Smart Power Gets Smarter

by Suzanne F. Smith

ENERGY. THE WORLD TURNS ON IT. Finding energy solutions that are clean, reliable and affordable — and that can meet escalating demands — is essential to keeping today’s fast-paced world powered up.

One promising solution is the development of the smart grid.

The smart grid incorporates power from distributed and renewable energy sources and relies on advanced digital technology to operate, measure and deliver electricity.

The result? Cleaner energy, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction in power outages and lower operating costs.

Michael Sexton ’83, co-principal of GridView Optical Solutions, LLC, and his colleagues at Micatu Inc. are looking to improve smart grid performance and energy delivery by making smart grid technology even smarter.

“Today’s smart grid must incorporate new technologies that can detect, collect and deliver the data necessary to predict and manage energy flow and voltage fluctuations — challenges that increase with the introduction of energy from renewable sources, like wind,” says Sexton.

One way to collect and monitor that data is through a sensor network. Sensors enable the remote monitoring of equipment, such as transformers and power lines, as well as weather conditions and temperatures that can affect energy delivery and efficiency.

“We’ve developed an innovative optical-based sensor technology system that uses light to measure and monitor vibration and current along the power grid with remarkable accuracy,” he says. “Our system will dramatically improve the efficiency of power delivery and result in tremendous energy savings.”

Others in the energy field agree.

“Micatu-GridView is one of the hottest smart grid companies in New York,” says Dave Crudele ’00, MS ’02, a project manager with NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) who has been working with Sexton and the company for the last couple of years.

Modernizing the Electrical Grid

Like much of the country, New York is working to rehabilitate its state-wide power delivery system by overhauling an outdated infrastructure of aging substations and distribution lines.

Building a smart grid that incorporates renewable energy is also a critical component of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy. More data and computer-based decision-making allows the grid to be operated more efficiently and with cleaner resources.

“The goal,” says Crudele, who works with NYSERDA’s smart grid team, “is to develop a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.”

Micatu-GridView is helping to make that happen. Clarkson connection,” recalls Sexton. GridView optical sensors have already been deployed “The contract required independent throughout the power grid in Westchester, Orange and verification of the technology, which Rockland counties. naturally led us back to Clarkson.”

Meanwhile, the power monitoring system is also being adopted in parts of the Midwest and in countries The High Voltage Laboratory such as El Salvador. At Clarkson’s High Voltage Laboratory Developing a Promising Technology in Potsdam, Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Paul McGrath Sexton, who studied industrial distribution at Clarkson, oversees the testing and evaluation is a serial entrepreneur with an MBA from the Kellogg of high-voltage sensors and materials School of Management at Northwestern University. used in industry and academic

“I saw the potential of the technology right away,” he research. recalls. That was back in 2013, when he first paid a visit “We test dozens of devices and to a financially distressed Texas company. “They had this materials each year for agencies, great technology that they had invested in but were beset universities and companies (l-r) Michael Sexton, Dave Crudele and Prof. Paul McGrath by engineering and management challenges.” throughout the U.S.,” says McGrath.

Sexton bought the assets of the original company in 2014 “It’s one of the only high-voltage testing sites of its kind in and created a new company, GridView Optical Solutions, LLC. He initially brought in the Micatu team as consultants to work on the engineering and processes for the sensors. “I learned about a vibration and temperature sensor that Micatu was developing, and, after working together for about nine months, we discussed the benefits of merging the technologies and the companies,” he says. the Northeast.” The facility has also served as a training ground for several generations of Clarkson’s electrical engineering students who have entered the field of power engineering. One of these is Dave Crudele. “I worked with Paul in the High Voltage Lab for about two years as an undergraduate and then stayed on as a lab assistant for graduate school,” Crudele says. “Working with Paul was and continues to be a great experience.” So, when Micatu needed the services of a high The adoption of the GridView platform in New York state could reduce CO2 emissions by 254,000 metric tons each year, which could result in $9.4 million in annual savings. The results confirmed tremendous improvements in performance and environmental impacts. The adoption of the GridView platform in New York state could reduce CO2 emissions by 254,000 metric tons each year, which could result in $9.4 million in annual savings. For energy professionals like Dave Crudele, products like these are game changers. “A more reliable grid will help New York meet its energy goals, help us fight climate change and provide New York with a cleaner environment for future generations.” For Michael Sexton, it’s confirmation of what he recognized four years ago when he looked at a nascent technology and saw a brighter, cleaner future.

Sexton and his new colleagues first connected with voltage lab to evaluate the sensor’s performance as part Crudele after the company was awarded a competitive of the project with NYSERDA, Crudele suggested a few NYSERDA contract to work on a project aimed at reducing possibilities, including Clarkson. the failure rate of wind turbine drive mechanisms, an Last year, Sexton and Crudele joined McGrath and ongoing challenge that increases energy costs. his team at the Clarkson facility to evaluate the sensor’s

“Dave was overseeing the project for NYSERDA, performance, including impulse voltage sensitivity, grid which I thought was perfect after I learned about his efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Clarkson University 33