A Novel Hybrid Approach to Estimate Customer Interruption Costs for Industry Sectors

The power system infrastructure, operations and market have gone through radical changes for the last couple of decades. The society has become more dependent to the continuous electric power supply and hence the concept of electric power reliability has become more significant. At this point, understanding the economic outcomes of power outages is vital and imperative for both utilities and the customers. There are certain methodologies to understand the costs of power interruptions. This paper suggests a novel hybrid method that comprises of customer surveys and direct analytical methods to reach customer specific, objective and reliable results for the industry sector customers. The paper also brings a statistical approach to censor the zero and extreme responses given via the surveys.

A New Transient Impedance-Based Algorithm for Earth Fault Detection in Medium Voltage Networks

This paper presents a new earth-fault detection algorithm for unearthed （isolated） and compensated neutral medium voltage （MV） networks. The proposed algorithm is based on capacitance calculation from transient impedance and dominant transient frequency. The Discrete Fourier Transform （DFT） method is used to determine the dominant transient frequency. The values of voltage and current earth modes are calculated in the period of the dominant transient frequency, then the transient impedance can be determined, from which we can calculate the earth capacitance. The calculated capacitance gives an indication about if the feeder is faulted or not. The algorithm is less dependent on the fault resistance and the faulted feeder parameters; it mainly depends on the background network. The network is simulated by ATP/EMTP program. Several different fault conditions are covered in the simulation process, different fault inception angles, fault locations and fault resistances.

Reluctance Network Analysis for Complex Coupled Inductors

The use of reluctance networks has been a conventional practice to analyze transformer structures. Basic transformer structures can be well analyzed by using the magnetic-electric analogues discovered by Heaviside in the 19th century. However, as power transformer structures are getting more complex today, it has been recognized that changing transformer structures cannot be accurately analyzed using the current reluctance network methods. This paper presents a novel method in which the magnetic reluctance network or arbitrary complexity and the surrounding electrical networks can be analyzed as a single network. The method presented provides a straightforward mapping table for systematically linking the electric lumped elements to magnetic circuit elements. The methodology is validated by analyzing several practical transformer structures. The proposed method allows the analysis of coupled inductor of any complexity, linear or non-linear.

Load Flow Analysis Framework for Active Distribution Networks Based on Smart Meter Reading System

With the expansion of distributed generation systems and demand response programs, the need to fully utilize distribution system capacity has increased. In addition, the potential bidirectional flow of power on distribution networks demands voltage visibility and control at all voltage levels. Distribution system state estimations, however, have traditionally been less prioritized due to the lack of enough measurement points while being the major role player in knowing the real-time system states of active distribution networks. The advent of smart meters at LV loads, on the other hand, is giving relief to this shortcoming. This study explores the potential of bottom up load flow analysis based on customer level Automatic Meter Reading (AMRs) to compute short time forecasts of demands and distribution network system states. A state estimation frame-work, which makes use of available AMR data, is proposed and discussed.

Intelligent Agent-Based Architecture for Demand Side Management Considering Space Heating and Electric Vehicle Load

Contraction of resilience on generation side due to the introduction of inflexible renewable energy sources is demanding more elasticity on consumption side. It requires more intelligent systems to be implemented to maintain power balance in the grid and to fulfill the consumer needs. This paper is concerned about the energy balance management of the system using intelligent agent-based architecture. The idea is to limit the peak power of each individual household for different defined time regions of the day according to power production during those time regions. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) has been employed to study the behavior of a particular number of households for maintaining the power balance based on proposed technique to limit the peak power for each household and even individual load level. Flexibility of two major loads i.e. heating load (heat storage tank) and electric vehicle load (battery) allows us to shift the peaks on demand side proportionally with the generation in real time. Different parameters related to heating and Electric Vehicle (EV) load e.g. State of Charge (SOC), storage capacities, charging power, daily usage, peak demand hours have been studied and a technique is proposed to mitigate the imbalance of power intelligently.

Design, Implementation and Simulation of Non-Intrusive Sensor for On-Line Condition Monitoring of MV Electrical Components

Non-intrusive measurement technology is of great interest for the electrical utilities in order to avoid an interruption in the normal operation of the supply network during diagnostics measurements and inspections. Inductively coupled electromagnetic sensing provides a possibility of non-intrusive measurements for online condition monitoring of the electrical components in a Medium Voltage (MV) distribution network. This is accomplished by employing Partial Discharge (PD) activity monitoring, one of the successful methods to assess the working condition of MV components but often requires specialized equipment for carrying out the measurements. In this paper, Rogowski coil sensor is presented as a robust solution for non-intrusive measurements of PD signals. A high frequency prototype of Rogowski coil is designed in the laboratory. Step-by-step approach of constructing the sensor system is presented and performance of its components (coil head, damping component, integrator and data acquisition system) is evaluated using practical and simulated environments. Alternative Transient Program-Electromagnetic Transient Program (ATP-EMTP) is used to analyze the designed model of the Rogowski coil. Real and simulated models of the coil are used to investigate the behavior of Rogowski coil sensor at its different stages of development from a transducer coil to a complete measuring device. Both models are compared to evaluate their accuracy for PD applications. Due to simple design, flexible hardware, and low cost of Rogowski coil, it can be considered as an efficient current measuring device for integrated monitoring applications where a large number of sensors are required to develop an automated online condition monitoring system for a distribution network.

Effect of Climate Change on Transformers Loading Conditions in the Future Smart Grid Environment

The steady-state calculations are performed using IEC guidelines to determine the hot spot temperatures of distribution and power transformers in the worst projected Finnish environment due to long summer periods. Moreover, the effect of increase in winding resistance due to increase in ambient temperatures has been taken into account. The primary objective of the research is to investigate the possible extreme circumstances due to climate change. It is concluded that the power and distribution transformers should be progressively de-rated under such circumstances for their safe operations, which will not only prove cost-effective for utilities but also improve the reliability of the power supply to their valued customers in the challenging future smart grid environment.

Experimental Evaluation of Rogowski Coil Performance for Locating PD in Energized Overhead Covered-Conductor Feeder

An experimental analysis is performed to evaluate Rogowski coil performance for PD （partial discharge） location on overhead CC （covered-conductor） distribution lines. The measuring set-up is arranged in high voltage laboratory. A multi-end measuring method is chosen as a technique to locate PD source point on the line. A power transformer is used to energize one end of the CC line by the AC voltage source. The performance of Rogowski-coil is tested in noisy environment. The tests are carried out conceming different measurement conditions such as off-line and on-line PD measuring systems. The results obtained from the laboratory measurements confirm the capability of the Rogowski-coil in order to measure and locate the high frequency PD source on the CC line in consistent with energizing AC source. Chirp detector is used as a signal-processing tool in order to extract the PD signals and then apply the locator algorithm.

A Novel Transient Current-Based Differential Algorithm for Earth Fault Detection in Medium Voltage Distribution Networks

This paper presents a novel transient current differential algorithm for earth fault detection in unearthed （isolated） and compensated neutral medium voltage （MV） networks. The proposed algorithm uses the transient residual currents, which are very sensitive for earth faults detection. The transient values of residual currents are calculated for each feeder in the network and used as an earth fault indicator. The flow of residual currents is investigated. It is found that the residual current for the faulted feeder is equal to the summation of all residual currents for all other healthy feedersl Based on this investigation, a differential technique is proposed. A percentage restrain performance is proposed to ensure the selectivity and security of the algorithm. The transient algorithm is very sensitive for earth fault incidence. To apply the proposed algorithm, the residual currents can be measured easily by one sensor for each feeder with no need to voltage measurement. The proposed algorithm is less dependent on the fault resistance and the faulted feeder parameters. The network is simulated by ATP/EMTP program. Different fault conditions are covered in the simulation process： different fault inception angles, fault locations and fault resistances.

A new technique for fault diagnosis in transformer insulating oil based on infrared spectroscopy measurements

Condition monitoring of the insulating system within power transformers has a massive importance according to the electrical utilities.Dissolved gas analysis(DGA)is frequently used for this purpose.However,DGA lacks the necessary level of accuracy to identify all equipment faults,particularly in their initial stages of degradation.Also,it does not have the capability for real-time monitoring and relies on manual sampling and laboratory testing,causing potential delays in fault identification.Additionally,the interpretation of DGA data necessitates specialised expertise,which may pose difficulties for smaller entities that have limited access to resources.Therefore,the contribution of this research is to use infrared spectroscopy measurements as a new effective technique substituting the DGA method for fault diagnosis in insulating oil.The inception faults that were considered in this study were the electrical fault(discharges of high energy)and the thermal fault(300°C<Temperature<700°C).Regarding that,two test cells were crafted especially for serving the simulation processes inside the laboratory for both types of inception faults.Subsequently,six samples of pure paraffinic mineral oil were taken to be degraded in the laboratory.Following that,all of them besides another sample that were not subjected to any kind of faults were taken to be examined by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy to obtain an overview of the oil's behaviour in each fault case.After that,the FTIR analysis was initially verified utilising the DGA method.Then,for further affirmation,the dielectric dissipation factor(DDF)for all samples was measured.In the final analysis,the verification tests provide experimental evidence about the outperformance of this new optical technique in detecting the transformer's inception faults in addition to proving its potential for being a superior alternative to the well-known traditional diagnostic techniques.

Evaluating transient behaviour of large-scale photovoltaic systems during lightning events using enhanced finite difference time domain method with variable cell size approach

Photovoltaic(PV)arrays are usually installed in open areas;hence,they are vulnerable to lightning strikes that can result in cell degradation,complete damage,service disruption,and increased maintenance costs.As a result,it is imperative to develop an effective and efficient lightning protection system by evaluating the transient behaviour of PV arrays during lightning events.The aim is to evaluate the transient analysis of large-scale PV systems when subjected to lightning strikes using the finite difference time domain(FDTD)technique.Transient overvoltages are calculated at various points within the mounting system.To optimise the FDTD method's execution time and make it more suitable for less powerful hardware,a variable cell size approach is employed.Specifically,larger cell dimensions are used in the earthing system and smaller cell dimensions are used in the mounting system.The FDTD method is utilised to calculate the temporal variation of transient overvoltages for large-scale PV systems under different scenarios,including variations in the striking point,soil resistivity,and the presence of a metal frame.Simulation results indicate that the highest transient overvoltages occur at the striking point,and these values increase with the presence of a PV metal frame as well as with higher soil resistivity.Furthermore,a comparison is performed between the overvoltage results obtained from the FDTD approach and the partial element equivalent circuit(PEEC)method at the four corner points of the mounting systems to demonstrate the superior accuracy of the FDTD method.Besides,a laboratory experiment is conducted on a small-scale PV system to validate the simulation results.The calculated overvoltages obtained from the FDTD and PEEC methods are compared with the measured values,yielding a mean absolute error of 5%and 11%for the FDTD and PEEC methods,respectively,thereby confirming the accuracy of the FDTD simulation model.

PVC nanocomposites for cable insulation with enhanced dielectric properties,partial discharge resistance and mechanical performance

The current study aims to develop polyvinyl chloride(PVC)nanocomposites with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties by incorporating titanium oxide(TiO_(2))nanoparticles within PVC chains.Different loading of nanoparticles and different nanoparticle surface states were considered.The surface states are unfunctionalised,functionalised using vinyl silane and functionalised using amino silane.The choice of a most suitable surface state was a critical factor that guarantees a good dispersion of nanoparticles and consequently enhances the compatibility between TiO_(2)and PVC matrix.The process followed in the PVC/TiO_(2)nanocomposites preparation,loaded with different wt.%of TiO_(2)nanoparticles,was the solvent method.The dielectric properties measured here were the relative permittivity(ɛr),dielectric loss(tanδ),breakdown strength(AC and DC under uniform field)and the internal partial discharges(PDs)within insulation cavity.All measurements have been performed under room temperature and at frequency ranged from 20 to 1.0 MHz.Furthermore,the mechanical properties of the samples like elongation,elasticity modulus and tensile strength were also studied.Vinyl silane showed better improvements in both electrical and mechanical performances compared to the amino silane,especially in cases of high weight fractions of TiO_(2).This is because of the improvement in the PVC-TiO_(2)interfacial region arise from the similarity of polarity and surface tension values of vinyl silane with that of PVC matrix and TiO_(2)nanoparticles.