How Integrated Energy Systems Could Change Power as We Know It (Text Version)

This is the text version of the video How Integrated Energy Systems Could Change Power as We Know It.

This video explores the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform and how it accelerates energy technology development with capabilities such the large-amplitude motion platform.

[ARIES by National Laboratory of the Rockies logo]

[Music plays, narrator speaks.]

At the National Laboratory of the Rockies, the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems, or ARIES, platform tackles one of today's toughest challenges: ensuring that complex energy systems work together effectively by combining physical testing, real-time simulations, and integrated systems analysis to de-risk and optimize technologies before deployment.

In remote environments—like those in Alaska—energy isn't just about generation and use. It's about logistics and reliability. It's about the local economy.

That's where microgrids come in—independent power grids operating as self-sufficient energy systems that must balance limited supply chains, integrate local resources like wave energy, and maintain reliability to avoid the high consequences of failure.

Integrating marine energy into these systems, however, adds complexity—technologies are needed that can perform reliably in highly dynamic ocean conditions.

[Large-amplitude motion platform simulating ocean current inside a lab.]

Our lab's large-amplitude motion platform, or LAMP, adds a unique capability to ARIES. Designed to support the development of wave energy and other marine energy technologies, LAMP enables researchers to replicate ocean conditions in a controlled laboratory environment.

By connecting real-time simulations with physical hardware, LAMP allows researchers to evaluate hybrid energy systems in operation. Batteries, power electronics, photovoltaic systems, controllable loads, electrolyzers, and microgrid controls can all be tested together under dynamic conditions.

Grid emulators bridge the gap between modeled environments and real-world performance. This integrated approach allows us to evaluate multiple energy sources together.

By identifying risks early and optimizing combined performance, the result is faster development, lower costs, and more reliable systems.

From national security and defense to autonomous ocean systems and coastal solutions, ARIES supports a wide range of applications.

Through partnerships, our lab is helping accelerate integrated energy solutions—validating technologies, reducing risk, and advancing ARIES capabilities to meet growing energy demands.

Partner with us at nlr.gov/aries.

[Animated National Laboratory of the Rockies logo]

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