Buildings to Grid
Buildings-to-Grid (B2G) integration connects buildings to the electric grid as controllable resources, and thus plays a crucial role in promoting grid reliability and resilience. Buildings use about 74 percent of all U.S. electricity. B2G combines both hardware and software for supporting research and development on emerging B2G integration and controls at different system levels including device, building, and community. The laboratory provides an integrated test bed with varying fidelity and scale to serve needs at each stage of technology transition.
Uniqueness and capabilities:
- Advancing technologies to promote the use of electric equipment and the integration of solar PV, energy storage, and electric vehicles
- Standardizing power electronics-based behind-the-meter electrical infrastructure for reducing power conversion
- Developing technologies to monitor and control various aspects of building operations for improved energy efficiency and grid responsiveness
- Integrating buildings with the wider electric grid as active participants to help balance supply and demand for improved system reliability and resilience
Technology resources:
- Building Control and Integration Virtual Laboratory (B-CIViL), a high-fidelity, agent-based B2G hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform
- Home Energy Management System and Building Management System (HEMS/BMS) test bed with house/building emulation
- Electric and connected appliances
- DC energy router
