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Electric Energy T&D - Index

Electric Energy T&D - EEMag March / April 2008 - Index

Some specific measures likely to employ
these technologies include:
• Distributed generation/Microgrids
• Underground distribution lines
• Reduction of overall T&D transformer MVA
• Energy storage devices
• Three phase design for distribution
• Ground wire loss reduction techniques
• Higher transmission operating voltages
• Voltage optimization through reactive
power compensation
• Asset replacement schedule optimization
• And, power electronic transformers.
EET&D: Where are the most important
benefits that can be derived from improved
energy efficiency within the power T&D
infrastructure?
Scheu: The “business case” for energy
efficiency is fairly straightforward: Using less
energy means paying less for energy. But
a simple cost-benefit analysis might
overlook some very important benefits that
efficiency brings.
Greater energy efficiency in the T&D system
means lower emissions in generation to
deliver the same amount of consumed energy.
Moreover, improved T&D efficiency will allow
for the support of renewable generation sources
that are cannot currently be accommodated at
many injection points on the grid.
Within the context of the power system itself,
it’s important to recognize how interrelated
energy efficiency is with grid reliability.
In many areas of the US, transmission
constraints have reached the point where they
not only cost consumers billions of dollars in
congestion charges; they actually threaten
the integrity of the power system itself.
Over the past twenty years, the situation has
continued to deteriorate to the point where
now the question of installing a new line is
nearly moot in some locations. By the time
it was completed, demand would long since
have outstripped the ability of the local grid
to meet it, so a short-term solution must be
implemented in the interim.
38 I March-April 2008 Issue
As the reliable supply of energy, especially
electric energy, continues to grow in
importance, the potential impact of energy
efficiency cannot be overstated. With the
array of technologies and methodologies now
available, efficiency stands ready to play a
much larger role in the energy equation.
EET&D: The power infrastructure and subsequent
equipment has aged over many decades
of use, and there are risks associated with it.
How can the efforts from many in IT, software
and network management help shape the direction
of what we now refer to as the Smart Grid?
Barnoski: IT, analytical software, and the
ability to monitor the network in a real-time
mode will enable operators to know what is
actually taking place on the grid that is creating
certain conditions or occurrences. Operators will
be able to make much better informed decisions
in much shorter time periods to reduce the
risk of brownouts, blackouts and other system
disturbances whose underlying cause is often
obsolete equipment on the system.
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