The Sustainable Integrated Grid Initiative (SIGI)
About SIGI
The Sustainable Integrated Grid Initiative (SIGI) researches energy systems that integrate intermittent renewable energy, energy storage, and a variety of electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. Key efforts emphasize bidirectional EV charging, microgrid energy management, mobile microgrids, and strategies to address the water-energy nexus, showcasing innovative approaches to sustainable energy solutions
Research and Impact
The Sustainable Integrated Grid Initiative conducts applied research to demonstrate how advanced energy systems can operate in real-world conditions. By integrating solar generation, energy storage, electric vehicles, and smart grid technologies, SIGI supports the development of scalable solutions for clean energy deployment, infrastructure resilience, and emissions reduction. The initiative bridges laboratory innovation and field implementation, addressing challenges in grid reliability, mobility electrification, and the water-energy nexus.
-
Grid-Integrated Energy Systems
SIGI demonstrates how renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles can work together to support clean, stable grid operations. Using real-time system data and advanced control strategies, researchers test the performance of microgrid configurations under various operating conditions, including grid-connected and islanded modes. These efforts support the development of scalable energy solutions that enhance flexibility, reliability, and decarbonization of the grid.
-
Mobile Renewable Backup Generation (MORBUG)
The MORBUG platform is a mobile energy storage and backup generation system that integrates lithium battery modules with renewable generation and EV charging. Researchers are developing and refining energy management strategies (EMS) to optimize load control, reduce peak demand, and enhance disaster resilience. The MORBUG system represents a novel approach to flexible energy deployment for emergency response, remote infrastructure, and decentralized power support.
-
Bidirectional EV Charging and Load Optimization
SIGI explores bidirectional EV charging as a tool for both mobility and grid services. Using CE-CERT’s EV infrastructure and microgrid, the team models cost optimization strategies and applies deep learning techniques to manage EV energy flows in real time. This work informs best practices for load shifting, demand response, and grid-interactive vehicle integration.
-
Water-Energy Nexus and Peak Demand Reduction
California’s water infrastructure accounts for a significant share of statewide electricity use. SIGI researchers are applying EMS strategies to optimize energy consumption in municipal water pumping stations. By modeling operational energy profiles and implementing load-shifting measures, the team has demonstrated substantial reductions in both peak demand and utility costs—supporting broader efforts to decarbonize water delivery systems.
-
Advanced Technology Evaluation and Testbed Collaboration
Through partnerships with CalTestBed and the California Energy Commission, SIGI serves as a real-world evaluation site for emerging clean energy technologies. Recent collaborations have included performance testing of retractable solar PV systems, adaptive microgrid hardware, and smart inverters. These projects help de-risk innovative technologies and accelerate commercialization by validating performance under diverse environmental and operational conditions.
Services Available
-
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.