Smart Wires
Smart Wires provides advanced grid solutions, including SmartValve™, SUMO, and Analytics, to enhance grid capacity and flexibility. Headquartered in North Carolina, the company has deployed its technologies globally, unlocking significant capacity for renewable energy integration.
Smart Wires Services
Smart Wires offers a range of grid solutions tailored for various needs in the power industry. Their primary services include SmartValve™, SUMO, and Analytics. SmartValve™ is an advanced power flow control technology that addresses grid bottlenecks and other challenges. SUMO is a dynamic line rating software that provides network-wide thermal ratings, identifying spare grid capacity above static limits. Additionally, their Analytics service offers advisory and consulting options for transmission owners and operators.
Smart Wires Products
Smart Wires specializes in innovative grid enhancement technologies such as SmartValve™ and SUMO. SmartValve™ helps manage power flow by pushing power off overloaded lines or pulling power onto underutilized lines, thereby alleviating bottlenecks. SUMO software offers dynamic line ratings that can be rolled out more swiftly and at reduced costs compared to traditional methods. Together, these products aim to unlock additional grid capacity and furnish operators with greater operational flexibility.
Smart Wires History
Headquartered in the Research Triangle of North Carolina, Smart Wires has successfully deployed its technology across four continents. The company has unlocked over 3.5 Gigawatts of grid capacity, sufficient to power more than 2.5 million homes. Smart Wires' SmartValve™ technology was notably chosen for the Transgrid VNI Upgrade project in Australia and is utilized globally by various utilities. Their products have been integral to projects selected for funding by the Department of Energy (DOE), such as under the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Smart Wires actively collaborates with global partners to enhance grid capacity and integrate renewable energy solutions. For instance, the company works with ISA TRANSELCA to release 200 MW of capacity for renewable energy in Colombia. They have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RWE Offshore Wind to explore offshore wind connection projects. Furthermore, Smart Wires is collaborating with National Grid on developing new software tools to alleviate grid congestion.
Impact of Smart Wires Technology
Smart Wires has made notable contributions to grid capacity and operational efficiency. Their technology has been instrumental in unlocking 400 MW of capacity in Colombia's Aburrá Valley region. Additionally, through projects like these, Smart Wires helps grid operators to integrate clean energy and manage new demand effectively. Their solutions not only enhance the capabilities of existing infrastructure but also support compliance with regulations, such as FERC Order 881 for U.S. utilities.