The “Virtual Electric Utility” via Advanced Energy Control and Communications Systems

Backup Generation Offers a Surprisingly Large, Untapped Resource

Authors

  • David Van Holde E Source A Division of Platts/McGraw Hill
  • Joan Gregerson E Source A Division of Platts/McGraw Hil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.1721

Abstract

Perhaps the most complex application of distributed energy (DE)
today, encompassing both distributed generation (DG) and load management (LM), is the aggregation of these resources in real time for sale
into wholesale power or ancillary markets. Sometimes referred to as a
“virtual utility” or “networked DG,” this application is on the frontier of
what today’s control and communication systems can do and is setting
the requirements for future hardware, software and policy developments.
Solutions for “smart” control of multiple DG and LM resources
often require the ability to respond to external price signals, starting or
stopping equipment as appropriate, selling power or capacity into
power exchanges, and diagnosing system problems. They also must
have compatible communication interfaces between many types of
equipment and the outside world of the power markets. The communication system may require connection via existing control systems such
as local supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems,
building control systems, and Internet/intranet systems.
Recent developments in communication options are opening up exciting new possibilities for using distributed energy in real-time applications as well as making important but mundane processes, like emergency backup testing and reporting, more thorough, more robust, and easier.

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Author Biographies

David Van Holde, E Source A Division of Platts/McGraw Hill

David Van Holde, P.E., is director of the E SOURCE Distributed Energy Series. Formerly a Senior Energy Analyst for Seattle City Light,
Seattle, USA, David managed the utility’s Distributed Generation Task
Force as well as their commercial and industrial multi-resource audit
program, amongst other duties. Prior to Seattle City Light, David performed cogeneration feasibility assessments for Bonneville Power Administration and The Oregon Department of Energy. In addition to his
energy engineering career, David was employed for 10 years as an electromechanical design engineer and CAD systems researcher, and has
worked in various roles in forestry and natural resources.
David has extensive experience with industrial and commercial
energy analysis and engineering, training, and reporting. He holds a
BME from Pratt Institute and an MS in mechanical engineering from
Oregon State University, both with emphasis in energy engineering; his
master’s thesis focused on institutional cogeneration.

Joan Gregerson, E Source A Division of Platts/McGraw Hil

Joan Gregerson. As a research consultant to the E SOURCE Distributed Energy Series, Joan Gregerson authored several E SOURCE reports
covering a variety of topics such as large distributed generation equipment, backup generator dispatch and voluntary curtailment programs,
and building commissioning. She has also been a contributing author to
several volumes of the E SOURCE Technology Atlases.

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Published

2002-03-21

How to Cite

Holde, D. V. ., & Gregerson, J. . (2002). The “Virtual Electric Utility” via Advanced Energy Control and Communications Systems: Backup Generation Offers a Surprisingly Large, Untapped Resource. Distributed Generation &Amp; Alternative Energy Journal, 17(2), 6–26. https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.1721

Issue

2002: Vol 17 Iss 2

Section

Articles