Electric Power Distribution Research Articles

Diagnosing grid’s service quality issues: the virtual microgrid and the digitization and innovations in the power distribution grid.

Power quality issues from small and medium-sized grid-integrated solar photovoltaic systems (PMGD), whose plant capacity is less than or equal to 9 MW, challenge electric power distribution companies like ENEL Distribución S.A. in Chile. To tackle these challenges, leveraging rapidly configurable, scalable, and easily deployable distributed energy resources (DER) through a virtual power plant (VPP) is crucial. This paper introduces a "virtual microgrid," a specific VPP design and functional specification that swiftly diagnoses and resolves power quality issues. Virtual power plants use renewable energy sources, energy storage, and smart energy management to provide ancillary services to the grid. With the expanding PMGD market in Chile and globally, there is an urgent need for deployable DER to energize feeder sub-sections during reliability events and create grid pathways between DER and loads. Thus, DER are essential for enhancing grid flexibility, reliability, and maintaining the stability and integrity of electric supply quality standards. VPPs can reduce high costs associated with utility grid power capacity deficiencies in areas with unstable power supply, enhancing resilience and flexibility without compromising system stability. This study presents a novel approach—currently at the conceptual development stage—for diagnosing service quality issues related to grid supply through the rapid deployment of a configurable and fully scalable virtual microgrid. This solution is particularly relevant for zones in Santiago, Chile, where ENEL Chile faces challenges due to the increasing presence of PMGD—independent solar farms injecting all their production into the grid for profit, as permitted by current Chilean electric law (N°88/2019 of Ministry of Energy). Such practices negatively impact grid service quality standards, which can be mitigated through the deployment of virtual microgrids. The concept of a "virtual microgrid" emphasizes rapid configurability, scalability, and ease of deployment, tailored to address specific grid quality issues. Unlike previous efforts, this approach focuses on seamlessly integrating DER with existing grid infrastructure to quickly address and mitigate power quality issues caused by PMGD.

An IoT Assimilated Distributed Control Method for Green Electrical Transmission Grids

Green electrical grids utilize renewable energy to ensure sustainable transmission from natural resources. Internet of Things (IoT) like pervasive platforms is integrated with the grids for improving the automation in such power grids. This article considers the IoT control over the green grids for uninterrupted power transmission. The proposed method named Assimilated Distributed Control (ADC) balances the generated and distribution of electrical power based on demand. The IoT paradigm monitors the rising demand for recommending multi-renewable power source assimilation for meeting the distribution demands. In this process, linear decision-making for distribution management and assimilation is performed. The decision-making process relies on power generation and distribution ratio from low to peak demand intervals. Therefore, the number of resource assimilations relies on the distributed control for handling peak demands. The proposed method is analyzed using distribution ratio, peak demand, and recommendation assimilation.

Performance Testing of Power Breaker 20 kV at the Senayan PLTMG Substation Netto Cubicles

A Power Breaker is a mechanical switch that is able to open to allow current to flow under normal conditions and close when there is a disturbance under abnormal conditions, such as a short circuit current disturbance. Damage to the Power Breaker has a considerable influence on the operation of the electric power system, resulting in losses and the operating system of the electric power being disrupted. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically test Power Breaker performance in order to meet operating standards, improve reliability, guarantee quality, and maintain the continuity of electric power distribution. This research was limited to testing before and after the Power Breaker 20 kV Net Cubicles Maintenance located at the Senayan PLTMG Substation during February 2023 in the form of contact resistance testing, Insulation resistance testing, simultaneity testing, and trip relay testing. By testing the performance of the Power Breaker, it is hoped that it can prevent malfunctions that result in damage to the Power Breaker and other components at the Senayan PLTMG Substation

A novel cost-based optimization model for electric power distribution systems resilience improvement under dust storms

In the recent years, dust storms (DSs) pose a serious threat to critical infrastructure such as power distribution networks (PDNs). During DSs, the contamination of insulators, increases the possibility of damage to the PDNs insulation system and flashover induced power outage may occur. Power outages disrupt the performance of other urban infrastructures and, in addition to heavy financial losses, cause public dissatisfaction. Although this issue is of particular importance in areas with humid climate, a few studies have been reported on PDNs resilience improvement against DSs. This paper proposes a novel cost-based optimization model to make PDNs more resilient to DSs considering uncertainties. The proposed model is based on the two-stage stochastic mixed-integer programming (SMIP). In the first stage, decisions are made to equip repair crews (RCs) with insulator washing machines, hardening distribution lines with silicone-rubber insulators (SIs), and deploy backup distributed generators (DGs). Decisions in the second stage include network reconfiguration, RCs routing, DGs power dispatch, and load shedding as the critical options for PDN outage management during/after DSs. Case studies are evaluated in the IEEE 69-bus test system and a real 209-bus PDN in Khuzestan province, a coastal province in southwestern Iran. The simulation results at different budget levels have confirmed the efficiency of the proposed model for cost-optimal resilience enhancement planning of PDNs against DSs.

Leveraging Geospatial Technology for Enhanced Utility Management: A Case Study in Electrical Distribution Power Systems

Over the years, electricity has developed into a crucial commodity for any nation. The need to evaluate the rate of electricity consumption in regard to utility management and the spatial distribution of major devices to facilitate appropriate planning within the estate is the motivation for this research. This study used geospatial technology to evaluate the electricity distribution to support planning and management in Omole Estate (Phase One) and environs within the city of Lagos, Nigeria. The focus was on determining the land use in study area, geolocations of the transformers, along with the cost of energy consumed per household. Spatial data for the research area was collected through a Hand-held GPS. Google Earth images were downloaded to supplement the data, and a comprehensive analysis of administered and recovered questionnaires was conducted to enrich the dataset. ArcGIS 10.6.1 software was employed to create the database and depict the area, whilst modifying all of the details required within. The result confirms that 72% of the respondents use electricity for domestic use, 18% for commercial use while 10% utilise it for domestic and commercial use. A significant portion of homes (33%) still use outdated postpaid meters and 35% of respondents do not know how much power they use at home each month or the cost per unit of that electricity. Regarding the respondents, 67% have a prepaid card/electrical meter installed (per kilowatt). Concerning cost, 10% of the respondents spends between N1000-N5000 for their monthly electricity consumption, 27% of the respondents between N5,000 and N10,000, 38% between N10,000 and N17,000, 24% between N17,000 and N25,000 and 2% above N25,000 per month on electricity. These findings will assist effective power distribution within the estate and provide guidance on charge rates for commercial power users which is approximately 28% overall.

Optimizing Technical Losses of the PLN Distribution Network with Changes in Operational Patterns in 2023 at PLN ULP Lhokseumawe

Technical shrinkage is shrinkage caused by impedance in generation equipment or transmission equipment to the distribution network so that there is energy loss. There are several technical shrinkage problems at PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) especially in Customer Service Unit (ULP) Lhokseumawe City and for now the cause is still unsolved, because this technical shrinkage problem will harm and have an impact on consumers and PLN itself. The purpose of the study was to optimize technical shrinkage in the distribution network to reduce energy losses that occurred during the electrical power distribution process in the distribution network of PT. PLN (Persero) ULP Lhokseumawe City. This study uses the help of Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software to simulate the power flow so that the depreciation value that occurs is obtained, then re-load adjustment is carried out to simulate again to determine the change in the depreciation value obtained after load adjustment. The results of the ETAP simulation show the depreciation value that occurred before the load adjustment was made by 76.7 kW after the depreciation load adjustment was adjusted to 59.6 kW. This means that this technical shrinkage can be suppressed by changing the feeder operation pattern and voltage drop value in accordance with the limitation provisions set in SPLN 72:1987.

Justice Energy as Formulation Equalization Electricity

The management and use of energy, including electricity, in Indonesia addresses three aspects: energy security (ensuring national electricity demand and future sustainability) and energy equity, ie increases and decreases in availability/electrification levels). The electrification ratio should highlight the use of electricity beyond lighting and measure how far electricity boosts people's economies, energy activists say. At least 500,000 households in Indonesia did not have access to electricity until May 2021, according to government data. The majority of them live in remote or outermost villages. This paper will examine 2 (two) things that become problem formulation, namely, first, how is the concept of energy justice in terms of electricity in remote areas? and How is Energy Justice as a Concept of Electricity Equity. Rural electricity program policy aims to expand access to electricity in areas that have not been reached by electric power distribution networks in rural areas. Ecological justice is concerned with the distribution of the environment among various forms of life. Ecological justice is a theoretical approach derived from established environmental justice theory and practice. Environmental justice bases its principles on three main dimensions: distribution, recognition, and participation.

Towards an interpretable data-driven switch placement model in electric power distribution systems: An explainable artificial intelligence-based approach

The fault management process is facilitated by equipping power distribution systems with automated devices, especially remote-controlled switches (RCSs). Although RCS plays a key role in improving the system's reliability, it imposes significant investment, installation, and maintenance costs. Hence, RCSs should be optimally located in distribution feeders for the highest profit. In previous works, reliability-oriented mathematical optimization models have been formulated to reach this goal. However, the number of test solutions exponentially grows with the problem size to find the globally optimal solution. This paper uses machine learning to propose a scalable and easy-to-implement model for optimal switch placement in real power distribution systems. At first, the features of candidate points for installing RCSs are introduced. Then, a learning model is applied to deeply explore the relationship between these features and optimal locations for installing RCSs. After training, the learning-based surrogate model directly determines the optimal RCS placement strategy in real power distribution systems by leveraging knowledge gained from past experiences. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed surrogate model is approximately 29 times faster than the integer programming-based mathematical model, without a significant loss of accuracy, when implemented on a modified 11 kV network connected to Bus 4 of the Roy Billiton test system. This paper also employs explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) tools to select the most important features, where the Hamming loss is decreased by approximately 5%.

The effects of polluting behaviour, dirty energy and electricity consumption on firm performance: Evidence from the recent crises

We examine the effects of polluting behaviour, dirty energy, and electricity consumption on firms' profitability during the recent crises (climate change, 2016 oil crisis and COVID-19) using a dataset of around 40,000 Vietnamese firms from 2011 to 2020. More specifically, we study how firm-specific characteristics affect energy consumption, polluting behaviour, and profitability. Our results show that (1) dirty energy consumption has a positive impact on firm performance; (2) larger firms and firms located in industrial zones tend to exploit dirty energy more than others; (3) state-owned firms manage resources better than privately owned firms; and (4) polluting firms are more profitable. After controlling for the Paris Climate Agreement, we find smaller polluting firms are affected more intensely than other firms. We also find that electricity consumption negatively impacts firm profitability, but the impact was alleviated during the oil and COVID-19 crises. Finally, our results indicate that recent crises negatively affected firms' profitability in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors. The findings of this paper suggest that more stringent policies are required around dirty energy consumption, and these policies must target larger organisations—particularly in industrial zones.

AVALIAÇÃO DA INFLUÊNCIA DA INSERÇÃO DA GERAÇÃO DISTRIBUÍDA EM SISTEMAS DE DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE ENERGIA ELÉTRICA

This paper seeks to evaluate the impacts arising from the insertion of distributed generation (DG) in electrical power distribution systems. In this circumstance, using the OpenDSS computational tool, simulations of four different scenarios were carried out, varying the DG penetration levels as a function of the total feeder load, considering a specific point of operation. Finally, the same feeder was simulated with photovoltaic generating sources distributed in bars next to the loads, in order to analyze the temporal characteristic of solar generation as a function of demand. Through the simulations, it was possible to analyze, interpret and highlight the impacts that the insertion of DG produces in the electrical power distribution systems. It was evident that the increase in DG penetration led to an improvement in the feeder voltage profile, power flow inversion and reduction of electrical losses in the feeder. It should be noted that the insertion of DG from renewable sources is a Brazilian reality and a path to be followed, since the diversification of the energy matrix in line with the use of new technologies, such as smart grids, will provide electrical power systems with greater safety, operational efficiency and quality in the product delivered to consumers.

Customer Orientated Indices and Reliability Evaluation of Meshed Power Distribution System

Aim. Reliability evaluation of a system or component or element is very important in order to predict its availability and other relevant indices. Reliability is the parameter which tells about the availability of the system under proper working conditions for a given period of time. The study of different reliability indices are very important considering the complex and uncertain nature of the power system. In this paper reliability evaluation of the meshed distribution system is presented. This paper also evaluates basic indices such as average failure rate, average outage time and average annual outage time. Along with basic indices, customer orientated indices such as system average interruption frequency index, system average interruption duration index and customer average interruption duration index of an electrical power distribution system is also evaluated. The electrical power distribution system taken for study is meshed distribution system in nature.Aditya Tiwary. "Customer Orientated Indices and Reliability Evaluation of Meshed Power Distribution System" Reliability: Theory & Applications, vol. 15, no. 1, 2020, pp. 10-19. doi:10.24411/1932-2321-2020-11001

Optimal inverter-based distributed generation in ULP Way Halim considering harmonic distortion

Integration of distributed generation (DG) based on the use of new renewable energy is considered to be able to increase the capability of the electric power distribution system. However, the use of inverter-based DG is not optimal, it can worsen the condition of the system, especially in terms of the spread of harmonic distortion which can damage the equipment. This is due to the inverter-based DG technology, apart from supplying electrical energy, DG also injects harmonic currents from existing semiconductor components. This research discusses optimization placement of inverter-based DG using the multi objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) method which was tested on the Unit Layanan Pelaksana (ULP) Way Halim 88-bus radial distribution system based on MALTAB 2020b to increase the efficiency of the electrical system by reducing losses and %THDv. The inverter-based DG placed on 24 bus points with a capacity of 690 kW can reduce losses by up to 12.74 kW or 14.96% and all %THDv values for each bus are below 5%.

Performance analysis of protection devices in electrical power distribution system: Eko Electricity Distribution Company as a case study

One of the major challenges hindering the effective operation of the electricity distribution system is the malfunctioning of the protection scheme. Therefore, in this study, the performance of an interrupter (oil circuit breaker (OCB)) on the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) network was assessed. Five-year outage data (2014 to 2018) regarding tripping of the interrupter on fault and health conditions were collected from the EKEDC Agbara/Badagry Business Unit. The tripping frequency was compared. Inspection of selected OCBs within the considered network was conducted over the study period. A breakdown voltage (BDV) test was carried out on six oil samples each for 11 and 33 kV OCB using Megger OTS60PB. The highest tripping frequency of 75 and 10 were observed in 2014 and 2018 respectively when the interrupter tripped on fault and healthy conditions. The lowest tripping frequency was, however, observed in 2018 with values of 46 and 7 respectively when the interrupter tripped on fault and healthy conditions. The inspection conducted revealed carbonized OCB contacts. The BDV test showed that two oil samples each violated the standard value of 40 kV for 11 and 33 kV OCBs respectively. This study indicated that the defective oil samples required filtration or complete replacement.

Distributed Generation Allocation in Distribution Network for Energy Losses Reduction

Abstract This paper presents a method for distributed generation (DG) allocation in medium voltage (MV) distribution system based on energy loss minimization. The main objective of the research is to design, implement and test a DG allocation (siting and sizing) method and to investigate how optimal DG allocation influence the operational parameters of the system from the Distribution System Operator (DSO) perspective. The problem is formulated as a single objective optimization problem solved by using both genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization techniques. Model of a realistic Electric Power Distribution System (EPDS) and IEEE 37-bus EPDS are used as test systems. The results confirm that proposed algorithms can be used for practical DG allocation. The research presented contributes to the field as it provides a DG allocation method for energy loss reduction performed on a EPDS which can be applied in realistic planning and regulatory situations using open-source software.

Communicationless Overcurrent Relays Coordination for Active Distribution Network Considering Fault Repairing Periods

This paper presents an integrated overcurrent relays coordination approach for an Egyptian electric power distribution system. The protection scheme suits all network topologies, including adding distribution generation units (DGs) and creating new paths during fault repair periods. The optimal types, sizes, and locations of DGs are obtained using HOMER software (Homer Pro 3.10.3) and a genetic algorithm (GA). The obtained values align with minimizing energy costs and environmental pollution. The proposed approach maintains dependability and security under all configurations using a single optimum setting for each relay. The calculations consider probable operating conditions, including DGs and fault repair periods. The enhanced coordination procedure partitions the ring into four parts and divides the process into four paths. The worst condition of two cascaded overcurrent relays from the DGs’ presence viewpoint is generalized for future work. Moreover, a novel concept addresses the issue of insensitivity during fault repair periods. The performance is validated through the simulation of an Egyptian primary distribution network.

Analysis of Power Quality and Technical Challenges in Grid-Tied Renewable Energy

The transition of power generation from fossil fuel to renewable energy is a cutting-edge phase in smart grid research. Renewable energy sources (RES), such as solar, photovoltaic, and wind are gradually overtaking other sources as the most attractive alternative within the power generation and distribution systems across many nations. Reduction in the carbon footprint is a major consideration in the choice of the RES. However, the technical challenges with RES pose a significant barrier to unified integration, even though the high penetration level appears plausible. The challenges are majorly caused by the variability and unpredictability of these sources. It is therefore a stimulating task to efficiently manage the electrical power distribution systems in the face of renewable energy integration. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of renewable energy integration and the accompanying technical challenges that include power quality issues associated with grid-tied renewable energy (GtRE). The study also recommends techniques capable of mitigating prominent power quality challenges to guarantee seamless renewable energy integration in power systems.

Design and implementation of the safety system of a solar-driven smart micro-grid comprising hydrogen production for electricity & cooling co-generation

This article presents a comprehensive description of the safety system of a real installation that comprises PV panels, lithium-ion batteries, an electrolyzer, H2 storage, a fuel cell, and a barium chloride/ammonia thermochemical prototype for heat recovery and cooling production. Such a system allows for the increase of the overall efficiency of the H2 chain by exploiting the waste heat and transforming it into a cooling effect, particularly useful in tropical regions like French Polynesia.The study provides a great deal of detail regarding practical aspects of the system implementation and a consistent reference to the relevant standards and regulations applicable to the subject matter. More specifically, the study covers the ATEX classification of the site, the safety features of each component, the electrical power distribution, the main safety instrumented system, fire safety and the force ventilation system. The study also includes safety assessment and a section on lessons learned that could serve as guidance for future installations. In addition, an extensive amount of technical data is readily available to the reader in repository (P&ID, electrical diagrams, etc.).

Transition towards dual control of CO2 emissions and intensity through supply chain management in China

To mitigate global climate change and achieve CO2 emissions reduction goals, China proposed to shift to dual control of total CO2 emissions (CE) and CO2 emissions intensity (CEI) as early as possible. Accurately assessing provincial sectoral CE and CEI and developing reasonable regulatory strategies is a prerequisite for achieving the goal of dual control. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis from different perspectives of the supply chain. Therefore, this paper evaluates the CE and CEI in provincial sectors of China in 2017 from production-based and consumption-based perspectives according to multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model. Then, we analyze the supply chain of transmission sector by betweenness-based method as a supplementary perspective. The results show that: (1) The CE and CEI from different perspectives are different and can complement each other. (2) Production and distribution of electric power and heat power in Inner Mongolia (P5D24), construction in Jiangsu (P10D27), distribution of electric power and heat power in Beijing (P1D24) are the critical sectors for dual control of CE and CEI from production, consumption, betweenness-based perspectives, respectively. (3) Construction in Jiangsu (P10D27) and Shanxi (P4D27) have the highest embodied CE and CEI in China respectively. Energy and raw material sectors from upstream supply chain contribute large CE to construction sectors. This research suggests that paying attention to critical sectors from different perspectives of the supply chain and taking different measures to decrease CO2 emissions. Taking both CE and CEI into consideration and allocating CO2 emissions reduction pressures reasonably among provincial sectors. At the same time, taking care of relevant upstream sectors of the supply chain to help a single sector achieve CO2 emissions reduction goals and promote China's transition to dual control of CE and CEI.

Pengaruh Efek Kontaminasi Isolator KeramikTerhadap Rugi DayaSaluran Udara Tegangan Tinggi

In meeting consumers' needs for electric power continuously, the reliability of electric power distribution is something that needs to be considered. One of the reliability parameters is the network's ability to distribute power from generators continuously, with the allowable voltage and frequency quality. For this reason, the presence of an insulator in the power distribution system is very important considering its function is to separate live conductors from their supports. If the isolation properties do not function, a voltage failure will occur so that power distribution will stop, resulting in low system reliability. From the data from the calculation results of 150 kV high voltage overhead line power losses due to flashovers on insulators installed in each fouling area, it is clear that increasing the contaminant value will make it easier for flashovers to occur which cause very large power losses and conversely, insulators that are clean make it difficult. the occurrence of flashover so as to reduce power losses on the transmission line. The appropriate insulator to use is the fog type, because the diameter is wider, increasing the propagation distance so that the insulator's ability to withstand greater voltage

Smart Grid Study As Solution To The Challenges Of Electricity Transmission And Distribution In North Sulawesi

Electricity delivery in North Sulawesi faces many problems, such as inadequate supply, unreliable infrastructure, ineffective power transfer, and inadequate integration of renewable sources. This research is a literature study that provides a logical description in accordance with the study objectives. The results of this study show that Smart Grid Technology is considered a feasible solution to overcome the problem. Smart Grid can revolutionize the power grid in this region by monitoring and controlling superior power transmission by combining contemporary information and communication technology with conventional energy infrastructure. As this research shows, Smart Grid solutions can improve the efficiency and reliability of electric power transmission and distribution in North Sulawesi.