• Posted: March 3, 2023
• 3M, 3M Innovation Center, Aldridge Electric, Elbert Walters III, Episode 3, Jerry McGlynn, Matt Malburg II, McWilliams Electric Company, Medium Voltage Cabling Technology, National Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (NECA), Ryland Marek, Terry Collier, The Power of Better

 

In the first segment of The Power of Better episode 3, the show’s host and Executive Director of Powering Chicago, Elbert Walters III, tours 3M’s Innovation Center in Austin, Texas. This is where experts at 3M, a premier partner with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), developed state-of-the-art cabling technology for medium voltage networks.

“The primary application for [medium voltage cabling technology] was on the backside of secondary substations, where there was the introduction of renewable power coming off of the grid. The biggest challenge they were having was with reverse power flow coming into the grid and causing noise with the equipment,” said Ryland Marek, director of global business at 3M.

How medium voltage cabling technology modernizes the U.S. market

First used in Europe as they tried to wean themselves off of nuclear power, this technology is now being used in the U.S. thanks to 3M. What makes this technology impactful in the U.S. market is the visibility it provides.

“It’s a heart rate monitor for your medium voltage electrical system,” said Terry Collier, vice president of research and development.

Contractors like Matt Malburg II, superintendent of Aldridge Electric in Libertyville, find the plug-and-play adaptability to existing equipment particularly appealing.

“Having the ability to do that as a service to our customers and keep them up and running 100% of the time for critical-type power needs is very beneficial for all of us,” said Malburg.

Other industry experts see this technology as having a two-fold benefit for contractors.

“This technology will show the customer that there might be some problems in their system, and they can repair that before a catastrophic failure happens,” said Jerry McGlynn, certified safety expert and vice president at McWilliams Electric.

Preparing Chicago contractors for clean energy trends

Why is this technology just arriving in the U.S.? Until recently, most systems across the country have used gas and coal as primary energy sources, so there has only been a need for one-way power flow. With the new focus on clean energy, bidirectional power has become a top priority.

“We want to go where we can have an impact, help installers help users, and we see those trends changing now in the U.S. to allow us to be able to do that,” said Collier.

Contractors from the Chicagoland region say they are ready for it.

“Having the ability to do that as a service to our customers and keep them up and running 100% of the time for this critical type of power needs is very beneficial for all of us,” said Malburg.

If you’re interested in learning more about medium voltage cabling technology, check out the latest episode of The Power of Better. While you’re there,be sure to subscribe to Powering Chicago’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss an episode.