The BNL Northeast Solar Energy Research Center will include a dedicated research array that will be connected to the BNL distribution system NSERC Solar Energy Research Facility � Solar PV Array Size 700kw to 1MW • Connected to BNL electrical distribution • system � Research Enabled Data to validate electrical system models • with integrated renewables Role of innovative inverter controls (DVAR, • voltage regulation) 5
The installation of smart sensors in the BNL distribution system enables using the site as a microgrid test area Smart Micro-Grid Demonstration Project • BNL has a 50 MW base load representative of a typical industrial complex; 13.8 kV primary distribution • An active collaboration is in place for placing a network of new generation grid sensors in the BNL distribution system • NSERC includes renewable generation on the BNL grid. • Beyond solar, there may be options for wind and CHP installations as well.
A key motivation for pursuing solar energy research at BNL is the construction of a solar plant on site … � 32 MWac grid-connected solar photovoltaic plant being built at BNL Owned by Long Island Solar Farm, LLC • (company partially owned by BP Solar) Purpose is to sell power to LIPA under a PPA • Commercial operation expected Nov. 1, 2011 • � Located on 195 acres on BNL campus under an easement from DOE Consideration (in-kind funds) provided to DOE • BNL can instrument and collect data from the • array for research purposes � BNL has developed a research agenda to leverage this unique opportunity
The solar plant includes two array fields located on the BNL campus in close proximity to the LIPA substation North Array Field LIPA Substation South Array Field
Aerial view of the LISF plant as of May 11, 2011 Aerial view of the LISF plant as of June 30, 2011
Our research agenda focuses on issues that will foster the deployment of utility-scale solar PV systems � Solar Variability Characterize solar variability for plants in the northeast • Forecasting the solar resource – Min/Hours/Day ahead • Leverage BNL core capability in cloud physics - Leverage access to NOAA facility on site - Predicting solar plant power output • Tie forecasting models to electrical models - Capacity credit for solar PV plants - � Grid Integration Impact of solar variability on grid management • Different penetration levels - Impact of distributed generation on the grid • Grid control, power quality, reliability - The role of storage • The role of advanced solar technologies • Inverters with DVAR, voltage regulation - � Environmental Impacts Impact of utility-scale solar PV plants on local • environment and ecology: In what ways? - how can adverse impacts be - minimized? 11
BNL has made significant investments to provide research instruments for the array • Solar Resource Data Field-based pyranometers: 32 pairs to measure direct • and diffuse irradiance across the entire array Baseline irradiance: precision measurement of irradiance • at base station to quantify uncertainties in field data Solar tracking measurements • Rotating shadowband radiometer • • Meteorological Data Temperature (air and panel) • Relative Humidity • Barometric Pressure • Wind speed and direction • Rain gauge • � Total Sky Imagers – Clouds � Electrical Performance Data Power quality monitors at all inverters, collection • substation, and LIPA feeders to BNL DC current and voltage at all strings • 12
BNL’s solar energy research agenda will require LISF plant data plus other capabilities… Challenge Issue LISF Other Data Capabilities Variability and Reliable Data Sets X Non-Dispatchability Impacts of Weather X X Managing Non-Dispatchability X Forecasting Models X X Grid Integration Impact of Penetration Levels X X Advanced Grid Communication/Control X Load Flow and Fault Currents X Deployment of New Technologies X Environmental and Impacts to Local Vegetation/Animals X Ecological Impacts to Regional/Global Climate X Life-Cycle Assessments X Recycling Options X X System Performance Compare Different Technologies X In Northeast Performance Degradation X O&M Processes X X 13
BNL is developing a separate solar research facility: Northeast Solar Energy Research Center (NSERC) � � NSERC Research will supplement Solar PV Array Size 700kw to 1MW research capabilities offered by the • Connected to BNL electrical distribution LISF and enable research in various • system (13.8 kV) other areas of interest to the solar Crystalline Silicon PV modules • industry Open racks for comparison tests of • Dedicated research array for field other PV technologies • testing � Configuration Laboratory space for standardized Re-configurable to simulate different • • testing operating scenarios Technology development test bed e.g. Multiple, small (100kw) arrays, one • • block, Testing in Northeast conditions • Fixed tilt with capability for Trackers • � BOP Equipment Capability for running macro and micro • inverters Capability to include storage • � Research instrumentation Similar to LISF (meteorological, solar • resource, power quality) High Sample Rates – 1 sec data • 14
Preliminary Research Agenda for the NSERC � Smart Grid Integration Studies Research on strategies that improve communication and control • Techniques for integrating large numbers of systems into utility grids • � Energy Storage Research Value propositions for integrated grid-level storage • Evaluation of storage and control alternatives • Reduce intermittency, resource extension • Frequency regulation capability • � Field Testing for Deployment of New Technologies Evaluation and testing of new design concepts, such as inverters with • capability for voltage regulation and VAR control Comparison of performance for components and systems using different • technologies � Reliability and Degradation Studies Long-term reliability and degradation studies under Northeast conditions • Standardized test conditions to evaluate component degradation • Post mortem testing and failure analyses • 15
NSERC would include laboratories to support solar energy research projects… � Solar Energy Research Standardized testing of solar system • components Solar Resource Simulators • Load simulators • Environmental chambers • Failure Analyses • � National PV Environmental Research Center Environmental, health and safety • aspects of photovoltaic systems Life-cycle analyses • � Meteorological Services program On site Met services • 16
Collaborations and Partnerships are welcome! For more information: Patrick Looney Chairman Sustainable Energy Technologies jlooney@bnl.gov 631-344-3798 17
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