DUKE ENERGY Smart Grid: Virtual Power Plant video tour in southeast Charlotte, N.C.

Virtual Power Plant in Southeast Charlotte, N.C.

Posted by: Paige Layne on: June 8, 2009

The McAlpine Creek area in southeast Charlotte, N.C. — an area bordered by Carmel and Rea Roads and Hwy. 51 — is a test bed for distributed generation resources and smart grid technologies. An electric power substation on Hwy. 51 is flanked by more than 213 solar arrays, and soon a large battery will be installed at the site to store energy generated by the solar panels or at existing power plants when energy is available, but in low demand. Additionally, 100 customers are participating in a residential energy management pilot program that gives them the tools and information needed to develop an “energy profile.” Once their energy profiles are set, participating customers can use the information to manage their air conditioners, water heaters and other appliances to use less energy, save money and help the environment.

The solar panels, battery and energy management systems together create a virtual power plant capable of generating enough energy for 55 homes for one year.

Here’s how it works.



What energy can be.

Posted by: Paige Layne on: June 4, 2009

Duke Energy’s power grid is an engineering marvel that has delivered affordable, reliable electricity to over 4 million homes and businesses in the Southeast and Midwest for more than a century. But with rising costs and a desire to cut emissions, we must find ways to continue to meet our customers’ energy needs while reducing the impact on the environment. To do this, we’re deploying smart grid technologies to create an “energy Internet” capable of digital two-way communications. This digital connection will pave the way for a host of new opportunities, including new energy efficiency programs, the use of more renewable energy and new ways for Duke Energy to work with our customers to use less energy, save money and help the environment.

Todd Arnold, Duke Energy’s senior vice president of smart grid and customer systems, explains how.



“Energy Internet”requires the right communication platform

Posted by: Duke Energy on: May 20, 2009

Having the right communication platform is a critical part of the design and functionality of a smart grid. Duke Energy Vice President and Chief Technology Officer David Mohler explains why Internet Protocol-based open standards is the best approach for our company, customers and the industry.