Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Galvin Electricity Initiative, S&C Electric Co. and Intelligent Power Solutions LLC announce that the first phase of Perfect Power at IIT is now complete. The system consists of smart microgrids featuring a High-Reliability Distribution System (HRDS) loop design and will allow IIT to eliminate costly outages, minimize power disturbances, moderate an ever-growing demand and curb greenhouse-gas emissions.

Part of a five-year project, the completion of phase one means that the first HRDS loop is in operation, as is the automation of the university's north substation. The buildings included in the first phase now have automatic fault detection and distribution information that will allow for greatly improved electricity reliability. The automation of the south substation, and the installation of the HRDS loops that serve other campus buildings, will be completed in the next four years of the project. Distribution systems, such as the HRDS, are critical in enabling many of the goals of the Perfect Power project and policymakers, such as reduction in greenhouse gases through integration of renewable energy sources and increased reliability.

For more information, visit www.iit.edu/perfect_power.