A breakthrough in grid technology could revolutionize the U.S. power system, paving the way for a resilient renewable energy-based future. A team of experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in collaboration with Florida State University and Ohio State University, has developed a new testbed to study and improve medium-voltage silicon carbide converters.
The urgency for this innovation stems from the need to adapt the grid to accommodate the increasing demand for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. These resources are often located in remote areas, posing challenges for the transmission system that was not designed to handle the influx of power from distant locations. The introduction of medium-voltage converters could provide a solution by enabling grid operators to better regulate the flow of electricity.
Barry Mather, a researcher at NREL, emphasized the significance of this new technology, stating that it allows for higher levels of distributed energy resources to be integrated into the grid. The project, known as Grid Application Development, Testbed, and Analysis for Medium-Voltage Silicon Carbide (GADTAMS), has successfully developed a prototype and functional testbed to advance these novel grid technologies.
Medium-voltage power converters offer numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, affordability, and flexibility in managing electricity distribution. By utilizing these converters, utilities can improve the control and direction of electricity flow within local grids, enhancing the overall reliability and resilience of the power system.
The team’s dedication to safety and thorough testing of medium-voltage devices has laid the groundwork for future advancements in grid technology. With plans to further study medium-voltage grid technologies and explore applications such as hydrogen electrolysis, the team aims to contribute to the evolution of the U.S. power grid towards a more sustainable and secure energy future.
As Mather highlighted, the increasing interest and applications of medium-voltage power conversion indicate a promising future for this technology. The establishment of the testbed not only supports the current project but also serves as a platform for ongoing development in medium-voltage power electronics.
For more information on NREL’s work in medium-voltage power electronics and its role in shaping a resilient and secure electric grid, visit their website. Additionally, explore NREL’s Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform, where experts can simulate real grid scenarios to better prepare for the transition to a clean energy future.
https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-awards-6-million-improve-resilience-power-grid
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https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-announces-new-investment-strengthen-power-grid
https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-releases-report-future-power-grid
https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-announces-partnership-strengthen-power-grid