Power Grid Problems in the USA

[Bostonterrier97]

One of the reasons why the US is experiencing problems with the power grid, is because of the nonlinear behavior that is inherent in such a large complex system.

The nonlinear behavior will actually cause some chaotic behavior which will cause the system to become somewhat unstable.

(A Mathematician would model this system with a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Such a model would be called a dynamical system. The Behavior of the dynamical system would be nonlinear and would have a degree of chaotic (unpredictable) behavior that would be inherent in such a complex system.)


In laymans terms..the problem is due to the complexity and scale of the power grids in the US.

Solution: reduce the size or scale and complexity of some large power grids and break them up into smaller and simpler power grids.

No need to "modernize" such a system, just break it up into smaller and simpler components. This would linearize the system and allow it to behave in a predictable manner when various power substations suddenly go offline, or when there are power surges, or sudden power demands on the system.

 

[Carnitas]

If you reduce the size of the grids you loose the benifits of load leveling, and the ability to schedule maintenance on large plants, and the ability make best use of cheepest supplys, etc ,etc.

That does not mean what you wrote is untrue. But this existing system has been shaped by market forces to take the shape that it is. I'm guessing that its better optimized than anything you or any politician or green peacer could do.......if you did have the power to control it, which you dont.

What you're proposing is essentially electrical isolationism; using sociatal isolationism as a model. While Isolationism does have merits for society in some cases (disease prevention, avoiding foregin entanglements, supporting local markets, etc) the things that would be lost are not insignificant.

 

[Tamara]

Cool, but OT.