The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is partnering with SUNY Polytechnic Institute to establish a world-class lab for advanced smart grid technology innovations that will help to modernize New York’s electric grid.
The lab known as Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) is the largest of its kind in the world and will simulate, develop, test and deploy a more integrated grid.
AGILe will initiate NYPA to pursue its own grid-related research and development, raising research of interest to transmission system operators, utilities, software and hardware manufacturers, government agencies, and universities.
The SUNY Poly is considered as the world’s most advanced, university-driven research system with more than $20 billion in high-tech investments and over 300 corporate partners.
NYPA will implement SUNY Poly’s combined expertise in renewable energy and public-private partnerships, driving power solutions for future generations.
“By building a world-class research and development facility with focus on improving New York’s energy infrastructure, we are making a major investment in our state’s future,” state Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said.
AGILe is expected to represent a quantum leap forward in realizing the full value of central generation and transmission and distributed energy resources.
In addition, the facility will utilize public-private partnerships to help modernize and enhance New York’s aging energy infrastructure and expedite the commercial development of new technologies.
Due to advances in technology and cost reductions in small-scale, clean generation, the power system needs to be reimagined to meet the changing needs of an environmentally sustainable, energy-driven economy.
Newer electrical system technologies need to be tested in an advanced laboratory setting before they can be deployed.
By simulating the impact of expected changes to the grid, researchers can better understand the impacts and design system improvements to accommodate these emerging technologies and improve real-time operations.
These simulations can lower grid improvement costs and enable a better response to conditions that could threaten power reliability and quality.
The lab will develop analytical tools so utilities can readily convert data from grid sensors to rapidly respond to challenges or threats to the grid.
The AGILe research will aid utilities in making their transmission and generation operations more efficient and to help integrate renewable energy resources into the power grid.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com