ComEd Microgrid Completes Final DOE Milestones

Rhea-AI Summary

ComEd has successfully completed final testing of a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance microgrid technology, crucial for energy security and clean energy integration amid climate challenges. The tests were conducted at the Bronzeville Community Microgrid in Chicago. The microgrid demonstrated operational resilience, disconnecting and reconnecting to the main grid without outages. This project will support over 1,000 customers, including essential public services, driving the utility toward a more sustainable future.

Positive

• Successful completion of a $4 million grant project showcases ComEd's commitment to microgrid technology and clean energy integration.
• Testing demonstrated the microgrid's ability to maintain service continuity during grid transitions, enhancing energy resilience.
• The project will serve over 1,000 residences and critical public services, reinforcing ComEd's role in community support.

Negative

• None.

Test showcases continuous power flow with zero outages and clean energy integration

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ComEd today announced it has successfully completed final testing requirements of a $4 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office to study how microgrids can increase energy security and resilience and support the integration of clean energy – important needs as the climate crisis causes more severe weather events. The tests were conducted on ComEd’s Bronzeville Community Microgrid on Chicago’s South Side.

Microgrids are small power grids with defined boundaries. They can operate in conjunction with the main grid or disconnect and operate standalone to keep power flowing. The tests demonstrated how Distributed Energy Resources (DER), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage, can be used to support microgrid operations and enhance the resilience of the grid during disruptive events such as storms or natural disasters. In the test, the microgrid successfully disconnected and reconnected to the main power grid without any interruptions in service to customers.

“Demonstrating microgrid technology has presented numerous engineering challenges, and we’ve met them all,” said Michelle Blaise, senior vice president of technical services for ComEd. “These technologies will support a higher level of service to communities throughout our region and drive the entire industry to a more resilient and sustainable future.”

Partnerships with universities, national labs and suppliers have played key roles in the development and testing of the ComEd microgrid technologies. “This project has provided us the opportunity to develop the algorithms that enable utilities to integrate distributed energy technologies while enhancing the resilience of the distribution system,” said Prof. Amin Khodaei, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver. “The impact of this project will be felt the world over as the industry better understands what is possible in integrating clean energy technologies.”

ComEd is scheduled to complete the installation of DER into the microgrid in the coming year, an important step toward the microgrid becoming fully operational. The Bronzeville Community Microgrid will directly serve more than 1,000 residences, businesses and public institutions, as well as customers that provide critical public services, including Chicago police and fire department headquarters.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), a Fortune 100 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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ComEd Media Relations

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Source: ComEd

FAQ

What is the significance of ComEd's recent microgrid testing?

ComEd's microgrid testing demonstrates advancements in energy resilience and clean energy integration, addressing climate-related challenges.

How much funding did ComEd receive for the microgrid project?

ComEd received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for the microgrid project.

What are the benefits of microgrids in energy distribution?

Microgrids enhance energy security by allowing local power generation and reduced reliance on the main grid, especially during severe weather.

How many customers will the Bronzeville Community Microgrid serve?

The Bronzeville Community Microgrid will serve over 1,000 residences and essential public services.

What company is ComEd a subsidiary of?

ComEd is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, which is listed on the NYSE under the ticker EXC.