One Wheel Down and The Axle Dragging: The Texas Grid Failure Explained
Valentines Day 2021 began a hellacious week for Texans as not one, but multiple critical infrastructure grids failed amidst prolonged record low temps. Join Kristof as he interviews Dr. Joshua Rhodes and Dr. Charles Upshaw, of IdeaSmiths (and of Positive Energy if you don't mind the bragging). In this episode we discuss what happened in Texas, separating myth from fact and understanding the role of buildings in the equation.
Charles Upshaw, PhD, Lead Engineer, Positive Energy and Co-Founder of IdeaSmiths
Charlie Upshaw received his PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas and spent several years as postdoctoral fellow of the Webber Energy Group also at the University of Texas. His specialty is the design and construction of hydronic heating and cooling systems for increased comfort and the highest of energy efficiency. His areas of expertise include integrated mechanical design, off-grid water system consulting, and renewable energy systems. Charlie led several student competitions including Power Across Texas Energy Innovation Challenge (2011 and 2013) and the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon (2015). Charlie is also owner of IdeaSmiths, a company that supports innovators of energy-related technologies with research and development.
Joshua Rhodes, PhD, Research Fellow, Positive Energy and Co-Founder of IdeaSmiths
Joshua D. Rhodes, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in The Webber Energy Group and the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin as well as a Founding Partner at IdeaSmiths LLC. His current research is in the area of smart grid and the bulk electricity system, including spatial system-level applications and impacts of energy efficiency, resource planning, distributed generation, and storage. He is also interested in policy and the impacts that good policy can have on the efficiency of the micro and macro economy, especially policy that utilizes market forces to increase efficiencies. He consults on a broad range of energy topics as well as vetting for novel technologies -- often sitting on vetting committees for companies looking to enter Austin's technology incubators. He holds a double bachelors in Mathematics and Economics from Stephen F. Austin State University, a masters in Computational Mathematics from Texas A&M University, a masters in Architectural Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He enjoys CrossFit, mountain biking, rock climbing, and living it up in ATX.
IdeaSmiths
At IdeaSmiths, we have accumulated a deep and broad understanding of energy systems. We focus on getting results quickly and typically work on the order of weeks, not months. While we have the capability to do deep dive analyses, our specialty lies in quickly understanding problems and letting our clients know what is possible — something we call ‘gut-check analysis’. Our company focuses on providing that expertise through two core services: 1) Energy technology analysis and due diligence 2) Integrated systems modeling. While we are focused on these two services, we also have the ability to ramp our bandwidth quickly to carry out special projects related to engineering and energy systems. Our extensive knowledge of thermodynamics and physics lends us the ability to not only understand how technology works, but identify shortcomings or inefficiencies therein. Our analytical and due diligence capabilities can provide significant value to early-stage inventors and professional investors and legal firms.IdeaSmiths LLC has experience in evaluating and analyzing the interaction and integration of integrated systems. We have extensive knowledge in analyzing and modeling state and national electrical, natural gas, and oil grids, as well as experience in modeling systems at the building or powerplant level.
Website: http://www.ideasmiths.net
HOURS OF SAFETY IN COLD WEATHER: A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSIDERING RESILIENCE IN BUILDING ENVELOPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The Rocky Mountain Institute modeling paper discussed in the episode.
A Meme
Team
Hosted by Kristof Irwin
Edited and Produced by M. Walker