The U.S Energy Grid is a network that is made up of many transmission lines that deliver electricity to consumers from the suppliers. There are three interconnected systems in the United States that are used to provide electricity in the whole country. There are many high voltage distribution lines involved in the transportation of electricity from the generating stations to the consumer.
The Energy Grid Infrastructure:
The Energy Grid is made up of four major components: individual generators of electricity, transmission lines, distribution networks, and consumer use. The individual generators of the Energy Grids are the facilities where energy is actually created. There are many different kinds of facilities that create energy, including: coal, natural gas, and hydroelectric. Transmission lines carry the electricity from the generators to the consumers. The distribution network consists of the wires that start at the transformers and end at homes, businesses, and other places that use electricity. The end of the transmission grid is where the consumer actually gets the electricity.
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/how-electricity-grid-works#.Vft2dLQ-DVo
Looking at the website of the Infrastructure Report Card Organization they rated the Energy Grid in 2013 with the grade D+. The reason for this low grade is because the infrastructure of the energy grid is very aged, with some parts being in use since the 1880’s. There have not been any investments made to modernize the grid and this costs the US economy millions of dollars for each black out event that occurs. Federal Data confirms that the United States electric grid loses power a lot more often now then ever before. Power outages are occurring because of the outdated energy grid, weather, and climate changes. With population increases and more use of electricity in ones day to day life it is essential to the United States to update the Energy Grid that was built after World War 2.
Smart Grid:
The Smart Grid is a new kind of electric grid that heavily relies on the use of technology to supply consumers with their electricity. The electric grid would be modernized by adding different technologies to make the transmission of electricity more efficient. The current grid is designed to always operate at peak capacity, however peak capacity is not always needed. There is a two way communication between the consumer and the generator, one central location to control all the devices part of the grid, sensors throughout the grid that are able to constantly provide data on usage.
Pros:
– More efficient transmission of electricity.
– A more reliable system because of the advanced monitoring that would be implemented.
– Quicker restoration of power, if a blackout occurs.
Cons:
– It would be very expensive for the U.S to rebuild the smart grid.
– People are able to do many things with technology, who knows what hackers could do to the new technology systems that would be linked to the grid.
http://www.eia.gov/energy_in_brief/article/power_grid.cfm
http://www.ibtimes.com/aging-us-power-grid-blacks-out-more-any-other-developed-nation-1631086
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/how-electricity-grid-works#.Vft2dLQ-DVo
http://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid
Interesting information on the age and derelict state of the energy grid. That D+ rating on account of ancient parts, and its vulnerability to changes in weather or climate are a bit worrying when you stop to consider it.