Briefs: Optimizing Renewables, Data Centers, and Transmission

The grid’s increasing complexity requires full-system thinking in planning and engineering. In everything from renewable energy projects to AI data centers, developers must consider grid infrastructure and capacity. At the same time, utilities and grid operators need the tools to handle uneven and growing energy demand.

Tech companies are offering products to manage the complexities and optimize power flow in all directions. Recent developments include a solar design platform, two AI data center power solutions, and a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure improvement plan.

Projects to power, manage, and deliver energy  Adapted from images used courtesy of VoltaGrid and Canva

Sungrow Releases All-Scenario Solar Design Platform

Sungrow has released iSolarDesign, its next-generation smart design platform for photovoltaic systems. The platform offers solar designers and installers a streamlined design tool to speed up the project process.

The holistic design considers and connects all project stages, from initial design and quotations through construction and ongoing maintenance. Within minutes, it can produce 3D visualization reports and electrical drawings while integrating electricity market data to assess regional energy use for projects.

The iSolarDesign uses Sungrow’s proprietary Smart System Design Matrix algorithms to automatically identify the ideal system design. It leverages parallel processing to generate multiple, customized design operations for comparison.

The iSolarDesign interface. Image used courtesy of Sungrow

iSolarDesign supports various combinations of PV systems, energy storage systems, and module-level power electronics, such as microinverters, power optimizers, and rapid shutdown devices.

Easymetering and Qualcomm Collaborate To Modernize AMI 2.0 Solution

Easymetering will collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies to create the industry’s first private LTE AMI 2.0 solution across the U.S. Easymetering will combine its Snapdragon SDX 35 industrial modems and ezMGridEdge framework to enhance interoperability, flexibility, and resilience to utility networks.

The solution uses Anterix’s 900 MHz Private LTE broadband for wide, rural coverage with the aim of meeting the rising needs of electrification and distributed energy resources (DER).

Easymetering’s ezMGridEdge framework uses smart meters as grid-edge computers that provide front-of-the-meter utility functions such as outage detection, predictive maintenance, and voltage optimization. Behind the meter, the system provides users with energy insights and analytics for DER, like solar and electric vehicle charging.

Infineon and SolarEdge Team Up for Next-Gen Solid State Transformer for AI Data Centers

Infineon and SolarEdge are collaborating to develop solid-state transformer (SST) technology aimed at enabling efficient power conversion for AI data centers while reducing weight, size, and carbon footprint.

The companies will jointly design, optimize, and validate a modular 2-5 MW SST building block combining Infineon’s silicon carbide switching technology and SolarEdge’s power conversion and control topology. The building block will deliver 99% efficiency for data centers’ DC-based infrastructure. The SST will enable direct medium-voltage (13.8-34.5 kV) to 800-1500 VDC conversion.

Infineon expects SST technology to contribute significantly to future 800 VDC AI data center power architectures.

ABB and VoltaGrid Join for AI Data Center Power

ABB will provide grid stabilization technology for multiple AI infrastructure projects under development by VoltaGrid.

VoltaGrid data center power. Image used courtesy of VoltaGrid

ABB will contribute 27 synchronous condenser units, each equipped with a flywheel and eHouse. The integrated control panels will include power control, automation, and excitation systems. The units will support short-circuit faults, provide high, instantaneous inertia, and supply or absorb reactive power to maintain network voltage.

VoltaGrid will use its natural gas-fueled power solution, which can meet specific data center power demands. The power solution can be quickly deployed to provide power in the short term or as a long-term behind-the-meter energy source. The project will begin in December and is expected to be completed by April 2026.

Southwest Power Pool To Invest $8.6B in 50 Transmission Projects

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) will spend $86 billion to improve high-voltage transmission infrastructure across its 14-state region. The project will modernize and enhance grid reliability as it faces challenges from extreme weather, new technologies, and growing demand.

SPP’s planned transmission upgrades. Image used courtesy of SPP

The 2025 Integrated Transmission Plan includes developing a regional 765 kv backbone of long-distance power delivery. A single 765 kV line can carry quadruple the power of a 345 kV line with reduced losses. It also requires less land.

Energy demand in SPP’s region could increase by 35% or even double over the next decade, according to its reports. SPP states its plan will yield $12 to $18 in benefits for each dollar invested for the larger economy.