Summary
– Elaine Siyu Liu is a MIT senior studying mathematics and electrical engineering and computer science, interested in solving the energy puzzle related to electric vehicles (EVs) and renewables on the grid
– The U.S. Department of Energy reports a significant increase in the number of public and private EV charging ports, causing a surge in electricity demand in the United States
– Liu is working on predicting grid failures due to factors such as unpredictable renewable energy output and EV charging patterns, using a model to identify areas where intervention may be needed
– She is also focusing on creating a market-based solution to determine the price and availability of charging stations for EVs, aiming to prevent grid overload and reduce costs for operators
– After graduation, Liu plans to apply to fellowships and graduate programs in EECS, applied math, and operations research, based on her research findings on optimizing the grid and EV charging stations.
Article
Elaine Siyu Liu, a senior at MIT, is studying mathematics and electrical engineering and computer science. She is interested in solving the energy puzzle involving electric vehicles (EVs) and renewables. As the number of EV charging ports in the United States continues to increase, the grid faces challenges in accommodating the spike in electricity demand caused by EVs, data centers driving artificial intelligence, and industry. Liu’s work focuses on distribution and finding ways to navigate the evolving energy system to prevent grid failures.
Growing up in Beijing and Canada, Liu developed a passion for mathematics and joined MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program to work with electric power system expert Marija Ilić. With funding from the MIT Energy Initiative, Liu and Ilić are working on identifying challenges facing the grid, particularly with the integration of renewables. Wind and solar power can create gaps in power generation, leading to voltage fluctuations and instability in the grid. Liu’s model predicts cascade failures and helps system operators strategically intervene ahead of time to prevent blackouts.
In addition to renewables, Liu is also researching the impact of EVs on the grid. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the wholesale power rate structure for EV charging station operators, who may face higher costs during peak demand hours. Liu is exploring market-based solutions that would optimize the distribution of EV chargers based on the location, movement, and behavior patterns of EVs in major energy hubs like Boston. By aligning the pricing and availability of charging stations with the market demand, Liu believes it could help prevent grid overload and extra costs to operators.
Despite facing initial challenges with attitudes toward STEM, especially for girls, Liu has remained committed to her passion for math and research. After graduation, she plans to apply to fellowships and graduate programs in EECS, applied math, and operations research. Her research highlights the importance of optimizing the grid to accommodate the increasing demand for electricity from EVs and renewables. By predicting grid failures and developing market-based solutions, Liu aims to address the challenges facing the energy system and ensure a more sustainable and efficient grid for the future.
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