Down-to-Earth Theory: The Grid

Feb. 27, 2018

There is a lot of interest in the idea of integrating DC schemes into the AC grid

The future grid is a fascinating subject, but it varies depending on who is talking about it. One thing we can depend on is technology is going to shape it. Another thing we can rely on it’s a sure bet no one knows at this point. So, let’s look at the grid from a high altitude and some things that do make sense. Today’s grid is a network of high, medium, and low AC voltages, but what about DC technology? HVDC has been maturing and new devices like the DC breaker are going to impact the power delivery system. This month’s newsletter is focused on the Macrogrid. There is a lot of interest in the idea of integrating DC schemes into the AC grid. We’re talking about an AC grid with an overlaid DC grid. I found an interesting video giving some facts and reasons this makes sense. So, for this month’s theory the link on DC powering the Grid of the future is below:

About the Author

Gene Wolf

Gene Wolf has been designing and building substations and other high technology facilities for over 32 years. He received his BSEE from Wichita State University. He received his MSEE from New Mexico State University. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of California and New Mexico. He started his career as a substation engineer for Kansas Gas and Electric, retired as the Principal Engineer of Stations for Public Service Company of New Mexico recently, and founded Lone Wolf Engineering, LLC an engineering consulting company.

Gene is widely recognized as a technical leader in the electric power industry. Gene is a fellow of the IEEE. He is the former Chairman of the IEEE PES T&D Committee. He has held the position of the Chairman of the HVDC & FACTS Subcommittee and membership in many T&D working groups. Gene is also active in renewable energy. He sponsored the formation of the “Integration of Renewable Energy into the Transmission & Distribution Grids” subcommittee and the “Intelligent Grid Transmission and Distribution” subcommittee within the Transmission and Distribution committee.