Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has released a Request for Information (RFI) on direct current (DC) lighting and building microgrid technologies. The combination of these technologies can improve resiliency of buildings and the electric grid while facilitating achievement of Zero Energy Buildings. In a DC building microgrid, the DC outputs of on-site power sources such as solar photovoltaics and energy storage batteries directly power DC building loads such as LED lighting, thereby reducing or eliminating the energy losses and associated equipment needed to convert power from alternating current to DC. The information collected through the RFI will be used to support activities by the U.S. Department of Energy to advance the development and adoption of high-efficiency lighting and building technologies. Both lighting manufacturers and building microgrid solution providers are encouraged to respond with information about their technologies and their perspectives on technology benefits and adoption.
PNNL will host a webinar to provide further information on April 30, 1–2pm EDT. Register for the webinar, and visit the RFI website for more information.