Recent research published in “Environmental Research: Energy” highlights the critical vulnerabilities of the North Carolina electric power grid to flooding, particularly during hurricanes. Conducted by Luis Prieto-Miranda from the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University, this study marks a significant advancement in understanding how inland flooding impacts power systems.
The research focuses on the unique risks posed by flooding at electrical substations, which are essential for electricity distribution. While wind damage and fallen trees are often the primary causes of outages during hurricanes, flooding can result in prolonged power disruptions. The study emphasizes that utilities must wait for floodwaters to recede before repairing damaged substations, which can leave customers without power for weeks.
Using a high-resolution model, Prieto-Miranda and his team simulated the effects of Hurricane Florence in 2018 on the grid. Their model included 662 nodes and 790 lines, allowing them to analyze how flooding impacts electricity production, generation losses, and power flows throughout the network. They utilized time series data of flooding depths to assess the spatial extent of the flooding and its effects on local infrastructure.
One of the key findings is that localized flooding can have cascading effects on the wider grid, impacting areas that are not directly affected by the floodwaters. “Our results shed light on the potential for localized impacts from flooding to have wider impacts throughout the grid,” said Prieto-Miranda. This insight is crucial for utilities and grid operators as they plan for resilience against extreme weather events.
The implications of this research extend beyond just academic interest; they present commercial opportunities for various sectors. Utility companies can leverage this data to enhance their flood risk management strategies, potentially investing in flood-resistant infrastructure or advanced monitoring systems. Additionally, the findings could spur the development of new technologies in the energy sector, such as improved predictive models for grid performance under extreme weather conditions.
This research also underscores the importance of open-source data and tools in energy system analysis. By utilizing publicly available resources, the study demonstrates how collaborative approaches can lead to better preparedness and response strategies for natural disasters. As economic losses from flooding continue to rise in the United States, the need for innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure becomes increasingly urgent.
In summary, the study by Prieto-Miranda and his team opens new avenues for understanding and mitigating the impacts of flooding on electric power systems. It serves as a call to action for utilities and policymakers to prioritize resilience planning in the face of climate change and increasing extreme weather events.
