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Penetration of renewable energy resources (RERs) in the power grid continues to increase as we strive toward a greener environment for the future. While they have many advantages, most RERs possess little or no rotational kinetic energy, thereby threatening the frequency stability of future power grids. Energy storage systems (ESSs) can be used to mitigate this problem, as they are capable of providing virtual inertia to the system. This paper proposes a novel analytical approach for sizing ESSs to provide inertial support to the grid and maintain frequency stability in presence of RERs. This method analytically estimates the total inertia of the system using probability distributions of the outage states of conventional generators and RERs. RERs are modeled as multi-state units, considering the variability of their output power due to changes in weather conditions and also the forced outages of their equipment. The ESS is utilized to provide virtual inertia to the grid in the form of active power once the estimated system inertia falls below the minimum required during a disturbance. The efficacy of the proposed approach is tested on the IEEE 39 bus system and the results obtained by the analytical approach are validated using Monte Carlo simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the modeling of storage elements and a unified theory liberated of the I–V characteristics of a specific technology is developed. First, the definition of an ideal storage element with limited energy capacity is presented, then the semiideal storage properties are discussed. The addition of power conservative two-port network denoted POPI (Pout = Pin) is added in order to define a flexible storage element in terms of characteristics. The paper demonstrates the theory by examples of storage elements integrated in power electronics systems. The ideas and methodology presented in this work can be applied to power electronics applications as well as power systems, smart grids, and microgrids, where storage is an important factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new three-level bidirectional dc–dc converter configuration for the battery and supercapacitor (SC) energy storage systems in dc microgrids is presented in this paper. The PI-based control method is implemented to operate the proposed converter with hybrid energy storage system. Furthermore, joint control is utilized to obtain rapid dc-link voltage restoration and effective power sharing between battery and SC based on their respective characteristics. The system operating principle, controller design, stability analysis, simulation studies, and experimental studies are presented in this paper. The proposed three-level bidirectional dc–dc converter configuration can effectively integrate the battery and SC with the bidirectional power flow. The proposed control method provides the effective participation of the SC system which reduces the stress on the battery system. The presented converter configuration is effective in reducing the stress on the power semiconductors and provides better performance with smaller passive components. The experimental platform is built to test and validate the three-level bidirectional dc–dc converter and the proposed control method for the HESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery-based Energy Storage Transportation (BEST) is the transportation of modular battery storage systems via train cars or trucks representing an innovative solution for a) enhancing Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) utilization and load shifting, and b) providing a potential alternative for managing transmission congestions. This paper focuses on point b) and proposes a long-term transmission-planning model coordinated with both stationary and mobile storage units. The planning-problem objective function minimizes the total system cost, i.e., the sum of i) the investment cost of candidate transmission lines, stationary and mobile storage systems, and ii) the operation cost, including conventional generating units fuel consumption, load shedding penalty and BEST transportation costs. An alternative approach for BEST vehicle scheduling problem is implemented. The contribution lies in the accomplishment of the spatial-temporal scheduling of the mobile storage units by including the Number-of-nonzero mathematical function in the optimization model set of constraints instead of using additional binary variables as generally accomplished. The identification of either storage systems optimal location, or both optimal location and size of storage systems is also allowed. BEST usefulness is analyzed and discussed for a test-system emulating a reals system in China-Northwestern-grid with high VRE penetration divided in five regional areas, of which the most promising one for BEST implementation is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a machine learning approach for placing control actuators to enhance dynamic performance in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy. The method transforms the placement problem into a classification problem by studying the relationship between system topological, physical and operational features, and dynamic performance related labels. The proposed framework includes four stages: power system setup; dataset creation; feature extraction and analytical model generation, and creating guidelines for system planners. Test results in the IEEE 39-bus system and the IEEE 118-bus system determine the most significant features including inertia, topological, and impedance distributions. This paper also contributes to providing general criteria and guidance for system planners to place the control resources for improving oscillation damping, voltage, and transient stability issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronous generators are operating for less time than before or being decommissioned in the National Electricity Market (NEM) of Australia, due to the proliferation of asynchronous wind and solar generation. Sub-networks of the NEM will face inertia shortages in the near future. This paper develops a formulation of zonal inertia constrained generator dispatch for power systems with a diversified generator portfolio including synchronous generators, synchronous condensers, inverter-interfaced generators and energy storages. Zonal inertia constraints are formulated in unit commitment and optimal power flow to limit the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF) in the event of network separation. Load frequency relief is also considered to reduce the ramp rate requirement of primary reserve. The proposed formulation can reduce the average cost of primary reserve and maintain zonal inertia adequacy to constrain RoCoF in case of the trip of the interconnector(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a trilateral bilevel stochastic mixed integer bilevel linear programming (MIBLP) model to handle a joint master-slave operation-planning problem. This model considers the interactions among an integrated community energy system (ICES), prosumers, and the wholesale electricity market (WM). The ICES, in the upper level, makes a joint optimal photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system plan taking into account the concurrent interactions with the WM and prosumers to maximize its profit. On the other hand, in the lower level, the prosumers aim at minimizing their bills via an optimal PV-package sizing while interacting with the ICES and the WM simultaneously. The strong duality theorem is used to recast this MIBLP model into an equivalent single-level model. Since the lower level is also an operation-planning problem, this recast results in a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model that prevents finding a satisfactory solution. To remedy this issue, sensitivity analysis and a separation-based linearization technique are applied. Numerical results illustrate the effective performance of the proposed business model while providing valuable information for the ICES and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new transformerless bidirectional buck-boost converter is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter has a simple circuit structure, low component count, low voltage stress on the power transistors, and a wide voltage gain range. This makes it applicable in the energy storage charge/discharge systems, such as electric vehicles (EV), microgrids and nanogrids with energy storage units, and uninterruptible power supplies. In addition, synchronous rectification between the complementary transistors is employed to improve the converter efficiency. A comprehensive analysis of the steady-state operation, small-signal model, component parameters design, and efficiency analysis of the proposed converter operating in a continuous conduction mode is given. Finally, a 1.6-kW scaled-down prototype was built using Silicon Carbide MOSFETS to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new inverter control approach, called enhanced virtual synchronous machine (eVSM), is proposed based on the VSM concept. Unlike existing VSM approaches, the eVSM does not emulate the rotating inertia based on an assumption of the unlimited energy storage, but it deploys the physically existing inertia of the dc-link element. The eVSM adopts an innovative way of enlarging the inertia utilization range, which obviates the need for having a large dc-link element or a dedicated battery storage system, while still providing the same inertia response of an equivalent synchronous machine. Theoretical developments and numerical results presented in this paper confirm that the proposed eVSM can present a stabilizing support to the grid similar to a synchronous machine despite the small size of its dc-link element. Moreover, its transient responses can be improved beyond those of conventional synchronous machines thanks to the possibility of more flexibly adjusting damping and governor functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on a review of the state of the art of future power grids, where new and modern technologies will be integrated into the power distribution grid, and will become the future key players for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. The current power grids are undergoing an unprecedented transformation from the original design, changing the way how energy has been produced, delivered, and consumed over the past century. This new energy era includes the integration of renewable sources such as wind and solar, supported by the distributed or community energy storage, to power distribution grids through innovative high-frequency magnetic links and power-electronic converters. The use of emission free transportation, such as electric vehicles, and energy efficient technologies, such as superconducting generators and storage systems, are also rapidly emerging and will be integrated into the power grids in the foreseeable future. However, it is necessary to reconsider the current paradigms of system analysis and plan with a focus on how to achieve the most flexible, efficient, and reliable power grid for the future––the one that enables operation in a domain which is very different than the current one to deliver the services to consumers at an affordable cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a multisource multiproduct framework for coupled multicarrier energy supplies with a biogas–solar–wind hybrid renewable system. In this framework, the biogas–solar–wind complementarities are fully exploited based on digesting thermodynamic effects for the synergetic interactions of electricity, gas, and heating energy flows, and a coupling matrix is formulated for the modeling of production, conversion, storage, and consumption of different energy carriers. The multienergy complementarity of biogas–solar–wind renewable portfolio can be utilized to facilitate the mitigation of renewable intermittency and the efficient utilization of batteries, and a multicarrier generation scheduling scheme is further presented to dynamically optimize dispatch factors in the coupling matrix for energy-efficient conversion and storage, while different energy demands of end-users are satisfied. The proposed methodology has been fully tested and benchmarked on a stand-alone Microgrid over a 24-h scheduling horizon. Comparative results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can lower the battery charging/discharging actions as well as the degradation cost, and also confirm its capability to accommodate high penetration of variable renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage is crucial for both smart grids and renewable energy sources such as wind or solar, which are intermittent in nature. Compared to electrochemical batteries, flywheel energy storage systems (ESSs) offer many unique benefits such as low environmental impact, high power quality, and larger life cycles. This paper presents a novel utility-scale flywheel ESS that features a shaftless, hubless flywheel. The unique shaftless design gives it the potential of doubled energy density and a compact form factor. Its energy and power capacities are 100 kWh and 100 kW, respectively. The flywheel is made of high-strength steel, which makes it much easier to manufacture, assemble, and recycle. Steels also cost much less than composite materials. Design and analysis of the shaftless flywheel are presented first. In addition, the system incorporates a new combination active magnetic bearing. Its working principle and levitation control for the flywheel are discussed. The design of an integrated coreless permanent-magnet (PM) motor/generator for the flywheel is given as well. Initial test results show that the magnetic bearing provides stable levitation for the 5443-kg flywheel with small current consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy storage system (ESS) is generally used to manage the intermittency of the renewable energy sources (RESs). The proper control strategy is needed to effectively maintain the power balance between the RESs, load demand, and ESS. The conventional control strategy for the hybrid energy storage system (HESS) uses the high-/low-pass filter method for system net power decomposition and the ESS power dispatch. In this paper, a new joint control strategy is proposed for photovoltaic-based dc grid system, with battery and supercapacitor (SC) as a HESS. The new joint control strategy utilizes the uncompensated power from the battery system to increase the performance of the overall HESS. The advantages of the proposed control strategy over the conventional control strategy are faster dc-link voltage restoration and effective power sharing between the battery and the SC. The detailed stability analysis of the proposed control strategy is also presented. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy over the conventional control strategy is validated with the short-term and long-term experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design, modeling, and control of an isolated dc-dc three-port converter (TPC) based on an interleaved-boost full-bridge converter with pulsewidth modulation (PWM) and phase-shift control for hybrid renewable energy systems. In the proposed topology, the switches are driven by phase-shifted PWM signals, where both phase angle and duty cycle are the controlled variables. The power flow between the two inputs is controlled through the duty cycle, whereas the output voltage can be regulated effectively through the phase shift. The primary-side MOSFETs can achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operation without additional circuitry. Additionally, due to the ac output inductor, the secondary-side diodes can operate under zero-current-switching (ZCS) conditions. In this study, the operation principles of the converter are analyzed and the critical design considerations are discussed. The dynamic behavior of the proposed ac-inductor-based TPC is investigated by performing state-space modeling. Moreover, the derived mathematical models are validated by simulation and measurements. In order to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis, design, and power decoupling control scheme, a prototype is constructed and tested under the various modes, depending on the availability of the renewable energy source and the load consumption. The experimental results show that the two decoupled control variables achieve effective regulation of the power flow among the three ports. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Prosumers or proactive consumers are steadily on the rise in emerging Smart Grid systems. These consumers, apart from their traditonal role of using energy from the grid, also are actively involved in individually transferring stored energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar, to the grid. The large-scale integration of renewable generation in the emerging grid will re-define ways of meeting consumer energy demands, and more importantly drive greener and cost-effective utility operations. In this paper, we investigate the problem of matching consumer demand with the grid supply in real-time, and in the presence of renewables. We formulate this problem as a stochastic optimization problem and propose MATCH, a fast distributed real-time algorithm that accounts for the uncertainties in (i) renewable generation, (ii) the latter's transmission through the grid network, (iii) loads, and (iv) energy prices, and balances power in the Smart Grid at all times. MATCH is based on the Lyapunov stochastic optimization framework and scales to localities with a large number of networked renewable generation sources. We validate the efficacy of MATCH through experiments conducted using data modelled on proprietary data obtained from two public utilities. As part of the main results of this work, we show that (a) MATCH outputs unique approximate-optimal grid parameter configuration vectors in real-time that ensure perennial supply-demand balance in the grid at a minimum cost, and (b) mesh transmission network topologies lead to better MATCH outputs when compared to other existing transmission network topologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe pollution induced by traditional fossil fuels arouses great attention on the usage of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and renewable energy. However, large-scale penetration of PEVs combined with other kinds of appliances tends to cause excessive or even disastrous burden on the power grid, especially during peak hours. This paper focuses on the scheduling of PEVs charging process among different charging stations and each station can be supplied by both renewable energy generators and a distribution network. The distribution network also powers some uncontrollable loads. In order to minimize the on-grid energy cost with local renewable energy and non-ideal storage while avoiding the overload risk of the distribution network, an online algorithm consisting of scheduling the charging of PEVs and energy management of charging stations is developed based on Lyapunov optimization and Lagrange dual decomposition techniques. The algorithm can satisfy the random charging requests from PEVs with provable performance. Simulation results with real data demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can decrease the time-average cost of stations while avoiding overload in the distribution network in the presence of random uncontrollable loads. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy storage systems (ESSs) are enabling technologies for well-established and new applications such as power peak shaving, electric vehicles, integration of renewable energies, etc. This paper presents a review of ESSs for transport and grid applications, covering several aspects as the storage technology, the main applications, and the power converters used to operate some of the energy storage technologies. Special attention is given to the different applications, providing a deep description of the system and addressing the most suitable storage technology. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the subject and to give an updated reference to nonspecialist, academic, and engineers in the field of power electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) can mitigate fluctuations of renewable-energy output due to its large-scale storage capacities, high ramp rate, and quick start-up time. It has become a novel choice for energy storage in microgrids. An islanded microgrid, which consists of wind turbines (WTs), photovoltaic (PV) array, diesel generators, and CAES, is investigated in this paper. The constant-pressure CAES is modeled in terms of its power capacity and energy capacity. A bi-level program (BLP) is proposed for the microgrid planning problem. It considers optimization of operation at the design stage of microgrids. The sizing problem is formulated on the upper level (UL), while the unit commitment (UC) problem with spinning-reserve requirement for the microgrid is described on the lower level (LL). The effectiveness of the approach is validated by case studies where the proposed methodology is compared to other similar ones. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a new active/reactive power closed-loop control system for a hybrid renewable energy generation system used for single-phase residential/commercial applications. The proposed active/reactive control method includes a hybrid estimator, which is able to quickly and accurately estimate the active/reactive power values. The proposed control system enables the hybrid renewable energy generation system to be able to perform real-time grid interconnection services such as active voltage regulation, active power control, and fault ride-through. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed closed-loop control system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In a deregulated power market, the real-time wholesale market price of electricity varies dramatically within a single day due to the availability of the resources. Moreover, the price of electricity can be different from one location to the other at the same time period due to the location of the available resources and transmission constraints. This is the so-called locational marginal price (LMP). Since wind power is noncontrollable and partially unpredictable, it is difficult to schedule its output to exploit LMP variations. While energy storage system (ESS) may accommodate wind farm output, it requires significant initial financial commitment. Accurately forecasted wind power and LMP information can reduce the required capacity and make it financially feasible for the ESS to perform desired functions. In this paper, artificial neural network (ANN) technique is employed to forecast the day-ahead wind power and LMP, and a hybrid ESS consisting of two storage facilities is developed. The primary ESS is utilized for the optimizing wind-storage system production schedule with day-ahead forecasting data, while the secondary ESS is applied to address the forecasting errors during real-time operation. With this hybrid ESS design, financial benefits are achieved for the wind farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) launched a nodal market in December 2010, aiming at benefiting customers who are willing to curtail or shift their loads to help improve system reliability. Demand response (DR) programs may stimulate users to change their electricity consumption patterns based on electricity prices and incentives. Senate Bill 1125 allows residential and commercial class customers to participate in DR programs alongside industrial customers while reliability standards are maintained. By effectively utilizing renewable sources and energy storage devices, household electricity bills might be reduced since the purchase of electricity, particularly when the price is relatively high, can be replaced by either renewable resources or electricity from energy storage devices. This paper presents different scenarios of implementing photovoltaic systems and Li-based batteries under ERCOT's DR program design for a household in order to reap financial benefits. A typical Texas residential load profile and the locational marginal prices information of ERCOT's real-time market are applied to optimize battery capacity and total revenue. Finally, the calculation results illustrate that by participating in the DR programs, residential users are able to obtain financial benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel hybrid autonomous power systems (mini-grids) capable of operating with high penetration of wind usually require additional means to mitigate the impact of fluctuating wind energy on stability and power quality. The use of energy storage units and sophisticated wind turbines (WTs) with pitch angle control and/or a power electronics interface are deemed essential. They become costly and not economically attractive for many small remote communities with limited resources. This paper investigates the potential of inexpensive fixed-pitch directly coupled squirrel-cage-induction-generator-based (type 1) WTs for assisting with frequency stability and support in a storage-less diesel hybrid mini-grid. The impact of some parameters of the WT on the magnitude of the slope of its power-versus-frequency (droop) characteristics is examined. The results show that a type-1 WT with an increased droop slope can reduce frequency variations in the mini-grid as well as variations of power and torque in the diesel engine generator set. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Along with the increasing penetration of renewable energy, distribution system power flow may be significantly altered in terms of direction and magnitude. This will make delivering reliable power, on demand, a major challenge. In this paper, a novel battery energy storage system (BESS) based energy acquisition model is proposed for the operation of distribution companies (DISCOs) in regulating price or locational marginal price (LMP) mechanisms, while considering energy provision options within DISCO controlled areas. Based on this new model, a new battery operation strategy is proposed for better utilization of energy storage system (ESS) and mitigation operational risk from price volatility. Meanwhile, optimal sizing and siting decisions for BESS is obtained through a cost-benefit analysis method, which aims at maximizing the DISCO's profit from energy transactions, system planning and operation cost savings. The proposed energy acquisition model and ESS control strategy are verified on a modified IEEE 15-bus distribution network, and risk mitigation is also quantified in two different markets. The promising results show that the capacity requirement for ESS can be reduced and the operational risk can also be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aims at resolving a specific problem in the area of renewable energy, energy storage systems, variable-speed drives, and flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices used in the electric power systems. The use of power conversion system (PCS) is very common in the aforementioned areas. A cascaded control scheme based on four proportional-integral (PI) controllers is widely used in the control of the PCS unit. Setting the parameters of the four cascaded PI controllers simultaneously is cumbersome, especially when the application is in the area of electrical power system which is difficult to express using a mathematical model or transfer function due to its nonlinear properties. This paper presents an optimum design procedure for the cascaded controller of the PCS unit using Taguchi method. To apply the design parameters obtained from Taguchi method, a renewable energy application is chosen where a variable-speed wind turbine generator system is connected to the power grid through two back-to-back PCS units. The effectiveness of the designed parameters using Taguchi method is then compared with that obtained using response surface methodology and genetic algorithm (RSM-GA) method under the grid fault condition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With the emerging installations of multitype renewable energy sources and energy storage elements, the dc electronic distribution systems in residential houses/buildings (dc nanogrid) are becoming an alternative future system solution, achieving a zero net-energy consumption and optimized power management. One of the critical components in such a dc system is the grid-interface bidirectional ac–dc power converter, namely the energy control center. Besides, the basic power conversion function, the system interface solution in grid-interface converter is important to successfully interconnect the ac and dc systems as well as fulfill the power quality and EMI regulation codes on both dc and ac sides. This paper presents a complete discussion of several aspects of system interface design for the grid-interface converter under both single-phase and three-phase system conditions. A passive plus active filter solution is proposed to accomplish the common-mode-related noises minimization as well as a dramatic reduction of the converter system volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emerging installations of multitype renewable energy sources and energy storage elements, the dc electronic distribution systems in residential buildings (dc nanogrid) are becoming an alternative future system solution, achieving a zero net-energy consumption and optimized power management. The concept of the energy control center (ECC), which interconnects the dc system to the traditional ac utility grid, is introduced, and the operation function of ECC converter suitable for dc nanogrid application is defined. This paper investigates a two-stage topology using a full bridge in series with a bidirectional synchronous rectifier dc–dc converter as a single-phase ECC for dc nanogrid, with a significant reduction of the dc-link capacitor value. The operation analysis and the design of passive components are provided. A bidirectional control system and the design process are also presented in terms of the system requirement and the small dc-link capacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a control scheme is proposed for a three-phase isolated photovoltaic (PV)-diesel microgrid without energy-storage element. The scheme aims to: track maximum power from the PVA, regulate the load voltage, compensate the load unbalance viewed by the diesel generator, and to control the diesel-engine speed. The first three tasks are achieved by controlling the pulse width modulation inverter interfacing the PV array to the system. The fourth is realized by a modified fuzzy logic controller of the diesel engine. The obstacles encountered on operating the system under certain probable loading conditions are addressed. Two different operation strategies are proposed to provide high-quality power under all loading scenarios, and to achieve the targets of the control scheme. The system operation is investigated under a variety of conditions to prove the aptness of the proposed techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A scheme that allows the dispatch of steady and controllable level of power from a wind power generating station is proposed in this paper. The scheme utilizes two battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in which the generated wind power is used to charge one BESS, while the second BESS is used to discharge constant power into grid. The role of the two BESS interchanges when the discharging BESS reaches specified operating limit. With this scheme in mind and based on given wind speed statistics, charging characteristics of the BESS are studied, and a method to determine the expected charging time of the BESS to reach stipulated battery state of charge is developed. The expected BESS charging time, in turn, dictates the constant power level that can be dispatched to the grid through the discharging BESS. The corresponding discharge time is also determined using the developed method, the accuracy of which is validated experimentally. The proposed design procedure is then used to determine the minimum BESS capacity based on the expected wind power. Statistical likelihood of dispatchable power delivery achievable from the scheme is also obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage is an enabling technology for power system integration of renewable sources, while data storage enables computer system integration. In this paper, a functional analogy relating energy and data storage is derived. Battery or hydrogen storage can provide large energy capacity similar to a hard disk providing large data capacity. Supercapacitors or flywheels provide fast and frequent access to cache energy similar to the computer's RAM providing fast and frequent access to data. In analogy to computer engineering, a cache control that coordinates the operation of a multilevel storage consisting of such complementary capacity and access-oriented storage technologies is designed. It is illustrated how for an industrial distributed energy system with renewable generation, local load, fueling station, and connections to the electricity and gas distribution networks, the cache control provides energy management to support a modular plug-and-play-like system integration. The benefit of the analogy in education is evaluated on a representative sample of electrical engineering students at the University of Washington. While familiar with computing, students do not typically have the same level of exposure to power engineering. The understanding of distributed energy systems concepts is shown to improve thanks to this bridging analogy between computer and power engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]