The US desperately needs more electricity transmission, but new lines take forever to permit & build. Happily, there is a set of technologies that can help us get as much as 40-50% more capacity out of the grid we've already built! I discuss these "grid-enhancing technologies" with the head of their trade group.
No, no, no! Topology is not the same thing as topography, though they share a greek root. Topology is how things are connected, the classic example being a doughnut and a coffee cup, which are topologically equivalent (they each have one hole), even though their topography is completely different. David, you're usually so careful and correct with words and concepts, like a good philosophy student--it's one of the reasons I enjoy listening to you so much. So this brashly incorrect statement was painful. I hoped the guest would correct this, but she didn't, so I guess I have to be the pedantic jerk. (You're welcome!)
These techs seem like such a win-win. Many were developed/invented right here in the USA and they don't get no respect.
One question that pops into my squirmy little mind. Don't substations, transformers, etc., need to be upgraded at considerable expense to handle this extra juice on the lines? Though less expense and impact than new/upgraded lines themselves.
I just sent David an email with a proposal for a deeper dive on re-conductoring - hoping he considers it! I have not seen this topic covered elsewhere yet
I’d also like to understand the economics of re-conductoring vs HVDC lines and a deep dive on HVDC lines in the US
Great content as always. The problem as in most things is that the incentive for suppliers is financial, and not to improve the grid and certainly not to lower costs to consumers. Hopefully as local production of power with solar and wind increase, and batteries level out peaks and troughs, producers will have more financial pressure to lower consumer costs. The biggest problem is that we do not have enough representation in government with adequate knowledge and their hands are in the cookie jar with Lobbying (illegal in our Original Constitution).
to everyone here: Are there any serious efforts either nationally or state-by-state to reform utility incentives? As David does indeed frequently point out, utilities are disincentivized to be a part of the solution, and they are deeply dug in. And as many are publicly regulated but privately owned, I'm sure that there would be hell to pay on the legal question of "takings", but it also seems like this is a really urgent problem to solve. Any emerging answers here?
Getting more out of the grid we've already built
No, no, no! Topology is not the same thing as topography, though they share a greek root. Topology is how things are connected, the classic example being a doughnut and a coffee cup, which are topologically equivalent (they each have one hole), even though their topography is completely different. David, you're usually so careful and correct with words and concepts, like a good philosophy student--it's one of the reasons I enjoy listening to you so much. So this brashly incorrect statement was painful. I hoped the guest would correct this, but she didn't, so I guess I have to be the pedantic jerk. (You're welcome!)
This episode is fire and you're on a roll. Converted me to get off my a$$ and become a paid subscriber. Keep it up Dave!
These techs seem like such a win-win. Many were developed/invented right here in the USA and they don't get no respect.
One question that pops into my squirmy little mind. Don't substations, transformers, etc., need to be upgraded at considerable expense to handle this extra juice on the lines? Though less expense and impact than new/upgraded lines themselves.
I just sent David an email with a proposal for a deeper dive on re-conductoring - hoping he considers it! I have not seen this topic covered elsewhere yet
I’d also like to understand the economics of re-conductoring vs HVDC lines and a deep dive on HVDC lines in the US
Great content as always. The problem as in most things is that the incentive for suppliers is financial, and not to improve the grid and certainly not to lower costs to consumers. Hopefully as local production of power with solar and wind increase, and batteries level out peaks and troughs, producers will have more financial pressure to lower consumer costs. The biggest problem is that we do not have enough representation in government with adequate knowledge and their hands are in the cookie jar with Lobbying (illegal in our Original Constitution).
to everyone here: Are there any serious efforts either nationally or state-by-state to reform utility incentives? As David does indeed frequently point out, utilities are disincentivized to be a part of the solution, and they are deeply dug in. And as many are publicly regulated but privately owned, I'm sure that there would be hell to pay on the legal question of "takings", but it also seems like this is a really urgent problem to solve. Any emerging answers here?
do you cover re-conductoring technologies such as https://tsconductor.com/ ? I've been curious about how much capacity these can add.