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Abstract

As researchers and explorers, we are blazing new trails in infrastructure innovation! Combining insights gleaned from social intelligent insects, we are tapping into the promise of resiliency and sustainability. In an ambitious project that joins clean energy, High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission technology, and AI-driven load balancing through swarm technology, we are redefining the energy paradigm. Discover how our revolutionary ‘home sourcing’ approach is set to turbocharge the application of HVDC technology, heralding a transformative era of green energy for future generations. Step into the future of power, where innovation meets sustainability.

Keywords: High Voltage Direct Current, Alternating Current, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Home Sourcing.

An explorer embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries, constantly seeking groundbreaking discoveries that hold the potential to transform the world and, in some instances, even the lives of individuals. As a civilization, our survival hinges on our capacity to adapt and innovate. I have been lucky enough to work on research for the Department of Energy devising novel solutions for energy procurement that will leave a positive impact on our planet. However, the full integration of these solutions into the energy transmission and electrical grid systems remains elusive, as these systems have yet to undergo their own evolution. Undoubtedly, these challenges can be surmounted. The research project known as, Energy Expeditionaries, encapsulates the essence of addressing each of these unique challenges, and symbolizes my commitment to uncovering new horizons in the realm of power transmission.

The electrification of modern societies has been largely driven by the widespread adoption of Alternating Current (AC) systems. Pioneered by visionaries such as Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, AC transmission has revolutionized the way we generate, distribute, and consume electricity. However, as we embark on the quest for a sustainable and low-carbon energy future, it is crucial to critically examine the inherent limitations of conventional AC systems and assess their suitability for meeting the evolving demands of the 21st century. This section aims to provide an engaging and exciting exploration of the challenges associated with AC transmission and the potential avenues for overcoming these limitations. While conventional AC transmission systems have served as the backbone of electricity infrastructure for over a century, several critical issues have emerged as we push the boundaries of energy generation and transmission. The most pressing challenges associated with AC systems can be broadly categorized into four areas: technical constraints, economic inefficiencies, environmental concerns, and grid resilience and stability. The inherent properties of AC systems can result in significant energy losses during transmission, particularly over long distances (Technical Constraints). These losses manifest in the form of reactive power and “skin effect” losses, which not only reduce overall transmission efficiency but also necessitate larger and more expensive infrastructure. The cost of constructing and maintaining AC transmission lines tends to increase with distance, posing significant financial challenges for transmitting electricity from remote renewable energy resources to urban load centers (Economic Inefficiencies). Additionally, the right-of-way requirements for AC systems can be substantial, further exacerbating land acquisition and environmental impact costs. The large-scale infrastructure associated with conventional AC transmission systems can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems and wildlife, due to land clearance, habitat fragmentation, and electromagnetic field emissions (Environmental Concerns). These environmental impacts contribute to the growing urgency for innovative and sustainable alternatives. Integrating diverse and distributed energy resources, including intermittent renewable sources, into conventional AC grids presents unique challenges in maintaining grid stability and managing fluctuations in supply and demand (Grid Resilience and Stability). This necessitates the development of advanced control strategies and grid management techniques to ensure reliable and secure electricity provision. As the limitations of conventional AC systems become increasingly apparent, there is a growing impetus for the development and adoption of alternative transmission technologies that can address these challenges head-on. The exciting potential of High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission, for instance, offers a glimpse into a future where energy is transmitted more efficiently, sustainably, and securely.

In February 2021, the devastating Winter Storm Uri swept across Texas, leaving more than 4.5 million households (around 10 million Texans) without power at its height, with some facing prolonged outages. This calamitous event, dubbed “the Texas freeze,” had significant repercussions on electricity-dependent services such as water treatment and healthcare. As indoor temperatures plunged, residents sought shelter with friends, family, or at warming stations, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Desperation led to dangerous attempts to generate heat, including using ovens or burning fences and furniture, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning and residential fires. By March 2021, the freeze had claimed at least 111 lives, with economic losses estimated at $130 billion in Texas and $155 billion nationwide. Before this disaster, Texas’ largely self-contained electric grid was regarded by some as a paragon of efficiency, exemplifying a seamless integration of market design, light regulation, and the amalgamation of baseload power and wind energy. The 2021 freeze, however, shook the faith in this model. Consequently, I was obliged to spearhead a successful Disaster Recovery Declaration to overcome the precarious power conditions and the ensuing rolling blackouts that emerged during this unparalleled crisis.

The primary root causes of the severe outages during the Texas freeze in February 2021 can be attributed to the following factors. Texas failed to adequately winterize its electricity and gas systems after a 2011 cold weather incident, leading to a feedback loop that exacerbated the situation. During the freeze, gas production declined by nearly 50%, lowering pipeline pressure and hindering the operation of natural gas-fueled power plants. The state faced outages of 30 GW of electricity as demand reached unprecedented highs, and all major fuel sources underperformed compared to expectations. Texas’ largely disconnected grid design limited the import of excess electricity from neighboring grids. The reliance on grids based on alternating current (AC) can lead to further complications during crises like the Texas freeze. AC grids require a tightly matched supply and demand, with a frequency maintained within a very narrow margin of 60 Hz in the United States to ensure stability. Frequencies below 59 Hz can trigger cascading blackouts, potentially causing the entire grid to shut down. During the Texas crisis, the grid’s frequency dropped to below 59.4 Hz for four minutes and 23 seconds, nearly leading to a complete collapse that could have left much of the state in darkness. Restarting the grid, a process known as a “black start,” could have taken days, weeks, or even months, as individual plants would need to be started and the grid gradually rebuilt. HVDC systems are not subject to the 60 Hz frequency constraint present in AC systems. Utilizing direct current (DC) for transmission, HVDC technology involves a unidirectional flow of electric charge, which means that it does not possess a frequency. This lack of frequency limitations in HVDC systems enables enhanced stability and adaptability in power transmission. This unique feature of HVDC technology considerably diminishes the potential for cascading blackouts and system disturbances that may arise in AC systems due to fluctuations in frequency. Furthermore, HVDC systems have the ability to link asynchronous AC grids, facilitating improved management of instabilities and incorporation of power from various sources. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology presents a more secure and reliable alternative in such situations.

HVDC transmission systems have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their superior economics for long-distance applications, lower reactive and “skin effect” losses, smaller right-of-way requirements, and lower costs. Additionally, HVDC technologies exhibit a high degree of suitability for underwater applications, enabling the connection of asynchronous AC systems, the handling of longer periods of overload operations, and the management of instabilities. These attributes make HVDC transmission particularly attractive for accommodating the integration of renewable energy resources, which are often situated in remote or offshore areas, far away from load centers. Despite these advantages, several disadvantages associated with HVDC transmission must be addressed. The cost of conversion equipment, switching, control, and availability are all factors that can pose significant challenges for the widespread adoption of HVDC technologies. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy resources into the existing grid necessitates the development of advanced control strategies to ensure grid stability, particularly in the context of variable energy generation from sources such as solar and wind. The research proposed herein seeks to explore these challenges and identify potential solutions to overcome the barriers impeding the broader implementation of HVDC transmission systems. By thoroughly investigating the issues surrounding cost, conversion equipment, switching, control, and availability, this study aims to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on the future of energy transmission and its role in achieving carbon neutrality.

The innovative solution to address the challenges previously discussed is known as home sourcing. This approach synergistically combines several adaptive strategies, resulting in a significantly positive impact on energy management. First and foremost, energy companies can tap into an expanded range of clean and renewable energy sources, including offshore wind turbines, solar energy, and wave energy harvesting. The advancements in underwater electricity transmission, facilitated by HVDC systems, substantially improve the overarching energy sourcing capabilities. This energy can then be transmitted over long distances using HVDC systems, enabling enhanced interconnectivity of the electrical grid throughout the United States. Solid-State Transformers (SSTs) can be used as an alternative to traditional transformers in HVDC transmission systems. Solid-state transformers (SSTs) have emerged as an innovative, resilient, and sustainable solution for HVDC transmission systems, offering significant advantages over traditional transformers. Traditional transformers, which rely on electromagnetic induction and contain bulky iron cores and windings, are integral to power systems for voltage conversion. However, their size, weight, and cost often present challenges. In contrast, SSTs employ power electronics to convert voltage levels, utilizing semiconductor materials for precise control and conversion of electrical power. The compact and lightweight nature of SSTs contributes to reduced transportation and installation costs, while their energy-efficient design enhances overall system reliability. This streamlined approach enables SSTs to provide superior efficiency, leading to reduced energy losses throughout the conversion process. Moreover, the smaller size, weight, and energy footprint of SSTs make them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional transformers. This environmentally conscious design aligns with the growing global demand for green energy solutions. The electricity flows through monitoring hubs equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which can assess interconnected grid load and other critical parameters. This enables the intelligent redirection of electricity to prevent blackouts. When the AI system detects that the overall electrical grid is stable, excess electricity is diverted to storage farms for later use. Incorporating advanced energy storage systems into our research is crucial when exploring ways to enhance the performance, reliability, and sustainability of the grid. These systems can effectively address the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy sources by managing the balance between energy supply and demand. Reference Appendix A for one of the AI algorithms that I developed for this research.

Energy storage systems, including batteries, flywheels, and compressed air energy storage, function by storing excess energy generated during periods of low demand and releasing it when demand peaks. This not only stabilizes the grid but also ensures optimal utilization of renewable energy resources. Several advanced energy storage technologies can be integrated, offering distinct advantages. The first is flow batteries. These batteries employ liquid electrolytes stored in external tanks, allowing for flexible energy capacity and power output. They are well-suited for large-scale grid applications due to their scalability, long cycle life, and quick response times. The second are solid-state batteries. These batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional batteries with a solid-state material, enhancing energy density, safety, and overall performance. Solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the energy storage landscape with their increased efficiency and longer lifespans. Thermal storage systems also offer reliable energy storage. These systems store energy in the form of heat (sensible or latent) or cold and release it when required, providing an efficient means to manage variations in energy demand. Thermal storage technologies, such as molten salt, phase change materials, or pumped heat storage, can be used in conjunction with renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, to improve grid reliability.

A crucial aspect of home sourcing encompasses a multi-tiered approach to energy generation, storage, and usage. This strategy involves homes, apartments, businesses, and even entire cities sourcing their primary electricity on-site through renewable means such as solar panels and wind turbines. The decentralization of energy generation not only enhances energy security but also contributes to a reduction in transmission losses and greenhouse gas emissions. The home sourcing model also prioritizes energy storage. Excess energy generated on-site is stored in a local storage bank. Once this storage bank reaches capacity, the surplus energy is then diverted to a community energy storage bank. This community-oriented approach ensures a more equitable and efficient distribution of energy resources, allowing those in need to access the stored energy. In the event the community storage bank also becomes fully charged, the additional electricity can then be fed into the wider grid. This functionality provides an additional layer of energy resilience and flexibility. However, home sourcing also incorporates contingencies for scenarios when primary on-site sourcing is not feasible due to environmental conditions or equipment malfunction. In such instances, the secondary option of sourcing from traditional electricity companies comes into play, much like the current prevalent system. This dual-sourcing approach ensures a reliable and uninterrupted supply of electricity, safeguarding against potential disruptions in the primary sourcing system. Overall, the home sourcing approach transforms consumers into prosumers – producers and consumers of energy – fostering a more resilient, sustainable, and decentralized energy ecosystem. It integrates on-site renewable energy generation, local and community energy storage, and traditional grid supply, ensuring a reliable and efficient electricity supply while promoting environmental sustainability.

The study of socially intelligent insects has provided several research opportunities that have illuminated many of the innovative solutions detailed in this report. Our expeditions have extended to remote and populous regions to further understand the complexities of the electrical grid. Drawing on extensive experience in research, our team is uniquely positioned to plan, develop, and respond to issues concerning the resilience and continuity of the subject matter. Moving forward, it remains the unequivocal intent of our research team to continue contributing to this critical area of study. Our ultimate goal is to make a significant, positive impact and propel innovation in the field of HVDC implementation.

Appendix A

import pandas as pd

import numpy as np

from sklearn.model_selection import train_test_split

from sklearn.ensemble import RandomForestRegressor

import joblib

# Load the dataset, Use your own path in placement of mine

data = pd.read_csv(r‘C:\REDACTED PATH\HVDC.csv’)

# Convert date to pandas datetime format

data[‘Date’] = pd.to_datetime(data[‘Date’])

# Convert cyclic features from cartesian to polar coordinates

for feature in [‘season’, ‘month’, ‘week’, ‘weekday’, ‘hour’]:

    data[f‘{feature}_r’] = np.sqrt(data[f‘{feature}_x’]**2 + data[f‘{feature}_y’]**2)

    data[f‘{feature}_theta’] = np.arctan2(data[f‘{feature}_y’], data[f‘{feature}_x’])

# The features used for the model, make sure they match the features used for training

features = [‘season_r’, ‘season_theta’, ‘month_r’, ‘month_theta’, ‘week_r’, ‘week_theta’, ‘weekday_r’, ‘weekday_theta’, ‘hour_r’, ‘hour_theta’]

# Define target and features for each grid

targets = [‘grid1-load’, ‘grid2-load’, ‘grid3-load’]

for i, target in enumerate(targets, 1):

    data = data.dropna(subset=[target])  # Drops rows where target is NaN

    X = data[features]

    y = data[target]

    # Train Test Split

    X_train, X_test, y_train, y_test = train_test_split(X, y, test_size=0.2, random_state=42)

    # Training the model

    model = RandomForestRegressor()

    model.fit(X_train, y_train)

    # Saving the model

    joblib.dump(model, f‘model{i}.joblib’)

# Load the single-row data, Use your own path in placement of mine

single_row_data = pd.read_csv(r‘C:\REDACTED PATH\HVDC\GReport.csv’)

# Convert date to pandas datetime format

single_row_data[‘Date’] = pd.to_datetime(single_row_data[‘Date’])

# Convert cyclic features from cartesian to polar coordinates

for feature in [‘season’, ‘month’, ‘week’, ‘weekday’, ‘hour’]:

    single_row_data[f‘{feature}_r’] = np.sqrt(single_row_data[f‘{feature}_x’]**2 + single_row_data[f‘{feature}_y’]**2)

    single_row_data[f‘{feature}_theta’] = np.arctan2(single_row_data[f‘{feature}_y’], single_row_data[f‘{feature}_x’])

# Select features for the single-row data

features_data = single_row_data[features]

load_dict = {}

for i in range(1, 4):

    # Load the trained models

    model = joblib.load(f‘model{i}.joblib’)

    # Predict grid load

    pred_load = model.predict(features_data)

    load_dict[f“Grid {i}“] = pred_load[0]

# Identify which grid will require the most energy

grid_max_load = max(load_dict, key=load_dict.get)

print(f“{grid_max_load} will require the most energy.”)