System Description
Sources
Stanford purchases its electricity from the electric power market. Power is delivered through a connection to the local public utility, PG&E. The High-Volt Shop operates and maintains the substations where electric power from PG&E is transformed from a high transmission voltage(60kV) to the distribution voltage (12kV and 4kV). Individually monitored and controlled feeders allow the High-Volt Shop to balance load among the various underground circuits and to isolate faults and provide alternate feeds
Stanford is committed to reducing the green house gas (GHG) emissions associated with electric power production. While the current method of natural-gas fired cogeneration remains one of the most efficient methods of producing the campus thermal and electric energy needs, alternative fuels and processes are being actively perused. For the latest efforts see the Sustainable Stanford website.
Distribution
The campus electrical distribution system is a largely underground system of 12 kV and 4 kV cables and switches. Typically, power from multiple sources is brought into individual buildings after being stepped down to 480 volt. Load centers within the buildings step the voltage down to normal service voltages and distributed it to loads throughout the building. Backup emergency power is provided to all vital loads.
Some areas of campus are served directly by PG&E or the City of Palo Alto Utilities. See our Service Map for areas of responsibility.
SCADA
The High-Volt Shop maintains a SCADA (Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition) system that provides real-time information and diagnostics of the campus network. This system allows for monitoring of the power flow through the system allowing for quick response to system faults.
History
Stanford University has a long history of leadership in the development and application of technology for electrical power systems. To learn more about the history of Stanford's electric power development and research, please see the following references:
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