Factors to Consider when Designing a Reliable Power Grid Mark Muir Electrical Engineer Savannah River Nuclear Solutions

Overview What components make up a power grid? How can we make a power grid more reliable? What natural disasters have the potential to disrupt a power grid and what preventative measures can be taken against them? Overhead vs. underground power lines What technologies exist and are being researched to improve present-day grids? Q&A

What components make up a power grid? A power grid is an electrical power system network comprised of three systems: generation, transmission, and distribution. Generation facilities are locations that convert other forms of energy into electricity. Transmission systems allow electricity to be transported long distances at high voltages. Distribution systems allow electricity to be transported short distances and “stepped down” to appropriate voltages for end users.

How can we make a power grid more reliable? Design a grid that can withstand expected natural disasters. Separate generation sources from each other. Have multiple paths from generation sources to end users. Install emergency power to critical loads. Utilize onsite generation where possible.

What natural disasters have the potential to disrupt a power grid and what preventative measures can be taken against them?

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Ice Storms Damaging effects: Wind Rain Debris Lightning Ice Preventative measures: Increase strength of construction materials Place electrical lines underground

Heat Wave Damaging effects: Extreme heat that reduces electrical capacity of equipment Preventative measures: Oversize electrical equipment to tolerate lower efficiency

Floods Damaging effects: An excessive amount of water can cause faults on equipment at ground level Preventative measures: Choose the location of transmission and distribution equipment so that they are above the maximum flood plain

Earthquakes Damaging effects: Structural damage to equipment at or below ground level Preventative measures: Use overhead power lines for transmission and distribution systems Seismically qualify

Overhead vs. Underground Power Lines Overhead Lines Pros: Cheap to construct Easy to identify and repair faults Cons: Vulnerable to wind, ice, and debris Difficult to route in urban areas Potential fire and shock hazards Underground Lines Pros: Resilient to wind and ice conditions No overhead or exposed lines Cons: Expensive to install Difficult to identify and repair faults Difficult to expand

What technologies exist and are being researched to improve present-day grids? Renewable Energy: Generation from energy sources other than coal. This includes solar, wind, hydro, and biofuel technologies. Microgrid: Localized generation facility that has control capability that can isolate itself from the tradition grid and operate autonomously. Smart Grid: Generation, transmission, and distribution equipment that communicates in real time with surrounding equipment. Emergency Generation: Locally installed emergency power systems to pick up critical loads in the event of a total power outage.

Futurecity.org This year’s challenge, Powering Our Future, asks students to design a resilient power grid that can withstand and quickly recover from the impacts of a natural disaster.

“The Blue Print” *Take out 1 sheet of paper and copy the following: Power Grid type and why Describe at least one historical natural disaster that has taken place and the impact it caused Name of your city and why Location and why Which natural disaster is your city prone to (Geography)

Q&A Link to Presentation: https://tinyurl.com/ycsw6hnl