Electrical Distribution Networks Research Articles

Detection of Potential Faults in the Electricity Distribution Network Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Thermal Cameras Through Deep Learning Methods

In this article, a software-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prototype has been developed for exploration purposes, replacing the current manual inspection of energy transmission lines (ETLs) by human teams. The UAV's capabilities address the limitations of human viewing angles, ensuring more efficient exploration activities. Real-time exploration is now achieved through data collected with UAVs and processed using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and image processing techniques. The UAV’s path and detected objects are autonomously processed in the Cartesian coordinate system. The autonomous conductor tracking system provides bidirectional tracking of conductors in the distribution network through color space range and Faster R-CNN conductor detection. Incorporating a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) design, the UAV is capable of operating in adverse weather conditions. An additional overheating warning system protects equipment in the electricity distribution network (EDN) from potential issues related to uneven load distribution, economic life, and labor errors. Through modeling studies with convolutional neural networks and field data, impressive F-1 scores have been achieved for detecting various anomalies: 77% for trees in contact with the line, 67% for concrete equipment exceeding its economic life, 88% for bird nests, 55% for cracked porcelain insulators, 89% for foreign objects, and 97% for nonuse of original fuses.

Impact of EV charging on electrical distribution network and mitigating solutions – A review

AbstractRapidly increasing uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is expected to have a significant impact on electrical power distribution networks. Considerable work has been carried out to understand this impact and quantify the distribution networks hosting capacity, with and without network management solutions. However, the current body of knowledge does not have a comprehensive review of the research done to‐date on this topic which is vital to understand the scope of the existing studies, the data used in analysing the impact, and, most importantly, the findings. A comprehensive yet focused review of impact of EV charging on distribution networks is presented by delving into the main factors restricting EV hosting capacity and the strategies used to maximise EV hosting capacity by managing the aforementioned impacts. The authors comprehensively summarise the approaches used to quantify the impact, network and data types, and the proposed solutions to increase network hosting capacity. Moreover, the shortcomings in the existing work are identified and recommendations for future research are provided to help stakeholders understand the current state‐of‐the‐art, make informed decisions, and to be considered by future researchers.

Total supply capability of electricity distribution networks considering flexible interconnection of low‐voltage service transformers

AbstractUnder the target of ‘emission peak and carbon neutrality’, electricity distribution networks will massively access low‐carbon technologies, which will result in problems such as insufficient hosting capacity, unbalanced electricity loads, degraded power quality etc. The low‐voltage flexible distribution network (LVFDN), which interconnects its low‐voltage service transformers using flexible power electronic devices (flexible interconnected devices [FIDs]) is considered an effective means to deal with the challenges above. The total supply capability (TSC) of LVFDN is proposed. Firstly, the typical structures of LVFDN and their operation modes are proposed. Then, the TSC model of LVFDN, which formulates flexible power flow control and multi‐level (medium‐voltage feeder and low‐voltage flexible interconnection) load transfer is proposed. Due to the non‐linear non‐convex characteristics of the proposed TSC model, a new algorithm based on the ‘branch and bound algorithm’ is also provided. In the case study, the TSC of an actual electricity distribution network is calculated and tested by the N‐1 verification method. Finally, the variations of TSC with different capacities of the low‐voltage FID are analysed. Suggestions for the planning and operation of LVFDN are also given. A theoretical basis for the application of flexible interconnection technology in low‐voltage electricity distribution networks is provided.

Eco-environmental scheduling of multi-energy communities in local electricity and natural gas markets considering carbon taxes: A decentralized bi-level strategy

Multi-energy communities (MEC) integrated with renewable resources are known as a cost-effective and highly efficient solution to meet the diverse energy needs of subscribers. The increasing integration of MECs with electricity and natural gas networks has made it necessary to design new frameworks to optimize their energy management and then facilitate their participation in competitive energy markets. Hence, this article presents a bi-level optimization strategy for the decentralized coordination of MECs in competitive electricity and gas markets, in which the system operator adopts a robust technique to deal with operational uncertainties. The daily planning of MECs is performed in the upper level, while in the lower level, the planning of electricity and natural gas networks takes place. An adaptive alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm has also been introduced to settle the electricity and natural gas markets in a decentralized space while considering the CO2 footprint tax. The proposed strategy is implemented on a system containing a modified 69-bus IEEE distribution electricity network (EN) and a 65-node natural gas network (NGN). The results obtained from the case studies show that the proposed adaptive ADMM algorithm reached the optimal point in 113 iterations less than the original version, reducing the solution time by 48.01 %. The results prove that the proposed strategy has been able to coordinate the decentralized MECs with the least data sharing in the competitive electricity and gas markets. Additionally, it effectively utilizes the capabilities of renewable-based assets, storage systems, and smart EV charging to reduce the CO2 footprint, alleviate congestion, and improve the voltage and gas pressure profiles, while leading to reduced market clearing prices.

Smart distribution applications – some contributions to P1854

Rapid and wide-spread deployment of new technologies in the electric power distribution network under the concept of smart grids has resulted in a growing need to new standards and guidelines specifically designed to address emerging technological challenges and further streamline the use of new technology. This document is prepared as part of the activities to develop the IEEE Power and Energy Society’s “smart distribution application guide”, to give guidance to utilities and network operators in the use of new technology in electric power distribution. The document will provide a description of the available new technology based on its application, followed by a more detailed description of the technologies and associated supporting solutions. The topics discussed in this document include improving the reliability of supply, improving the power quality, improving the efficiency of distribution-system operation, increasing hosting capacity for new production or for new consumption, and allowing market functioning and participation of all network users. This paper contains some examples of texts as they are currently being discussed within the smart distribution working group.

The Power Quality of the distribution networks and its impact on the Telecommunication Next Generation Access Network

The paper deals with the Power Quality of the electrical distribution network and its impact on the new telecommunication networks. In particular, in the frame of the deployment of the Next Generation Access Network (NGAN) in the Fiber To The Cabinet (FTTCab) architecture, the impact of severe voltage dips and micro interruptions on the most important Information and Communications Technology (ICT) devices has been evaluated experimentally by Telecom Italia, defining in particular a sort of customized voltage dips immunity area for its telecommunications network equipment (TLC). On the base of these experimental results RSE has performed statistical analyses on voltage dips occurring outside this area which could be responsible in theory for the telecommunication devices reboot. The analyses are based on the data provided by the MV distribution network monitoring system QuEEN in the assumption that MV dips could be totally transferred to the LV network where the telecommunication cabinets are connected. A short analysis of voltage dips propagation from the medium voltage MV to the low voltage LV networks has been performed, on a few measurements sites at disposal in order to confirm this assumption.

Virtual Power System: Novel approach for Distributed Generation and Consumption Coordination

Worldwide the introduction of dispersed generators (DG) in the distribution network is assuming a significant importance. There is an increasing relevance of the energy process efficiency improvement; as for electric power systems, the most interesting perspective concerns the capability of the system to increase the exploitation of the renewable resources. The integration of DGs in the electric distribution network requires a revision of this infrastructure, so far designed and developed assuming that power flows in one direction: from the high voltage transmission network to the medium voltage distribution, to reach final customers on the low voltage network. The attention to an efficient operation of distribution networks is increasing all over the world; this interest is becoming higher and higher also in Italy, where the high energy prices push in the direction of fostering efficiency as much as possible. This work describes a study developed in the Alpenergy project framework: an International Cooperation Program aimed at introducing an efficient operational model for the distributed production and consumption. In particular it is proposed a new model for the integration and the management of the DG in the distribution network. The new model (defined VPS: Virtual Power System) is based on a communication channel between the active users (generators), the loads and, eventually, the Distribution System Operators (DSOs).

Quality of power energy from wind power plant

The aim of this paper is to measure the quality of power coming from the wind power plant to the electrical distribution network. The quality of electrical energy includes many parameters but the main thesis target is to measure a harmonic frequency of current. I used the program Matlab for the simulation of the connection between the wind power plant and the electrical network. I simulated startup of the wind turbine and changes of wind flowing. Obtained data were plotted on graphs which show harmonic frequencies of current based on these changes.

A Loadability Study of 30 kV Misurata Distribution Network

Due to the expansion of power distribution networks, the power delivered to the loads might get through corridors which limits their capability of transmitting the power. This concept is termed as the loadability. An unplanned increase in power consumption in the Libyan network, especially after 2011, led to major problems at different levels of the power network. For instance, these issues are addressed at the generation level as power shortages and load shedding while at the distribution level presented as under voltages and loadability issues. In this paper, a study of the loadability of 30 kV Misurata electrical distribution network (MDN) is carried out using the NEPLAN software. Even though the MDN is considered one of the largest distribution networks in Libya, a lack of data is found which makes an ambiguous vision about this network and the necessary developments required in the future as well as adds some difficulties to making studies. The work presents the steady state operation of MDN under the existence of the current and estimated loads up to the year 2026. The results show significant loading problems in Misurata distribution network which should be considered to avoid the anticipated future power transfer limitations. Some visible solutions are proposed toensure the optimal operation of the distribution network.

Influence of the photovoltaic generation in a small distribution network

In this paper are presented the results of a study carried out with the data of a electrical energy distribution network in a village in the region of La Rioja (Spain). In this distribution network, property of a small utility, is connected a photovoltaic power plant with a capacity comparable with the total load connected to the network in some hours. In the study there have been used actual load and generation data, discussing the influence of the photovoltaic generation on the net demand of the village over a period of two years (2009-2010). This study is a first phase for the application of demand side management actions for adjusting the load curves with generation curves. In a second phase the influence of new distributed generation facilities, based on renewable sources (wind, biomass, cogeneration, etc.) will be considered in order to minimize the dependence of the village from external supplies.

Energy Storage for Active Network Management on Electricity Distribution Networks with Wind Power

Increasing amounts of variable renewable generation are likely to enter our energy systems in the near future. In order to accommodate this generation onto our electricity networks, the concept of active network management (ANM) has become a significant area of research interest. Network connected energy storage is considered here as a means to actively control the network in order to increase the amount of generation it is possible to connect to a network. Energy storage is one of several potential methods of ANM, but has not been widely researched in this context. In this paper the ability of energy storage to increase the amount of wind energy accepted onto a network is assessed over a range of round trip storage efficiencies. The results show that energy storage is able to increase the energy accepted onto a distribution network, with the efficiency of the energy storage, energy storage capacity, wind farm size, network losses and network characteristics being important in determining the relative effectiveness of energy storage.

Probabilistic model for distributed generation expansion in distribution power network

In this paper a probabilistic model is presented to optimize the expansion of distributed generation in the electricity distribution network. The Monte Carlo technique is used to obtain probability distributions of the desired variables, such as: power flows, output power of distributed generators, costs, etc. The analysis of the results leads to optimized criteria for the expansion of distributed generation (DG) in distribution networks.

A risk-averse approach for distribution locational marginal price calculation in electrical distribution networks

As distributed generation (DG) systems continue reshaping power networks, optimizing pricing strategies at DG buses using the distribution locational marginal price (DLMP) concept becomes critical for economic efficiency and the optimal operation of the network. This paper proposes a novel approach that combines Information Gap Decision Theory (IGDT) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to address these challenges. IGDT offers a robust framework for optimizing pricing in the presence of uncertainties and incomplete information in the distribution network. It quantifies and models these uncertainties, enabling the creation of adaptable pricing strategies that respond effectively to changes in DG output and market conditions. To further refine pricing strategies, PSO is integrated into the IGDT framework. PSO's iterative approach allows for the discovery of optimal pricing parameters at DG buses, striking a balance between maximizing DG owner profits and ensuring system optimality. Extensive simulations on two realistic distribution network models validate the effectiveness of the proposed IGDT-PSO approach. It demonstrates that DG owners can reliably achieve their predefined profit targets while also adhering to the objectives of the distribution network.

Stochastic Mixed-Integer Branch Flow Optimization for the Optimal Integration of Fixed-Step Capacitor Banks in Electrical Distribution Grids

Context: The use of capacitor banks is the most common and preferred solution for reducing power loss in electrical distribution networks, given their cost-effectiveness and low maintenance requirements. However, achieving their optimal integration in terms of location and size is a challenging problem. Method: This paper proposes a stochastic mixed-integer convex model based on a branch flow optimization model, which incorporates three different load-generation conditions, in order to address the stochastic nature of distribution systems.Results: The simulation results indicated that the proposed stochastic mixed-integer branch flow (SMIBF) model provides the best solution for all test feeders analyzed, reducing the objective function value by 39.81%, 35.29%, and 56.31% for the modified 33-, 69-, and 85-node test feeders, respectively.Conclusions: An SMIBF model was developed to optimally integrate fixed-step capacitor banks into electrical distribution grids. This model considered the stochastic nature of distribution systems under multiple operating conditions and ensured that the global optimum could be found.

Electric Transmission and Distribution Network Air Pollution.

There is a consensus within the scientific community regarding the effects on the environment, health, and climate of the use of renewable energy sources, which is characterized by a rate of harmful polluting emissions that is significantly lower than that typical of fossil fuels. On the other hand, this transition towards the use of more sustainable energy sources will also be characterized by an increasingly widespread electrification rate. In this work, we want to discuss whether electricity distribution and transmission networks and their main components are characterized by emissions that are potentially harmful to the environment and human health during their operational life. We will see that the scientific literature on this issue is rather limited, at least until now. However, conditions are reported in which the network directly causes or at least promotes the emissions of polluting substances into the environment. For the most part, the emissions recorded, rather than their environmental or human health impacts, are studied as part of the implementation of techniques for the early determination of faults in the network. It is probable that with the increasing electrification of energy consumption, the problem reported here will become increasingly relevant.

Sustainable Electrification—Advances and Challenges in Electrical-Distribution Networks: A Review

This paper provides a thorough exploration of the evolution and contemporary trends in electrical-distribution networks, with a focus on smart grids in the context of Industry 4.0. Beginning with the traditional components of electrical grids, the study highlights the transition towards sustainable energy sources and the integration of renewables. Key trends include economic operation, the application of distributed energy resources, and the significance of photovoltaic solar energy. The paper unfolds in seven sections, examining smart-electrical-network architecture, sustainable technology progression, energy efficiency, carbon-emission-reduction challenges, future perspectives, and concluding insights. Each section delves into specific layers and aspects, such as data management, electrical infrastructure, automation, and consumer interaction. The intricate role of smart meters and their impact on energy management is explored, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of electrical-distribution networks.

Modelling of Charging Demand for Electric Vehicle based on Person-trip Survey Data

In electricity distribution networks, voltage might be dropped significantly by simultaneous charging of high penetration Electric Vehicle (EV). The impact of EV on voltage drop can be different among areas depending on various factors such as original electricity demand profile without EV, EV penetration level and usage pattern, etc. For the statistical assessment of impact of high penetration EV in various distribution networks, this study proposes a model to estimate time-series data of electricity demand including EV charging. The proposed model is based on Grid Square Statistics Data on geographical distribution of population, employee, etc. and Person-trip Survey Data. As an example using the proposed model, this study compares three EV charging strategies in suburban area of Nagoya, Japan. As a result, if the EV charging starts simultaneously at 23:00 at which the night-time discount electricity rate is applied, the night-time electricity demand can be much larger than the day-time peak demand without EV. The increase can be mitigated by autonomous charging control according to the time and SOC of EV returning home in most areas. Finally, by using the calculated electricity demand profile, this study assesses the impact of EV charging on voltage profile. The result shows that the impact of EV charging on distribution network voltage can be avoided by applying the proposed autonomous charging control scheme.

Study of the Dynamic Behavior of a DSTATCOM Installed in a Distribution Network in Case of Single and Multiphase Short Circuit

This paper investigated the behavior of a DSTATCOM in the face of contingencies that may arise in an electrical power distribution network. It shows that DSTATCOM is an effective attenuator to limit the impacts of perturbations on the distribution network. The model equations are simulated in a MATLAB environment and have shown that the exactitude of the network parameters is a key determinant of the resilience of a disrupted distribution network in the presence of an optimally positioned DSTATCOM at a node. The capacitive current of the DSTATCOM increases inversely with a bad power factor and a critical voltage drop. The DSTATCOM in a network is therefore more solicited when the operating parameters of this network degrade as a result of single-phase or multiphase short circuits. Distribution system operators must therefore design protection plans that truly and sustainably limit the impacts of short circuits on distribution systems.

The long-run value of electricity reliability in India

This paper evaluates residential consumers’ electricity consumption and appliance investment responses to power outages from 2015 to 2019 in Delhi, India. Our empirical strategy takes advantage of features of the electricity distribution network in the service territory of one of Delhi’s regulated distribution utilities that exposes similar customers to plausibly exogenous annual variation in electricity reliability. Using original household survey data and four years of billing and power outage records for more than one million customers, we estimate that an additional hour per month of power outages reduced electricity consumption by 4.8 percent. These estimates suggest that households are willing to pay USD 1.50 per kWh of lost consumption, which is more than 25 times the average price they pay for grid electricity.

Coordinated management of electricity storages and distributed generation plant with predictive controllers in a power supply system with reduced electricity quality

THE PURPOSE. A study of the influence of coordinated control of electricity storage devices and distributed generation installations on the operating modes of a network cluster, which is an electrical distribution network connected to the AC railway power supply system through a direct current insert (DCI).METHODS. The studies were carried out using a simulation model implemented in the MATLAB system.RESULTS. The following disturbing influences were considered: turning off the main power supply of the network cluster from the DCI side for 0.5 seconds; three-phase short circuit with a duration of 0.5 s at the end of a 6 kV cable line with a length of two kilometers. The simulation results showed the effectiveness of coordinated control of electricity storage devices and a turbogenerator with self-adjusting predictive controllers. On this basis, the values of overshoot of the rotor speed are reduced and the transient process time is reduced for all parameters in various modes. For example, the transient time for the generator rotor speed in the mode of connecting an additional load is reduced by three times, and for voltage - by two times.CONCLUSION. Based on computer modeling, it is shown that coordinated control of electricity storage devices and a turbogenerator with predictive regulators reduces the amount of rotor speed overshoot to almost zero and reduces the transient process time by almost 90%. It is advisable to conduct further research on the application of the method of coordinated control of active elements used in the power supply system to regulate the mode parameters.