Articles tagged with Power Distribution
MIT researchers developed framework to make climate-informed energy siting choices, showing how location affects energy system resilience and reducing blackouts. Climate-informed energy siting reduces energy shortfalls by up to fivefold in regions like New England and Texas.
A new study suggests that data centers can lower average energy costs by providing grid flexibility during high-cost periods. The researchers found cost savings of up to 5% in Texas, 4% in the Mid-Atlantic region, and 2% in western U.S. states by shifting more than 20% of their consumption to non-peak hours.
Researchers developed a physics-based framework to predict power fluctuations from renewables, enabling grid operators to mitigate surges and blackouts. The model correlates atmospheric turbulence with electricity output, allowing for accurate risk assessments of existing turbines and farms.
Javad Khazaei's research focuses on developing a novel geometry-based predictive control paradigm for distributed energy resources in power systems. By simplifying complex nonlinear systems using reduced-order modeling, his approach aims to slash data requirements and computational burden while maintaining accuracy. This work has promi...
A study by researchers from the University of Michigan and international institutions recommends prioritizing grid upgrades targeting long-term demand expectations to minimize total costs. By upgrading the grid first, utilities can create a more efficient infrastructure that leverages Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) chargers more effectively.
A Concordia University study found that demographic factors such as income and household size drive energy consumption in Quebec's major urban centres. The research used meter readings and census data to reveal strong links between social characteristics and energy use, with higher-income areas and larger households consuming more energy.
Qing-Chang Zhong, Illinois Tech engineering professor, recognized for inventing synchronized-and-democratized (SYNDEM) architecture and pioneering virtual synchronous machines (VSM). His work reshapes how future power systems are conceived and operated to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
A new framework, proposed by Professor Zongjie Wang, helps transmission and distribution operations work together to make holistic decisions without centralization. The method combines data from both systems using reduced distribution network models and AI-powered modeling to account for uncertainties and complexities.
A new study identifies the barriers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) adoption, including coordination problems, limited infrastructure, and varying regulations. V2G technology can provide backup power during periods of high energy demand and earn EV owners money for supplying energy to the grid.
The partnership aims to demonstrate advanced microgrid capabilities with dynamic boundaries and networked microgrids, enhancing reliability for utility customers. EPB will add 58 megawatt hours of energy storage in five microgrids, providing backup power to over a thousand residential customers and community resources.
A $1 million Sloan Foundation grant will track and monitor data center development in Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia, exploring its impact on rural communities. The research aims to understand how different policies and regulations shape data center development and its effects on communities.
Fang Peng has made significant contributions to Z-source and modular multi-level converters for distribution and transmission networks. These technologies improve safety, flexibility, and performance in diverse energy sources. Peng's work aims to create resilient systems that can handle faults and prevent devastating wildfires.
The ACET-Estonia project partners to co-design and deliver applied clean energy research, fostering innovative solutions for Estonian island communities. Canadian expertise supports international partners in addressing similar energy challenges.
A study by MIT researchers examines two policy approaches to expanding the US electricity grid: one focusing on regions with more renewable energy sources and another creating more interconnections across the country. The study found that a geographically unbalanced grid buildout would be less expensive, while reducing carbon emissions...
Researchers propose technology using multimodal information from LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and thermal camera to reconstruct transmission line geometric profile and estimate sag. The approach can predict how the shape of the TL would change under extreme thermal conditions.
The new facility can test thermal performance of heat exchangers and cooling equipment up to five megawatts, supporting the growing $30 billion data center cooling industry. SwRI offers customized testing services, including coolant distribution units and secondary side pumps, and replicates real-world conditions.
A new analysis from the University of Michigan predicts that hurricane-induced power outages will increase along the Atlantic coast, particularly in northern Florida and southern Atlantic states. The study finds that Hispanic, non-white, low-income, and elderly populations will be disproportionately affected by these outages.
A new AI-based method optimizes the operation of solar power generation and battery storage systems, reducing imbalance penalties by approximately 47% compared to conventional control methods. The method maintains stable profits throughout the four seasons and can handle real-world uncertainties such as sudden weather changes and compl...
Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.
The University of Texas at Austin has launched a new research consortium, COMPASS, to inform industry partners on options for more sustainable growth of the data center industry. The consortium aims to tackle obstacles and streamline responsible deployment of data centers across Texas.
A new study by Purdue University engineers warns that a nationwide switch to electric homes and vehicles could overwhelm the power supply, leading to increased risk of outages. However, key measures such as home insulation, equipment efficiency, and coordinated device operation can reduce costs by up to 40%.
Yilu Liu has won her fifth R&D 100 Award for the Universal GridEdge Analyzer (UGA), a GPS-synchronized power grid monitoring device. The UGA enhances situational awareness capabilities, allowing users to access real-time grid health information on mobile devices.
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
The study reveals that East and West coasts, Great Lakes and Gulf regions face the highest risk of weather-induced blackouts. The nationwide Power System Vulnerability Index (PSVI) tool identifies areas at increased risk of power outages, enabling policymakers to prioritize preparation for long and frequent power outages.
A new Northwestern University study finds that even with renewable energy availability, switching to electric vehicles won't fight climate change without upgraded transmission grids. Targeted upgrades could alleviate congestion and unlock full emissions-reduction potential of EV adoption.
A new machine learning-based design method has been proposed to achieve stable and efficient wireless power transfer. The approach uses real-world circuit modeling and numerical simulations to optimize system performance, demonstrating significant improvements in output voltage stability and power-delivery efficiency.
The University of Ottawa's SUNLAB has developed a simulation model for multi-junction photonic power converters, which enable the conversion of laser light into electrical power with higher efficiencies and voltages. This technology could lead to more reliable telecommunication networks, reduce costs by enhancing systems performance, a...
Researchers developed models to quantify the risk of catastrophic blackouts during hurricanes and forecast climate impacts on energy systems. Their work aims to inform grid upgrades and navigate clean energy targets while maintaining reliability.
Researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have set a new temperature record for testing materials in high-pressure environments. The team successfully achieved unprecedented conditions of 1,150 degrees Celsius at 300 bar using a modified autoclave setup.
Scientists detected a 'wisp' precipitation with peak intensity inside the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region of weaker geomagnetic field and higher energetic particle flux. Ground-based VLF transmitter in Australia scatters electrons into this 'wisp', which is characterized by its peak intensity outside the anomaly.
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.
A study found that large-scale power outages commonly occur alongside severe weather events in the US, particularly during heavy precipitation and heat. The researchers suggest that understanding patterns of co-occurring outages and severe weather events is crucial for developing mitigation and response tactics.
A new method for efficiently utilizing energy users' flexibility in distribution and transmission networks has been introduced. Consumers can provide flexibility services, benefiting both the system operators and themselves financially. The dissertation highlights the need for improvements and investments to deploy these methods globally.
A new study warns that climate change's impact on water resources will significantly increase the cost of achieving zero-emission grids by 2050. The required investments in generation and transmission infrastructure are expected to be massive, with up to 139 gigawatts of power capacity needed in the Western United States.
A study by Cornell University researchers recommends that the costs of new power lines be borne by those who benefit from them, resolving disagreements over cost allocation. The 'beneficiary pays' approach encourages investment in the grid without disputes over cost-sharing.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is leading a $3.3 million project to optimize HVDC converter design for increased power density and decreased cost. The project aims to help affordably integrate more renewable energy generation onto the grid via HVDC lines.
The Department of Energy awarded nearly $1 million to researchers at the University of Arkansas to develop a prototype for high-voltage power modules that can handle higher voltages and temperatures. The goal is to create smaller, more efficient, and more reliable fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.
Compressed Ultra-Compact Femtosecond Photography (CUF) uses a super-dispersive metalens to capture transient events in a single image, overcoming conventional CUP technology's limitations. The system achieves ultrafast imaging at hundreds of trillions of frames per second with improved compactness and reliability.
Researchers developed a novel approach to regulate temperature based on gold structure concentration, improving spin wave transfer efficiency. This innovation has promising potential for future applications using spin waves and addresses the persistent issue of heat generation in electronic devices.
Researchers have identified Ukraine's renewable potential as exceeding the generation capacity destroyed during the war. The study recommends developing a distributed power supply system and investing in solar and wind energy, particularly in the south and east of the country.
A new data-driven system will monitor distribution transformers' loads and provide real-time insights to utilities, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing service disruptions. The system will rely on machine-learning technology and SparkMeter's Praxis platform to analyze data and estimate the health of transformers.
The Grid Event Signature Library provides an online collection of anonymized datasets containing waveforms, enabling utilities and research institutions to understand the increasingly complex grid. Machine learning can be trained to recognize waveforms that provide early warnings of equipment malfunction, preventing blackouts and damage.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers develop AI model that can automatically reroute electricity in milliseconds to prevent power outages. The system uses machine learning to map complex relationships between entities in a power distribution network, enabling faster response times than human-controlled processes.
The article explores how AI can be applied to the electric power and energy industry, demonstrating its potential as a valuable technology for asset management. Machine learning techniques are showcased as a solution to improve efficient and sustainable energy networks.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that certain regions in NY State, including Queens and the Bronx, were more severely impacted by severe weather-driven power outages. The study analyzed hourly power outage data from 2017 to 2020 and found that rural areas were affected for longer periods than cities.
Iowa State University has established a new cybersecurity center to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on renewable energy systems and microgrids. The center will develop robust algorithms and tools to detect and mitigate cyberattacks, as well as strengthen the grid industry's cybersecurity workforce.
A new DC-DC power converter designed by Kobe University team offers superior voltage ratio, system stability, and simplicity, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 98.3%. The device can efficiently interface with various energy sources, making it suitable for renewable energy integration and electric vehicle applications.
The MODERNISE project, funded by the US Department of Energy, aims to develop computational algorithms for grid operators to integrate renewable energy sources. By aggregating small, distributed energy resources, researchers hope to improve transmission grid operations and make them more reliable and efficient.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, enabling secure data transfer over long distances. The new method uses Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution to distribute quantum-encrypted keys via fibre optic cables, paving the way for a quantum-secure internet infrastructure.
A Washington State University-led study found that widespread, extreme temperature events can capture greater solar radiation and higher wind speeds to help power grids. This analysis suggests using more renewable energy at these times could reduce strain on grids during increased energy demand.
A new study published in Nature Energy finds that protecting a small but critical set of power lines can prevent large-scale outages almost entirely. The method identifies the most critical lines and increases the system's resilience, reducing the risk of major power outages in regions or cities by up to 99%.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an open-source AI solution to address voltage fluctuations in power grids caused by renewable energy and electric vehicles. The DRL algorithms optimize large-scale coordination of energy sources safely under fast fluctuations.
A new study suggests China will need to build eight to ten times more wind and solar power installations than in 2022 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The report also highlights the importance of coordinating land use policies nationwide, with a focus on areas within 100 miles of major population centers.
The new platform, Arras Energy, simulates how all parts of an electric grid work together, making it easier to understand and apply the results. The tool can help utilities harden their distribution systems against extreme weather and integrate renewable energy sources.
Researchers found that space weather events can trigger 'wrong side' failures in rail signalling systems, which are more hazardous than 'right side' failures. This study highlights the need for the industry to consider the risks of space weather and explore mitigation strategies.
A Binghamton University professor leads a research team to explore the stability of power grids with inverter-based resources, which have changed the grid's dynamics. The goal is to characterize the stability region without numerical simulation.
A new algorithm from the University of Surrey models distributed electricity networks, finding that local renewable energy generation is generally more efficient than central storage or export. The study suggests that considering local constraints and factors like energy prices and subsidies can help design the most efficient local grids.
A new hybrid method developed by Concordia researchers combines data from Weibull probability distribution and numerical weather prediction models to improve wind speed forecasting accuracy. This innovation has the potential to significantly enhance urban power generation, particularly in areas with high variability in wind speeds.