Dec 11 2007
Giving the Grid a Break
As our appliances get bigger and more powerful, the electrical grid remains the same. And since replacing the grid is more than a weekend project, it is time to look at some other solutions.
Sensing Overload
Scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington have found that giving the grid a breather when it starts to go into overload may decrease the chances of grid failure. Specifically, they tested appliances with computer chips that are able to sense a grid overload. The appliance will then adjust so as to reduce the risk of grid failure.
So, your dryer’s heating element might shut down, but the clothes keep tumbling or your refrigerator’s compressor may temporarily switch off, but the light will still turn on when you open the door. These minimal precautions can give the grid a much needed break and help avoid a complete failure.
A Plan for the Future
According to MSNBC.com, if these computer-chip-clad appliances become cheap enough for the entire country to adopt the idea then we could save up to $70 billion over 20 years towards the new construction of power plants. Since rebuilding the grid now is not quite an option, it makes sense to take steps towards later grid construction. Unfortunately, people need to comply in order for this to work and that means convenience and cost will come into play.
Is it Realistic?
Rob Pratt, lab program manager, estimates an upfront cost of about $400 or $500 for each home to plug a chip into their most consuming appliances (usually the washer, dryer, water heater, and refrigerator). If the chips can be put into the appliances during manufacture, costs should diminish. As for ease of use, consumers don’t really need to think about it. Chips are set once and can be left alone after that. Pratt also stresses that consumers will notice little interruption in their daily energy use. The refrigerator may quiet for a short while or the water heater stop heating, but the difference is much less noticeable than a complete blackout.
With these chips, there is also the potential for payback in the form of savings. In some areas, electricity is more expensive during the daytime peak hours than it is during the off-peak hours. By moving consumption from peak times to off-peak times, consumers will be able to not only help prevent grid failure, but be rewarded for doing so.
