Faculty and Student Teams Program

Project Descriptions

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Electricity Resources and Building Systems Integration Center

Analysis of Building Thermal Capacitance as an Electrical Grid Storage Element

Project Description

High levels of renewable penetration on electrical grids drive a choice between the addition of spinning reserve or storage to accommodate variability in generation.  Commonly discussed storage mechanisms include batteries, compressed air, and pumped hydro, however the potential storage associated with the inherent thermal capacitance in buildings has not been well quantified or communicated. Articulating building capacitance in terms of equivalent grid storage will be a useful tool in discussing the true value of buildings and demand response with smart grid stakeholders.

A number of analysis approaches may be suitable.  One possibility involves the use of EnergyPlus building performance results and system identification techniques to reduce benchmark model effects to time varying resistance and capacitance interactions with an electrical grid model.  The effect of varying the effective capacitance on the grid could then be quantified in terms of benefits for peak management and compared to equivalent electrical storage devices. Outcomes of this project will include a well-documented analysis process, related pre/post processing tools, and documentation of benchmark analysis results.

Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Projects

Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at NREL for up to 10 weeks during the summer starting in June.  Summer and academic year visits by NREL will be schedule by mutual agreement between the Research Project Managers at NREL and the successful applicant.  Faculty will be expected to identify students from the campus to participate in the FaST program offered by the Department of Energy at NREL. Faculty will provide mentorship and/or advising support to students during the summer research activities.  It is expected that the Faculty member will become an integral part of the research team working on this project and will support the project through the academic year on his or her campus.
 
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

Faculty: Ph.D. with experience in thermal and/or power systems modeling and analysis.  Works well in a collaborative environment with students and other researchers.  Currently teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field.  Possesses good written and verbal communication skills.  Willing to work at NREL for an extended period during the summer.

Students:  Working towards an undergraduate degree in engineering with an emphasis on thermal or power systems, modeling, and simulation.  Works well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and researchers.  Possesses good written and verbal communications skills.  Willing to work at NREL for an extended period during the summer.

Support and Financial Commitments

See Financial Information.

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