Electrification of Society Requires a New and Smarter Grid
Electrification of Society Requires a New and Smarter Grid Submitted by Sheryl Hamlin Across the country, states are drafting Transportation Electrification Plans. These could include goals or mandates for electric vehicle adaption, charging infrastructure and localized battery storage. Read about the Arizona and California Electrification plans. What receives little to no discussion are the changes and enhancements necessary to the electric grid and all issues related to delivery and movement of electricity. Summary of the Grid Problem In a white paper published by Deloitte, the problem of the grid in respect to massive electrification goals can be summarized as follows: The distribution grid was not designed to accommodate intermittent output, fluctuations in power quality, and two-way power flows. Surges, spikes, or sags in supply can impact voltage and frequency and potentially impair grid stability, and in turn cause stress and premature aging of distribution assets. ...