|
Alexis Kwasinski, assistant professor of electrical engineering, is studying microgrids—small power networks powered by their own local sources. Microgrids can improve reliability by avoiding the need for vulnerable power transmission lines and bulk generation stations. This concept is supported by one of Dr. Kwasinski’s research projects: analyzing the impact of Hurricane Katrina on power and communication networks. This project, supported by the National Science Foundation, included a site survey of the affected area a few weeks after the storm and provided significant insights since little research existed on disaster damage and restoration of telecommunications systems. |
|
|
Photo at left: Dr. Kwasinski with one possible local power source for microgrids: solar panels. Besides locally improving power supply reliability, solar panels are beneficial for the environment because they require a renewable source of energy. |
