DER Basics http://www.eren.doe.gov/der/
Distributed energy
resources (DER) refers to a variety of small, modular power-generating
technologies that can be combined with energy management and storage systems
and used to improve the operation of the electricity delivery system, whether
or not those technologies are connected to an electricity grid.
Implementing DER can be
as simple as installing a small electricity generator to provide backup power
at an electricity consumer's site. Or it can be a more complex system, highly
integrated with the electricity grid and consisting of electricity generation,
energy storage, and power management systems.
DER systems range in
size and capacity from a few kilowatts up to 50 MW. They comprise a portfolio
of technologies, both supply-side and demand-side, that can be located at or
near the location where the energy is used.
DER devices provide
opportunities for greater local control of electricity delivery and
consumption. They also enable more efficient utilization of waste heat in
combined heat and power (CHP)
applications — boosting efficiency and lowering emissions. CHP systems
provide electricity, hot water, heat for industrial processes, space heating
and cooling, refrigeration, and humidity control to improve indoor air quality
and comfort.
DER technologies are
playing an increasingly important role in the nation's energy portfolio. They
can be used to meet baseload power, peaking power, backup power, remote power,
power quality, as well as cooling and heating needs.
Customers usually own
the small-scale, on-site power generators, or they may be owned and operated
by a third party. If the distributed generator doesn't provide 100% of the
customer's energy needs at all times, it can be used in conjunction with a
distributed energy storage device or a connection to the local grid for backup
power.
Distributed energy
resources support and strengthen the central-station model of electricity
generation, transmission, and distribution. The diagram below shows how the
grid looks after the addition of distributed resources to the power grid.
While the central generating plant continues to provide most of the power to
the grid, the distributed resources meet the peak demands of local
distribution feeder lines or major customers. Computerized control systems,
typically operating over telephone lines, make it possible to operate the
distributed generators as dispatchable resources, generating electricity as
needed.
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In grid-connected applications, DER involves using small electricity generators throughout the distribution grid (at points indicated by arrows) to augment the electricity supplied by a large, central-station power plant. This is often referred to as "distributed power" (DP) or "distributed generation" (DG). Energy storage devices and load reduction measures are sometimes also used in combination with generators. "Distributed energy" is the collective term for all of these approaches to reducing demands on the power grid. |
From Mainframes to Networks
The growing popularity
of DER is analogous to the historical evolution of computer systems. Whereas
we once relied solely on mainframe computers with outlying workstations that
had no processing power of their own, we now rely primarily on a small number
of powerful servers networked with a larger number of desktop personal
computers, all of which help to meet the information processing demands of the
end users.
And just as the smaller
size and lower cost of computers has enabled individuals to buy and run their
own computing power, so the same trend in generating technologies is enabling
individual business and residential consumers to purchase and run their own
electrical power systems.
For More Information
Pursue the following
links:
Project
Financing & Partnering
This part of the DER Web
site is still in development. When completed, it will provide information on
the following topics:
State
& Local Information
This part of the DER Web
site is still in development. When completed, it will consolidate
geographically related information from other parts of the DER Web site,
including information on:
About
the DER Office
The Office of
Distributed Energy Resources (DER), created in October 2000, had its origins
in an earlier DER Taskforce. Formed in March 2000, the Taskforce combined DER-related
programs of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) into
one office to enhance the effectiveness of research, development,
demonstration, education, and implementation activities.
Vision
The DER Office has a
vision — that by 2020, the United States will have a flexible, secure,
efficient, and reliable energy infrastructure by optimizing the use of
distributed energy resources. At the heart of this vision is the goal of
meeting 20% of the nation's generating capacity additions with DER by the year
2010.
Relationship to National
Energy Policy (NEP)
The Distributed Energy
Resources Program directly supports the Administration's Reliable,
Affordable, and Environmentally Sound Energy For America's Future: Report of
the National Energy Policy (NEP) Development Group in the areas of Transmission, Combined Heat and
Power, and Alternative Energy. The program supports regional efforts as
recognized in Chapter Two: "The NEPD Group recommends the President
recognize unique regional energy concerns by working with the National
Governor associations to determine how to better serve the needs of diverse
areas of the country". In the area of Transmission, the program is
supporting a National Grid Study as recommended in Chapter Seven: "Direct
the Secretary of Energy, by December 31, 2001, to examine the benefits of
establishing a national grid, identifying transmission bottlenecks, and
identify measures to remove transmission bottlenecks". Under Combined
Heat and Power (CHP), the Program is supporting EPA in the elimination of
barriers to installing CHP and developing advanced integrated energy systems
that provide power, heating, cooling and improves indoor air quality as
discussed in Chapter Six. Distributed Energy Resources is referred to as
Alternative Energy in Chapter Six, and the Program is responding to the
recommendation "that the Secretary of Energy develop the next-generation
technology — including hydrogen and fusion". Under this recommendation,
the Program is developing advanced microturbines, reciprocating engines and
fuel cells with a vision towards the integrated energy systems.
For More Information
Pursue one of the
following links: