Distribution Hardware

Public Power Underground

exploration of approaches to distribution systems from microcontrollers and software to MOAR HARDWARE

Distribution infrastructure, microcontrollers in everything, hardware vs software solutions, and prices-to-devices get covered in a distribution systems episode with Ahlmahz Negash, Conleigh Byers, Farhad Billimoria, and Paul Dockery featuring an interview with the enthusiastic Francis Sammy! A discussion that manages to navigate the nuances of MOAR HARDWARE as an actionable energy transition strategy while articulating the benefit of deploying smart, controllable, and price-responsive devices.

You can find the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Share with friends that are energy enthusiasts, like us!

01:18 - 30 second theory

• Schweppe, Fred C., et al. Spot pricing of electricity. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013.
• Schweppe, Fred C. "Power systems2000': hierarchical control strategies." IEEE spectrum 15.7 (1978): 42-47.

08:59 - Short-to-Ground; a segment where we blow a fuse covering the news

• The Major Drivers of Long-term Distribution Transformer Demand
• Cybersecurity baselines for both electric distribution systems and distributed energy resources (DER)
• Portland-based GridStor announced its acquisition of a planned 450-MW/900-MWh lithium-ion battery storage installation
• The National Renewable Energy Lab recently released a report studying the economics of building long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines
• Spot market power in the U.S.
• Wholesale spot prices for the National Electricity Market (NEM)
• Energy Information Administration’s Natural Gas Weekly Update

23:21 - Francis Sammy provides a practitioner perspective on distribution systems and the energy transition

Francis Sammy is a licensed professional engineer that works as the supervisor of the Systems Distribution Engineering workgroup for Seattle City Light. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, studied electrical engineering at Howard University, and works on distribution systems for Seattle. Francis lives in Beacon Hill with his family of 3 and says you can find him riding around town on his bike, vibing out at a concert, laboring up the basketball court, or sliding down a mountain face first.

54:06 - Francis Sammy’s analogy; the grid is like an old, reliable car

56:38 - Updating our priors

1:17:55 - ESA (Energy System Analogies) World Cup Standings

Public Power Underground, for electric utility enthusiasts! Public Power Underground, it’s work to watch!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit publicpowerunderground.substack.com