Applied Research
Our applied research helps utilities better understand how distributed and flexible load technologies can support grid management and customers outcomes.
Examples
Vehicle-to-Grid
We’re collaborating with Duke Energy, schools and other project partners to study the potential of electric school buses to ease strain on the grid during peak periods though vehicle-to-grid functionality.
We also worked with Roanoke Electric Cooperative and other groups to determine the value of using electric vehicle battery storage to support grid management and resiliency.
Heating and Cooling Systems
We conduct field research to help utilities better understand the real-world performance of various heating and cooling systems, including cold-climate heat pumps, mini-split heat pumps and variable-capacity heat pumps. In recent years, we’ve focused on how this equipment affects peak demand and customer comfort.
Smart Thermostats
We evaluated the default settings of a smart thermostat commonly used in electric cooperative HVAC programs. We then developed step-by-step guides with recommended settings for heat pump and dual-fuel HVAC systems, particularly ones that will optimize energy savings, comfort and peak-demand reductions.
Battery Storage
We’re leading a multiyear project with Duke Energy to explore whether battery storage technology provides benefits for customers and utilities through demand management services as well as peak power and seasonal energy consumption reductions.
Predictable Peak Energy Demand
We’re investigating how to create a home that has predictable peak energy demand on the grid. The first steps of this effort involve better understanding the energy and power demands of different technologies on a home’s overall power usage and which of these loads can be controlled in low-cost ways while supporting customer comfort. With this information, we will create a comparison of each component, its controllability and its estimated cost to implement in North Carolina homes.
Grid-Connected Distributed Generation
We’re working on a multiyear project to assess how the proliferation of grid-connected distributed generation in North Carolina is affecting a utility’s power network. As part of the project, we created a three-part video series on motor starting and we sourced equipment typically used in agricultural applications to test in our motor lab.
Grid-Integrated Water Heater Research
We worked with Dominion Energy to research grid-integrated water heaters. Our research included a review of the technology, a comparison of grid-integrated water heaters and battery storage, a summary of grid-integrated water heater utility programs and a literature review of grid-integrated water heater findings from independent sources.
Round-Robin VFD Testing
We participated in a global round-robin testing program for variable frequency drives (VFDs). The goal of this effort was to inform test standards for VFDs and demonstrate repeatability in testing among labs.