Structural Vulnerability of the North American Power Grid

[Kellanved]

Interesting piece; found the reference to it in a German magazine.




Structural Vulnerability of the North American Power Grid
R´eka Albert Istv´an Albert and Gary L. Nakarado
1. Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
2. Huck Institute for Life Sciences,
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 and
3. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401

Abstract
The magnitude of the August 2003 blackout aecting the United States has put the challenges
of energy transmission and distribution into limelight. Despite all the interest and concerted
effort, the complexity and interconnectivity of the electric infrastructure have so far precluded us
from understanding why certain events happened. In this paper we study the power grid from a
network perspective and determine its ability to transfer power between generators and consumers
when certain nodes are disrupted. We find that the power grid is robust to most perturbations,
yet disturbances affecting key transmision substations greatly reduce its ability to function. We
emphasize that the global properties of the underlying network must be understood as they greatly
affect local behavior.

http://xxx.lanl.gov/PS_cache/cond-mat/pdf/0401/0401084.pdf

[Solon]

1. Problem deeper than that....

The Blackout in 2003 brings in concern about the integrity of the power grid, but what about the source? Right now demand will exceed supply during peak times and seasons in many areas of the country, that has to do with Production not necessarily delivery. It will continue to be a growing problem that has no immediate solution.
Excerpt: "The weather has created high demand for electricity and as a result some power generating plants ran out of natural gas Thursday and increased the burden on other plants, according to ISO New England."--Friday, January 16, 2004 Posted: 1:23 AM EST Link: http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/01/15/cold.snap/index.html

[Throckmorton]

2. Yes, and keep building those 5000 sqft houses,

with 3 or 4 people living in them. Build those enormous heated indoor malls for shoppers comfort.

[Solon]

3. One thing I am grateful for...

We live in a 3 bedroom home with 5 people in it. Believe me when I say that Mom gets pissed if you leave a light on in a room that is not occupied. She took the messages of conservation to heart all her life, and is passing it on to the us kids.