Texas A&M senior research engineer describes the kinds of risks facing power grids : NPR

A Martinez, Host:

For more information about blackout, joining us now is Jonathan Snow Grass. He is a senior research engineer at Texas A&M University, where he studies the power grid and transmission system. So Jonathan, as we have just heard, do not know what happened, which led to this blackout. But what kind of risks do electric grids face that can cause closure?

Jonathan Snow Grass: Okay. So the risks on the electric grid range. I mean, it can be a small thing with thunderstorms that can lead to lines that reach a hurricane that a whole city says.

Martnes: Okay. And what will be the heat? As far as I saw, it was not so hot in the seawell, but the heat can also be taxed on the grid?

Snow Grass: Okay. Therefore, each electric grid is designed for a specific operating temperature. So somewhere, for example, in California, the weather is very mild. And so if this designed temperature is extremely cold or extremely heat out of the operating range, which can cause problems for the electric grid. And, of course, a grid, such as, Wisconsin will be designed to work in a cold climate far beyond a grid in Texas. And a grid in Texas will be designed to operate in a hot climate than a grid in New Hampshire.

Martnes: Yes. I live in California. We have these things called Flex Alerts – a volunteer call for power protection for a really hot day – sometimes. You suspect what Spain and Portugal are doing now because they continue to restore strength to ensure that this may not happen again?

Snow Grass: Okay. Therefore, the restoration Illl, I will respond to the rehabilitation process that every utility has – which is called the Black Start Plan. And there – this is a procedure that passes in the event of such a power outage. So when they are restoring power, they are making sure that the breed and the burden is balanced. It is restoring a grid. People can be surprised, you know – our listeners can be surprised, why don’t they turn it on at the same time?

Martnes: Okay. I was just about to say. Yes

Snow Grass: And thus it is like a Ceso. So say – just imagine, you know, when you are back in childhood and you are on Siso, you know, you go up and down. But the grid is like a Seso that is exactly at the surface. You know, if Sally is one side and on the other hand, if Kyle jumps by Sally, it means, such as, Aamir has to jump by Dishon to make sure it is balanced. And imitation goes further in the sense that you can.

Martnes: Yes.

Snodigras: And so if you have a lot of jumps – if you have a lot of burden, the breed will balance it without generation, the whole grid can be essentially eliminated.

Martnes: So it’s not as easy as just switches.

Snow Grass: Of course, yes. It’s quite complicated, but it’s interesting. And there are many policies, procedures and experts that return the grid to ensure that.

But to answer your question to ensure that it does not happen in the future, that is – first, to remind your listeners, the closure of the grid is incredibly rare. I mean, the fact is that we’re talking about it means that they are not often. And Flex alerts are something that is very important. If an utility or an independent system operator such as CAISO recognizes that it may be reduced, they will demand volunteer protection. So I will definitely encourage all our audience to take these warnings seriously.

Martinez: Another thing is really fast – about 30 seconds. This targeted three countries – Spain, Portugal and France. What does it tell us how these grids are interconnected?

Snowdigas: So there is a balance between loneliness and cohesion. Yes Texas has its own electric grid, and its Proses are professional and favorable. Say, the United States has its electric grid, and it is very integrated. I will say, profession and benefit. But in this case, it was a rules.

Martnes: Okay. Jonathan Snodig is a senior research engineer in electrical engineering at Texas A&M University. Jonathan, thanks.

Snow Grass: Thank you.

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