Load Profile Analysis for Mitigating Load-Shedding in Central Africa: Case of Kinshasa

Load shedding is a major problem in Central Africa, with negative consequences for both society and the economy. However, load profile analysis can help to alleviate this problem by providing valuable information about consumer demand. This information can be used by power utilities to forecast and reduce power cuts effectively. In this study, the direct method was used to create load profiles for residential feeders in Kinshasa. The results showed that load shedding on weekends results in significant financial losses and changes in people’s behavior. In November 2022 alone, load shedding was responsible for $ 23,4 08,984 and $ 2 80,9 07,808 for all year in losses. The study also found that the SAIDI index for the southern direction of the Kinshasa distribution network was 122.49 hours per feeder, on average. This means that each feeder experienced an average of 5 days of load shedding in November 2022. The SAIFI index was 20 interruptions per feeder, on average, and the CAIDI index was 6 hours, on average, before power was restored. This study also proposes ten strategies for the reduction of load shedding in the Kinshasa and central Africa power distribution network and for the improvement of its reliability, namely: Improved load forecasting, Improvement of the grid infrastructure, Scheduling of load shedding, Demand management programs, Energy efficiency initiatives, Distributed Generation, Automation and Monitoring of the Grid, Education and engagement of the consumer, Policy and regulatory assistance, and Updated load profile analysis.

Energy Efficiency in Periods of Load Shedding and Detrimental Effects of Energy Dependence in the City of Maroua, Cameroon

During the years 2021 and 2022, the city of Maroua experienced repeated power blackouts. However, this locality has significant photovoltaic energy potential. Nevertheless, the evaluation of the electrical performance showed the dependence of the population on these fluctuations, which could be bypassed or suppressed. In most cases, the blackout occurs during high energy demand. In this paper, a method for evaluating electrical efficiency is proposed and its credibility has been demonstrated on the one hand, and on the other hand, a renewable energy production system is proposed. The Homer software has made possible the analysis of the proposed system and its impact on the environment has also been carried out. The techno-economic study of the system has proved that a solar photovoltaic farm associated with an energy storage system, with a capacity of 47 MW, can meet the energy demand of the town of Maroua. This alternative is profitable for this locality which lives in a precarious situation and a continuous need.

Optimal integration of solar home systems and appliance scheduling for residential homes under severe national load shedding

In developing countries like South Africa,users experienced more than 1030 hours of load shedding outages in just the first half of 2023 due to inadequate power supply from the national grid.Residential homes that cannot afford to take actions to mitigate the challenges of load shedding are severely inconvenienced as they have to reschedule their demand involuntarily.This study presents optimal strategies to guide households in determining suitable scheduling and sizing solutions for solar home systems to mitigate the inconvenience experienced by residents due to load shedding.To start with,we predict the load shedding stages that are used as input for the optimal strategies by using the K-Nearest Neighbour(KNN)algorithm.Based on an accurate forecast of the future load shedding patterns,we formulate the residents’inconvenience and the loss of power supply probability during load shedding as the objective function.When solving the multi-objective optimisation problem,four different strategies to fight against load shedding are identified,namely(1)optimal home appliance scheduling(HAS)under load shedding;(2)optimal HAS supported by solar panels;(3)optimal HAS supported by batteries,and(4)optimal HAS supported by the solar home system with both solar panels and batteries.Among these strategies,appliance scheduling with an optimally sized 9.6 kWh battery and a 2.74 kWp panel array of five 550 Wp panels,eliminates the loss of power supply probability and reduces the inconvenience by 92%when tested under the South African load shedding cases in 2023.

Virus load and virus shedding of SARS-CoV-2 and their impact onpatient outcomes

BACKGROUND Understanding a virus shedding patterns in body fluids/secretions is importantto determine the samples to be used for diagnosis and to formulate infectioncontrol measures.AIM To investigate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)shedding patterns and its risk factors.METHODS All laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 patients with completemedical records admitted to the Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital from January28, 2020 to March 8, 2020 were included. Among 145 patients (54.5% males;median age, 46.1 years), three (2.1%) died. The bronco-alveolar lavage fluid(BALF) had the highest virus load compared with the other samples. The viralload peaked at admission (3.3 × 108 copies) and sharply decreased 10 d afteradmission.RESULTS The viral load was associated with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) duration.Patients in the ICU had significantly longer shedding time compared to those inthe wards (P < 0.0001). Age > 60 years [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.6;95% confidenceinterval (CI): 0.4-0.9] was an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 shedding,while chloroquine (HR = 22.8;95%CI: 2.3-224.6) was a protective factor.CONCLUSION BALF had the highest SARS-CoV-2 load. Elderly patients had higher virus loads,which was associated with a prolonged ICU stay. Chloroquine was associatedwith shorter shedding duration and increased the chance of viral negativity.

Determination of Effective Load Shedding Schemes in Electric Power Plants

The ability of power system to survive the transition from preloading state to the gradual increase in load and thereafter reach an acceptable operational condition is an indication of transient stability of the system. The study analyzed load shedding scheme through the use of empirical measurement tools and load-flow simulation techniques. It was geared towards determining effective load shedding strategies to reduce unnecessary overload in order to achieve dynamic stability of the electric power network in the Export Free Trade Zone, Calabar, Nigeria. From the tests and the measurements taken, it was observed that the real and reactive powers from the generator and the mechanical power from the turbine engine were stable when the load shedding controller was switched on, as compared to when it was off. The engine speed, the bus-bar frequency and the output voltage of the generator stabilized within a shorter time (about 8 seconds) when the controller was switched on than when it was on the off condition. Also, there were noticeable fluctuations in the speed of the remaining two generators. It became stable at about 12 seconds after the loss. The variations were 0.3 per cent of the nominal speed value. The excitation voltage fluctuated from 1.2 (pu) to 4.5 (pu) when the bus voltage dipped as a result of additional load. It then came down and stabilized at 1.8 (pu) after few swings. This confirmed that the stability of power system is much enhanced when load shedding controllers are effectively configured on the network.

Load Shedding Strategy Based on Combined Feed-Forward Plus Feedback Control over Data Streams

In data stream management systems (DSMSs), how to maintain the quality of queries is a difficult problem because both the processing cost and data arrival rates are highly unpredictable. When the system is overloaded, quality degrades significantly and thus load shedding becomes necessary. Unlike processing overloading in the general way which is only by a feedback control (FB) loop to obtain a good and stable performance over data streams, a feedback plus feed-forward control (FFC) strategy is introduced in DSMSs, which have a good quality of service (QoS) in the aspects of miss ratio and processing delay. In this paper, a quality adaptation framework is proposed, in which the control-theory-based techniques are leveraged to adjust the application behavior with the considerations of the current system status. Compared to previous solutions, the FFC strategy achieves a good quality with a waste of fewer resources.

Regional Coordination for under Frequency Load Shedding

Frequency deviation can be used as an indicator of imbalance between supply and demand. When generation is insufficient, it can cause frequency decline in a power system operation. Implementing under frequency load shedding (UFLS) is one of the common methods to overcome this problem. This paper proposes a novel approach for adaptive load shedding. The concept is an extension of shared and targeted load shedding using reserve margin. The optimal system configuration is then selected from those candidates to fulfill operational objectives. Operational constraints related to system parameters, threshold frequency, total of load shed and control area including line capacity are considered. An example using four sub-areas connected to an external system shows that the proposed regional coordination as an adaptive UFLS is feasible.

Intelligent Load Shedding Using TCP/IP for Smart Grids

Computerized power management system with fast and optimal communication network overcomes all major discrepancies of undue or inadequate load relief that were present in old conventional systems. This paper presents the basic perception and methodology of modern and true intelligent load shedding scheme in micro grids topology by employing TCP/IP protocol for fast and intelligent switching. The network understudy performs load management and power distribution intelligently in a unified network. Generated power is efficiently distributed among local loads through fast communication system of server in the form of source and clients in the form of loads through TCP/IP. The efficient use of information between server and clients enables to astutely control the load shedding in a power system of micro grids system. The processing time of above stated system comes out to be 10 ms faster than others which ensure very less delay as compared to conventional methods. The Micro Grids system operating through TCP/IP control has been implemented in MATLAB/SIMULINK and results have been verified.

Multi Objective Load Shedding Framework

In this paper, a multi-objective load shedding framework on the power system is presented. The frame work is useable in any kind of smart power systems;the word of smart here refers to the availability of data transmission infrastructure (like PLC or power line carrier) in the system, in order to carry the system data to the load shedding framework. This is an open framework that means it can optimize load shedding problem by considering unlimited number of objective functions, in other word, the number of objectives can be as much as the operator decides, finally in the end of frame work just one matrix breaker state is chosen in a way of having the most compatibility with the operator ideas which are determined by objectives importance percentage which are one input groups of the framework. A two-stage methodology is used for the optimal load shedding problem. In the first stage, Discrete Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization method is used to find a collection of the best states of load shedding (Pareto front). In the second stage, the fuzzy logic is used as a Pareto front inference engine. Fuzzy selection algorithm (FSA) is designed in a way that it can infer according to the operator’s opinion without the expert interference that means rule base is formed automatically by fuzzy algorithm. FSA is consisted of two parts. Membership functions and rules base are formed automatically in the first part, the former in accordance with the costs of Pareto front particles and the latter in correspondence with importance percentage of objectives which are entered to FSA by operator;in other word, decision matrix is formed automatically in the algorithm according to the cost of Pareto front particles and importance percentage of objectives. In the Second part, Mamdani inference engine scrutinizes the Pareto front particles by the use of formed membership functions and rules base to know if they are compatible to operator’s opinion or not. Getting this approach, cost functions of each particle are considered as the inputs of (FSA), then a fuzzy combined fitness (FCF) is allocated to each Pareto front particle by Mamdani inference engine. In other word, FCF shows how much the particle is compatible to the operator’s opinion. Finding minimum FCF, final inference is done. The proposed method is tested on 30-bus, and 118-bus IEEE systems by considering two or three objective functions and the results are presented.

Optimum Load Shedding in Power System Strategies with Voltage Stability Indicators

An optimal load shedding strategy for power systems with optimum location and quantity of load to be shed is presented in this paper. The problem of load shedding for avoiding the existence of voltage instability in power systems is taken as a remedial action during emergency state in transmission and distribution sector.Optimum location of loads to be shed is found together with their optimum required quantity. L-Indicator index is in used for this purpose with a modified new technique. Applications to be standard 6 bus Ward-Hale test system and IEEE – 14 bus system are presented to validate the applicability of the proposed technique to any system of any size.

Utilizing Stability Index Tracing for Precise Load Buses Identification in Load Shedding Problem

This paper proposes a new approach for suitable load buses identification via stability index tracing in performing corrective load shedding. The proposed identification technique is called the Fast Voltage Stability Index Load Tracing (FVSI-LT). By implementing a power tracing algorithm, a group of major contributors on the stress experienced by a power system is able to be precisely identified by a system operator (SO) based on the traced values of FVSI. To be precise, the traced FVSI via FVSI-LT can be used to form a ranking list indicating the priority of buses committed for shedding purpose. After designing a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) for deciding the allowable load powers to be shed and performing experiment on IEEE 57-Bus reliability test system (RTS), it is revealed that the ranking list provided by FVSI-LT results to the most consistent improvement in terms of voltage stability and losses minimization.

Higher Viral Load and Prolonged Viral Shedding Period is Associated with Impaired Th17 Cell Response in Patients with H1N1 Influenza A

Objective To explore whether age,disease severity,cytokines and lymphocytes in H1N1 influenza A patients correlate with viral load and clearance.Methods Total of 70 mild and 16 severe patients infected with H1N1 influenza A virus were enrolled in this study.Results It was found that the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly higher viral loads and prolonged viral shedding periods compared with the patients over 14 years old and mild patients,respectively(P < 0.05).Moreover,the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly lower Th17 cell frequency than the patients over 14 years old and mild patients(P < 0.01).The viral shedding period inversely correlated with the frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells.Additionally,the decreased concentration of serum TGF-β correlated with the decreased frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells.Conclusions Both younger and severe patients are associated with higher viral loads and longer viral shedding periods,which may partially be attributed to the impaired Th17 cell response.

Smart Meters and Under-Frequency Load Shedding

In some countries, there exists a risk of power deficit in the EPS （electrical power system）. This is a very serious problem and there are various solutions to deal with it. A power deficit in the EPS leads to frequency decrease in the power system. A dedicated automation to load shedding is used to maintain proper EPS operation. For some time, it has applied a mechanism called demand-side response, which in case of an emergency situation allows for a ＂more civilized＂ rationing of electricity to customers, with their consent. Such programs require that the utilities pay the customers for their agreement. The author proposes a new solution, intermediate between strict ALS （acting relieving automation） and demand-side response programs, where the companies have to send information about the price of energy or control signals to households.

Load Shedding Application within a Microgrid to Assure Its Dynamic Performance during Its Transition to the Islanded Mode of Operation

This article presents the simulation results and analysis related to the response of the generators within a microgrid towards an accidental overload condition that will require some load shedding action. A microgrid overload can occur due to various reasons ranging from poor load schedule, inadequate switching of circuits within the microgrid, outage of one or more generators inside the microgrid, illegal load connections by some low voltage consumers, etc. It was observed that among the main factors that determine the survival of the microgrid during its transition from the grid connected mode to the islanded mode of operation are the size and type of the load connected (passive or dynamic load) as well as the length of time during which the unexpected load is connected. Models of a speed and voltage regulators of a diesel generator, and important for coping with the overload conditions are provided in the paper. The novelty of the work lies in the load shedding simulation and analysis of the specific generators studied herein, regarding that in many countries the microgrid technology is seen as an important alternative towards the ever increasing load demand and also to assist the system during periods of blackout.

Identification of Critical Lines in Power System Based on Optimal Load Shedding

Based on risk theory, considering the probability of an accident and the severity of the sequence, combining N-1 and N-2 security check, this paper puts forward a new risk index, which uses the amount of optimal load shedding as the severity of an accident consequence to identify the critical lines in power system. Taking IEEE24-RTS as an example, the simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed index.

应对极端冰灾的电力系统多阶段韧性提升策略

为提升冰灾下电力系统的韧性,降低系统负荷削减量,提高系统恢复速率,提出一种应对极端冰灾的电力系统多阶段韧性提升策略。对冰灾场景以及受冰灾影响的线路故障率进行建模;从线路抗冰能力、系统负荷损失、系统恢复情况、线路受损情况、维修资源充裕度多个角度构建电力系统综合韧性评估指标,以定位冰灾下系统的薄弱环节;在此基础上,通过灾前线路故障风险预测、灾中机组出力调整以及除冰线路筛选和主动停运除冰、灾后维修顺序规划等策略提升冰灾下的系统韧性。基于IEEE 39和IEEE 118节点系统进行仿真分析,结果验证了所提韧性评估方法和提升策略的有效性。

基于空中回收的运载火箭尾舱挂取方案设计及仿真分析

运载火箭空中回收的挂取过程是整个回收过程中最关键的环节之一。针对运载火箭尾舱空中挂取的全流程,开展了将直升机作为回收平台的钩取装置设计,主要包括拉力传感器、过载保护装置、减载装置以及末端的执行机构。翼伞和减速伞从火箭尾舱的底部弹出,挂取装置可通过挂取翼伞顶部的牵顶伞实现对回收体的挂取操作。通过对挂取过程的仿真分析可以看出,回收体的质量增大时,过载显著增加,而当翼伞的收伞时间增加时,减载效果明显。

含减载控制和虚拟惯量控制的直驱风电场等值建模方法

为建立准确的具有主动支撑能力的直驱风电场等值模型,提出一种含减载控制和虚拟惯量控制的直驱风电场等值建模方法。首先,建立包含减载控制和虚拟惯量控制的直驱风机并网系统模型;其次,依据适应性分析选取转速、减载系数、惯性系数和阻尼系数作为分群指标;然后,基于分群指标利用改进K-means算法对直驱风电场中的机组进行聚类分群,得到直驱风电场的等值模型;最后,利用实际算例在不同场景下进行仿真和计算,对等值建模方法的准确性进行验证。

面向精细化频率恢复要求的受端电网响应驱动自适应减载控制策略

随着电网中频率敏感性装备的大量接入,近年来电网安全导则中规定了更加精细化的频率恢复标准(frequency recovery criterion,FRC),旨在使频率敏感性装备能够在受扰后频率动态过程中安全穿越,保障系统频率安全运行。为此,该文提出一种面向精细化FRC要求的受端电网响应驱动自适应减载控制策略。以FRC为控制导向设计基于模糊控制的智能自适应减载控制器,并引入防止减载控制过切和欠切的推理机制,控制器可根据频率轨迹演变状态进行“判定-决策-控制”的实时自适应减载动作;为提升减载控制性能,进一步提出以频率恢复满足FRC要求为约束、减载代价最小为目标的控制器参数整定模型及其优化求解方法;综合各负荷站点优化减载模糊控制器构成响应FRC要求的分散式减载控制策略,可完全实时自适应决策减载要素,使频率恢复满足FRC要求基础上有效减小减载控制代价。通过对单直流馈入的简单受端系统算例和多直流馈入的省级受端电网仿真分析,验证该文所提减载策略的有效性和适用性。

考虑风光消纳与电动汽车灵活性的调度策略

针对新能源随机性较大而出现一些极端情况时,现有分时电价下弃风、弃光与火电机组调节能力不足而导致切负荷成本较大的问题仍较为突出的现象,提出了一种考虑风光消纳与电动汽车灵活性的调度策略。首先,制定综合考虑风电、光伏、火电机组调节能力与基础负荷的分时电价,新增凹谷与尖峰电价时段,并引入价格弹性系数定量描述电动汽车对新增时段的响应;其次,基于电价信息建立电动汽车充放电模型,确定电动汽车充放电调度的电量信息;再次,统筹考虑电网、电动汽车聚合商以及电动汽车用户的三方利益,构建以负荷波动最小,弃风、弃光与用户充电成本最小和最大化聚合商收益为目标的电动汽车充放电优化调度模型;最后,通过算例验证所提模型的可行性与有效性。