Center for Environmental Research & Technology

Services and Capabilities

• Electric Drive Vehicle Testing Laboratories

  UC Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) has unique capabilities to test a variety of electric drive vehicles, including pure battery electric, fuel-cell, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. With two state-of-the-art chassis dynamometers, both light-duty and heavy-duty EVs can be tested. CE-CERT has developed a wide range of electric drive testing protocols, providing research results to industry, government agencies, and academia.

   

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilites
  Heavy Duty Dynomometer	Capable of testing any electric truck in a wide range of configurations.
  Light Duty Chassis Dynamometer	Capable of testing any light-duty electric vehicle in a wide range of configurations
  EV Data Acquisition System: Real-Time Monitoring System Software and Sensors	Capable of measuring dynamometer physical loads, battery SOC, vehicle voltage, current, energy efficiency

   

  Point of contact: Kent Johnson, kjohnson@cert.ucr.edu 

  Vehicle Testing Laboratories Web Page

• SIGI: Sustainable Integrated Grid Initiative Testbed

  UCR has well-established microgrid testbeds and laboratories for pre-commercial testing of new technologies in a “living lab” environment. Over the last nine years, UCR researchers have designed and implemented numerous microgrid systems including 2.2 MWh of battery energy storage, over 11 MW solar PV, 8 MW of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) for chiller operations, and multiple electric vehicle chargers including supervisory control and data acquisition systems. These unique microgrid/smartgrid testbeds with plug-and-play capabilities possess the ability to validate various Hardware in Loop (HiL) scenarios. In addition to energy system modeling, UCR can utilize its microgrid testbed for evaluating specific microgrid components, software, operational strategies, and technologies within a closely monitored setting.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Solar Panels	We perform extensive solar testing including soiling, efficiency, curtailment, performance, microgrid integration, and islanding.
  Inverters	We perform efficiency testing (5kW to MW+), curtailment, islanding, voltage support, reactive power control,  and grid ancillary services.
  Battery Energy Storage	We perform microgrid integration, control optimization, Battery Management System (BMS), performance, and islanding services.
  Microgrid Control and Integration	We perform system architecture, net zero configuration, distributed generation, controls, and load management services.
  Load Management	We perform SCADA, islanding, microgrid integration, control optimization, and energy profiling services.
  Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)	We perform system optimization, system configuration, energy measurement, and load management performance monitoring services.
  Vehicle to Grid	As of 2019, SIGI now offers testing of vehicle-to-grid algorithms using the latest V2G inverter systems.

   

  Point of contact: Michael Todd, mike@cert.ucr.edu

  SIGI Web Page 

• DERL: Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory

  The Distributed Energy Resources Laboratory (DERL) is focused on applied research related to the design, integration, deployment, demonstration and validation of renewable energy, green infrastructure, and new clean technologies.  Testbeds are designed for testing new technologies and products in a safe and practical manner by integrating monitoring & communication devices, data loggers, smart controllers, and software in a multi-platform environment that simulates real-world conditions for the detailed analysis and demonstration of use cases and the assessment of benefits.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Solar Panels	Soiling, efficiency, curtailment, performance, microgrid integration, islanding
  Inverters	Efficiency testing (5kW to MW+), curtailment, islanding, voltage support, reactive power control, grid ancillary services
  Battery Energy Storage	Microgrid integration, control optimization, Battery Management System (BMS), performance, islanding
  Microgrid Control and Integration	System architecture, net zero configuration, controls, distributed generation, load management
  Load Management	SCADA, islanding, microgrid integration, control optimization, energy profiling
  Supervisory control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)	System optimization, system configuration, energy measurement, load management, performance monitoring
  Vehicle to Grid	As of 2019, SIGI now offers testing of vehicle-to-grid algorithms using the latest V2G inverter systems.

  Point of Contact: Alfredo Martinez-Morales, alfmart@ece.ucr.edu

• Field Testing and HIL Testing of Smart Grid Monitoring and Control

  UC Riverside’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in collaboration with Winston Chung Global Energy Center (WCGEC) and the Bourns College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) has the unique capabilities to test various smart grid sensor technologies (e.g., synchrophasors, synchowaveforms, grid asset sensors, line sensors, substation SCADA systems, behind-the-meter sensors, building sensors, fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), etc.); as well as various smart grid control technologies (e.g., Volt-VAR control and Volt-Watt control based on inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs), voltage and frequency ride-through control, DERMS, Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), distribution-level Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS), building energy management, frequency regulation, demand response, etc.). The available field test capability is at medium voltage and low voltage three-phase systems; including a collection of multiple 12 kV power distribution feeders; with various types of loads and DERs. In addition to true-scale field testing capabilities, UC Riverside also has the capabilities to conduct lab-scale (i.e., pre-field-test) assessment of smart grid monitoring and control technologies by using its state-of-the-art hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing facility; including both performance and cyber-security assessment.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Smart Grid Sensor Testing	We perform testing on synchrophasors, synchowaveforms, grid asset sensors, line sensors, substation SCADA systems, behind-the-meter sensors, building sensors, fault locations, isolations, and service restoration (FLISR), etc.)
  Smart Grid Control Testing	We perform testing on Volt-VAR control and Volt-watt control based inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs), voltage and frequency ride-through control, DERMS, advanced distribution management, frequency regulation, demand response, etc.
  Field Test Capability	The available field test capability is at medium voltage and low voltage three-phase systems; including a collection of multiple 12 kV power distribution feeders; with various types of loads and DERs.
  Lab-scale (pre-field) Assessment of Smart Grid Monitoring & Control Technologies	We perform testing by using its state-of-the-art hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing facility; including both performance and cyber-security assessment.

  Point of Contact: Hamed Mohsenian-Rad, Hamed@ece.ucr.edu

• Shared, Electric, Connected, Automated Vehicle Testing

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Shared Mobility Evaluation	Using LBNL's BEAM model, travel demand activity can be evaluated for a number of shared mobility scenarios, measuring a variety of performance metrics.
  Evaluating Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVS) in Simulation	We offer a range of simulation tools (e.g. VISSIM, PARAMICS, SUMO) and specific APIs, a wide range of CAV scenarios can be tested.
  Evaluating CAVs using Hardware in the Loop Testing	We offer unique hardware-in-the-loop testing system for CAVs has been developed, combining traffic simulation and a real-world vehicle on a dynamometer.
  Evaluating CAVs on the road	We offer several CAV testbed sites in Riverside and Carson, California, installing communication infrastructure on the road.

   

  Point of Contact: Matthew Barth, matthew.barth@ucr.edu

  SECA Web Page

   

• V2G: Vehicle to Grid

  Vehicle to Grid (V2G) architectures allow grid-connected vehicles to transfer power from the vehicle back to the electric supply infrastructure. The optimization of V2G requires properly configured vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). UC Riverside has created a microgrid testbed with integrated V2G capabilities. The system has demonstrated vehicle-to-building and/or vehicle-to-grid capabilities for both light-duty passenger EVs and larger transit vehicles. Research is focused on system architectures, controls, optimization, energy management, and communications.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)	We perform V2G capability, performance, measurement, access control, billing, and communication services.
  V2G Capabilities	We provide energy measurements, capacity, vehicle connectivity, and protocol services.
  Microgrid Control Integration	We provide system architecture, net zero configurations, controls, and load management services.
  Load Management	We perform SCADA, islanding, microgrid integration, control optimization and energy profiling services.
  Vehicle Activity	We provide energy profiles, trip activity, charging activity, GIS based analysis, and vehicle energy monitory services.

  Point of Contact: Mike Todd, mike@cert.ucr.edu

  V2G Web Page 

• Battery and Solar Energy Materials and Devices

  The Advanced Materials and Energy Devices Laboratory (AMEDL) specializes in renewable energy generation and energy storage. The AMEDL group has expertise in the extensive testing of materials and devices for photovoltaic, photoelectrochemical, piezoelectric, nano-delivery platforms, and battery applications. AMEDL’s research is focused on experimental work including high-quality synthesis of materials, characterization, device fabrication, measurement, and testing. Testing includes electrochemical measurements and photoresponsive measurements under diverse light sources including a solar simulator and UV lamps.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Renewable Generation	Solar Cells - Efficiency, stability, testing under artificial environment, and testing of next-generation solar cells.
  Energy Storage	Batteries - Charging/discharging, cyclic performance, long-term stability, and rate performance.
  Material-Based	Electrochemical Cells - Cyclic/linear/chrono voltammetry, coulometry and potentiometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
  Material-Based	Materials Characterization - Electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, crystallographic analysis, elemental analysis, and surface topography.
  Material-Based	Materials Synthesis - Chemical vapor deposition (CVD), hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis, and electrodeposition.
  Material-Based	Device Fabrication - Thin-film devices, solar cells, photoelectrochemical cells, electrochemical cells, and coin-cell batteries.

  Point of Contact: Alfredo Martinez-Morales, alfmart@ece.ucr.edu

• Electric Motor System Testing Laboratories

  This testing facility, developed with California Energy Commission (CEC) funding, is capable of efficiency and load testing of electric motors and Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD) up to 100hp. The facility can also measure electric system harmonics. This is the first independent electric motor testing center in the state of California capable of providing an unbiased evaluation of motor efficiency at various operating conditions. This facility is available for use by industry professionals, academics, and other stakeholders.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Industrial Electric Motors	We perform zero-rated torque, efficiency at various loading conditions, quantification of voltage and current harmonics, and range 0-100hp testing.
  Variable Frequency Drives	We perform efficiency at various loading conditions, quantification of voltage and current harmonics, and range 0-100hp testing.
  Wind Generators	We perform zero-rated torque, efficiency at various loading conditions, quantification of voltage and current harmonics, and range 0-100hp testing.
  Custom Designed Special Purpose Electric Motors	We perform zero-rated torque, efficiency at various loading conditions, quantification of voltage and current harmonics, and range 0-100hp testing.

  Point of contact: Sadrul Ula, sadrul.ula@ucr.edu

  Electric Motor System Web Page 

• Water Energy Nexus

  About 20% of electricity use in California is treating, pumping, and distribution of water. With funding from California Energy Commission (CEC), College of Engineering – Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) has demonstrated and deployed an energy management and data acquisition and supervisory control strategies that reduce peak loads and electricity costs in the delivery and treatment of water at each of the three water district locations. The three deployments utilize existing on-site SCADA architecture and implement the Energy Management System (EMS) within the existing architecture. This demonstration project highlights a pathway for water agencies in California to reduce their peak energy consumption substantially with no decrement in service or reliability. The project also identifies “real world” implementation issues that have not emerged in previous proof-of-concept research.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Energy Management Systems (EMS)	We perform customized development and validation services.
  Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)	We perform customized development and validation services.
  Real-Time Monitoring System Software and Sensors	We perform development, testing, and validation services.

  Point of Contact: Sadrul Ula, sadrul.ula@ucr.edu

  Water Energy Nexus Web Page

• Hydrogen Blending and Exposure Testing

  The Hydrogen Laboratory, part of the Sustainable Fuels Initiative, conducts research on sustainable hydrogen production, transport, and use areas. The facilities are setup to investigate the effects of adding hydrogen to natural gas in the existing natural gas transmission and distribution system at varying hydrogen concentrations. The Hydrogen Lab is designed to study the effect of hydrogen blends and other key parameters on pipeline infrastructure materials and components including embrittlement, degradation, and leakage behavior. Lab capabilities include hydrogen blending, gaseous hydrogen exposure, electrochemical hydrogen charging, leak testing, gas composition analysis, elemental analysis, and Charpy impact testing. Other capabilities include green hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cell vehicle infrastructure planning, and policy analysis.

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Materials-Based	Elemental Analysis -Analysis of Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen content in inorganic solids.
  Materials-Based	Gas Chromatography -Identification and quantification of gases and a wide range of organic compounds in solution or gas phase
  Renewable Generation	Gas Leakage -Evaluation and quantification of gas leaks at flow rates between 5 and 2,000 ml/min at pressure of up to 50 psig
  Materials-Based	Gaseous Hydrogen Charging -Prolonged exposure in gaseous Hydrogen environment, at pressure of up to 1,000 psig and temperature of up to 250°F
  Materials-Based	Electrochemical Hydrogen Charging – Controllable  charging rate and pH environment
  Materials-Based	Mechanical Strength Testing –Tensile strength, compression, fracture testing, hardness testing, and Charpy impact toughness

  Point of Contact: Arun Raju, arun@engr.ucr.edu

• Atmospheric Processes Lab

  UCR has a state-of-the-art environmental chamber facility designed to study atmospheric chemistry and particle formation.  The facility also provides an ideal platform to study removal efficiencies of indoor air treatment systems including energy-efficient HVAC systems; removal efficiencies of various surface treatments; evaluation of indoor/outdoor sensors and emerging technologies. This unique facility is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for online and offline detailed measurements of hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gases,  and ultrafine particulate matter.   A suite of gas chromatographs (1D and 2D), mass spectrometers, particle, specialized air analyzers, and devices for particle number, size, composition, density, morphology, volatility, and hygroscopicity are all available for the characterization of air contaminants including their formation and removal mechanisms.

   

  Technology Type	Testing Capabilities
  Environmental Chambers	Suite of environmental chambers to suit test needs ranging from large temperature and humidity-controlled systems to portable chambers. Can be used for simulation of atmospheric chemistry (indoor or outdoor) or to provide an environment to test the performance of air purifiers or HVAC systems. Chambers range in size from 10 L to 130000L with additional possibilities of using the light, humidity, and temperature controlled humidity sealed enclosure (~16000 ft3) for additional systems testing.
  Aerosol instrumentation suite	Particle size distribution, particle number, volume, size, morphology, chemical composition (including detailed organic and inorganic composition), particle volatility, and particle hygroscopicity. The suite also includes aerosol mass spectrometer, EC/OC analyzer, trace element analyzer, ion chromatography, and one and two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionization detectors and mass spectrometers.
  Gas-phase instrumentation suite	Includes trace level ozone, NOx, SOx, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations, detailed hydrocarbon composition, hazardous air pollutants, and greenhouse gases

  Point of Contact: David Cocker, dcocker@engr.ucr.edu

CalTestBed Contributing Partners