Capabilities
Energy Storage Labs
Our Energy Storage Innovation Facilities (ESIF & ESIL) support research, development, and large-scale validation of emerging storage technologies.
Key capabilities include:
Battery Testing & Validation
Simultaneous testing of up to 10 battery systems (100V/100A per system).
Performance Analysis
Evaluating energy storage efficiency, degradation, and real-world duty cycles.
High-Power Test Benches
Supporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations for battery management systems (BMS).
Safety & Compliance
Equipped with ventilation, hydrogen detection, fire suppression, and chemical safety protocols.
Our lab environments allow for the rapid scaling and validation of new chemistries, architectures, and system designs—bringing new energy storage solutions closer to commercialization.
By emphasizing engineering, systems integration, and large-scale validation, we help promising energy storage technologies move from the lab to the market.
UC San Diego’s Microgrid
A Hub for Innovation.
Our research is powered by UC San Diego’s 55MW microgrid, which provides electricity, heating, and cooling for 60,000 students, staff, and faculty.
Our research is powered by UC San Diego’s 55MW microgrid, which provides electricity, heating, and cooling for 60,000 students, staff, and faculty.
Key features include:
Independent Electrical Infrastructure
UC San Diego owns and operates our electrical system, ensuring complete control over our energy network.
Self-Permitting
As a self-permitting institution, we can approve projects internally without relying on external regulatory agencies.
Dedicated Fire Marshal
Our in-house fire marshal allows us to authorize non-commercial research projects that might not receive approval elsewhere.
Cutting-Edge Energy Research
We conduct pioneering research on power systems, energy distribution, energy storage, and carbon capture, leveraging our campus infrastructure for real-world applications.
UC San Diego’s unique microgrid enables research and demonstration projects that wouldn’t be possible anywhere else. Our high profile location also attracts a steady stream of visitors, offering opportunities for exposure and engagement for our research partners.
WORK WITH US
DERConnect
DERConnect is a large-scale testbed for integrating renewable energy into the power grid, addressing challenges in safety, reliability, and cost. Featuring over 2,500 distributed energy resources—including solar panels, fuel cells, and EV chargers—DERConnect will enable advanced testing of energy storage, cybersecurity, and grid optimization, helping universities, utilities, and industry leaders drive the transition to a decarbonized energy future.
By leveraging DERConnect, fuel cell manufacturers, utilities, and policymakers gain critical data on how these systems can scale and contribute to a decarbonized grid.
Work With Us