Communities using grid-interactive building technologies, such as Wi-Fi-enabled smart appliances and equipment, are proven to consume more than 40% less energy than similarly constructed homes. In addition, a residential microgrid can improve resiliency and provide power in case of a prolonged outage.
Why it matters:
Homes equipped with new technologies, such as hybrid electric water heaters, intelligent thermostats, smart locks, energy storage, and batteries, can save money for homeowners while a microgrid can relieve the strain on the power grid.
The innovation:
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed the software framework and controls for the Southeast’s first Southern Company Smart Neighborhood, which enables utilities to achieve their desired load shape and cost profiles while ensuring the comfort of the homeowners.
- Alabama Power Smart Neighborhood at Reynolds Landing – research phase completed in 2017: Sixty-two high-performance homes were constructed by Signature Homes in Hoover, Alabama. Each home was equipped with hybrid electric water heaters, electric vehicle charging capability, intelligent thermostats, smart locks, lights, cameras, garage doors, and other energy savings-focused technologies.
The neighborhood was supported by the first community-scale residential microgrid deployed in the Southeast. This microgrid configuration can function independently, or in conjunction with the power grid, improving resiliency in case of extreme weather or prolonged outages.
- Georgia Power Smart Neighborhood at Altus at the Quarter – research phase completed in 2019: Forty-six multi-story townhomes were built by Pulte Homes in Atlanta, Georgia, with an in-garage energy storage system. ORNL partnered with Georgia Power and Southern Company to develop and manage the neighborhood’s home energy optimization platform, which scheduled each home’s major appliances, to minimize cost and optimize comfort.
Real-world impact:
The Alabama Power and Georgia Power Smart Neighborhoods are fully occupied, and during the research phases of these projects, the homes consumed 40% less energy than similar homes.
The benefits:
- Less energy consumption equals more affordable utility bills
- Smart appliances are controlled by an optimization platform to maximize efficiency and reduce utility peak
- The microgrid improves resiliency by providing power in case of an outage
Backed by science:
This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office.
- Research conducted at DOE’s Building Technologies Research and Integration Center.
Deep dive:
Read more about ORNL’s research with the Alabama Power and Georgia Power Smart Neighborhoods.
The big picture:
The Alabama Power and Georgia Power Smart Neighborhoods introduced the concept of smart, connected neighborhoods in the Southeast and validated the overall impacts a microgrid can have on improving resiliency.