Energy Efficiency & Demand Reduction
Distributed Generation
Technology & Market Assessments
Energy Technology & Research Development

Distributed Generation

As an energy engineering company, AESC has strong professional interest and broad experience in the evaluation and application of distributed generating technologies for various energy market segments.

Distributed generation, the application of relatively small power plants near or at load centers, is generating competition among energy suppliers and regulated power delivery service providers. Advancements in conventional small generators (i.e. reciprocating gensets, gas turbines) and new technologies (i.e. micro-turbines and fuel cells) are proving to be more efficient, cleaner, and easier to site than larger centralized power plants. Distributed generation, therefore, has the potential to reduce power delivery costs, open new energy service markets, improve electric service reliability, and decrease environmental impacts from power generation.

Some examples of AESC’s capabilities in this rapidly developing arena include:
  • Technology Evaluation

    AESC has extensive experience in the economic and performance evaluation of advanced generating technologies for distributed applications including: fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating gensets, and photovoltaics, as well as wind, industrial, and aeroderivative gas turbines. AESC offers technology evaluation results for application development, strategic investment, and/or competitive intelligence.
  • Market Assessments

    AESC specializes in market assessments for the restructured electric markets – domestically and internationally. AESC’s capabilities include market definition, segmentation, and penetration projections.
  • Performance Testing & Monitoring

    Distributed generator performance helps manage O&M costs. AESC provides electrical and thermo-hydraulic performance testing for all distributed generating technologies. Tests are custom-designed for client objectives and budgets. AESC also offers remote monitoring and control system installation for clients wishing to institute central management for a fleet of distributed generators.
  • Natural Gas Fuel Distribution Support

    For those distributed generators fueled with natural gas, AESC offers expertise in natural gas distribution system design that includes gas distribution piping systems, regulator stations and meter sets.

Specialized Services

Significant Publications on Distributed Generation


CADER Technology Characterization Committee Recommendations to the California Energy Commission. 5/27/1998
Evaluation of Self-Generation for Energy Efficiency Programs.
Final report, presented to the California Board for Energy Efficiency.
10/6/1998
Distributed Generation: Convergence of Technology, Infrastructure and Customer Choice.
Bonneville Power Administration - 1999 Electric Revolution Conference.
3/18/1999
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs) for Department of Defense Applications
Rock Island Arsenal MCFC
11/2000
The Simulation of Building Integrated Photovoltaics in Commercial Office Buildings
Presented at the Seventh International IBPSA Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
8/13/2001
Distributed Generation & Air Quality Permitting
Presented at the International District Energy Association conference in Baltimore, MD.
6/25/2002
Stationary & Transportation Fuel Cell Applications
Report published at the First International Conference on Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Hong Kong.
1/15/2003
Stationary & Transportation Fuel Cell Applications
Presentation at the First International Conference on Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Hong Kong.
1/15/2003


Read more about our Distributed Generation projects here