The Resilient Communities via Risk-driven Infrastructure Planning and Automated Restoration (Recuperat) project aims to enhance the resilience of the power grid in Rockford, Illinois, for underserved communities affected by high-speed winds. The project uses a data-driven approach to strengthen the energy distribution system, which will enable the rapid restoration of power with the help of distributed energy resources (DERs). The technology being implemented will introduce new opportunities for solar-plus-storage systems to aid in the automation of the restoration process, creating self-organizing "islands" in power distribution networks.

Funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO) and led by Washington State University, the Recuperat project involves collaborative efforts with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), ComEd, Region 1 Planning Council, Open Energy Solutions (OES), Eaton, Altitude Grid, LLC, and West Virginia University (WVU).

An electrical grid is a traditional, centralized system with limited communication and automation, while a smart grid is a more advanced, automated, and flexible system that optimizes energy usage, integrates renewable resources, and provides both utilities and consumers with real-time information and control.

An electrical grid is a system for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity from power plants to consumers. It has been the standard infrastructure for energy distribution for over a century, but it is largely a one-way system that lacks the flexibility and advanced technology seen in modern systems.

Key Features of an Electrical Grid

• One-way Power Flow: An electrical grid is designed to deliver electricity in one direction—from the power station to homes and businesses. There is limited communication back to the utility, and consumers have a limited active role in managing their energy consumption.
• Manual Control: A traditional grid is manually operated, with minimal automation or real-time monitoring. Any disruptions (like outages or overloads) are typically addressed after they occur, often requiring human intervention.
• Centralized Generation: Electricity is mainly generated in large, centralized power plants, which may be powered by fossil fuels, nuclear, or hydroelectric sources. Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are harder to integrate.
• Limited Integration of Renewables: An electrical grid is primarily built to handle energy from conventional sources and faces challenges in integrating renewable energy like wind and solar, which are variable and difficult to predict.
• Reliability and Efficiency: Traditional grids are vulnerable to power outages and inefficiencies, especially over long distances. Energy losses occur during transmission, and the system lacks the flexibility to adjust to changing demands efficiently.
• Consumer Interaction: Consumers have a limited ability to interact with the traditional grid, receiving electricity without detailed insights into their consumption patterns or control over their energy usage.

A smart grid is an advanced version of an electrical grid, enhanced with digital technologies to monitor, manage, and optimize the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity. It integrates traditional infrastructure with advanced communication systems and sensors, enabling greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

Key Features of a Smart Grid

• Two-way Communication: Unlike traditional grids, a smart grid enables two-way communication between power stations, substations, and consumers. This allows utilities to collect real-time data on energy use and enables consumers to monitor and adjust their energy consumption.
• Automation: Smart grids use automation to detect and respond to changes in the grid, such as fluctuations in demand or outages, without requiring human intervention. This increases the system’s efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances resilience.
• Demand Response: Smart grids implement demand response programs, which adjust electricity prices or usage instructions based on real-time grid conditions. This helps balance supply and demand, reducing reliance on peak generation and making the grid more cost-efficient.
• Renewable Energy Integration: A smart grid can easily integrate renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro, which can be intermittent. It manages storage systems and optimizes energy distribution to accommodate these energy sources efficiently.
• Energy Storage: Smart grids manage energy storage systems (such as batteries) that store excess power during low demand periods and release it during high demand periods, improving overall grid stability.
• Improved Efficiency and Reliability: Real-time monitoring and data analytics allow for quicker detection of issues, reducing power outages and minimizing energy loss, thus improving overall system efficiency and reliability.
• Consumer Benefits: Smart grids provide consumers with detailed insights into their energy consumption. With real-time data, consumers can track their usage, adjust their habits to save energy, and participate in energy-saving programs, potentially lowering their energy bills.

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are consumer-operated small generation units. They include rooftop solar panels, wind generators, batteries in electric vehicles, and smart appliances, among others. DER systems can be connected to the local electric power grid to improve resiliency and reliability.

DER systems can help manage energy bills and ensure reliable power by enhancing current energy devices, lowering emissions, and improving fuel utilization on-site. Utilities can use DER technologies to delay, reduce, or even eliminate the need to obtain additional power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment and infrastructure. At the same time, DER systems can provide voltage support and enhance local reliability.