As a result of the continued success of the Center for GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) along with the newly formed Cybersecurity Center for Secure Evolvable Energy Delivery Systems (SEEDS) and the Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS), the University of Arkansas is investing approximately $3 million into the expansion of the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) Test Facility which supports these centers as a primary testing facility.

The project entered its mobilization phase with groundbreaking on June 26 and has a scheduled completion date of Jan. 22, 2018. This expansion will result in an additional 5,000 square feet of testing area, along with additional office space to support students, faculty and visiting researchers.

Some of the most prominent additions that effect capability are as follows:

• 70 feet of wall-mounted 480 volt/1,200 amp AC busway
• 70 feet of wall-mounted 1,500 volt/1,500 amp DC busway
• Server/IT room dedicated for Cyber Security Research Equipment
• 120-ton chiller
• 400-square-foot SCIF/secure room
• Various improvements to efficiency and effectiveness of the building