A Simple and Effective Surface Defect Detection Method of Power Line Insulators for Difficult Small Objects

Insulator defect detection plays a vital role in maintaining the secure operation of power systems.To address the issues of the difficulty of detecting small objects and missing objects due to the small scale,variable scale,and fuzzy edge morphology of insulator defects,we construct an insulator dataset with 1600 samples containing flashovers and breakages.Then a simple and effective surface defect detection method of power line insulators for difficult small objects is proposed.Firstly,a high-resolution featuremap is introduced and a small object prediction layer is added so that the model can detect tiny objects.Secondly,a simplified adaptive spatial feature fusion(SASFF)module is introduced to perform cross-scale spatial fusion to improve adaptability to variable multi-scale features.Finally,we propose an enhanced deformable attention mechanism(EDAM)module.By integrating a gating activation function,the model is further inspired to learn a small number of critical sampling points near reference points.And the module can improve the perception of object morphology.The experimental results indicate that concerning the dataset of flashover and breakage defects,this method improves the performance of YOLOv5,YOLOv7,and YOLOv8.In practical application,it can simply and effectively improve the precision of power line insulator defect detection and reduce missing detection for difficult small objects.

A Two-Layer Active Power Optimization and Coordinated Control for Regional Power Grid Partitioning to Promote Distributed Renewable Energy Consumption

With the large-scale development and utilization of renewable energy,industrial flexible loads,as a kind of loadside resource with strong regulation ability,provide new opportunities for the research on renewable energy consumption problem in power systems.This paper proposes a two-layer active power optimization model based on industrial flexible loads for power grid partitioning,aiming at improving the line over-limit problem caused by renewable energy consumption in power grids with high proportion of renewable energy,and achieving the safe,stable and economical operation of power grids.Firstly,according to the evaluation index of renewable energy consumption characteristics of line active power,the power grid is divided into several partitions,and the interzone tie lines are taken as the optimization objects.Then,on the basis of partitioning,a two-layer active power optimization model considering the power constraints of industrial flexible loads is established.The upper-layer model optimizes the planned power of the inter-zone tie lines under the constraint of the minimum peak-valley difference within a day;the lower-layer model optimizes the regional source-load dispatching plan of each resource in each partition under the constraint of theminimumoperation cost of the partition,so as to reduce the line overlimit phenomenon caused by renewable energy consumption and save the electricity cost of industrial flexible loads.Finally,through simulation experiments,it is verified that the proposed model can effectively mobilize industrial flexible loads to participate in power grid operation and improve the economic stability of power grid.

Minimization of Electric Power Losses on 132 kV and 220 kV Uganda Electricity Transmission Lines

The classical minimization of power losses in transmission lines is dominated by artificial intelligence techniques, which do not guarantee global optimum amidst local minima. Revolutionary and evolutionary techniques are encumbered with sophisticated transformations, which weaken the techniques. Power loss minimization is crucial to the efficient design and operation of power transmission lines. Minimization of losses is one way to meet steady grid supply, especially at peak demand. Thus, this paper has presented a gradient technique to obtain optimal variables and values from the power loss model, which efficiently minimizes power losses by modifying the traditional power loss model that combines Ohm and Corona losses. Optimality tests showed that the unmodified model does not support the minimization of power losses on transmission lines as the Hessian matrix portrayed the maximization of power losses. However, the modified model is consistent with the gradient method of optimization, which yielded optimum variables and values from the power loss model developed in this study. The unmodified (modified) models for Bujagali-Kawanda 220 kV and Masaka West-Mbarara North 132 kV transmission lines in Uganda showed maximum power losses of 0.406 (0.391) and 0.452 (0.446) kW/km/phase respectively. These results indicate that the modified model is superior to the unmodified model in minimizing power losses in the transmission lines and should be implemented for the efficient design and operation of power transmission lines within and outside Uganda for the same transmission voltages.

A Miniaturized Broadband Wilkinson Power Divider Using Micro-Strip Branch Lines

A miniaturized broadband Wilkinson power divider is proposed. Micro-strip branch lines are introduced to replace multiple resistors used in multi-stage Wilkinson power dividers to increase the bandwidth of single-stage Wilkinson power dividers. To demonstrate its performance, an improved single-stage Wilkinson power divider with four micro-strip branch lines was designed. Simulated results show that the insert loss is better than 3.2 dB, the input return loss, output return loss, and isolation are better than 15 dB respectively, across a 76% bandwidth from 18 to 40 GHz. .

Automatic lifting system design and application of large load powered support test rig

This paper presented a design of an automatic lifting system. It is used for large load powered support and improves the old method wherein powered support lifting depends on manual control. This system applies a high accuracy gear shunt motor to match the flow for 4 lifting cylinders, and also allocates bypass throttles to realize automatic lifting. Through the dis- placement sensor feedback the height deviation among 4 lifting cylinders during the whole lifting process, when the deviation is up to the sitting value, the corresponding bypass throttle is operated immediately to reduce the deviation, so that the moving platform of the powered support would not be stuck. Through real application, it is shown that this system can realize automatic lifting of powered support; the lifting speed is controlled between 5 and 10 mm/s, and the final aligning accuracy is up to 1 mm.

Side-Channel Attacks & Data Exfiltration Using Wall Outlet USB Power Adapters

The number and creativity of side channel attacks have increased dramatically in recent years. Of particular interest are attacks leveraging power line communication to 1) gather information on power consumption from the victim and 2) exfiltrate data from compromised machines. Attack strategies of this nature on the greater power grid and building infrastructure levels have been shown to be a serious threat. This project further explores this concept of a novel attack vector by creating a new type of penetration testing tool: an USB power adapter capable of remote monitoring of device power consumption and communicating through powerline communications.

Mitigation of Transients in Capacitor Coupled Substations Using Traditional RLC Filter Techniques

This article presents an extensive examination and modeling of Capacitor Coupled Substations (CCS), noting some of their inherent constraints. The underlying implementation of a CCS is to supply electricity directly from high-voltage (HV) transmission lines to low-voltage (LV) consumers through coupling capacitors and is said to be cost-effective as compared to conventional distribution networks. However, the functionality of such substations is susceptible to various transient phenomena, including ferroresonance and overvoltage occurrences. To address these challenges, the study uses simulations to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) filter in mitigating hazardous overvoltage resulting from transients. The proposed methodology entails using standard RLC filter to suppress transients and its associated overvoltage risks. Through a series of MATLAB/Simulink simulations, the research emphasizes the practical effectiveness of this technique. The study examines the impact of transients under varied operational scenarios, including no-load switching conditions, temporary short-circuits, and load on/off events. The primary aim of the article is to assess the viability of using an established technology to manage system instabilities upon the energization of a CCS under no-load circumstances or in case of a short-circuit fault occurring on the primary side of the CCS distribution transformer. The findings underscore the effectiveness of conventional RLC filters in suppressing transients induced by the CCS no-load switching.

A Data Driven Security Correction Method for Power Systems with UPFC

The access of unified power flow controllers(UPFC)has changed the structure and operation mode of power grids all across the world,and it has brought severe challenges to the traditional real-time calculation of security correction based on traditionalmodels.Considering the limitation of computational efficiency regarding complex,physical models,a data-driven power system security correction method with UPFC is,in this paper,proposed.Based on the complex mapping relationship between the operation state data and the security correction strategy,a two-stage deep neural network(DNN)learning framework is proposed,which divides the offline training task of security correction into two stages:in the first stage,the stacked auto-encoder(SAE)classification model is established,and the node correction state(0/1)output based on the fault information;in the second stage,the DNN learningmodel is established,and the correction amount of each action node is obtained based on the action nodes output in the previous stage.In this paper,the UPFC demonstration project of NanjingWest Ring Network is taken as a case study to validate the proposed method.The results show that the proposed method can fully meet the real-time security correction time requirements of power grids,and avoid the inherent defects of the traditional model method without an iterative solution and can also provide reasonable security correction strategies for N-1 and N-2 faults.

Analysis of the Design and Application of a Novel CT Secondary Cable Line Calibrator

With the rapid development of electrical power systems,ensuring the accuracy and reliability of power transmis-sion has become particularly crucial.The secondary cable line calibrator for current transformers(CT)plays an essential role in calibrating electrical power systems.It is not only related to the safe operation of the system but also directly im-pacts the accuracy of energy metering.This study aims to design and analyze an efficient CT secondary cable line calibra-tor to explore its application effects in the power system.By thoroughly analyzing the characteristics of CT secondary ca-ble lines and the design requirements of the calibrator,this paper proposes an innovative design scheme for the calibrator.This device demonstrates significant effects in enhancing the accuracy and stability of power system calibration,providing robust technical support for the optimization and upgrade of the power system.This research not only offers a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the design and application of CT secondary cable line calibrators but also contributes new ideas and methods for the precise calibration and efficient management of the power system.

Descriptive IoT Based Design and Implementation of a 3-Input Automatic Transfer Switch with Data Logging Features

Electricity is crucial for critical sectors such as banking, healthcare, education, and business. However, in developing nations like Cameroon, persistent power fluctuations and outages present significant challenges, leading to communication disruptions, food spoilage, water supply interruptions, and financial losses. This study proposes a novel solution: a three-input automatic transfer switch integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) and data logging capabilities. The system automatically switches between three independent power sources based on priority and availability, employing electromechanical contactors, relays, and timers for seamless switching. It incorporates ATMEGA328P microcontrollers, a GSM module for communication, and an SD card module for efficient data logging. Safety measures, such as miniature circuit breakers, voltage monitoring relays, and proper grounding, ensure user protection and system integrity. A user-friendly mobile application enables remote manual switching and real-time system information requests, while SMS notifications inform consumers about power source changes. The system has a power rating of 4.752 kW, accommodating a maximum continuous load of the same value. Voltage dividers provide a reliable 3.37 VDC output from a 12 VDC input, and data logging operates effectively by storing system data onto an SD card every 1.5 seconds. Comprehensive testing validates the system’s performance, with an average percentage error of 2.31% compared to actual values, falling within an acceptable range. This solution distinguishes itself by incorporating modern technologies like data logging and IoT, addressing the limitations of existing alternatives.

Modeling and Simulation of a Transmission Line Response to a 400 kV/400V Capacitor Coupled Substation

The access to electricity in rural areas is extremely limited, but it is crucial for all citizens. The population in rural areas of sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is generally low, making it economically unfeasible to implement traditional rural electrification (CRE) projects due to the high cost of establishing the necessary distribution infrastructure. To address this cost issue, one alternative technology for rural electrification (URE) that can be explored is the Capacitor Coupled Substation (CCS) technology. CCS is a cost-effective solution for supplying electricity to rural areas. The research is necessitated by the need to offer a cost-effective technology for supplying electricity to sparsely populated communities. This paper examines the impact on the transmission network when a 400 kV/400V CCS is connected to it. The system response when a CCS is connected to the network was modeled using MATLAB/Si-mulink. The results, based on the fixed load of 80 kW, showed negligible interference on the transmission line voltage. However, there was minor impact on the parameters downstream of the tapping point. These findings were further supported by introducing a fault condition to the CCS, which showed that interferences with the CCS could affect the overall stability of the transmission network downstream of the tapping node, similar to the behavior of an unstable load.

Mathematical model of electric hydraulic and powered support control system at a plough mining face

Given the actual working of a fully mechanized plough at a mining face, we have proposed a formula for running constraints between powered supports and a coal plough under assumed geological conditions of the coal face and, on this basis, established an automatic control model of powered supports for the coal plough face. We introduced the working principle of the powered support control system of the plough at the mining face. We established three advanced characteristics of this control system： response speed, reliability and easy maintenance of the system. As well, we briefly introduced, the principal function of primary and subordinate controllers and the realization of the communication system by a Single Bus. Ten controllers were constructed and tested in our laboratorium. The results show that the control model is practical and meets actual conditions. It provides a theoretical basis for designing a comouter control system for a oowered support system of a plough at a mining face.

Modeling Transfer Function of Electrical Power Lines for Broadband Power Line Communication

The indoor access network is characterized by several branches that cause many reflections. In this paper, we present an approach to model the transfer function of electrical power lines for broadband power line communication. The assuming channel consists of three wires, which is widely used in many countries. As an application of the proposed method, the effect of line length from transmitter to receiver, branched line length and number of branched are also studied. From the frequency response of the transfer function (magnitude and phase), it is seen that the position of notches and peaks in the magnitude responses are largely affected in terms of attenuation by the electrical network which consists of 15 branches.

Design of Power Supply for On-line Monitoring System of Transmission Lines

This paper uses CT to gain the energy directly from the high-voltage transmission line, to address the problem of power supply for monitoring system in high voltage side of transmission line. The draw-out power coil can induce voltage from the transmission line, using single-chip microcomputer to analog and output PMW wave to control the charging module, provides a stable 3.4 V DC voltage to the load, and solve the problem of easy saturating of core. The power supply based on this kind of draw-out power coil has undergone the overall testing, and it is verified-showing that it can properly work in a non-saturated status within the current range of 50 - 1000 A, and provide a stable output. The equipment also design protection circuit to improve the reliability to avid the impacts of the impulse current or short-circuit current. It effectively solves the problem of power supply for On-line Monitoring System of Transmission.

A 155 Mbps laser diode driver with automatic power and extinction ratio control

An integrated laser diode driver(LDD) driving an edge-emitting laser diode was designed and fabricated by 0.35 μm BiCMOS technology. This paper proposes a scheme which combines the automatic power control loop and temperature com-pensation for modulation current in order to maintain constant extinction ratio and average optical power. To implement tem-perature compensation for modulation current,a novel circuit which generates a PTAT current by using the injecting base current of a bipolar transistor in saturation region,and alternates the amplifier feedback loop(closed or not) to control the state of the current path is presented. Simulation results showed that programmed by choice of external resistors,the IC can provide modu-lation current from 5 mA to 85 mA with temperature compensation adjustments and independent bias current from 4 mA to 100 mA. Optical test results showed that clear eye-diagrams can be obtained at 155 Mbps,with the output optical power being nearly constant,and the variation of extinction ratio being lower than 0.7 dB.

Indoor Narrowband Power Lines Channel Characterization

Power line is an efficient media for home area networking communication scenarios. However, it is not designed to transmit data. This causes several perturbations phenomenon for communications technologies over the power cables. This work presents an investigation of the indoor narrowband power lines channel behavior. The load, the transmission line length and the network topology impact are studied using a simple network. A channel response measure campaign has been realized in 13 sites. The channel capacity has been used for channel classification. The measures were classified into 5 classes. It is shown that channel response is mainly impacted by the load impedance. The class distributions are more impacted by the nature of appliances connected into the indoor network.

Development of a Genetic Algorithm for Evaluating the Performance of Overhead Power Distribution Lines and Proposing Solutions to Improve Distribution Line Safety

This paper aims to present and discuss the use of a power flow methodology based on Gauss elimination method to evaluate the performance of distribution network taking into account the neutral conductor absence at specific sections, and a development of a methodology based on GA （genetic algorithm） capable of evaluating alternative solutions in different bars of the feeder, in order to propose appropriate solutions to improve the distribution network safety. Besides the technical aspects, the proposed GA methodology takes into account the economic feasibility analysis. The results of power flow simulations have shown that the presence of single-phase transformers along with the absence of the neutral conductor at specific sections of the MV （medium voltage） network may increase the Vng （neutral-to-ground voltage） levels of the feeders involved, jeopardizing the system＇s safety. On the other hand, the solutions proposed by the GA methodology may reduce the network Vng levels and improve the safety conditions, providing values close to the ones found before the neutral conductor theft.

Improved Method of Power Loss and Electric Field Calculations of HVAC Transmission Lines

An improved method for calculating the corona power loss and the ground-level electric field on HVAC transmission lines induced by corona is proposed.Based on a charge simulation method combined with a method of successive images,the proposed method has the number and location of the simulated charges not arbitrary.When the surface electric field of a conductor exceeds the onset value,charges are emitted from corona into the space around,and the space ions and the surface charges on each sub-conductor are simulated by using the images of the other sub-conductors.The displacements of the space ions are calculated at every time step during corona periods in both the positive and the negative half cycles.Several examples are calculated by using the proposed method,and the calculated electric field at the ground level and the corona power loss agree well with previous measurements.The results show that simulating 12 charges in each conductor during 600 time steps in one cycle takes less time while guarantees the accuracy.The corona discharge from a 220 kV transmission line enhances slightly(less than 2%) the electric field at the ground level,but this effect is little from a 500 kV line.The improved method is a good compromise between the time cost and the accuracy of calculation.

Inspection and Monitoring Techniques for Power Lines

Structural assessment is prerequisite for proper maintenance of civil infrastructure.In the begining of this paper,modern inspection and monitoring methods are briefly reviewed.Experiences in applying image-based methods for highway bridge inspection are described shortly afterward.Studies are then extended to explore technologies for power delivery infrastructure evaluation.Typical power line components are first introduced. Structural analyses show complicated coupling phenomena in the power line system;and its vulnerability is intensified by extreme environment or human induced events.As a main interest,the state-of-art of power line inspection is summarized.Both visual observations and inspections assisted with novel techniques are presented.Real time monitoring of the power line is also investigated in this paper.Technologies that have potentials for monitoring power cables,insulators,and support structures are identified.A conceptual integrated design is proposed by the authors through combining innovative inspection with promising monitoring methods to ensure a sustainable,smart power line.

A Novel 4/5 Prescaler with Automatic Power Down

An ＂automatic power down＂ method is introduced to design a 4/5 prescaler,with the characteristic of making one of its D-flip-flops power down when it operates in divide-by-4 mode. Implemented with the TSMC 0.25vm mixed-sig- nal CMOS process,the 4/5 MOS current mode logic prescaler is designed with this automatic power down technique. The simulation results show that the new 4/5 prescaler is immune to the ＂wake-up＂ issue and thereby retains the same maxi- mum operating frequency as the conventional prescaler. An integer-N divider with this proposed prescaler and with the di- vision ratio 66/67 is manufactured,and it is estimated to save more than 20% of the power compared with the conventional 4/5 prescaler.