Recent research led by Luis Prieto-Miranda from the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University has unveiled critical insights into the impact of inland flooding on the electric power grid, particularly in North Carolina, a state that has faced significant hurricane-related disruptions in recent years. Published in the journal Environmental Research: Energy, this study is the first of its kind to model how flooding from extreme weather events can affect the dynamic operations of power networks.
The research highlights a growing concern: while wind and fallen trees are often the primary culprits for electricity outages during hurricanes, flooding of electrical substations poses a unique and significant risk. Substations are crucial to the power supply chain, and damage to even a single substation can lead to widespread outages. The study emphasizes that after flooding, utilities must wait for water levels to recede before they can begin repairs, which can leave customers without power for extended periods.
Using a high-resolution model, Prieto-Miranda and his team analyzed the effects of Hurricane Florence in 2018, simulating electricity production and power flows across a network of 662 nodes and 790 lines. They employed open-source data to create a detailed picture of how flooding impacts both demand and generation, revealing that localized flooding can have broader implications for the entire grid. “Our results shed light on the potential for localized impacts from flooding to have wider impacts throughout the grid,” Prieto-Miranda noted.
This research opens up several commercial opportunities across various sectors. For utility companies, understanding the vulnerabilities in their infrastructure allows for better risk management and the potential to invest in more resilient technologies. The findings could also prompt innovations in flood-resistant designs for substations and renewable energy installations, particularly solar farms that are susceptible to flooding.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of integrating climate resilience into energy planning. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, energy companies may need to rethink their operational strategies and invest in adaptive technologies. This could lead to increased demand for advanced modeling software and services, as well as consulting firms that specialize in climate resilience and infrastructure upgrades.
In summary, the research by Prieto-Miranda and his team not only enhances our understanding of the interplay between flooding and power systems but also signals a crucial need for the energy sector to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The findings published in Environmental Research: Energy provide a foundation for future innovations aimed at safeguarding the electric grid against the increasing threat of extreme weather.
