Electricity Infrastructure Research Articles

Data-driven vulnerability analysis of shared electric vehicle systems to cyberattacks

Disruptions to electric vehicle charging infrastructure can hinder consumers’ confidence and impact the performance of shared electric vehicle (SEV) systems. This study focuses on SEV systems’ vulnerability to emerging cyberattacks at the system level utilizing city-scale SEV trajectory data in Beijing, China. A data-driven simulation model is developed to account for realistic charging demand–supply interactions extracted from the data. The results show that among different types of disruptions, cybersecurity threats present unique challenges to SEV systems. Compared with attacking the most highly utilized charging stations, attacking popular ones on the city’s outskirts is more likely to significantly increase stress on the charging infrastructure and reduce the accessibility of SEVs. Meanwhile, the interactions between SEVs and infrastructure could either amplify the impacts by triggering cascading failures or relieve the adversarial effects. These findings provide insights into designing policies and solutions to enhance the resilience of SEV systems against cyberattacks.

Interdependence and coordination challenges: EV charging infrastructure and carbon emissions in the Yangtze River Delta

The ambition towards net-zero emission fuels the significance of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) as a strategic asset. Yet, a conspicuous gap remains in the comprehensive quantitative analysis of its impact on carbon emissions stemming from fossil fuel combustion, referred to as ODIAC-CE. This study embarks on a longitudinal comparison of EVCI and ODIAC-CE data in 2018 and 2020, further classifying cities by scale to analyze the association between expansion of EVCI and ODIAC-CE change. Utilizing a battery of analytical tools, including correlation analysis, spatial autocorrelation, and coupling coordination analysis, the study dissects the evolving relationship between EVCI and ODIAC-CE within Yangtze River Delta in China. The results underscore a growing interdependence between EVCI expansion and ODIAC-CE change, yet pronounced heterogeneities in coupling coordination are evident across urban scales. Megacity and supercity exhibit quality coordination between rapid expansion of EVCI and ODIAC-CE dynamics. However, in most large, medium-sized, and small cities, the impact of EVCI growth on ODIAC-CE change has proven to be inconsistent or mismatched, affected by various factors such as location and infrastructure, industrial and technological patterns, and social practice and awareness. The study provides systematic insights into potential solutions for decarbonization through EVCI deployment at regional and city levels.

From Resource curse to digital economy Harmony in selected Belt and Road countries

This study explores how the digital economy affects the resource curse in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Using data from 27 BRI nations (2001–2020) and fixed effect panel data analysis, we find that increased digital access and technology imports reduce resource dependency. Specifically, a 1% rise in computers per 100 inhabitants correlates with a 0.17% decrease in oil rent, indicating digital access aids economic diversification. Conversely, a 1% increase in internet access tariffs leads to a 0.29% rise in oil rent, impeding diversification. Additionally, a 1% increase in ICT goods imports results in a 0.64% decrease in oil rent. Positive coefficients for electricity consumption and population size suggest intensified resource curse effects. We recommend policies to enhance digital accessibility and technology imports, improve electricity infrastructure, and promote renewable energy sources to mitigate the resource curse in BRI countries.

Fully autonomous water monitoring by plant-inspired robots

Developing countries struggle with water quality management owing to poor infrastructure, limited expertise, and financial constraints. Traditional water testing, relying on periodic site visits and manual sampling, is impractical for continuous wide-area monitoring and fails to detect sudden heavy metal contamination. To address this, plant-inspired robots capable of fully autonomous water quality monitoring are proposed. Constructed from paper, the robot absorbs surrounding water through its roots. This paper robot is controlled by paper-based microfluidic logic that sends absorbed water to petal-shaped actuators only when the water is polluted by heavy metals. This triggers the actuators to swell and bend like a blooming flower, visually signaling contamination to local residents. In tests with copper-contaminated water, the robotic flower’s diameter increased from 4.69 cm to 14.89 cm, a more than threefold expansion (217.25 %). This significant blooming movement serves as a highly visible and easily recognizable indicator of water pollution, even for the public. Furthermore, the paper robot can be mass-produced at a low cost (∼$0.2 per unit) and deployed over large areas. Once installed, the paper robot operates autonomously using surrounding water as a power source, eliminating the need for external electrical infrastructure and expert intervention. Therefore, this autonomous robot offers a new approach to water quality monitoring suitable for resource-limited environments, such as Sub-Saharan Africa.

TANTANGAN PENGEMBANGAN E-LEARNING KAMPUS MERDEKA BELAJAR

With the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Curriculum in 2020, the opportunities for online learning, particularly through the utilization of e-learning, have significantly expanded. How prepared are universities to realize this MBKM initiative, and what challenges do they face? This research aims to construct the development of e-learning to accelerate the Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MB-KM) Program at IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo and UHAMKA Jakarta. This descriptive research employs a mixed-methods approach. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Data is analyzed using reduction, display, and conclusion techniques. The research findings indicate that the implementation of MBKM at universities, whether face-to-face or online, can be achieved through student exchanges within the same or different universities, entrepreneurial activities, and thematic community service/fieldwork activities. The design of e-learning development to accelerate the implementation of MBKM can be initiated through: (a) ensuring the accessibility and stability of internet, electricity, telephone, and other infrastructure networks, (b) selecting reliable and modern hardware and software, (c) establishing a strong IT management institution with adequate operational funding, and (d) preparing professional human resources with a high work ethic. The next step is to enhance the performance of university e-learning and study programs in terms of content performance, accuracy, format, appropriateness, ease of use, security and privacy, and response speed

Can the digital economy transform financial inclusion in rural communities? A gendered lens

Rural communities in Africa face various challenges related to infrastructure, limited economic activities and poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic, which aggravated some of the rural areas’ socioeconomic conditions, has illuminated the vast divide in accessing digital platforms for social services and financial access. Rural communities’ socioeconomic burdens can be alleviated through participation in the digital economy; however, this is yet to be a reality for these communities. While financial digital technologies have helped with financial access elsewhere, the same cannot be said for Africa’s rural areas. This exclusion is because location plays a significant role in the availability of digital solutions; hence areas with limited infrastructure will not have access to products such as digital financing, which is supposed to reach those that are far from financial institutions. The study employed a systematic literature view to understand the extent of financial inclusion in Africa. Content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings highlighted a myriad of challenges that affect the participation of the rural population in the digital economy, stemming from access to and stable supply of electricity, the poor or limited infrastructure required for accessing digital products and gender-related issues where women’s gendered roles limit them from harnessing digital products. The study revealed that there is a shortage of digital products to reach all that needs access to finance. This is due to infrastructural challenges that are making access difficult for digital products such as mobile money to reach rural communities. Therefore, policymakers must focus on digital transformation for rural areas and support the usage of financial digital technologies to build the rural digital economy. In this way they will be promoting digital inclusion and reducing digital inequalities.

Energy-efficient Vienna rectifier for electric vehicle battery charging stations

Global DC fast-charging infrastructure is being rapidly developed to accommodate the ever-increasing demand from the electric vehicle market. A major complication in the electric power system's process is the proliferation of ultra-fast charging (UFC) stations, which are known for their enormous power consumption and unpredictable, intermittent performance. By implementing grid-supportive features and ensuring an improved power consumption profile for the grid, installing regional energy storage can solve these challenges. This study presents a control approach for managing the grid-side AC/DC converters of rapid charging stations focused on future-oriented regulation. The paper primarily concentrates on various Vienna rectifier topologies. The technology, characteristics, benefits, and operational aspects of Vienna rectifier topologies are vital to improving the performance, efficiency, and grid integration of electric vehicle charging systems. Fast charging, grid stability, energy economy, and the smooth integration of electric vehicles into the electrical grid are all made possible by Vienna rectifiers. When used in battery energy storage systems (BESS) for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Vienna rectifiers allow for effective discharge and charging of the batteries. The configurations and assessments of these converters are examined, assessed, and compared based on power output parameters, element count, power factor, THD, and efficiency. The Vienna rectifier has been identified as the best suitable DC fast-charging converter architecture for power levels exceeding 15 kW due to its exceptional efficiency, limited output voltage ripples, high power density, reduced current ripples, and reliable performance. Research on ways to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure can be spurred by a better grasp of the Vienna rectifier's technological complexities and performance benefits, leading to greener and more efficient transportation options. As a result, the system's power density will eventually rise and elemental stress will decrease.

Analysis of the Financial Feasibility Study of Investment in Electricity Infrastructure Development Using the Monte Carlo Method Case Study of the Construction of GITET 500 kV Cikande

Analysis of the Financial Feasibility Study of Investment in Electricity Infrastructure Development Using the Monte Carlo Method Case Study of the Construction of GITET 500 kV Cikande

Bayesian optimization for battery electric vehicle charging station placement by agent-based demand simulation

The optimal placement of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) is critical for meeting the charging demand of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, the questions of how to coordinate the stochastic charging demand and placement of charging infrastructure in an economically effective way and how to solve such a problem on a large real-world scale remain unanswered. This study addresses these questions by developing an agent-based charging station placement model (ACPM) that incorporates demand uncertainty by simulating the behaviors of BEV users. A solution algorithm based on random embedding Bayesian optimization (REMBO) is proposed and shown to significantly improve computational efficiency and solve the ACPM on a large real-world scale. The model and algorithm are applied to a case study of the Atlanta metropolitan area. In the study, the algorithm finds an optimal placement using only 2% of the runtime of existing benchmark methods. This enables the use of the algorithm on a more complex, real-world scale. Results from the case study indicate that the optimal placement of EVCI uses level-2 and direct-current fast charging (DCFC) roughly equally and distributes these relatively evenly throughout the region. This optimal EVCI placement has significant economic benefits because it can improve the expected net present value (NPV) by 50% to 100% relative to common benchmark charging placement practices, such as placing the EVCI uniform randomly or weighted by the number of parked vehicles. Finally, a sensitivity analysis demonstrates that factors such as the size of the BEV market, charging preferences, and charging price are shown to have significant impacts on the optimal placement and profitability of an EVCI project.

Evaluating planning and operational policies for urban public electric vehicle charging infrastructure

It is expected that public electric vehicle charging demands will gradually increase in Korea. In this study, we propose a macroscopic indicator of the level of service (LOS) of urban public fast charging infrastructure to quantitively evaluate the joint impacts of possible planning and operational policies on it. The indicator is defined as the reliability-based capacity, the number of electric vehicles that can be charged within the maximum targeted weighted delay between wait and detour. We consider three combinable policies: changing the distribution of chargers in the planning stage; assigning the optimal charging station to each charging event in real-time and evenly distributing daily charging demands in the operational phase. For multiple policy combinations and various demand cases, we compare their LOS levels, calculated by Monte Carlo simulations that can efficiently address the complex joint impact of stochastic demands. The simulation experiments are designed to explicitly discover the impacts of policies along with varying charging demands. The results show that certain combinations of proposed policies can effectively and efficiently improve LOS.

Comprehensive analysis of correlations between soil electrical resistivity and index geotechnical properties

This study investigates the relationships between soil electrical resistivity and key geotechnical properties to develop predictive models for designing grounding systems in electrical substations. Conducted on 30 soil samples from various different regions of Thailand, the research evaluates resistivity in relation to soil water content, plasticity index, and dry density. Using a comprehensive laboratory setup, the soil samples were evaluated under controlled conditions, including temperature, humidity, and salt content of the soil samples, to establish robust correlations between the measured resistivity and the index geotechnical parameters. The results reveal a significant inverse relationship between soil resistivity and water content, confirming that water content is a dominant factor influencing resistivity. Further analysis using multiple non-linear regression demonstrated strong correlations, indicating that a combination of water content, soil dry density, and plasticity index can predict soil resistivity with high reliability. This approach enables optimization of substation grounding designs to ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance. The study suggests that integrating these geotechnical assessments into standard grounding system design procedures can significantly improve the effectiveness and safety of electrical infrastructure. Recommendations for future research include expanding the dataset to encompass a broader range of soil types and investigating the effects of particle size and electrolyte content on soil resistivity. These enhancements aim to refine the predictive models and address the broader applicability of the results in diverse geological settings.

Analisis Partisipasi Pemangku Kepentingan dalam Pembangunan Desa Inovasi: Studi Kasus Pulau Raam

This study analyzes stakeholder participation in the development of the Innovation Village in Raam Island, Sorong City, where most of the population works as traditional fishermen. A qualitative method was used with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as the data collection technique, involving representatives from local government, the private sector, academics, and the local community. The first FGD identified key potentials and challenges such as the need for fisherman's cards, electrical infrastructure, fishing gear, ice block supply, and issues of product marketing and legality. The second FGD gathered commitments from various parties to address these issues, including relocating the fuel outlet, supporting tuna marketing, and providing raw materials and ice. The results indicate that active and collaborative participation from various stakeholders is crucial in developing innovative and sustainable solutions for village development. To ensure the sustainability of this participation, continuous coordination and communication mechanisms, as well as periodic evaluations of each party's contributions, are necessary.

A high-efficiency poly-input boost DC–DC converter for energy storage and electric vehicle applications

This research paper introduces an avant-garde poly-input DC–DC converter (PIDC) meticulously engineered for cutting-edge energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) applications. The pioneering converter synergizes two primary power sources—solar energy and fuel cells—with an auxiliary backup source, an energy storage device battery (ESDB). The PIDC showcases a remarkable enhancement in conversion efficiency, achieving up to 96% compared to the conventional 85–90% efficiency of traditional converters. This substantial improvement is attained through an advanced control strategy, rigorously validated via MATLAB/Simulink simulations and real-time experimentation on a 100 W test bench model. Simulation results reveal that the PIDC sustains stable operation and superior efficiency across diverse load conditions, with a peak efficiency of 96% when the ESDB is disengaged and an efficiency spectrum of 91–95% during battery charging and discharging phases. Additionally, the integration of solar power curtails dependence on fuel cells by up to 40%, thereby augmenting overall system efficiency and sustainability. The PIDC’s adaptability and enhanced performance render it highly suitable for a wide array of applications, including poly-input DC–DC conversion, energy storage management, and EV power systems. This innovative paradigm in power conversion and management is poised to significantly elevate the efficiency and reliability of energy storage and utilization in contemporary electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructures.

A comprehensive review on economic, environmental impacts and future challenges for photovoltaic-based electric vehicle charging infrastructures

Graphical AbstractAbstractable representation of the paper.

Resilient and Reversible Phosphotungstic Acid Passivated Zinc Anode.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) present a compelling solution for grid-scale energy storage, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy resources into the electric infrastructure. The cycling stability of ZIBs hinges on the electrochemical reversibility of the zinc anode, which is often compromised by corrosion and dendritic zinc deposition. Here, we present a straightforward surface passivation strategy that significantly enhances the cycling stability of zinc anodes. By immersing zinc in a solution of phosphotungstic acid, we promoted the dominance of the 002 plane of zinc's hexagonal structure. This process facilitates the creation of a uniform nucleation and protective layer on the native zinc surface, resulting in a more uniform plating-stripping process and increased corrosion resistance. In symmetric cells, the passivated zinc exhibits a capacity retention of 68.7% after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 Ag1-, whereas untreated zinc anodes retain only 7.4% of capacity under identical conditions. In full cell zinc iodine batteries employing the passivated zinc anode, over 1000 stable charge-discharge cycles were achieved at a current density of 20 mA cm-2, with approximately 96% Coulombic efficiency (CE), 86% voltage efficiency (VE), and 82% energy efficiency (EE). This study demonstrates a promising pathway for the construction and upscaling of flow batteries with high capacity and low cost.

Solar-driven self-sustaining remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil

Petroleum-contaminated soil poses an environmental risk and is costly to remediate. Self-sustaining Treatment for Active Remediation (STAR) is an emerging remediation technique that consists of igniting and propagating a smoldering front through a volume of contaminated soil. While effective, the electrical energy demand required to initiate smoldering can be cost-prohibitive in locations without robust electrical infrastructure. To address this, we investigated the viability of a novel concentrated solar power process as a low-carbon alternative to electrically driven heating for STAR. The solar-driven system uses parabolic reflectors to focus solar energy, then directs it through fiber optic bundles to flexibly transmit it to a soil column. This process is demonstrated on ∼ 750 mL samples of petroleum-contaminated soil and detectable hydrocarbons were reduced in each case. Research evaluated several parameters of interest for effective treatment including thermal receiver material and distance between solar output and thermal receiver. Temperature was measured throughout treatment and typically exceeds 400 °C prior to ignition. Steel and quartz thermal receivers show effective temperature distribution, initiating smoldering, reducing detectable hydrocarbons and maintaining durability. The results indicate that concentrated solar power can efficiently ignite smoldering remediation, showing promise as a low-carbon alternative to current methods.

Impact of Fraxinus snag fall on electric distribution and infrastructure stability: An empirical analysis

With increasing climate variability and the movement of exotic pests and diseases, the rate of forest mortality has become an issue of global concern. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), as one such pest, is causing the mass mortality of ash trees, Fraxinus spp., thus leading to an ongoing surge in the number of snags across North America. Snags are dead-standing trees that pose an extant threat to nearby infrastructure and buildings. In this article, we evaluate the impacts which snags pose to electrical distribution infrastructure. New Jersey, a state with a high degree of urbanization, has an extensive electric grid located in forested areas. New Jersey is currently in the process of upgrading the electric distribution network, which will increase the height of electric distribution lines to increase resiliency and potential capacity. This article demonstrates a yearly risk assessment methodology for Fraxinus snags using an integrated GIS, differential equation, and applied regression model framework under two distribution network parameterizations. The framework is applied to three northern New Jersey counties (Warren, Sussex, and Morris), which are managed by one utility, New Jersey Central Power and Light, and which are home to most of New Jersey’s Fraxinus trees.

Transient response of a megawatt-scale solar photovoltaic in an electric distribution utility

There is an increasing trend among customers of an electrical distribution utility to adopt grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems. This shift offers multiple benefits to consumers, including lower monthly electricity bills and a contribution to the development of green energy. For the electrical distribution utility, various impacts may arise due to varying levels of solar energy penetration. This study investigates the effects of integrating varying levels of solar photovoltaic penetration into the commercial consumer network of Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO) in the Philippines. Utilizing PowerWorld simulator, the research evaluates 11 different scenarios with solar penetration levels adjusted according to the percentage of load demand. Key findings include alterations in solar megavolt ampere of reactive power output, bus voltage levels, transformer power loading, and transmission line ampacity, with frequency levels remaining stable across scenarios. The optimal solar penetration level was identified at 70%, balancing the benefits of solar energy integration with the need to maintain grid stability and operational limits. This optimal level ensures the effective utilization of renewable energy sources without compromising the performance of CEPALCO’s electrical infrastructure. The research concludes with recommendations for maintaining grid stability and operational limits at the optimal solar penetration limits.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Review: Bibliometric Analysis of Electric Vehicle Trend, Policy, Lithium-Ion Battery, Battery Management, Charging Infrastructure, Smart Charging, and Electric Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Review: Bibliometric Analysis of Electric Vehicle Trend, Policy, Lithium-Ion Battery, Battery Management, Charging Infrastructure, Smart Charging, and Electric Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)

The development of consumer preferences for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in China: Evidence from a questionnaire survey with a four-year interval

Consumer preferences are important in guiding the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Chen and Lin (2022) examined the factors influencing consumer preference for charging infrastructure (CPCI) with data from 2019. Four years later, the research team conducted a new questionnaire survey for comparative analysis. Using a total of 3,778 questionnaires, the authors explored the differences in consumer traits and CPCI at various periods and regions. The potential role of CPCI in promoting electric vehicles was also further analyzed. The main findings include (1) Consumers’ charging habits have changed in the last four years, favoring the use of private charging infrastructure and nighttime charging. (2) Consumers in first-tier cities prefer to use public charging infrastructure than those in non-first-tier cities. (3) Owning private charging infrastructures contributes to consumer satisfaction, which in turn promotes the re-purchase and recommendation of electric vehicles. Preferences for private charging infrastructure strengthen this effect. Finally, the authors provide targeted policy recommendations.