Electromobility, heat pumps, etc. increase the demand for electricity. But in many countries the power grids are not designed for this. Researchers from the USA see artificial intelligence as a solution to avoid blackouts.
Solar, wind and hydropower are intended to drive the energy transition. However, in many countries the electricity grids are currently unable to accommodate the rapid growth of renewable energy sources.
According to one International Energy Agency investigation (IEA) around 80 million kilometers of power grids worldwide would have to be newly built or modernized by 2040. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the demand for electricity will increase enormously in the coming years due to electric cars and heat pumps.
This could jeopardize security of supply and lead to blackouts. But Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas and the University at Buffalo want to counteract this with a “self-healing power grid” using artificial intelligence.
Self-healing power grid – this is how artificial intelligence is supposed to help
In their publication in the journal Nature Communications, they explain a first approach for a self-healing power grid. Artificial intelligence is used, which can work autonomously in the event of an impending blackout.
The AI can detect problems such as an impending power outage or damaged pipes. After analyzing the problem, it can redirect power within milliseconds so that power outages can be avoided.
“Our goal is to find the optimal way to send electricity to the majority of users as quickly as possible. But more research is needed before this system can be implemented,” explains Jie Zhang from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Because at the moment the AI cannot yet work independently. The processes still have to be controlled by people. The redirection of the electricity may currently take a long time.
AI should also carry out repairs in the future
The researchers use machine learning for the self-healing power grid. This allows the AI to understand the power grid and the complex relationships between the power lines.
Once the AI system understands these relationships, it can use reinforcement learning to make the best possible decision in an emergency. If a power outage is imminent, the system can divert power from another nearby source. These could be, for example, large solar systems or battery storage systems.
In the future, the researchers don’t just want to prevent power outages. Your “self-healing power grid” should be so automated that it can also help repair power interruptions.
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The article Self-healing power grid: Artificial intelligence should avoid blackouts by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a tech industry expert, I believe that the concept of a self-healing power grid powered by artificial intelligence is a revolutionary idea that has the potential to greatly improve the reliability and efficiency of our energy infrastructure. By leveraging AI algorithms to constantly monitor and analyze the grid’s performance, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they escalate into blackouts.
The ability of AI to predict and prevent outages by automatically rerouting power and isolating faulty components is a game-changer for the industry. This not only helps to minimize disruptions for consumers but also reduces the operational costs for energy providers.
Furthermore, the self-healing power grid can also enhance the integration of renewable energy sources by optimizing their usage and storage. This is crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Overall, I believe that investing in self-healing power grid technology powered by AI is a smart move for the industry, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our energy infrastructure in the future.
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