News Story: A Smarter Way of Looking at PowerThe Univeristy of Minnesota is trying to develop a SmartGridU. Massoud Amin, the director of the University's Technological Leadership Program is trying to develop a smart grid. What a smart grid is, basically your power supply that fights against blackouts. This is a more reliable and more effecient power system. It also incorporates wind and solar power better than the traditional system. you may not think blackouts are a huge deal, 92 minutes of power outrages are recorded in the midwest, and about 214 minutes a year on the East coast, yet compared with other countries such as Japan (who only experience about 4 minutes of blackouts a year) the United States are behind the times. Amin's goal is to first try to get the U on a smart grid system and then eventually the United States. It may be a costly upgrade but Amin claims the money saved by a more efficient power supply will pay for the upgrade within a few years.
Is Bagley classroom on a smart grid? I thought she talked about "grids" at some point. I think that's awesome the U wants to do that though. Anything to help the environment is worth it. I am already realizing how much needs to be changed in order to keep this planet around. Did you find any specific reasonings as to why the US has so many minutes of black outs? Just because we are wasteful, that is my assumption anyways. I would be interested to hear if you or anyone has any ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis was something new & glad to hear that the U wants to take part. I think after having class in the new building was definitely showing how UMD is trying to do their best to sustain our earth & environment...
ReplyDeleteI do not think the bagley classroom is a smart grid. I believe they are attached to the power grid of duluth. the power company may just pay UMD for any power Bagley creates with their solar energy and such. I do not believe there is a smart grid in Duluth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification :)
ReplyDeleteI think the SmartGrid sounds like a SMART idea, go figure. The United States needs to put forth more effort and start investing in better power systems. Hopefully UMD will think about this decision, and use it in other buildings besides the Bagley classroom
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