A Conceptual Framework for the Assessment of Integrated Energy Storage Resources

Summary Statement

NOTE: this is no longer an active CREDC research activity. 

While the increasing deployment of energy storage resources (ESRs) in the electricity sector of EDS has greatly facilitated, and provided added flexibility in, the operations of power systems with integrated renewable resources, the deeper penetration of ESRs integrated into the grid has created the need to incorporate these resources in the implementation of the computer/control/information (CCI) infrastructure to make effective use of the smart grid implementation capabilities. This research activity focuses on the development of an analytic framework for the economic, environmental, and security assessment of power systems with integrated ESRs, the investigation of the nature and scope of the information transmitted through the CCI layer, and the identification/analysis of the security threats that must be addressed to enable the successful implementation of storage to bring about EDS resiliency.

The increased ESR deployment and integration into the grid is a result of technological innovations, cost reductions, and, in some cases, regulatory initiatives. The integration of ESRs into the power system requires the “smart grid” CCI layer implementation for the effective utilization of these resources. However, specific issues related to performance, robustness, communication, economics, and security need to be effectively resolved. We aim to address such issues in our work so as to fully realize the benefits that ESRs provide and ensure their effective utilization. To that end, we propose a conceptual construct for the systematic study of ESR integration into the grid with the explicit consideration of the information layer needed to incorporate the “smartness” into the integration. In addition, we aim to develop an implementable design of the information layer with a particular focus on cyber security protection. We are investigating the nature of information that needs to pass through the layer and the interoperability requirements associated with ESRs, and we are identifying protocols that can meet these requirements. Furthermore, we are evaluating the security threats associated with the implementation of the information layer, and considering ways to address these threats. The work is pursuing a range of ways to provide the electric grid with the resiliency needed to handle the deeper penetration of integrated storage resources, and, as such, is in line with Strategy 3.1 of the Roadmap’s Strategic Framework to develop capabilities to evaluate robustness and survivability of new platforms and systems.

Energy Delivery System (EDS) Gap Analysis

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