Departments of Homeland Security and Energy Join ComEd to Showcase Power of Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

ComEd has become the first utility to integrate the Resilient Electric Grid (REG) system, developed by American Superconductor Company (AMSC), enhancing grid reliability amid increased climate threats. This innovative high-temperature superconductor wire can carry 200 times the voltage of copper wire, significantly improving energy efficiency by eliminating resistance. Funded partially by the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Energy, ComEd plans to test this system over the next year, potentially connecting it to multiple substations for added resilience.

Positive

• ComEd is the first utility to permanently install the REG system.
• High-temperature superconductor wire enhances grid efficiency and reliability.
• Partially funded by U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Energy, indicating government support.

Negative

• None.

High-temperature “Superconductor” technology designed to enhance grid resiliency for customers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) participated today in an event hosted by ComEd to spotlight technology that will enhance grid reliability for ComEd customers experiencing more frequent and severe storms due to climate change and reduce the impact of cyber and physical threats.

Developed by the American Superconductor Company (AMSC) and funded in part by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, the Resilient Electric Grid (REG) system uses a high-temperature superconductor wire that can carry 200 times the voltage of standard copper wire. This requires a refrigeration process that cools liquid nitrogen to minus 337 degrees Fahrenheit. The system injects the liquid nitrogen into the wire assembly to keep it cold enough to achieve superconductivity, which eliminates electrical resistance and energy loss. ComEd is the first utility in the nation to install the AMSC REG system into the grid.

“ComEd is providing our customers record levels of reliability, but we need to embrace innovation to continue to enhance the power grid and deliver the results families and businesses depend on,” said Terence R. Donnelly, president and COO, ComEd. “We are grateful to DHS for its investment in this technology, and we are proud to be the first utility in the nation to permanently install it into the grid.”

“Today’s conference highlights how investments in science and technology can pave the way for new capabilities and new innovation,” said Alexander Joves, regional director, DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. “We all know how critical the grid is to our everyday life, our economy, our national security and our well-being. Strengthening the security and resilience of critical infrastructure is a major mission of DHS.”

ComEd will test and monitor the superconductor-based system over the coming year and evaluate connecting it to multiple substations, which would create a back-up system to keep power flowing in the event of a major power grid interruption.

Daniel P. McGahn, chairman, president and CEO, AMSC, believes the REG system enables electric utilities to think about the grid more like other networked infrastructure. “Traditional grid design has called for isolating substations, which enables utilities to protect their systems but that prevents them from being able to reroute power from one substation to another,” he said. “The REG system allows for substations to be interconnected, creating the flexibility to provide a pathway to move power from one substation to another. Utilities that have deployed innovative technology, like ComEd, are well positioned to benefit from the REG system and enhance service to customers.”

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 100 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

ComEd Superconductor B-Roll Package V2 9-29-2021.mp4 (vimeo.com)

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ComEd Media Relations

David O’Dowd

(312) 394-3500

Source: ComEd

FAQ

What is the Resilient Electric Grid (REG) system installed by ComEd?

The REG system is a high-temperature superconductor technology designed to improve grid reliability and efficiency.

What benefits does the REG system provide for ComEd customers?

It enhances grid reliability, reduces energy loss, and prepares the grid for severe weather and cyber threats.

When will ComEd test the new superconductor technology?

ComEd plans to test the REG system over the next year.

What role did the U.S. government play in the development of the REG system?

The system was developed with partial funding from the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Energy.

How does the REG system improve the power grid's resilience?

It allows for interconnecting substations, enabling flexible power rerouting in case of grid interruptions.