How Isolating Grid Infrastructure from the Internet can Increase Resilience to a Cyber Attack
03/15/19
“How can we increase security by making the grid go offline?”
In the modern world, it seems like everything is becoming connected to the internet. Although this has brought revolutions in communication, it has also left many components viable to a cyber attack. The grid is no different, and has already been hacked because of this. To prevent this from happening, the grid can simply be disconnected from the internet. That way no attacker can come in and tinker with the components. This is How Isolating Grid Infrastructure from the Internet can Increase Resilience to a Cyber Attack.
Why Seasonal Energy Storage is Necessary for Large-Scale Penetration of Renewables
03/14/19
“Why should we be able to store energy for months?”
Energy storage is the biggest bottleneck in the deployment of renewable energy. Not only are we currently limited in the amount we can store, but also the time, as decay occurs the longer it is stored. And with the deeper penetration of renewables, energy will have to be stored for longer durations, so that charge can be stored during the sunny summer months and extracted in the dark winter ones. This is Why Seasonal Energy Storage is Necessary for Large-Scale Penetration of Renewables.
“Are there generators that produce AC Electricity?”
Generators are one of the pillars of the modern technological world. Generators that specifically produce alternating current are known as Alternators and are extensively used in automobile applications.
“How can we describe the power output density capability of a particular device?”
Power supply is one of the foundations of modern technology. But some devices can supply more power than others. The amount of power that can be supplied by one mass unit of a material is known as the Power Density. In batteries, power density is usually contingent on the current output as voltage is typically held constant.
How Trimming Trees Near Transmission Lines Could Increase Infrastructure Resilience
02/28/19
“How could hot areas become more resilient by trimming trees?”
Electrical transmission lines can fault for a variety of reasons. But one of the most common is from being near untrimmed trees. These can fall onto the power lines, causing power disruption. In the case of extreme drought, static buildup can even rupture a fire, as seen in the 2018 Northern Californian Camp Fire. To prevent this, we can simply trim the trees. This allows for increased safety against extreme weather. This is How Trimming Trees Near Transmission Lines Could Increase Infrastructure Resilience in Drought-ridden Areas.
“Why are quantum dots for solar panels so useful?”
Quantum dots are bringing a revolution into the world of semiconductors. And since semiconductors are the backbones of solar panels, things will be greatly changed for them as well. The extra emissivity offered by quantum dots means that two and possibly three electrons can be generated for every photon received, vastly increasing its potential! Quantum dot solar panels can achieve as much as 65% efficiency, nearly double of the theoretical limit of normal panels. This is why Quantum Dots for Solar Panels are so exciting.
“How do utility companies purchase electricity generation?”
Utility companies are responsible for transmitting electricity. However, they do not always own generation facilities. Instead, they may purchase it on a competitive platform known as a wholesale electricity market. This decoupling of electrical generation and transmission can create a multitude of opportunities for Power Purchase Agreements.
How Grid Defects Can Increase Climate Change Resilience
02/22/19
“How can grid defection increase infrastructure resiliency to climate change?”
Grid-islanded systems are typically thought of as expensive alternatives to their grid-depended counterparts. But with the advent of ever-increasing storms and floods induced by climate change, their constant reliability will make them a more reliable alternative. Since they can provide power in the case of natural disasters, they can provide extra resilience to communities such as Puerto Rico who experienced a grid shutdown from Hurricane Maria.
How Tree Trimmings Could Help Build Power Resilience
02/21/19
“How could trimming trees help prevent blackouts?”
Grid failure happens all the time. But one of the most common causes actually stems from something very simple, trees! Tree foliage produces an area that is sensitive to burning and is also liable to falling down, crushing distribution. By taking away some of this foliage, some of this resiliency liability. This is How Tree Trimmings Could Help Build Power Resilience.
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