A state-of-the-art testing facility which mirrors the energy grid. The Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory (DERlab) provides the Australian and international research and development community with a fail-safe power system in which to rapidly, efficiently, and securely develop and test the technologies and systems before deploying them.
The DERlab includes an electrically equivalent distribution network, transformers, batteries, solar generation as well as high speed, monitoring, control and optimisation capabilities. The DERlab represents an important national facility for collaborative development and testing of new capabilities to support the operation of electricity systems with a high-uptake of renewable and distributed generation and energy storage.
The DERlab has been made possible by the investment of $1.5 million from the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program and $500,000 from the Australian Government as part of the National Institute’s Grant, provided to ANU.
The Lab opened to researchers, educators and industry partners in July 2021. Find out more about the lab here: der-lab.net.au
Location: Ground Floor, Engineering Building (G032), The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600
Australia
Contact: Mehdi Nikpendar, DERlab Manager
Email: derlab.eng@anu.edu.au
Partners: ITP Renewables, evoenergy and UNSW Canberra.
Watch this video to look inside the lab and learn more about its capabilities.