Feature: Power
How grid reliability challenges are accelerating innovation in energy management
By Molex, a world-leading provider of connector solutions
Unreliable centralised power grids are forcing changes to the way power is distributed. These cutting-edge approaches are being accomplished through the use of smart grid technology.
T
he demand for power is growing at an exponential rate. Driven heavily by Asia, world energy consumption will increase by almost 50 per cent
between 2018 and 2050, as predicted by U.S. Energy Information Administration. Tis rising demand will occur while a large portion of the global power grid infrastructure is at a critical point in its lifecycle. In Europe alone, 40 per cent of the grid infrastructure is over 40 years old. Te challenges to the traditional grid
establish a theme throughout energy management applications, in order to have efficient, reliable power, the grid must be modernised using smarter equipment with a focus on data and dependability.
Challenges to Grid Reliability While aging infrastructures and growing demand contribute to power grid instability, other factors also play a role. Unexpected events can cause widespread outages, not just locally, but for entire regions.
Extreme Weather Significant changes in temperatures, as well as long stretches of hot or cold weather, put a strain not only on power demand, but on grid equipment as well. Weather events like tornados, hurricanes, flooding and severe thunderstorms can knock out power to the surrounding areas they affect. Recently, a typhoon struck Okinawa, Japan, leaving 200,000 households without power.
Geopolitical Disruption Geopolitical relations and conflicts can have significant ripple effects, including disruption to grid reliability. For instance, a military strike on grid infrastructure in one country can lead to a major power outage in a neighbouring region. Trade embargoes and tariffs can trigger fuel shortages and force governments and citizens alike to seek cheaper or more accessible alternatives. As a result of these types of global scenarios, the EU is diversifying its energy sources to limit its dependence on foreign oil resources.
12 November 2024
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
Wildlife Animals also wreak havoc on power grids. In Japan, one snake was responsible for knocking out power to nearly 10,000 homes. In the US, squirrels alone cause nearly half of all wildlife-related power outages. While these examples may conjure amusing visuals, wildlife causes considerable damage to transformers, substations and power lines, leading to costly large-scale outages.
Cybersecurity Threats In recent years, cyber-attacks have targeted critical energy infrastructure facilities across the globe, bringing to light a new threat to the grid. Hackers can gain access to power grids digitally, through ransomware and internet of things (IoT) system vulnerabilities, and remotely disable equipment. Although these incidents are generally underreported, they are steadily increasing, a situation that will likely continue as global grids begin integrating more connected technologies and become more exposed. Communities, institutions, companies and entire countries are experimenting with
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