Magnetic Amplifier for Power Flow Control

Magnetic Amplifier for Power Flow Control


Program:
GENI
Award:
$5,496,651
Location:
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/24/2012 - 06/30/2017

Technology Description:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing an electromagnet-based, amplifier-like device that will allow for complete control over the flow of power within the electric grid. To date, complete control of power flow within the grid has been prohibitively expensive. ORNL's controller could provide a reliable, cost-effective solution to this problem. The team is combining two types of pre-existing technologies to assist in flow control, culminating in a prototype iron-based magnetic amplifier. Ordinarily, such a device would require expensive superconductive wire, but the magnetic iron core of ORNL's device could serve as a low-cost alternative that is equally adept at regulating power flow.

Potential Impact:

If successful, ORNL's magnetic amplifier could offer low-cost regulation of power flow within the electric grid. Complete control over power flow would reduce wasted energy, save consumers money, and balance the supply and demand for energy.

Security:

A more efficient, reliable grid would be more resilient to potential disruptions from failure, natural disasters, or attack.

Environment:

Enabling increased use of wind and solar power would result in a substantial decrease in carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S.—40% of which are produced by electricity generation.

Economy:

A more efficient and reliable grid would help protect U.S. businesses from costly power outages and brownouts that stop automated equipment, bring down factories, and crash computers.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Isik Kizilyalli
Project Contact:
Dr. Fred Wang
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
fred.wang@utk.edu

Partners

University of Tennessee
Bonneville Power Administration
SPX Transformer Solutions (Waukesha Electric Systems)

Related Projects


Release Date:
04/20/2011