PNNL

Abstract

What can home appliances do to help ensure the reliability of the electricity grid? A lot—if they employ smart control technology. Engineers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed the Grid Friendly™ appliance controller, a distributed control technology that transforms household appliances into full partners in grid operations. This article describes how the Grid Friendly appliance controller works, the benefit it brings to the energy system, and how the technology could be put to use.