Power system modernization is happening and the utilities are leading it. This modernization is happening for many reasons, one important reason being the capability of the electric grid to deliver clean and affordable energy to the energy consumers. Join us as TryEngineering teams up with IEEE PES for this month’s TryEngineering Tuesday, all about utility of the future.

  • Join Babak Enayati, PhD Electrical Engineer, who will share about his work in power and energy with a focus on utilities. Register now for this webinar, where we will go over some key grid modernization initiatives that are being led by the utilities globally. 
  • Just what is our future in utility and why is it happening? Check out this video from Nokia and Bell Labs on how utilities are modernizing their networks to face the challenges and opportunities associated with introduction of renewable energy resources in the electric grid. 
  • As we prepare for a net-zero future, a modernized electricity grid is a critical component to increasing resiliency in our most essential services and infrastructure. Learn more in this article from energy.gov. 
  • Can a universal energy system for the world ever be possible? Even with the availability of technology, other factors might stand in the way. Learn more in this video from Bloomberg Quicktake Originals. 
  • Sometimes the biggest challenges can launch the biggest leaps in progress. In this IEEE Spectrum article, we learn how the distribution of electricity grew “smarter” after winter storms unexpectedly disrupted the power grid in Texas.

Image Source: IEEE Spectrum-Electricity Distribution Needs to Get Smarter on a Finer Scale

  • In this game from smartgridforall.org, students will build their own electrical grid and gain an understanding of how power grids have progressed over the years, opening up opportunities for them to think about what demands will exist for utility of the future.
  • This lesson from Constellation will help students understand how smart meters and grid upgrades will help utilities and help customers understand their energy consumption in an effort to save energy. 
  • In this activity from Cyber Resilient Energy Delivery Consortium (CREDC), students can experience the effects when changes occur throughout an entire power grid system, from multiple energy sources, substations, consumers, and external systems. 
  • A big part of the utility of the future will include renewable energies such as solar and wind power within our power grid systems. Learn more about turning wind power into electricity in this game from Design Squad featured on TryEngineering.

Image Source: smartgridforall.org-Grid Construction

  • Pre-University students can absolutely make a difference in how efficiently energy is being used. Read more about how two junior high school students helped reduce energy usage and improve upon smart grid innovation in this article from The Obama White House. 
  • Once again, middle school students can make a difference! Read more about how these middle school students from Minneapolis traveled to Washington, DC to propose power grids of the future in this article from Star Tribune.
  • In a world increasingly dependent on energy efficiency, sustainability, redesign and reuse, the SMART Competition invites university and high school students to become part of the solution. Register for the next session here! You can also read more about the competition in this TryEngineering.org article

Have an idea on how to make a positive difference in your community? Be creative! Then share with the TryEngineering family to inspire others to do the same.

Image Source-smartcompetition.org-Past Competitions

  • Write down at least one new thing that you learned about the utility of the future.
  • Think about how to inspire others and make a difference in your community.  
  • Have you, a family member, or teacher share your work on Facebook or Twitter using #tryengineeringtuesday. We want to hear from you! 
  • If you tried any of the activities, make sure you download your IEEE Power & Energy Society Badge. Collect them all and store them using this Badge Collection Tool.

 

Thank you to the IEEE Power and Energy Society for making this TryEngineering Tuesday possible!