Energy Storage Unit Ensures Consistent Power Supply in TVA Service Area
Sept. 5 , 2002
CARTHAGE, Miss. — Thanks to cutting-edge technology, TVA’s power supply in central Mississippi just became more dependable.
Across the country, utilities are facing new pressures brought on by a combination of growth in power use and customer demands for improved power quality and reliability. In areas experiencing high levels of growth, such as the area served by Central Electric Power Association, the electrical distribution system is often pushed to its maximum capabilities. In these situations, power sags and surges can be common.
Power sags and surges make it difficult for high-tech factories to operate, for computers to function, and for home appliances such as VCRs to do their jobs. Part of the solution is construction of additional power lines, and TVA is building about 120 miles of new lines each year. However, construction alone cannot keep up.
That’s where science steps in. Through the use of a state-of-the-art device called the distributed superconducting magnetic energy storage unit, or D-SMES, sags and surges in TVA’s power supply to Central EPA are being controlled in a pilot project.
This cutting-edge equipment supplies what is known in the electric industry as reactive power, to correct sags in power supply. When a voltage drop is detected by the unit’s power electronics, D-SMES instantaneously injects precise amounts of reactive power into the system, keeping voltage levels stable.
It can be used to solve problems at TVA’s transmission grid level, at individual distributor substations, or at customers’ sites. The unit, which is currently installed at Central EPA’s Leake Substation in Carthage, is mobile and can be relocated anywhere within a utility network to solve problems.
“With the consistent growth in the Central EPA service area, this technology will definitely be an asset to the local power system,” says Marjorie Parsons, TVA senior electrical planning engineer. “We hope to eliminate severe voltage problems in this area and continue to improve reliability on TVA’s transmission grid.”
It’s the first time this type of technology has been used in the Tennessee Valley. It was developed and manufactured by General Electric and American Superconductor. If the pilot is successful, the technology will be an alternative for improving power quality in rapidly growing areas throughout the Valley.
“We are excited about the D-SMES technology and want to ensure that our customers continue to receive the reliable power they deserve to their homes and businesses,” said Central EPA General Manager Paul Long.
Central EPA serves Attala, Leake, Newton, Neshoba, Kemper, Scott, and Rankin counties, providing electricity to 31,168 customers.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer, and its power system is self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Amy Tate, Starkville, MS (662-338-3999) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
