An expert in energy technologies utilizes AI tools to explore how extreme weather affects homes powered by solar energy and electricity. This research aims to identify these homes’ specific weaknesses and to gain insights into how they endure harsh climatic conditions.
As winter storms and summer heat waves increasingly challenge the nation’s power grids, researchers at Stevens have created a new method to pinpoint homes that are most susceptible to blackouts, all without requiring an in-person assessment.
The timing of this research is crucial. With over 25% of homes in the U.S. now fully electrified and projections indicating that solar installations will triple in the next five years, gaining insight into these vulnerabilities is vital for effective emergency preparedness and public safety.
“We’re rapidly advancing electrification to fight climate change, yet we must also comprehend the associated risks,” states Stevens professor Philip Odonkor, who spearheaded the research. “What happens to these electric and solar homes during a power outage?”
Summer Advantage, Winter Challenges
Odonkor teamed up with recent graduates and AI summer fellows Andrew Majowicz M.Eng. ’24 and Chetan Popli M.S. ’24 to address this inquiry.
In a recent publication in the Journal of Smart Cities and Society, they examine the future of electrified homes in America by utilizing AI and analyzing data from the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding building stocks.
The team analyzed the energy usage patterns of 129,000 single-family homes across eight states, aiming to reveal the hidden energy “signatures” that set fully electrified homes—those powered solely by electricity—apart from those relying on a mix of energy sources.
The investigation didn’t end there. For those mixed-energy homes, the team also sought to determine which appliances had transitioned to electric power and which had not.
Upon processing and analyzing the data, Odonkor’s team discovered that the energy signatures of these homes were not only identifiable but also provided vital information about each home’s resilience.
For instance, homes equipped with solar panels displayed notable resilience during summer heat waves. However, they became particularly vulnerable in the face of winter storms; in fact, homes that were fully electrified were nearly three times as likely to face winter outages compared to those that utilized a mix of energy sources.
“Consider Texas in 2021, when millions lost electricity during a winter storm,” Odonkor reflects. “As an increasing number of homes transition to full electrification, we must be prepared for similar situations.” “Solar panels are beneficial in the summer, but they can’t cater to the high heating demands during winter blackouts.”
Innovative Strategies for Planning and Response
This study is not just notable for its findings; it also marks a significant advancement due to the innovative AI-driven techniques employed in the analysis.
Odonkor’s team developed state-of-the-art machine-learning models capable of identifying each home’s energy systems and vulnerabilities with over 95% accuracy, relying solely on its energy consumption patterns. This innovative approach allows utilities and emergency responders to identify at-risk homes throughout neighborhoods without the need for intrusive surveys or inspections.
“Previously, we had to go door-to-door to identify if a home was fully electric,” Odonkor remarks. “Now, we can automatically locate the most vulnerable homes while ensuring privacy is maintained.” “This will transform how we prepare for and respond to extreme weather, facilitating quicker and more targeted actions when necessary.”
The impact of this research goes beyond supporting individual homeowners. As cities strive to enhance climate resilience, these new tools could assist community emergency services in prioritizing their responses during power outages. They could also aid urban planners in the strategic development of more resilient housing and neighborhoods in the long run.
This is particularly important as communities across the country confront the dual challenges of outdated power grids and an increase in severe weather incidents.
As we steadily shift to electric homes in response to climate change, the findings from this study highlight the importance of implementing strategies that safeguard vulnerable solar and electric households during winter emergencies.
“Building sustainable cities isn’t only about adopting green practices; it’s also about ensuring resilience,” he stresses. “As we design the future landscape of urban housing, understanding vulnerabilities is essential—not just a luxury—to ensure the safety of communities.”
