logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2010
24m 51s

What is the smart grid?

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode
Think of the U.S. power grid as one gigantic (and outdated) machine. This system works relatively well, but it has a lot of drawbacks. In this episode, Robert and Allison take a look at smart grid technology and how it may just save the U.S. power system. 
Up next
Oct 31
From the Vault: Grimoire of Horror, Volume 2
Robert and Joe's second installment of Grimoire of Horror from last year, in which they’ll each present a horror short-story of note and discuss its connections to science and culture at large. In this volume, they discuss “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream’ by Harlan Ellison an ... Show More
1h 27m
Oct 30
Weirdhouse Cinema: The Monster Club
In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the ghoulishly hip 1981 horror comedy anthology “The Monster Club,” directed by Roy Ward Baker and starring Vincent Price, John Carradine and Donald Pleasence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
1h 19m
Oct 29
Grimoire of Horror, Volume 3
Robert and Joe return with a third installment of Grimoire of Horror, in which they’ll each present a horror short story of note and discuss its connections to science and culture at large. In this volume, they discuss Jorge Luis Borges’ "There Are More Things" and Ursula K. Le G ... Show More
1h 18m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2021
How the Electrical Grid Works
<p>The electrical grid that provides power to the US is one of those things you don’t give a second thought to until it stops working – then it’s tough to think about anything else. Learn why this engineering marvel is past its prime and how to update it.</p><p> </p> Learn more a ... Show More
57m 38s
Jun 2022
Looking After the Grid (Marina Ventura Energy Explorer)
How can we make sure the electricity grid stays safe to use for years to come? Marina Ventura and her trusty sidekick Map App explore how we look after the electricity grid. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
4m 16s
Aug 2025
AI In The Energy Grid (Marina Ventura AI Explorer)
Marina and Mapp App explore how the National Grid is being transformed by AI, with smart systems that balance electricity demand in real time. They also showcase a grill that cooks dinner using algorithms instead of aprons.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee ... Show More
5m 4s
Dec 2021
The Electrical Grid (2020)
Today, electricity in the U.S. is a utility we notice only when it's suddenly unavailable. But over a hundred years ago, electricity in the homes of every American was a wild idea and the subject of a bitter fight over who would power, and profit from, the national grid. This wee ... Show More
40m 51s
Jun 2024
Hard Reset Podcast: Energy Density | Episode #15
What if we had more control over how we store energy? This simple question could open up a whole world of green possibilities and allow us to divest from higher pollutant energy sources like fossil fuels. Argonne National Laboratory is reworking the battery from the ground up, to ... Show More
35m 14s
Jul 2025
Best of: How the grid is becoming more human-centric
<p>We’re in the midst of summer and we know that power outages can happen more frequently during this season due to higher temperatures and an increased demand for electricity. A couple years ago we sat down with <a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/ram-rajagopal">Ram Rajagopal ... Show More
29m 7s
Nov 2025
How AI can solve its own energy crisis | Varun Sivaram
The AI revolution and our aging power grid are on a historic collision course, threatening to stall innovation and raise energy costs for everyone. Physicist and AI grid futurist Varun Sivaram reveals how we might turn this looming crisis into a once-in-a-generation opportunity — ... Show More
14m 4s
Mar 2022
Can molton salt reactors produce electricity safely?
Daniel and Jorge talk about alternative designs for fission plants that could produce electricity much more safely. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
46m 58s
Nov 2025
How AI can solve its own energy crisis | Varun Sivaram
The AI revolution and our aging power grid are on a historic collision course, threatening to stall innovation and raise energy costs for everyone. Physicist and AI grid futurist Varun Sivaram reveals how we might turn this looming crisis into a once-in-a-generation opportunity — ... Show More
14m 4s