TVA Shares Technology Award for Device “Most Likely to Benefit Humankind”
April 11, 2006
SuperVAR™ technology--a new approach to managing voltage on the nation’s electric power grid--has been recognized with an “ACE” award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The citation named SuperVAR “the technology having the greatest potential to provide the most overall benefit to humankind.”
The Tennessee Valley Authority and American Superconductor in Westborough, Mass., were joint recipients. SuperVAR was designed and built by American Superconductor based on a concept by TVA Executive Vice President of Power System Operations Terry Boston.
TVA designed field tests for prototypes on its transmission system and has purchased the first two SuperVAR devices to improve power quality at a major manufacturing plant in Kentucky. SuperVAR control systems were developed by TVA engineer of the year Mike Ingram.
“SuperVAR™ machines serve as ‘shock absorbers’ for the transmission grid,” Boston said. “They stabilize voltage and are capable of reacting instantly to changes in grid conditions. As the grid faces increasing pressures from growing electrical demand and competition, SuperVAR can play a valuable role in preventing power interruptions.
The ACE – Annual Creativity in Electronics – awards honor the people, companies and products that show leadership in the industry. The Technology in the Service of Society ACE Award recognizes the achievement in electronics during the year with the greatest potential to provide the most overall benefit to humankind.
The award is sponsored by IEEE Spectrum magazine, which named SuperVAR one of the five “Best Technology Projects of 2006” in its January special edition.
"American Superconductor recognized that TVA, with its history of innovation and reliability, would be an ideal partner to develop a promising technology such as SuperVAR," said American Superconductor Chief Executive Officer Greg Yurek."SuperVAR holds great potential for strengthening the nation’s power grid, and we are glad to be recognized alongside TVA for taking the first step in delivering on the promise of superconductors."
Seeking a cost-effective solution for stabilizing grid voltage, TVA sought help from American Superconductor, a company with experience in developing motors for the U. S. Navy using superconducting materials. Following extensive testing of a prototype at a substation serving the Hoeganaes Corp. in Gallatin, Tenn., TVA recently ordered two more SuperVAR™ machines for use on the transmission system.
The technology received ‘Most Promising Pre-Commercial Technology Award’ from Platts Global Energy and R&D Magazine’s R&D 100 Award.
The IEEE, a non-profit organization, is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. See www.eetimes-ace.com.
American Superconductor Corp. is the world’s principal vendor of hightemperature-superconductor wire and large, rotating superconductor machinery. More information about the company is available at www.amsuper.com.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing with revenues of $7.8 billion in 2005. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.6 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.
Media Contact
John Moulton, (865) 632-8048
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
