Latest Overhead T&D Articles

What is a Microgrid?

A microgrid is a localized energy system that can operate independently of or in conjunction with the main grid. By integrating renewable energy, storage, and smart controls, it enhances reliability, supports sustainability, and provides backup power for critical facilities. What is a Microgrid? Microgrids are gaining popularity as reliable and efficient solutions for modern energy challenges. They are increasingly valuable as the world pursues cleaner energy sources, carbon reduction, and grid modernization. By complementing smart grid infrastructure, they improve system reliability while helping communities and industries adapt to the demands of today’s evolving power networks. What Defines…

High Voltage AC Transmission Lines

Ac transmission lines deliver alternating current across the power grid using high voltage, overhead conductors, and insulators, controlling reactive power, impedance, and corona effects to minimize losses, improve efficiency, and ensure reliable long-distance electricity transmission. Understanding the Role of AC Transmission Lines in Power Systems Three-phase electric power systems are used for high and extra-high voltage AC transmission lines (50kV and above). The pylons must therefore be designed to carry three (or multiples of three) conductors. The towers are usually steel lattices or trusses (wooden structures are used in Germany in exceptional cases) and the insulators are generally glass…

Electrical Distribution System

An electrical distribution system is the portion of the electric power grid that delivers electricity from distribution substations to end users through feeders, transformers, and service connections operating at medium and low voltage levels. It forms the physical link between transmission supply and electrical utilization by stepping voltage down and distributing it across local networks. The system connects substations to loads through primary feeders and secondary circuits, which carry power from medium voltage networks to low voltage service points. This relationship defines how electrical energy moves from a bulk supply into a usable form without describing operational control or delivery…

Distributed Energy Resources - Small Scale Power

Distributed energy resources integrate rooftop solar, battery storage, EV charging, and demand response within microgrids and virtual power plants to optimize load, enhance grid resilience, lower costs, and enable real-time, bidirectional power flows. Why Distributed Energy Resources Matter in Power Distribution Distributed energy resources (DERs) can benefit the power system and individual homes and businesses. DERs can increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the overall power cost, and provide power at the point of use. Several types of DERs can be used to generate electricity, including renewable energy sources like solar…

Overhead T&D, Direct Current Technology

Direct current technology delivers efficient DC power distribution via rectifiers, converters, and power electronics, enabling microgrids, energy storage, HVDC links, photovoltaics, and electric vehicle charging with reduced losses and improved reliability. Direct Current Technology Fundamentals Direct current (DC) is the preferred technology for moving large amounts of power across long distances. DC results in higher overall efficiency and reliability than an equivalently sized alternating current (AC) system moving the same amount of power. The Advantages of DC More efficient: Over long distances, DC transmission can move more power with less electrical losses than an equivalent AC transmission line. For…

Costly Interconnection Delays

Costly interconnection delays stall grid connection for solar, wind, and storage, driven by interconnection queue backlogs, transmission constraints, lengthy permitting, and network upgrade studies, inflating project CAPEX, financing risk, and PPA timelines. Costly Interconnection Delays and Their Impact on Workplace Safety Policy debates on solar incentives and valuation make headlines across the nation, but less attention is paid to the nuts and bolts of solar installation: the interconnection process.But the struggle there is very real. Take Hawaii, where the high volume of solar applications and the slow interconnection process slowed distributed solar installations two years ago. Eventually, the process…

T&D Asset Operators Look to Critical Energy Storage

Critical energy storage ensures uptime with UPS systems, battery backup, and microgrids, stabilizing renewables and grid resilience through frequency regulation, peak shaving, and long-duration solutions for hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities. Critical Energy Storage Fundamentals Upgrading and deferring existing wires and substations may be the most common application of battery storage utilized for transmission and distribution. However, batteries also provide a range of solutions designed to maximize the lifetime of T&D infrastructure. Also referred to as T&D asset optimization, these energy storage systems (ESSs) are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of existing T&D assets to provide…