New Video Wall Installed to Improve Grid Monitoring and Research

July 5th, 2013

When Dr. Yilu Liu studies the power grid, she wants to be able to see the big picture. In fact, she wants to be able to see the huge picture. That will now be possible, thanks to the new 20 foot long video wall that hangs in CURENT's recently completed visualization lab.

The wall is comprised of 15 rimless 55-inch LCD screens, and it can be configured to show any variation of displays, from a full 140 foot surface area to 15 individual frames. Screen size is important when studying real-time power transmission, namely because of the expansiveness of the grid and the high volume of constant activity.

"The power grid has both spacial and temporal spans, and that's hard to appreciate on a small screen," said Liu, a Governor's Chair Professor at the University of Tennessee and CURENT's Deputy Director.

The ability to divide each screen as needed is another critical component of the video wall. When studying blackouts and electric wave forms that run through the grid, time is an important factor that researchers look at. Multiple screens allow for viewing different time segments. Additionally, they give Liu and her students the ability to see multiple locations and get more in depth analysis, all in real time.

"Video walls allow us to see the trees and the forest at the same time," said Liu.

Students that perform research in CURENT will also use the new video wall as a learning tool, according to Liu.

"Our students will undoubtedly benefit from the visual information that the screen and the instructors can provide."