New Approaches to Baselining the Performance of Distributed Energy Resources

OVERVIEW

Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO), the Seeker for this Wazoku Crowd Challenge, is looking for robust and reliable methodologies to baseline the performance of aggregated Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

DERs are becoming an increasingly important part of modern energy systems due to their potential to improve the reliability of electric grid and promise to reduce emissions, among other factors.

However, to ensure proper incorporation of DERs into existing energy systems, a few problems need to be resolved. One of the most important is the issue of DER baselining, a process of establishing a reference point against which the DER performance or impact on the performance of the whole grid can be measured.

Current approaches to baselining remain limited in their objectivity, precision, and reliability, partly because a bulk of data related to the DER performance is obtained through self-reporting, which could be inaccurate or sometimes even misleading.

It is therefore imperative to develop methodologies for the robust, reliable, and data-driven approach to DER baselining. Developing such methodologies is the objective of this Challenge.

By taking part in this Prize Challenge, you are granting MISO a right to use (but not own) your submitted information, however MISO must determine award winners within 45 days from the start of evaluation, otherwise MISO loses this right.

This Prize Challenge requires a written proposal to be submitted, and the total guaranteed award of $15,000 USD will be paid, with awards to at least one submitted solution of at least $5,000, and no award being less than $2,500. There is no assignment of IP Rights with this challenge.

In this Prize Challenge, Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own.
• Submit third-party information that they have the right to use and further, the authority to convey MISO this right with the right to use and develop derivative works.
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on November 3rd, 2024.

- Login or register your interest to start solving!

ABOUT THE SEEKER & ELIGIBILITY

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Operating one of the world’s largest energy markets (with annual energy transactions worth more than $40 billion), MISO is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for our changing industry. To learn more about MISO and its mission, visit www.misoenergy.org  and read about its Strategy and Value Proposition.

Employees of ­­­­Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and their families are not eligible to receive awards for this Challenge.

Any individual or entity, located in or associated with any country, region, or government that is subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the United States government, is not eligible to receive award payments in relation to this Challenge.

Find out more about participation in Wazoku Crowd Challenges.

THE CHALLENGE

Background

The goal of this Challenge is to develop robust and reliable methodologies to baseline the performance of aggregated Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

DERs are small-scale energy generation and storage systems that are located near sites where the energy is used. They can be as simple as a rooftop solar panel or as complex as a microgrid.

Common types of DERs include energy generation systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells; they also include battery storage systems that allow storing excess electricity for later use.  Demand Response is a common category of DER.

As the demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy continues to grow, DERs are becoming an increasingly important part of modern energy systems. Their growing importance is driven by the following factors:

• Increased reliability: DERs can help improve the reliability of the electric grid by providing backup power during outages or peak demand periods.
• Reduced emissions: Many DERs, particularly those based on renewable energy sources, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Cost savings: DERs can help reduce energy costs for both consumers and businesses.
• Community empowerment: DERs can empower local communities to take control of their energy needs and reduce their reliance on centralized power plants.

However, to ensure proper incorporation of DERs into existing energy systems, a few problems need to be resolved. One of the most important of them is the issue of DER baselining.

DER baselining is the process of establishing a reference point or benchmark against which the DER performance or impact on the performance of the whole grid can be measured.

Baselining is important because:

• It allows for the identification of changes in grid behavior that can be attributed to the introduction or increased penetration of DERs.
• It provides a framework for evaluating the performance of DERs in achieving their intended objectives, such as reducing peak demand or improving grid resilience.
• It can inform policy decisions related to the integration of DERs into the grid and the energy landscape in general.

Yet, current approaches to baselining remain limited in their objectivity, precision, and reliability. A few reasons account for this limitation:

• The complexity of grid dynamics: The electric grid is a complex system with numerous factors influencing its behavior. Isolating the specific impact of DERs can be difficult.
• Data limitations: A bulk of data related to the DER performance is obtained through self-reporting, which could be inaccurate or sometimes even misleading.
• The variability of DERs: DERs differ widely in terms of size, type, and operating characteristics, making it difficult to generalize their impact on the whole grid.
• Manipulation: DERs can intentionally modify their performance to obtain better compensation for participation.
• External factors: Factors such as weather conditions, economic conditions, and changes in demand can influence grid stability, complicating the correct assessing of specifically of DER contribution.

The objective of this Challenge, therefore, is to develop robust and reliable methodologies to baseline DERs.

We envision that a “one-size-fit-all” methodology can be developed to accurately baseline the performance of DERs for both aggregated technologies as well as individual DER types (differing in types and size). We also envision that the proposed methodology will ensure access to high-quality, real-time data and not heavily rely on self-reported, post-factum data. Finally, we anticipate that the proposed methodology will be flexible enough to be open to incorporating new information and yet be capable of providing a reliable set of predictions for future planning.

SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS

When developing their methodologies, the Solvers should keep in mind the following considerations:

• DER Definition: The proposed methodology should provide a clear description of how it categorizes and groups DERs for the stated purposes. Consider that some definitions may include demand response as a DER, while others may not.  Aggregations of DER may be heterogeneous and combine demand response programs such as water heater programs with rooftop solar installations and electric vehicle chargers.
• DER Types Considerations: The proposed methodology should be applicable to integrating a wide variety of types of DER systems, both for energy generation, storage, and demand response.  
• Size-Based Considerations: The proposed methodology should be flexible to baselining adjustments based on the size of the DER aggregation. For example, what additional challenges may arise when baselining smaller aggregations (e.g., 0.1 MW)? What additional challenge may arise when baselining large aggregations of many small loads?
• Accurate Representation: The proposed methodology should rely on real-time data and describe the true behavior of DERs, i.e., an accurate representation of what DERs are doing versus what they may claim to be doing. In other words, the proposed methodology should minimize the potential for manipulation by resources to reduce load artificially.
• Impact of External Factors: MISO’s large geographic footprint results in a diverse ecosystem of contextual parameters. The proposed methodology should be capable of incorporating factors influencing the DERs performance. For example, it should allow to distinguish between geographic areas and seasons where and when one source of energy demand (e.g., heating) exceeds the other (e.g., air conditioning).
• Data Integration: The proposed methodology should clearly define how various data sets (including historical performance data of DERs, weather data, grid demand patterns, etc.) will be integrated.
• Technological Framework: The proposed methodology should clearly describe the technological framework needed for its use, including data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and IoT tools.
• Scalability and Adaptability: The proposed methodology should be designed in a way it could deal with regular scaling up and scaling down of the grid and be easily adaptable to different types of DERs and varying grid conditions.

We expect the Solvers to present a comprehensive Methodology Report including the following:

1. An overview of the approach and the rationale behind it:
   1. The data validation processes.
   2. Explanation how the proposed baseline will adapt to different aggregation sizes and groupings.
   3. Explanation how the proposed baseline will adapt to scaling up and down.
   4. Potential future improvements.
2. Implementation plan (optional but highly desirable), an outline of how the proposed methodology could:
   1. Be implemented in a real-world setting, showcasing its practical viability and impact.
   2. Include the costs required to collect and clean the underlaying data.
   3. Include any relevant proprietary data sources and/or software tools.

The submitted methodologies will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Innovation: Originality and creativity of the proposed approaches.
• Practicality: Feasibility and ease of implementation.
• Impact: Positive effect on grid reliability, economic efficiency, and stakeholder benefits.
• Clarity: Coherence and thoroughness of the report and its presentation; clarity and informativity of accompanying illustrations.
• Scalability: Potential for the methodologies to be scaled and adapted to different contexts and conditions.

Things to Avoid:

• MISO is not interested in pure machine learning (ML) or predictive algorithm ideas for using AI. MISO is unlikely to award any solutions that rely solely on interpretation and processing of large datasets without giving recommendations for how that AI approach will bring significant impacts on grid effectiveness.
• We also want to emphasize that we’re looking for practical approaches that could be realized within a reasonable time. We’re therefore not interested in methodologies that are based on early-stage technologies that will require years to confirm and validate.

Solutions with Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4-7 are invited.

This Prize Challenge has the following features:

1. By taking part in this Prize Challenge, you are granting Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) a right to use (but not own) your submitted information, however MISO must determine the award winners within 45 days from the start of evaluation, otherwise MISO loses this right. You will receive notification.

2. There will be a guaranteed award of $15,000, with at least one award being $5,000 or more and no award being less than $2,500.

3. The award distribution will be determined after theoretical evaluation of the proposals by MISO.

4. Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own.
• Submit third-party information that they have the right to use and further, the authority to convey to MISO this right with the right to use and develop derivative works.
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use.

5. MISO may also issue “Honorable Mention” recognitions for notable submissions that are not selected for monetary awards.

YOUR SUBMISSION

Please login and register your interest, to complete the submission form.

The submitted proposals must be written in English and can include:

1. Participation Type – you will first be asked to inform us how you are participating in this challenge, as a Solver (Individual) or Solver (Organization).
2. Solution Level - the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of your solution.
3. Problem & Opportunity - highlight the innovation in your approach to the Problem, its point of difference, and the specific advantages/benefits this brings (up to 500 words).
4. Solution Overview - detail the features of your solution and how they address the SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS (500 words, there is space to add more in the summary field, and attach supporting data, diagrams, etc.).
5. Experience - Expertise, use cases and skills you or your organization have in relation to your proposed solution.  (up to 500 words).
6. Solution Risks - any risks you see with your solution and how you would plan for this (up to 500 words).
7. Timeline, capability and costs - describe what you think is required to deliver the solution, estimated time and cost (up to 500 words).
8. Online References - provide links to any publications, articles or press releases of relevance (up to 500 words).

Solutions will be evaluated for AI Generated content. Any solutions found to be developed using Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or others will not be considered for award.

Find out more about participation in Wazoku Crowd Challenges.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on November 3rd, 2024.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Your submission will be evaluated by the evaluation team first reviewing the information and content you have submitted at the submission form, with attachments used as additional context to your form submission. Submissions relying solely on attachments will receive less attention from the evaluation team.

After the Challenge submission close date, MISO will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the winning solution(s) according to the timeline in the Challenge header. All Solvers who submit a proposal will be notified about the status of their submissions.