| Project Detail |
Conventional distribution substations cannot meet the growing demands of new and evolving sources and loads due to their limited functionality, low flexibility, and large size. Further, each substation is unique, resulting in engineering, design, and construction costs. Driven by burgeoning urbanization, infrastructure needs for electric vehicle (EV) charging, increased distributed renewable energy sources, demand for energy storage, and the greater number of severe weather events, the requirements for grid distribution networks are becoming more demanding. New and evolving electricity sources, loads, and usage patterns require greater scalability, control, dispersion, flexibility, and resilience for their distribution.
Project Innovation + Advantages:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) will demonstrate a new concept to enable a compact, flexible, scalable, and adaptable medium-voltage (MV) distribution network for growing and changing electricity sources, demands, and usage patterns. The team will combine power electronics and MV cable benefits to create a cohesive structure that can replace bulky substation components while enhancing functionality. Located at the ends of an MV or high-voltage (HV) line, the proposed Substation in a Cable for Adaptable, Low-cost Electrical Distribution (SCALED) uses a cascade of coaxial power conversion cells to gradually step down the voltage to the levels required by the loads. By mimicking the coaxial geometry of HV cables, the SCALED module can achieve high power density and seamless integration.
Potential Impact:
Virginia Tech will combine the functionality benefits of power electronics with the power density benefits of high-voltage cables to create a cohesive, all-in-one structure to replace bulky, inflexible power substations in today’s electrical grid. |
