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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Sustainable Energy
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  5. Building-Grid Integration

Building-Grid
Integration

Connecting buildings
and the power grid

Researchers at PNNL are using a new method, known as Intelligent Load Control, to rein in a building’s energy demand. On the PNNL campus, the algorithm has been deployed to control energy-related devices, such as lighting. Devices respond to optimize energy use in real time and reduce peak electricity loads, while ensuring occupant comfort.

Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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  • Residential Buildings
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PNNL’s longstanding leadership in transactive energy provides the foundation for today’s vision for building-grid integration.

In this vision, future buildings and homes routinely “talk” with the power grid and other energy sources, seamlessly coordinating energy supply and demand. The result? Energy and cost savings, a more stable grid, and improved use of renewable energy—all of which benefit consumers, the environment, and the nation’s energy and economic security.   

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office, PNNL researchers are advancing transactive energy and associated building-grid technology development in these key areas:

  • control systems to manage building and home operations
  • data analytics and modeling
  • interoperability and connected equipment
  • energy storage
  • grid and building cybersecurity.

Recent News

MAY 16, 2022
Feature

An Electric Connection: Homes Helping the Grid

Read
Diagram of a connected home
MARCH 1, 2022
Staff Accomplishment

BOPTEST Paper Earns Journal Award

Read
PNNL team members who worked on BOPTEST paper
JANUARY 25, 2022
News Release

How a Smart Electric Grid Will Power Our Future

Read
Transactive Energy City Scape
SEE MORE RELATED NEWS

Facilities

Building Operations Control Center Integrated Building Assets Lab Homes Power Electronics Laboratory Systems Engineering Building Thermal Energy Storage System

Related Divisions

Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division

Related Links

What is the Smart Grid?Clean Energy and Transactive Campus ProjectClean Energy and Transactive Campus Project (brochure)Economic DispatchIntelligent Load ControlIntelligent Load Control (brochure)Residential Load FlexibilityRooftop Unit Comparison CalculatorVOLTTRON

Contacts

Dennis Stiles
Sector Lead, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
dennis.stiles@pnnl.gov
Shannon Bates
Advisor
shannon.bates@pnnl.gov

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