Technology Application Center
Ameren Illinois is investing in the future by offering on-grid testing services for entities who wish to develop new products, services or business models. Smart grid technologies include automation, remote control, information processing, distributed resources and two-way communications.
Ameren's Microgrid
Our microgrid, located in Champaign, Illinois, near the campus of the University of Illinois, is one of only a few in the world that operates at utility-scale voltages. It is the only utility-scale microgrid capable of serving active customers. Ameren's microgrid is also the only known microgrid in the nation capable of seamlessly "islanding" or transitioning the power source for an entire distribution circuit from exclusively distributed generation sources to the traditional grid.
Testing Capabilities
Ameren Illinois' Technology Applications Center is a unique resource for entrepreneurs and innovators to test programs, technologies, business models and other Smart Grid-related activities while connecting to the grid.
Access to SCADA and Relay control functionality to enable evaluation, monitoring and controls of energized SG devices with the ability to collect, monitor and record all non-production network control traffic between two devices via a network tap.
This area of testing would also include Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with HAN.
Test and evaluate Home Area Network (HAN) technologies that are Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices that will communicate via LAN, Wi-Fi or ZigBee to appliances commonly used in residential housing.
Connection of Smart Grid devices into a live utility distribution system at 69KV, 12KV (underground/overhead) or 120/240 volts for the purpose of evaluating the devices functional characteristics.
Provide a testing platform to allow for Cyber-Security testing, DNP3, ModBus, and SCADA communications architectures commonly used by utilities. Centralized Authentication Server available for testing devices or security scenarios using devices that will authorize and authenticate using RADIUS and LDAP.
Application Process
Ameren Illinois is committed to an open, objective and reliable process to receive, review and qualify proposals for the Smart Grid Test Bed. While the Company reserves its right to approve or reject an application based on its sole discretion, the following process and criteria will guide us all:
Submit
An applicant desiring to have Smart Grid equipment, processes, systems or business models evaluated by Ameren Illinois will submit a completed initial application form and a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 to the Ameren Illinois – Technology Applications Center (TAC).
Review
An applicant desiring to have Smart Grid equipment, processes, systems or business models evaluated by Ameren Illinois will submit a completed initial application form and a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 to the Ameren Illinois – Technology Applications Center (TAC).
Qualify
Once the Applicant and the TAC staff agree on the tests or analysis that will be performed, the Smart Grid Test Bed staff will provide a Services Agreement for the applicant's review and approval. Access to the TAC will require a signed agreement that contains acceptable provisions agreed to by the TAC Staff, including provisions relating to the risk of defective equipment or equipment that does not work as intended.
Send Applications
Fax
314.641.2527
Ameren Illinois - Attention: Smart Grid Test Bed Staff
2701 N. Martin Luther King Drive
Decatur, IL 62526