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Smart grid projects

Notrees wind storage demonstration project

The Notrees Project will analyze and discern how, when integrated with wind power, energy storage can compensate for the inherent intermittency of this renewable power generation resource. Incorporating both existing and new tools, technologies and techniques, this demonstration project will provide valuable information regarding wind energy storage and serve as a model for other entities to adapt and replicate. The energy storage system will be designed and constructed using fast response, advanced lead-acid batteries configured to provide 36 MW output capabilities with a storage capacity of 24 MWh. Get details >>

Duke Energy PMU deployment in the Carolinas with communication system modernization

Duke Energy’s Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) deployment in the Carolinas with communication system modernization project upgrades the existing serial-based communications infrastructure across the Carolinas. This project includes the installation of PMUs and phasor data concentrators. An update to the existing energy management systems will be performed, along with visualization software to provide enhanced situational awareness for grid operators. Fifty-one substations across the Carolinas, at the 230 KV and 500 KV levels, are targeted to have the communications upgrade and approximately two PMUs planned per substation. PMUs provide high-resolution monitoring that improves grid operators’ ability to visualize and manage the transmission system, improving reliability and grid operations. Get details >>

Progress Energy optimized energy value chain project

Progress Energy’s optimized energy value chain project involves the deployment of advanced metering and distribution automation systems. The project aims at reducing peak loads, overall energy use, and operations and maintenance costs while improving distribution system efficiency, reliability, and power quality. The project implements two-way communications to: (1) allow customers to view their energy consumption through a web portal, and (2) allow Progress Energy to manage, measure, and verify targeted demand reductions during peak periods. New information and communications systems capture meter data for billing and future implementation of new pricing programs and service offerings. The project includes a distribution management system, automated switching, and integrated voltage and reactive power control to reduce line losses and improve service reliability. The project involves installation of advanced transmission systems including on-line monitoring equipment on key and “at-risk” transmission substations and transformer banks. The project includes installation of up to 600 electric vehicle charging stations in the Carolinas and Florida service territories to encourage use of electric vehicles. Get details >>

Varentec R&D on next-gen power electronics devices

Varentec, Inc. of North Andover. Massachusetts will conduct research and development on a wide range of next-generation power electronics devices to better integrate renewable resources. Using an innovative circuit design with an integrated battery energy storage system, the project's goal is to deliver a fast response to rapid voltage changes arising from grid-connected renewable resources.  The prototype and full-scale solution will be tested at North Carolina State University's FREEDM System Center. Get details >>

ABB grid monitoring and control demonstration

ABB Inc. based in Raleigh, North Carolina, will research, develop, and demonstrate a real-time monitoring, control, and health management system to improve grid reliability and efficiency. It will utilize digital data from sensors and substation Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED) to continuously monitor system performance.  Using real-time information, utility control center operators will be able to address outages, power quality issues, and other anomalies to reduce the frequency and duration of outages. A demonstration will be conducted on Xcel Energy's distribution system in Denver, Colorado. Get details >>

Energy news and trends

Raleigh's smart grid bid

Alex Huang keeps busy as a full-time electrical engineering professor at North Carolina State University, but outside the classroom he has his hands in a really big project. He wants to help the U.S. update its energy infrastructure and make the transition to the so-called smart grid—a digitized power grid that would allow users and power companies to communicate better, boosting efficiency and reliability. Read more from BusinessWeek >>

Smart grid support surges in the wake of Hurricane Irene

As Hurricane Irene moved, blow-by-blow, up the U.S. East Coast last weekend, utilities could do little but watch and wait while their customers took the wallop. When the sun finally came out, seven million people and businesses from North Carolina through Maine were still in the dark – and utilities raced to reach downed poles and wires, crushed equipment and flooded electrical stations. Read more from TMCnet >>

Progress Energy Carolinas launches distributed solar study

Progress Energy Carolinas Wednesday announced an 18-month research-and-development project with the Electric Power Research Institute to evaluate the effects of widespread, small-scale solar photovoltaic systems on the electric grid. Read the press release >>

Duke Energy leader sees opportunity for businesses with merger

Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy North Carolina, told business leaders at the Durham Convention Center on Tuesday that there could be opportunity for innovative contractors and businesses to partner with the utility – opportunities that could grow through the utility’s proposed merger with Progress Energy. Read more from The Herald-Sun >>

North Carolina solar farm leads a building wave

Some 200 community members, local leaders, solar power industry participants, state government officials and members of Congress gathered in Mount Airy, North Carolina on Monday to dedicate next week’s commissioning of the Mayberry Solar Farm, the first of its kind in Surry County. Read more at TriplePundit.com >>