Transmission and Micro-Grids – DC-NEXUS

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Transmission and Micro-Grids

Edison started the electrical revolution with onsite generation. Soon afterward, Westinghouse developed a centralized generation model. The model for electricity transmission we use today was built on the idea of centralized generation distributed to mass populations and businesses. This system was built before the integration of renewable power and the threat of grid disruption. Advancements in power electronics has created opportunities throughout the grid to leverage DC power in ways that were not possible when the Westinghouse standard was adopted. Transmission via DC power, as well as micro-grids with DC architecture, represent an immense opportunity to bring safety and stability to the grid, while at the same time making it easier to integrate renewable and distributed generation. DC-NEXUS explores DC power and micro grids, providing news, information and examples from across the globe that highlight this technological shift.

Efficiency and Resiliency CAN happen together – DC Microgrids Show the Way

When deploying a microgrid, operators can achieve high resiliency. If these microgrids are deployed with direct current transmission, efficiency savings on transmission can approach 30%.

Initial PITT-OHIO Success drives further investment in DC Systems

Working with the University of Pittsburg, PITT-OHIO demonstrates financial benefits to using DC based micro-grids in freight and logistics applications.

Will Siemens investment in microgrids push DC forward?

Siemens announced a massive investment in microgrids at their Princeton, New Jersey campus. Will this and similar investments make the case for DC or hybrid DC microgrids?

Next Generation Power for Industry

German research groups from Fraunhofer Institutes for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA and Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB push for DC power.

Direct Current Applications in Lighting Solutions

Reduced carbon emissions, increased cost savings, enhanced safety and resiliency are achieved when using direct current technologies.

Legrand Leads Push for Mass DC Commercialization

On February 15, 2017, leaders from industry, government labs, standards and non-profit groups gathered in Denver for a one day workshop to catalyze the adoption of direct current (DC) solutions worldwide. Sponsored by Legrand and the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, the discussion focused on DC solutions currently available in the marketplace and how the number…

GE Shows Silicon Carbide Inverter-Talks DC Future

As the solar industry boom continues, Peter Oram of GE’s Power Conversion discussed the role of GE in the renewable energy market segment. GE’s Power Conversion provides the motors, generators, variable speed drives and associated control systems for the wind, hydro-electric, solar and tidal power generation segments. At the 2016 Solar Power International show in…

DC-Pedia FAQ Updated

As part of our educational efforts, we continue to work with our DC-NEXUS Collaborative members to improve the FAQ section of the DC-Pedia. Please review the latest edition of the FAQ here. Many thanks to members of ES2 located at Georgia Tech for the updates.

380V direct current benefits data centers

Founder David Geary launches the white papers section of the DC-NEXUS site. His initial contributions describe the benefits of 380V dc (direct current) in the data center. Summary and detail documents are available.

DC-Pedia FAQ is launched

Chairman level adviser, Dr. Brandon Grainger, helped the DC-NEXUS team formally launch the DC-Pedia frequently asked questions (FAQ) site section. Over time, we expect this to become the nexus for all basic knowledge related to direct current solutions. We invite you to peruse the FAQ here.

Universal Electric Provides a Track to the Future

The Smart Energy Microgrid Pavilion (SEMP) at this year’s Solar Power International (SPI) show provided a glimpse into the future of energy production, management and use. What may have gone unnoticed is the central role direct current (DC) products had in making this showcase a success. At the heart of the pavilion was a collection…

DC-NEXUS CO-FOUNDER STANDS WITH HIS MASTERPIECE

Every good project needs a great engineer. DC-NEXUS co-founder, EMerge Standards Committe Co-Chair and VP of Power Analytics, David Geary stands with the “heart” of the Smart Energy Microgrid Pavilion. This pavilion was part of the 2016 Solar Power International (SPI) Show in Las Vegas. Many man-hours were spent by participating companies to put…

DC-NEXUS COLLABORATIVE AND ADVISORY BOARD LAUNCH

Following the exciting events and presentations of Solar Power International (2016), we are busy preparing the direct current news stories that will showcase the best innovations displayed in Las Vegas. In mean time, we would like to take this opportunity to formally announce the launch of the DC-NEXUS Collaborative. Creating meaningful and sustainable change is…

Going Off Grid – SPI 2016

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Smart Energy Microgid Pavilion (SEMP), Brian Patterson (EMerge Alliance), Julia Hamm (SEPA) and Austin “DC” Powers, unplugged the SEMP from the grid during Solar Power International 2016. Attendees marveled at the seamless transition from a grid connected, to a grid disconnected, state. The lead engineer on…

DC-NEXUS Formal Launch

With the start of the Solar Power International Show in Las Vegas and the unveiling of the Smart Energy Microgrid Pavilion, we at DC-NEXUS are proud to announce the formal launch of our website. We are excited to report on all of the latest direct current related news from the show. A copy of…

CE+T Wins Google Little Box Challenge

One of the challenges in moving to direct current (DC) solutions is providing alternating current (AC) for end user loads. The Little Box Challenge from Google was created to encourage cost effective DC to AC inverter solutions to this problem. CE+T answered the call and won the competition, exceeding everyone’s expectations. Link: http://blog.cet-power.com/2016/06/14/beating-google-by-3/

MIT examines potential Boston microgrid

Severe weather events have forced many cities to reevaluate the structure of their electrical grid. MIT, in collaboration with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, is examining how a microgrid for Boston might improve resiliency and performance as well yield future cost savings. Link: http://www.ll.mit.edu/news/MITLL-studies-microgrid-design-for-Boston.html

DOE Promotes Fuel Cells for Telco Backup Power

The use of fuel cells is an important consideration for telecommunications companies as they assess their backup power plans. The DOE is promoting the advantages of fuel cells, especially when compared to traditional electricity storage options. Link: https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/44520.pdf

Recycled EV batteries already making an impact

A venture between Nissan and Eaton is recycling electric vehicle batteries from the Nissan Leaf to serve as a component of the energy storage system within French data centers. These batteries will be used in combination with Eaton’s uninterruptible power supplies. Link: https://thestack.com/data-centre/2016/07/01/nissan-recycling-leaf-batteries-to-power-data-center/

Onsite Generation for Commercial Buildings?

Future advances in solar panels may allow large scale commercial builds to generate electricity through their windows. This could improve building efficiency and promote micro-grid adoption. Link: http://www.voanews.com/media/video/large-windows-may-collect-solar-energy/3409945.html

IEEE pushes for direct current microgrid standard

Direct solutions provide unique opportunities to support the electrical needs to remote and rural communities. The IEEE is working to put together standards for this important segment of the market: Link: https://standards.ieee.org/develop/project/2030.10.html

New Battery Product Enables Better Microgrids

A 24V volt battery from Aquion offers a more environment “friendly” storage option for today’s microgrids. These batteries are claimed to be direct replacements for 24V lead acid systems while also offering better performance. Link: http://blog.aquionenergy.com/aquion-launches-24-volt-battery?utm_campaign=24+V+Product+Launch&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=30789775&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ORRwawBHk0RWrybi5HZisgx__2No4nBfThutXpyus0aEKdZA71FNvaDaGAQDU3wt5OH9xZ5sxTLN27NbDv2VvjktmiQ&_hsmi=30789775

Integrating distributed energy into the grid

EnSync will demonstrate their latest offering to incorporate distributed storage and solar at Intersolar North America, July 12-14. Technologies like this will be critical for the widespread adoption of a distributed energy “grid”. Link: http://ensync.mwnewsroom.com/press-releases/ensync-energy-to-demonstrate-harnessing-distributed-energy-resources-for-grid-su-nyse-mkt-esnc-1265532

IEEE Highlights Direct Current Solutions

From generation, to transmission and micro-grids, the recent IEEE publication highlights the advantages of direct current power solutions. Link: http://online.qmags.com/ELE0616?sessionID=6831458CBF031CA5A8A6A2F19&cid=447395&eid=19890#pg1&mode2

Direct Current Electricity Transmission

Until very recently, electrical transmission over long distances via direct current (DC) was not efficient. Technological innovations have now made transmission via DC more efficient than alternating current (AC). Since much of the electrical demand is from equipment and devices that natively operate on DC power, additional efficiency can be gained if the conversion step…

Utilities and Regulators Contemplate Solar Value

The utilities and regulators know that disruption is on the way, which will affect how they do business. They have helped to create the problems. Will they become part of the solution and provide incentives for solar, storage and microgrids? Link:http://reneweconomy.com.au/2016/solar-breakthrough-regulator-says-tariffs-should-recognise-pv-benefits-26197

Some advantages of DC over AC

Dr. Gregory Reed provides examples of why direct current is advantageous over alternating current, especially in light of the way we use energy today. Much has changed since the original argument between Edison and Tesla. Link: http://electricalindustry.ca/latest-news/1018-9-reasons-why-dc-may-replace-ac

Worldwide DC Industrial and Transmission Projects

Direct current is benefiting large transmission and industrial projects around the globe. These projects are driving higher efficiency and easing the integration of renewable resources. Read more: http://www.automationworld.com/smart-grid/second-electrical-revolution

Direct Current Transmission in America Expands

A direct current transmission line will connect power generation in Oklahoma to end users in Southeastern and Mid Southern US states. Read more: http://www.arkansasmatters.com/community/community-matters/dozens-of-jobs-coming-to-west-memphis-in-2016

Incentives for Data Center Power Independence

With data centers consuming a fair amount of electricity, utilities are offering incentives for data centers to generate onsite electricity. Read more: http://www.facilitiesnet.com/datacenters/article/Incentives-for-On-Site-Power-Generation-for-Data-Centers–16488?source=next

Pitt to drive innovations in DC grid

Recent grants to the University of Pittsburgh will help drive additional innovation in the DC marketplace, specifically in the transmission of electrical power. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/uop-ppa111715.php

Wind Energy – Texas Style

As an energy island, Texas has unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to alternative energy. Sometimes this leads to negative spot prices… Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-impossible-just-happened-in-texas-2015-9?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_content=buffer58f9a&utm_campaign=Epoca%2BNow%2Bvia%2BBuffer&utm_medium=blog

Microgrid Underway at Philadelphia Navy Yard

Microgrid Underway at Philadelphia Navy Yard A sustainable and progressive energy plan leads to microgrid development. While there is plenty of talk about the potential microgrid value proposition, only a few locations exist where microgrid development is actually underway, especially where the business partner is leading the charge. One of these locations is The Navy…

Why Microgrids Are Inevitable

Why Microgrids Are Inevitable And why smart utilities should plan accordingly The fledgling electric utility companies that emerged after Thomas Edison opened his small Pearl Street, New York City, NY, power station in 1882 originally focused on distributed energy generation (DEG) operating within a microgrid. Edison envisioned that the electric utility industry would involve small…

Bosch Building DC Microgrid

With a proposed award from the California Energy Commission, Robert Bosch LLC plans to demonstrate the effectiveness of its renewable-based microgrid platform. The project aims to highlight the benefits and viability of a commercial-scale direct-current (DC) building grid, in comparison with conventional alternating-current (AC) grids. The DC building grid will consist of rooftop solar PV…