ComEd Microgrid Completes Final DOE Milestones

Rhea-AI Summary

ComEd announced the successful completion of testing for a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance energy security through microgrid technology. The Bronzeville Community Microgrid showcased zero outages, demonstrating its ability to operate independently during severe weather. This initiative aims to integrate clean energy and improve grid resilience, directly benefiting over 1,000 customers, including public service agencies. ComEd plans to finalize the installation of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into the microgrid next year.

Positive

• Successful testing of the Bronzeville Community Microgrid, showing zero outages.
• Demonstrated ability of microgrids to enhance energy security and integrate clean energy.
• Projected benefit to over 1,000 residences and public service entities.

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 (NASDAQ: 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 purpose of the $4 million grant awarded to ComEd?

The grant aims to study how microgrids can enhance energy security and integrate clean energy.

What is the Bronzeville Community Microgrid?

It is a microgrid in Chicago designed to operate independently and enhance grid resilience.

How many customers will the Bronzeville Community Microgrid serve?

It will serve over 1,000 residences, businesses, and critical public services.

When will ComEd complete the installation of Distributed Energy Resources?

The installation is scheduled to be completed in the coming year.

How does the microgrid improve energy resilience during natural disasters?

The microgrid can disconnect from the main grid and continue operating independently, maintaining service during outages.

Which department awarded ComEd the grant for the microgrid project?

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

What impact could the microgrid project have on the energy industry?

It may lead to better integration of clean energy technologies across the industry.