Integrated Solar Energy & Smart Grid Research, Development, Demonstration and Education Center
Project description:
The project aims to build 2 pilot-scale facilities that integrate renewable-energy generation with energy storage, using a variety of sources and methods for each, and with land-use concepts, such as biofuels and agriculture, and witheducation and technician training activities. The project will use systems analysis and advanced smart-grid/microgridsto optimize capacity, integration, cost and efficiency in delivering desired utility loads and advanced economic analysis/models to estimate the scaled cost of energy production.
Energy generation sources to be integrated are: flat-plate PV, single axis tracking PV, concentrated thermal and concentrated PV, solar trough and simulated wind. Energy storage methods to be integrated include: batteries (Li-ion, sodium sulfur and flow batteries), supercapacitors, compressed air energy storage (both underground and above-ground) and other mechanical storage methods. Developed systems will be assessed for cost/benefit to identify areas where research might lead to a decrease in cost and/or improvement in efficiency supported by empirical modeling of technological change to determine effective policy alternatives. All components of the Center will contribute to research and education and will undergo individual performance analysis, as well as systems performance assessment. Education and training will also take place in a Visitor Center with student training and demonstration areas for public access.
Two sites currently being planned under a Public/Private Non-Profit Paternship inwhich the University of Arizona is a lead partner through AzRISE. The other lead partners are Southwest Solar Technologies (SST), a private solar company based in Phoenix and the University of Phoenix. Potential contributing partners are: Tucson Electric Power (TEP), ASU, NAU, the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, Arcadia Bio Systems, Lux Aviation, NanoTune, Inc., NGK, Solon Energy, Global Solar Energy and the Arizona Renewable Energy and Storage Technology Consortium (AzREST) formed by AzRISE that includes: APS, TEP, SRP, AEPCO, WAPA, Southwestern Power Group II, University of Colorado, NAU, WECC, and SWAT.
The Phoenix site will be at Riverpoint (intersection of Salt River and I-10) and the site is being prepared with funds donated by SST and the University of Phoenix. The Tucson site will be distributed between several locations, including Biosphere 2, the UA Science and Tech Park, the TEP Test Yard and the Tucson International Airport. Funds for the Tucson site preparation are being provided by TEP.
Readiness:
The Phoenix site is currently being designed and the land has been cleared and is being developed. Many of the Tucson sites are active and shovel-ready.
Leveraging:
This project is in line with ongoing activities at AzRISE and UA in solar energy and storage, and at the UA Biofuels Institute. The development of a RD&D Center and Pilot Plan was recommended in part by the AERO report to the Arizona governor in 2008. Workforce training, education and jobs formation are critical aspects of the Center.
Coordination:
The project will be directed by AzRISE through Joe Simmons and Ardeth Barnhart, and the NPO's Board of DIrectors. A campus technical advisory team will be formed to represent the related campus activities like the campus sustainability program (desalination research), the Biofuels Institute, and other programs.