Air conditioning, home entertainment, and the other trappings of modern life are putting more pressure on America’s aging electrical grid. Fortunately, revolutionary new technologies are already reshaping power systems throughout the country, with potentially seismic shifts on the horizon. Below is an overview of how electrical engineers may help power plants meet the demands of the future.

How Technology May Shape Tomorrow’s Electrical Systems

Meeting Ever-Growing Power Demands

Almost every household in America has a multitude of electronics, heating and cooling systems, and other devices, which means the demand for energy is always increasing. More people are plugging in electric cars, not to mention the massive amounts of energy manufacturers need to create the products we all depend on.

While building new power plants is one solution, it’s also a long, difficult process that may yield results for decades. Fracking technology allows the U.S. to harvest natural gas reserves that were previously inaccessible, but the country lacks the infrastructure to use those resources effectively.

Maximizing the Efficiency of Existing Systems

Fortunately, modern hardware solutions and AI software can increase the efficiency of the existing grid without waiting for new power plants to come online. One increasingly popular technique among electrical engineers is the integration of microgrids, which operate independently of one another. These designs keep most of the system from blacking out if another part of the system develops a fault.

Smart energy management systems also promise to make energy distribution more efficient, eliminating waste and effectively increasing capacity. Instead of delivering a steady, constant stream of power throughout the grid, these software solutions transfer resources to where demand is the highest while reducing the flow to other areas. Using internet-of-things equipped devices, they can also monitor the systems for issues and make adjustments before customers experience a blackout.

 

Since 1970, the electrical engineers at CDA Engineering Inc. have provided expertise and cutting-edge solutions to power plants and other businesses throughout the Detroit Metro Area. Backed by over 50 years of experience and an understanding of the most advanced equipment on the market, their team has the resources to help you meet the demands of the future. Visit their website for an overview of their services or call (248) 589-3300.