OP Credit: Master Controller – Above Green

(1-3 points)

Applicable to: Cities & Utilities, Campuses, Transit

INTENT

To promote adaptability through operational changes that optimize the electricity system in real time.

REQUIREMENTS

All Projects

Install a master controller or control system that automatically interfaces with local control systems within the project boundary.

Demonstrate the following capabilities (1 point):

Ability to remotely start and stop local generation
Ability to remotely control loads in more than one building, either directly or by communication with other controllers, such as the project’s building controllers.

Additionally, adopt at least three (1 point) or all (2 points) of the following advanced capabilities:

Ability to control loads and local generation to maintain specified levels of demand for demand response events, to respond to local demand reduction needs (such as by limiting the project’s demand), and to respond to dynamic prices
Ability to automatically detect threats to the project’s electrical system and take action to mitigate such threats
Ability to operate under complete loss of power and when the primary communication used by the master controller is unavailable
Ability to use analytics to detect such problems as poor power quality, low voltage, and impending equipment failures, and to notify operators
Ability to operate in at least three of the following modes:
- Grid connect optimization mode. The master controller optimizes the project’s costs, efficiency, and/or emissions by controlling loads and local generation.
- Safe mode. The master controller overrides the optimization functions under the grid connect mode and manages the project’s electrical system to stabilize the project’s grid. Generating assets are started, prepared to start, or operated to stabilize the grid in case grid conditions deteriorate. The project can be grid connected and does not need to be operated as an island.
- Demand response mode. This mode is similar to the grid connect mode except that loads and generation are operated to meet the requirements of an ISO, city or utility demand response program.
- Unplanned island mode. The master controller rapidly (within 1 minute) sheds load and starts generation to switch the project from grid connect to island mode.
- Planned island mode. In response to threats to the power grid, the controller can either start generators and switch to island mode or prepare to start the generators and quickly enter island mode if the bulk power grid is interrupted.