Georgia utility Southern Company has partnered with Georgia Tech and Smart Wires to launch a project backed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) aimed at enhancing Georgia’s electric grid. The project, set to commence in 2025, will introduce advanced power flow control (APFC) and dynamic line rating (DLR) technologies to the grid, facilitating the integration of renewable energy and accommodating new demand more efficiently.
The initiative will be led by Georgia Tech’s Center for Distributed Energy, selected by the DOE in November 2021 as one of four projects to receive grid-enhancing technology (GET) funding. The goal of GET is to enhance grid reliability, optimize existing infrastructure, and expedite the integration of renewable power sources.
Smart Wires’ APFC solution, known as SmartValve, and its DLR software, SUMO, will be utilized in the project to develop control algorithms that optimize grid utilization and enhance the synergy between the two technologies. Tim Lieuwen, interim executive vice president for research at Georgia Tech, emphasized the project’s significance in advancing the efficient and reliable integration of cleaner energy sources in Georgia. The collaboration aims to explore innovative grid management techniques by combining APFC and DLR technologies.
This project marks the first large-scale deployment combining APFC and DLR technologies. SUMO monitors real-time weather conditions to identify power lines with excess capacity, allowing SmartValve to redirect power to leverage the available space. Conversely, on days of high demand and strain on power lines, SmartValve can redistribute power to less congested circuits, reducing the risk of disruptions and maintaining smooth operations.
SmartValves are portable and can be installed within a week, offering flexibility to adapt to changing system requirements without prolonged outages. The project includes a one-year performance evaluation period to provide Southern Company with practical experience that can assist other utilities in adopting similar solutions and expanding the use of grid-enhancing technologies nationwide.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Southern Company, Georgia Tech, and Smart Wires in implementing APFC and DLR technologies represents a significant advancement in enhancing Georgia’s electric grid. The project’s innovative approach and focus on sustainability are crucial steps towards a more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure.
