From 2011-2018 ProtoGen served as Technical Lead for the PSU GridSTAR Center, a pioneering initiative situated in the heart of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. A testament to the power of public-private collaboration, The GridSTAR Center received a substantial financial backing of $3 million from private sources and an additional $5 million in federal funding, highlighting the significance and promise of the project.
GridSTAR comprised of four crucial assets
Each of the GridSTAR Center’s four crucial assets contributed uniquely to its mission.
Advanced Demonstration House
Meticulously designed and equipped with cutting-edge smart home and grid-interactive, this house served as a living laboratory. Here we showcased the practical implementation of various grid technologies and their integration into everyday living spaces.
Grid Technologies Training Center
A state-of-the-art grid technologies training center provided a hub for educational and skill development activities. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions, the center aimed to empower industry professionals, researchers, and students with the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the complex world of grid technologies effectively.
Grid-Connected Battery System
A grid-connected battery system represented a critical step toward a sustainable and resilient energy future. This battery system played a vital role in demonstrating the potential of energy storage solutions in enhancing grid stability, enabling efficient energy management, and mitigating the impact of intermittent renewable energy sources.
EV Charging Technologies
Lastly, the GridSTAR Center boasted a multi-tiered lineup of electric vehicle (EV) charging technologies, reflecting the growing importance of electric mobility in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation alternatives. By showcasing various EV charging solutions, the center aimed to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles and support the integration of EVs into the grid ecosystem.
Our Role as Technical Lead
A comprehensive approach encompassing practical applications and educational purposes.
In its capacity as the Technical Lead, ProtoGen shouldered the responsibility of controlling, designing, managing, reviewing, and evaluating a myriad of technologies.
By rigorously testing and analyzing the technologies, ProtoGen sought to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and potential market applications, thereby contributing valuable insights to the broader energy landscape.
ProtoGen’s involvement in the project also entailed supporting research and development efforts of prominent industry players such as Unirac and SolarCity. By collaborating with these industry giants, the center aimed to accelerate the pace of innovation in grid technologies and drive meaningful advancements in the field.
ProtoGen also actively participated in workforce training initiatives, aligning its efforts with the Departments of Energy and Defense and other stakeholders. By fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, the center sought to cultivate a talent pool capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving energy landscape.
A Lasting Legacy
While the PSU GridSTAR Center was dismantled, the legacy of the center lives on through the knowledge, expertise, and innovations it imparted to the energy sector. ProtoGen’s dedication to excellence and sustainability continues to reverberate in our subsequent endeavors, leaving a lasting imprint on the quest for a greener and more resilient future.
