Electric Power System Research Articles

A Redundant Secondary Control Scheme to Resist FDI Attacks in AC Microgrids

Hierarchical control of AC microgrids, despite providing stable voltage, frequency, and optimal power distribution, is susceptible to false data injection (FDI) attacks on its secondary control. Electric power systems in countries such as the United States and Venezuela have suffered cyberattacks. This paper proposes a redundant secondary control method to resist FDI attacks. This method uses distributed generators (DGs) online as redundant units on standby, generating dynamic corrections to the attacked DGs, thus eliminating the attack impact. It effectively addresses the numerical tampering and addition brought by FDI to the frequency and voltage setting values of the secondary control, ensuring the microgrid can still output stable frequency and voltage. The principle of this control method is direct and practical; it doesn't require complex controllers and can respond quickly to FDI attacks. Then, focusing on a microgrid system containing six DGs, the setting values of the microgrid system are tampered by multiple values in different time periods, the simulation results confirm that the proposed method can effectively resist FDI attacks under various scenarios. Finally, FPGA-in-the-loop experiments further verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

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.

Probabilistic short-term load forecasting models based on a parametric approach

The forecasting of electric load plays an essential role in the effective management of electric power systems. Specifically, short-term models, which predict hourly load over the 24 hours of the subsequent day, hold significant value for applications within the realm of electricity markets. In this context, research efforts have predominantly concentrated on the development of point load forecasting models. These models provide solely the estimated value of hourly load, omitting any information regarding its associated uncertainty. Probabilistic forecasting models aim to address this limitation by offering comprehensive information on forecasted values, including their associated uncertainty, thereby enabling their more effective utilization in risky decision-making environments. This paper presents a parametric probabilistic model designed for hourly load forecasting. The model is refined through a multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization process that identifies explanatory variables from a specified set. The selected variables are combined linearly to predict the parameters of a probability distribution function for the hourly load. The process also selects the type of distribution from among those characterized by two parameters. The model is applied to data from a real distribution substation, yielding superior forecasting evaluation indexes compared to those achieved by two benchmark probabilistic load forecasting models.

ORBIT SELECTION OF THE SPACE INDUSTRIAL PLATFORM WITH DISTRIBUTED ELECTRICAL-POWER SYSTEM MODULES

Space industrialization is one of the prospective directions in modern aerospace science and engineering for space exploration of new resources and habitats. The key issue is to provide industrial space modules with the required amount of electricity needed. One type of power supply for such modules is the use of distributed power systems, which consist of constellations of spacecraft with contactless power transmission. Given this, the problem of rational orbit selection for their dislocation arises. Considering these problems, the methodology for orbits selection of the space industrial platform with distributed electrical-power system modules is proposed in the paper. This methodology includes orbital translation, attitude, relative dynamics estimation for each power satellite, and its corresponding orbit optimization algorithm. The orbit optimization algorithm includes statistical processing and elements of gradient and coordinate descent methods, allowing us to determine the most significant parameter influencing the duration of the contactless power transmission session. Also, quaternion mathematics is used to estimate the dynamics in the program parameters for targeting the transmitter spacecraft antenna to the receiver spacecraft rectenna. With the approaches mentioned above, the methodology proposed in this paper allows us to form the requirements for the power satellites’ attitude and orbit control system to improve the process of selecting corresponding design parameters of such systems. Thus, the usage of the proposed methodology can allow the designing of the power satellites’ attitude and orbit control system in the conceptual stages of designing.

Synergistically enhanced dielectric properties and thermal conductivity in percolating flaky copper/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites via engineering magnesium oxide as a buffer interlayer

AbstractHigh dielectric constant (ε), thermal conductivity (TC), and breakdown strength (Eb) along with low loss flexible polymeric nanocomposites display multifunctional applications. In this work, to synergistically bolster the TC and Eb while restraining dielectric loss and leakage current in the percolating flaky copper (f‐Cu)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), presenting a giant ε, the core@shell structured f‐Cu@MgO (magnesium oxide) nanosheets were first created via a chemical precipitation method, then incorporated into host PVDF to explore the MgO shell’ impact on the TC and dielectric properties of the resulting nanocomposites. The introduced MgO interlayer strengthens the interfacial interactions and significantly mitigates the interfacial mismatch in both ε and conductivity between the f‐Cu and PVDF, resulting in elevated TC and Eb of the f‐Cu@MgO/PVDF in comparison to pristine f‐Cu/PVDF. Furthermore, the insulating MgO interlayer introduces deep traps and inhibits the long‐distance migration of electrons, leading to remarkably suppressed dielectric loss. More importantly, the TC and dielectric properties of nanocomposites can be optimized by tuning the MgO thickness. The fitting results via the Havriliak‐Negami equation theoretically support the MgO shell's suppression effect on charge migration and reveal the underlying polarization mechanism in the nanocomposites. The developed nanocomposites with currently high ε, Eb and TC but low loss, present promising applications in electrical power systems.

Impact of cap-and-trade mechanism on investment decision of new electric power system.

Under the background of cap-and-trade mechanisms, this article constructs a game model of the electricity supply chain, which is dominated by electricity generators and followed by electricity sellers, taking into account the situation of electricity generators investing in renewable energy and energy storage under the grandfathering mechanism (GM) and benchmarking mechanism (BM). By comparing the equilibrium solutions in different cases, the research finds that (1) compared with the grandfathering mechanism, the benchmarking mechanism has more investment in renewable energy and higher energy storage quality; (2) in the consumer market, compared with GM, the electricity price and the electricity demand are higher under BM; (3) an increase in the renewable energy preference coefficient or carbon price will lead to an increase in the electricity wholesale price, renewable energy investment, energy storage quality, electricity price, and electricity demand. Further, an increase in the energy storage cost coefficient or renewable energy investment cost coefficient will result in lower electricity wholesale price, renewable energy investment, energy storage quality, electricity price, and electricity demand; and (4) the profit of the generator under GM is higher than that under BM when the total carbon quota is larger, while the profit of the generator under BM is higher than that under GM when the unit carbon quota is larger.

Metadielectrics for high-temperature energy storage capacitors

Dielectric capacitors are highly desired for electronic systems owing to their high-power density and ultrafast charge/discharge capability. However, the current dielectric capacitors suffer severely from the thermal instabilities, with sharp deterioration of energy storage performance at elevated temperatures. Here, guided by phase-field simulations, we conceived and fabricated the self-assembled metadielectric nanostructure with HfO2 as second-phase in BaHf0.17Ti0.83O3 relaxor ferroelectric matrix. The metadielectric structure can not only effectively increase breakdown strength, but also broaden the working temperature to 400 oC due to the enhanced relaxation behavior and substantially reduced conduction loss. The energy storage density of the metadielectric film capacitors can achieve to 85 joules per cubic centimeter with energy efficiency exceeding 81% in the temperature range from 25 °C to 400 °C. This work shows the fabrication of capacitors with potential applications in high-temperature electric power systems and provides a strategy for designing advanced electrostatic capacitors through a metadielectric strategy.

Development of methodological foundations for analyzing the system reliability of modern electric power systems

The article discusses issues related to improving the methodological foundations for analyzing the system reliability of electric power systems. In particular, a decomposition of the complex property “system reliability” is presented, which covers all stages of control of electric power systems. In accordance with the new decomposition, system reliability is formed by three components: security (operational reliability), planned reliability and adequacy. Each of the components is designed to solve specific problems at various stages of managing electrical power systems. Thus, the methodological apparatus for analyzing adequacy should mainly be used when solving problems of designing the development of electric power systems, the methodological apparatus for analyzing planned reliability should be used when solving problems of work planning (states and balances), and the methodological apparatus for analyzing security when solving problems of operational management. Unlike the concepts of adequacy and security, the concept of planned reliability is new. The article presents the rationale for introducing the concept of “planned reliability” into the practice of managing electric power systems. The main differences between planned reliability and security and adequacy are reflected. The basic requirements for the methodology for assessing the planned reliability of electric power systems are formulated. It is indicated that when assessing the planned reliability of electric power systems, it is necessary to take into account a number of random processes in the functioning of energy facilities, such as energy storage systems, hydroelectric power plants, renewable energy sources and others, and this requires the use of the mathematical apparatus of random processes in the functioning of systems. To assess planned reliability, it is proposed to use the sequential Monte Carlo method.

Exponential PID controller for effective load frequency regulation of electric power systems

Load frequency regulation (LFR) is an indispensable scheme in planning electrical power production to provide consumers with stable, reliable and uninterrupted power. In the face of complicated power system (PS) structures with increasing and intricate power demand, new controllers that offer not only good performance, but also easy commissioning in practice are required. To this end, this research introduces an exponential PID (EXP-PID) controller as a new control scheme to ameliorate the LFR performance of PSs. This controller is simple to design and has a nonlinear feature inherited from two tunable exponential functions, which are placed in front of the PID controller and act on the error signal and its time derivative individually. To achieve the utmost performance, the EXP-PID controller’s parameters are procured by a corrected variant of the snake optimizer (co-SO). To validate the proposed control scheme, various single-/multi-area single-/multi-source PSs favored in the area are considered as test benches. A thorough comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches is performed to disclose the true efficacy of our proposal. Among the rivals, co-SO tuned EXP-PID controller, despite its simplicity, is found to render credible and promising performance in mitigating frequency and tie-line power deviations effectively.

Study on wind power prediction based on improved double wavelet transform and quantile regression forest

Abstract The random fluctuation of a wind power system will bring significant challenges to its stable operation when connected to the grid[1]. To reduce the impact of microgrid wind power integration on electric power systems and in response to the certain prediction inaccuracy of BP, LSSVM, and ARIMA-based prediction models in case of rapid fluctuation of actual power, a method of decomposing the original wind power sequence into several characteristic subcomponents through the improved double wavelet transform algorithm was proposed in this study to weaken the fluctuation of the wind power sequence. Specifically, a short-term wind power probability density prediction model based on the improved double wavelet algorithm and quantile regression method was established. Then, the original wind power sequence was decomposed into a series of components with different frequencies using the double wavelet transform method. Suitable components were chosen to construct a QRF prediction model to acquire the prediction results.

Solar Wind‐Magnetosphere Coupling Efficiency and Its Dependence on Solar Activity During Geomagnetic Storms of 23–24 Solar Cycles

AbstractSpace weather forecasts are of utmost importance in safeguarding navigation, communication, and electric power system operations, satellites from orbital drag, and the astronauts in the International Space Station from hazardous space radiation during extreme space weather conditions. The finest space weather prediction requires a clear understanding of solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling. The in‐situ measurements of the solar wind properties give unique information about the Sun and its activity on smaller to longer timescales. The present work investigates the influence of solar activity on the coupling of solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere during 23–24 solar cycles. The geomagnetic storms with Symmetric H‐component (SYMH) ≤ −85 nT during the 23–24 solar cycles are considered. We present the results of statistical analysis and relationships between the various solar wind parameters such as the total strength of interplanetary magnetic field (B) and its three‐axis components (Bx, By, and Bz), solar wind proton density (Nsw), solar wind speed (Vsw), SYMH indices, the amplitude, duration, and profile of the geomagnetic storms. The integrated electric field and integrated SYMH index during storms show the highest correlation of 0.92, implying that integrated SYMH is a better proxy of the injected solar wind energy in the magnetosphere in the form of the ring current. Moreover, we do see the difference in the solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling efficiency during the phases of 23–24 solar cycles which is intriguing.

A fuzzy-PID controller for load frequency control of a two-area power system using a hybrid algorithm

This paper presents the use of a new hybrid optimization approach known as particle swarm optimization and grey wolf optimizer (PSO-GWO) for improving frequency stability load frequency control (LFC) in tow-area power systems. The approach consists in optimizing the fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (fuzzy-PID) controller parameters with meta-heuristic hybrid algorithm: PSO-GWO. This technique allows to have dynamic responses with the least possible frequency deviation in very short response times. The approach proposes to controls the tie-line power and the frequency deviation in the considered two-area power systems under variable perturbation in load and changing of system parameters in order to evaluate its effectiveness. The suggested hybrid algorithm-based fuzzy-PID controller is compared with various widely used control methods in the literature such as PID controller and algorithms such as PSO and GWO in order to evaluate its effectiveness and its robustness. Through the simulations carried out on MATLAB/Simulink, the proposed PSO-GWO fuzzy-PID and the objective function exhibit improved performance, achieving minimal objective values. The proposed technique proved to be quite powerful tool in the resolution of problems related to electrical power systems, particularly in load frequency control.

Analysis and classification of power quality disturbances using variational mode decomposition and hybrid particle swarm optimization

Power quality disturbances (PQD) threaten electrical power systems, especially in distributed generation with renewable energy sources and in smart grids where PQD takes a complex form. Providing accurate information on the status and characteristics of the electrical signal facilitates the identification of practical solutions to this threat. In this paper, a variational mode decomposition (VMD) signal processing tool is proposed to analyze complex PQD. In VMD, the input signal is decomposed into different band-limited intrinsic mode functions (IMF) or non-recursively reconstructed modes. The input signal analysis by VMD, which considers the frequency values and spectral decomposition for each mode, describes the changes in the input waveform, and the IMFs help extract the behavioral patterns of these disturbances. A new hybrid particle swarm optimization-technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (PSO-TOPSIS) algorithm is also proposed to classify the disturbances based on the features extracted from the signals decomposed using VMD. The performance of this method is then extensively validated by using different PQDs (including complex, stationary, and non-stationary (PQDs) and through a comparison with deep learning methods, such as convolutional and recurrent neural networks. Results show that VMD has several advantages over Fourier, wavelet, and Stockwell transforms, such as its lack of any modal aliasing effect, its capability to diagnose disturbances across four noise levels, and its ability to separate harmonics from other events. The proposed VMD in combination with PSO-TOPSIS performs more accurately than the other methods across all noise levels.

Walrus optimizer-based optimal fractional order PID control for performance enhancement of offshore wind farms

Offshore wind farms (OWFs) play a crucial role in producing renewable energy in modern electrical power systems. However, to ensure that these facilities operate smoothly, they require robust control systems. As a result, this paper employed the newly developed Walrus Optimization algorithm (WaOA) to optimize the design parameters of fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controllers in the power electronic interface circuits of the studied wind energy conversion system (WECS). In contrast to conventional optimization techniques like GA and PSO, the suggested approach proves more effective. The paper validates the WaOA application in optimizing FOPID controllers within a WECS comprising two, onshore and offshore, VSC stations at the two ends of an HVDC transmission system connecting OWFs to the mainland. The study shows that the WaOA outperforms GA and PSO, improving system stability and enabling quick recovery after disturbances. The study carried out using MATLAB/Simulink highlights the significance of newly recently introduced optimization techniques to ensure efficient and reliable operation of offshore wind energy systems, thereby expediting the transition to sustainable energy sources.

An Investigation of the Third Harmonic Power Line Emission in the Topside Ionosphere During the Recent Solar Minimum Period

AbstractPower line harmonic radiation (PLHR) events are radiated by electric power systems on the ground at harmonics of the base power system frequency (50 or 60 Hz, depending on the region). We analyze the global third harmonics PLHR at 150 and 180 Hz using electric field data collected by China Seismo‐Electromagnetic Satellite during the recent solar minimum between January 2019 and December 2022. The average frequency spectrum over industrialized areas shows that the third harmonic has a high occurrence rate in the U.S. region, as well as in western China and northern India, but is very low in the European region. In particular, in the China region and the U.S. region, more than 11,000 and 24,000 dayside and nightside third harmonic PLHR events have been detected from 2019 to 2022, respectively. Compared to the 150 Hz PLHR occurrence rate detected above the China region, the 180 Hz PLHR occurrence rate above the U.S. region is higher, which reveals a significant regional difference. In addition, both at nighttime and daytime, the PLHR electric field intensities at 180 Hz are higher than that at 60 Hz above the U.S. region, which is also different from the result above the China region.

Dynamical heterogeneity and universality of power-grids

Electric power systems during transient states are extensively investigated using variations of the Kuramoto model to analyze their dynamic behavior. However, the majority of current models fail to capture the physics of power flows and the heterogeneity of the grids under study. This study addresses this gap by comparing the levels of heterogeneity in continent-sized power grids in Europe and North America to reveal the underlying universality and heterogeneity of grid frequencies, electrical parameters, and topological structures. Empirical data analysis of grid frequencies from the Hungarian grid indicates that q-Gaussian distributions best fit simulations, with spatio-temporally correlated noise evident in the frequency spectrum. Comparing European and North American power grids reveals that employing homogeneous transmission capacities to represent power lines can lead to misleading results on stability, and nodal behavior is heterogeneous. Community structures of the continent-sized grids are detected, demonstrating that Chimera states are more likely to occur when studying only subsystems. A topographical analysis of the grids is presented to assist in selecting such subsystems. Finally, synchronization calculations are provided to illustrate the occurrence of Chimera states. The findings underscore the necessity of heterogeneous grid models for dynamic stability analysis of power systems.

Development of a prototype to evaluate and monitor energy efficiency aiming at power quality 4.0

In research and development projects, the need to implement prototypes to speed up the development and delivery process is paramount, offering tools to validate scenarios and anticipate challenges. The aim of this research is to experimentally develop a prototype for monitoring electrical power systems using a gateway that converts MODBUS-RTU communication protocols to TCP, providing useful information for technicians and managers of a company in the Manaus Industrial Estate (PIM) in the field of reflective tapes. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to specify the technical requirements for panel assembly and communication via MODBUS, acquire and research materials in accordance with the technical specifications and technological requirements, implement the monitoring system with an IMS Controller for reactive power compensation, and configure and parameterise the MODBUS protocol via the RTU to TCP converter. The prototype is expected to be able to take accurate measurements and, in the data acquisition process, obtain readings of electrical quantities such as: voltage per phase; current per phase; power factor per phase; active power per phase; reactive power per phase; apparent power per phase; frequency; voltage THD and voltage harmonics. The prototype must act intelligently to drive the capacitor bank to control and monitor reactive power. The development of the prototype included crucial stages such as the specification of technical requirements, the acquisition of suitable materials, and the implementation and configuration of the system. The specification ensured that the components were aligned with the project objectives, while the procurement of materials ensured the quality and efficiency of the system. The implementation of the Automatic Reactive Power Compensation Controller was vital for reactive power compensation and the configuration of the MODBUS protocol ensured precise communication between the components. To summarise, this project demonstrates the importance of prototypes in technological advancement, offering practical and efficient solutions for industry. The prototype developed to monitor electrical power systems through a MODBUS-RTU to TCP protocol converter gateway represents a significant advance, providing essential data and contributing to informed decision-making, improving the performance and management of the company's energy resources.

A hybrid cyber–physical risk identification method for grid-connected photovoltaic systems

Identifying risks in modern electric power systems is essential, and one of the main difficulties concerns covering the wide range of technologies that permeate its cyber and physical domains. Different risk identification methods have been proposed, but applying them individually does not guarantee coverage of both domains. On the other hand, the simple non-articulated application of a set of existing risk identification methods can lead to an exhaustive and inefficient process. This paper proposes a new Cyber–Physical Risks Identification Method (CPRIM) to comprehensively and efficiently identify risks in electrical power systems. To systematically cover risks ranging from the cyber domain to the physical domain, CPRIM combines in a complimentary and articulated way the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, a Risk Factor model, and the HAZOP, establishing a novel hybrid risk identification approach. This work also proposes a method based on Jaccard and overlap indexes to quantitatively assess the complementarity and superposition that may exist when applying different risk identification methods to electrical power systems. The results obtained in a real computer-managed photovoltaic plant indicate that CPRIM can efficiently identify cyber–physical risks, showing a reasonable trade-off between system coverage and redundancy in identified risks.

DYNAMIC MODELLING OF THREE-PHASE MICROGRIDS INCLUDING DQ0 CURRENT CONTROLLED PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION UNDER TRANSIENT CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT: The photovoltaic generation can be interconnected to power systems or to insulated grids to satisfy the growing electrical demand as an alternative renewable energy source. The photovoltaic generator dynamics affects the control, protection, stability, and power quality of the electrical grid, this network dynamics requires to be examined and conveniently regulated and adjusted. The dynamic averaged model for the dq0 current controlled DC/AC inverter is applied to obtain the time-domain response to electromagnetic transients under special conditions such as electrical load fluctuations, unbalanced faults, voltage and current transients to verify e.g., the ride through capability or to adjust the protection and control devices, these transients can be present during the operation of electrical microgrids and power systems interconnected with photovoltaic generation. The system modelling includes the photovoltaic plant interconnected with the microgrid using the dq0 current controlled DC/AC inverter. The case studies are applied to analyse three-phase electrical microgrids, their time-domain response, and the obtained voltage and current waveforms can be used to verify the dynamic behaviour and stability of the electrical system interconnected with photovoltaic generation and similarly to verify the operation of the dq0 current controller for the inverter. The results can be used to control the microgrid dynamic behaviour. Keywords: current control, dq0 transform, inverter, microgrids, photovoltaic generation, power quality, protection, time-domain, transients, unbalanced faults, unbalanced voltage sags, voltage source converter

Determining the Impact of Coefficients of Forced Excitation of Two Different Excitation Control Systems of Large Synchronous Generators on the Transient Stability of Electric Power Systems

Determining the Impact of Coefficients of Forced Excitation of Two Different Excitation Control Systems of Large Synchronous Generators on the Transient Stability of Electric Power Systems