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Hawaii Natural Energy Institute

Managing Distribution System Resources for Improved Service Quality & Reliability, Transmission Congestion Relief & Grid Support Functions

Abstract

The overarching project objective is to develop and demonstrate a distribution automation solution that aggregates distributed generation (DG), energy storage, and demand response technologies in a distribution system to achieve both distribution and transmission level benefits. Ideally, the application of these new technologies would increase system reliability and improve power quality along with reducing costs to both the utility and its customers. The project is broken up into two phases. In Phase One, energy management architecture will be developed and validated to meet all needs, focusing on energy management at the distribution level. In Phase Two, the capabilities will be demonstrated at a Maui Electric Company, Ltd. (MECO) substation at Wailea on Maui. A major goal of the program is to incorporate advanced technology into the Maui grid that will allow for a reduction of peak energy consumption of at least 15% of the automated feeder upon completion. The 200 MW island system will include roughly 72 MW of wind generation and over 15 MW of solar PV. As of June 5, 2013 12 MW of storage have been installed on the island.

Contact Information

Mario Sciulli
Project Manager
National Energy Technology Laboratory
626 Cochrans Mill Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940
412-386-5435
Mario.Sciulli@netl.doe.gov

Leon Roose
Principal Investigator
Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
1680 East West Road, POST 109
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-956-2331
lroose@hawaii.edu

At-A-Glance
Recipient: Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
HQ State: Hawaii
NERC Region:
Total Budget: $14,382,980
Federal Share: $6,994,980
 
Funding Program:
Project Type:
 
Equipment:
Targeted Benefits:
 

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