As global energy demand surges due to decarbonization efforts, power grids are increasingly strained by new loads like EV chargers and data centers. Aging grid infrastructure faces added pressure from distributed energy resources (DERs), including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and renewable microgrids, which introduce new complexities to grid operations.
To address these challenges, energy tech startup ThinkLabs AI, Inc. is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation technologies to create advanced grid planning and operational tools. Their flagship product, Copilot, is a digital assistant designed to help grid operators manage the evolving complexities of modern power grids.
Challenges of a Strained Grid and DER Integration
The aging infrastructure of modern power grids is under considerable stress from the rising global energy demand. This strain is further exacerbated by new power loads, such as EV charging stations and data centers. Concurrently, efforts to decarbonize energy consumption are pushing consumers towards electric power sources, thereby increasing demand on the grid.
In response, both commercial and residential consumers are turning to renewable microgrids to enhance energy resilience and reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels. These microgrids can power local loads and battery energy storage systems, and serve as DERs by supplying surplus electricity back to the grid.
Complexity of Managing Distributed Energy Resources
The integration of DERs, like renewable microgrids and V2G capabilities, adds layers of complexity to grid operations. For instance, V2G infrastructure allows energy to flow from EV batteries back to the grid, effectively transforming EVs into mobile energy sources. For grid operators, these DERs represent a virtual battery that, if managed effectively, can enhance grid reliability and resilience.
ThinkLabs AI’s Intelligent Solutions
ThinkLabs AI’s Copilot is engineered to assist grid operators, particularly in regions with high DER concentrations. The digital assistant utilizes a proprietary AI digital twin based on real-world data to model grid operations accurately, allowing operators to anticipate and mitigate potential issues.
Josh Wong, founder and CEO of ThinkLabs, highlights that the AI technologies used in text and video applications can be effectively applied to power grid operations to tackle decarbonization challenges. By incorporating real-world physics and engineering data, digital twins provide a comprehensive representation of the grid, enabling precise modeling and problem anticipation.
Future Prospects for Copilot
ThinkLabs AI, a startup launched by GE Vernova, has garnered an additional $5 million in seed funding from investors, including Powerhouse Ventures, Active Impact Investments, Mercuria Energy, Amplify Capital, and Blackhorn Ventures. This funding will support the development and deployment of the Copilot digital assistant, positioning it as a crucial tool for managing the modern grid’s increasing complexities.
As grid modernization efforts continue, the integration of software, AI, and similar technologies will be essential in ensuring that existing infrastructure can meet future energy demands effectively. ThinkLabs AI’s Copilot represents a significant step forward in the intelligent management of power grids, aiming to enhance reliability and support the transition to a decarbonized energy landscape.