Demonstration and Results of Grid Integrated Technologies at the Demand to Grid Laboratory (D2G Lab): Phase I Operations Report

This report details the operations of the Demand to Grid Laboratory (D2G Lab) demonstrations at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) since 2011, or Phase 1. Its purpose is to list the D2G Lab demonstration activities and results, and identify next steps to advance grid-integrated technologies and demand response (DR) research.

The D2G Lab was set up at LBNL’s Demand Response Research Center in 2011 to support research in the areas of open and related automated DR technologies, end-use devices, and their integration with the electric grid. The D2G Lab advances Smart Grid deployment for commercial, industrial, and residential end-uses, including measurement, communications, and control networks. The D2G lab aims to innovate low-cost and easy-to-implement solutions and technologies. To meet these goals and functions, the D2G Lab was set up with careful thought toward supporting the DR and grid-integration goals of California.

The D2G Lab provided an R&D test bed such as proof-of-concept studies and demonstrations of pre-commercial technologies, and evaluation of techniques to link demand-side loads with advanced DR capabilities. The monitoring systems, integrated database, and modular setup allowed inclusion of new technologies for commercial adoption. The D2G Lab also provided R&D tools for building systems to support broader U.S. grid integration initiatives. Identifying and improving the flexibility of electric loads will allow the electric grid to be more cost effective and resilient as more intermittent renewables are integrated. The D2G lab also provided a test bed for advanced control systems and related grid-integrated technologies that support the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) evaluation of responsive loads to and from grid transactions.