DC Nanogrid Scoping Workshop

Mar 20, 2024

Monday, February 27, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Remote Access Only

The California Energy Commission (CEC) will host a workshop to solicit feedback on the scope of an upcoming proposed solicitation under the Electric Program Investment Charge 2021-2025 Investment Plan. This new grant funding opportunity is anticipated to be available summer 2023. The workshop will focus on the research topic #28, entitled “Nanogrid HVAC Module Development and Demonstration,” and will discuss proposed scope, existing technologies, and research needed to develop a direct current nanogrid (DC nanogrid) for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) heat pumps.

A DC nanogrid module is proposed to consist of a factory-built DC HVAC heat pump unit combined with battery storage and Photovoltaic (PV) as the main energy sources. The unit would typically be powered by the PV and storage, except when solar and stored energy is unavailable and the HVAC load would be powered by the grid. The system could reduce the installation complexity of integrated PV and storage while gaining efficiency benefits from direct DC connection to HVAC equipment, and it could provide solar benefits to ratepayers who have limited roof space or can’t afford a larger building-level PV and storage system. Projects under this solicitation could also eliminate or reduce building HVAC load during peak hours in summer months.

Stakeholders and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback during the workshop and via written comment.

The workshop will be held remotely. The public can participate in the workshop consistent with the attendance instructions below. The CEC aims to begin promptly at the start time posted, and the end time is an estimate based on the proposed agenda. The workshop may end sooner or later than the posted end time.