USA, Colorado: Information Requested on a Possible New Site for Geothermal R&D in Boulder

Request for Information on Expanding the Scope of NREL s National Wind Technology Center (EERE/GTO)

Request for Information on Broadening the Scope of Energy R&D and Associated Facility Needs at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s National Wind Technology Center 

 The National Wind Technology Center in Boulder, Colorado.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has requested information in regards to expanding the scope of energy research and development (R&D) at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) to accommodate the growing interest in utilizing the site and its facilities by other energy stakeholders, including geothermal technology areas.

The NWTC is a 305-acre site in Colorado that comprises field test sites, test laboratories, industrial high-bay work areas, machine shops, electronics and instrumentation laboratories, and office areas. Although the NWTC’s initial focus was on wind energy, it has been used to demonstrate and test other energy technologies, and EERE is interested in enhancing its testing facilities and infrastructure.

Input is requested on the following geothermal-related areas:

1. Instrument a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system at the NWTC so that the performance can be thoroughly evaluated by testing DOE funded and other software packages. 
2. Evaluate the VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow), Multi-Split Standards Working Group by using the NWTC GHP system validation to develop a performance baseline where ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump)/VRF/GS (Ground Source)/WS (Water Source) HP (Heat Pump) are measured. 
3. Evaluate the use of micro-grids for electrification where “single wire” technology or single-phase electronic power is sent to a GHP system (earth or water) and returned to the grid avoiding the need for a return wire, focusing on: data analysis and processing systems and tools; and data acquisition systems, instrumentation, calibrations. 
4. Evaluate combinations of devices that respond directly to electrical grid systems that can be selectively interconnected and tested to develop GHP fields that would show how GHPs can balance net load profiles when paired with wind. Evaluate the use of GHP systems (beneficial electrification) to enhance wind or other technology generation instead of battery storage. 

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to NWTC_EERE_RFI@ee.doe.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Aug. 27, 2018.

For more information, view the RFI.............