Electric Industry Research Articles

Design of Photovoltaic Systems in Industrial Electrical Systems Considering Power Quality

This paper presents a comprehensive design methodology for photovoltaic systems (PVS) integrated into industrial electrical systems (IES), with a specific focus on preserving power quality (PQ). The 10-step methodology, ranging from initial interviews to detailed technical, energy, and economic assessments, is novel for its multi-factorial approach that combines an Excel application with ETAP software, prioritizing considerations for PQ. Evaluation across four scenarios demonstrated varying outcomes. In the worst-case technical and energy scenario, PVS installation on Point of Common Connection without PQ mitigation led to significant increases in harmonics and no reduction in energy consumption. Conversely, the best technical and energy scenario involved distributing PVS across load buses with PQ mitigation, resulting in a 5% reduction in energy consumption and 27% lower energy losses. The economic evaluation indicated a three-year payback period in all scenarios, primarily attributed to increased costs for PQ problem mitigation equipment. It was also observed that reducing losses and energy consumption limits the economic benefits of installing PVS in IES. This methodology serves as a valuable guide for designing PVS in IES, incorporating technical, energy, economic, and PQ considerations.

Adsorption and sensing characteristics of insulating gas C4F7N on 3d late transition metal‐phthalocyanine: Theoretical and experimental study

AbstractHeptafluoroisobutyronitrile (C4F7N) is being considered as a promising alternative to the greenhouse gas SF6 in the electrical industry. However, its biotoxicity necessitates the development of gas sensing technology to detect leaked C4F7N. A combination of density functional theory and experiments was employed to evaluate the adsorption and sensing performance of different metal‐phthalocyanines as potential sensing materials for C4F7N detection. The study included exploring adsorption configurations with adsorption energies, electron transfer, and adsorption distance, as well as comparisons of electronic properties, electron distribution, and density of states (DOS) among the MPcs. Furthermore, gas sensing experiments were conducted using different MPcs to detect 25–100 ppm C4F7N. The results revealed that Mn‐Pc, Fe‐Pc, Co‐Pc, and Zn‐Pc exhibited considerable chemical interactions, while Ni‐Pc and Cu‐Pc showed weaker adsorption strength. These findings were further elucidated based on the electron density and DOS of atomic orbitals. Moreover, gas sensing experiments indicated that Co‐Pc demonstrated a higher response compared to Fe‐Pc at the same concentration of C4F7N. Overall, the theoretical and experimental insights offer valuable guidance for C4F7N detection and provide a systematic approach to screen and explore organometallic polymer‐based gas sensors applicable in various fields.

Applying different nanomaterials to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries

Due to their superior qualities, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have lately taken the top spot among rechargeable secondary batteries. To achieve the increasing demand for electricity in the related industries, its improvement and development are in full swing, especially the nanomaterials have become an important direction of improvement because of their special structure matching with charging-discharging mechanisms. This paper focuses on the application of nanomaterials in the LIBs. It briefly introduces carbon-based and silicon-based nanomaterials, metal (alloy), metal oxide (sulfide), MOFs nanomaterials, and Mxenes in lithium-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries by reviewing the pertinent literature from recent years. including the reasons for their application, the application mechanism and the effectiveness of their improvement. It has been discovered that nanoparticles have numerous and intricate uses in the LIBs. It is hoped that this study can provide new ideas for the structural design and functional modification of nanomaterials in battery applications in the future.

The Clean Energy Transition and the Regulatory Paradigm

Being in regular contact with electric and natural gas industry professionals including regulators and policy makers, several critical concerns have been surfaced more prominently. The significance of these concerns center around the pace, scale, and cost of the clean energy transition. Collectively, we are at a point of reckoning—and conversations are now increasingly focused on these concerns.

The influence of tool shoulder size and plate position on the characteristics of friction stir welded different aluminum alloys

ABSTRACT Welding is a main manufacturing method for fabricating various engineering components. Fusion welding techniques encounter solidification associated problems while joining light weight structures. Friction stir welding is a solid state welding technique that is developed to address these shortcomings. As the superior conductive properties of AA6101-T6 and AA1350 aluminum alloys, they are frequently utilized in electrical industries. The goal of this study is to examine how the plate position and tool shoulder diameter (D) affect the qualities of these dissimilar Al-alloys joints. It is discovered that plate positioning is the most influential welding parameter in determining the tensile properties of weldment. Furthermore, the joint fabricated with AA6101-T6 as an advancing side material and a 15 mm tool shoulder diameter produces sufficient weld reaction temperature, better plastic flow and tensile properties. However, the joint fabricated with AA1350 as an advancing side material and 12 mm tool shoulder diameter generates inadequate reaction temperature, poor plasticization, and tensile properties. The formation of precipitates as well as the interface layer at the weld nugget is greatly dominated by the tool shoulder size, which affects the wear properties of weldment.

E-VAHAN CHARGING STATION

In a technological world where both pollution and population increase every day, electric vehicles play a key role in saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions and harmful greenhouse gasses in transportation. Rapid changes are occurring in the electrical industry. Rising energy prices, mass electrification of everyday life, and global warming are the main factors determining the speed with which such changes occur. In response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions and the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the concept of the E-Vahan Charging Station emerged as a pioneering initiative. This innovative project seeks to harness the abundant renewable energy resources of solar and wind power to revolutionize the way electric vehicles (EVs) are charged. As the world transitions towards a greener future, this charging station represents a crucial step in promoting clean and Eco-conscious mobility. Index Terms: Electrification, Harness, Pioneering, Initiative, Crucial, Eco-conscious, E-Vahan Charging Station, etc.

Legal Cooperation of Kazakhstan with the BRICS Countries on the Production and Operation of Medical Electric Vehicles with Artificial Intelligence Technologies

This scientific article is devoted to the study and analysis of legal relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the BRICS countries in the field of the production and operation of medical electric vehicles with artificial intelligence technologies. Particular attention is paid to legislative measures that promote the formation and development of a new industrial sector, such as the production of medical electric vehicles with artificial intelligence technologies. The research uses a number of methods, including studying empirical data, comparative legal analysis, synthesis, generalization, and scientific forecasting. The article proposes legislative measures to solve the problems facing the medical electrical machinebuilding industry and the unmanned medical electric vehicle industry, as well as the difficulties of integrating automation and digitalization into the production process of transportation plants in Kazakhstan and the BRICS countries. In the order of forecasting, the authors propose the adoption of several laws that are relevant to the issue under consideration. These proposals include the signing of new international cooperation agreements between Kazakhstan and the BRICS countries aimed at the introduction of digitalization at machine-building plants in Kazakhstan for the production of medical electric vehicles equipped with artificial intelligence technologies.

Promoting the "Chinese experience" of carbon neutrality—Evidence of carbon emission pilot governance in Guangdong Province based on the EIO-LCA model

With the increasing global consensus on promoting carbon neutrality, China's efforts in carbon reduction governance are particularly prominent in Guangdong Province. This study focuses on utilizing data from 29 production sectors in Guangdong Province for the period of 2007–2020. The IPCC 2006 methodology was applied to estimate sectoral carbon emissions, and the Economic Input-Output-Life Cycle Assessment model was used to calculate the direct, indirect, and implied carbon emissions of each sector in Guangdong Province. In-depth analysis was conducted using the Carbon Emission Reduction Potential model. According to the findings, direct carbon emissions from the food sector have increased by 232.2 %. The manufacturing of specialized equipment and the apparel industry have successfully reduced their overall carbon emissions by 97.68 % and 73.15 %, respectively. Additionally, it is worth noting that architecture plays a significant role in driving the increase in carbon emissions within the electric power industry; the fluctuation of implied carbon emissions is more pronounced in the energy industry and non-metal products industry on the supply side, as well as in the chemical industry and electric power industry on the demand side; the potential emission reduction benefits of the electronics manufacturing industry have not been fully explored. In terms of carbon emission reduction potential, the first tier is primarily in the energy supply and metal processing sectors, while the second tier is mainly in the mining industry and electronic equipment manufacturing sector. The third tier focuses on the light industry and transportation sectors.

Analysis and prediction on carbon emissions from electrical and electronic equipment industry in China

This research employs the IPCC methodology to assess carbon emissions from China's Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) industry for 2012–2020, utilizing the GM (1) model to predict emissions for the next decade. Six scenarios evaluate emissions, guiding strategies for reduction. Key findings reveal the usage phase as the highest emitter, while WEEE dismantling incurs the lowest. In 2020, emissions from production, sales, transportation, usage, recycling transportation, dismantling, and recycling were projected. Scrapping imported EEE from 2012 to 2020 results in 1.88 million tons of emissions. Projected 2030 emissions, under current policies or low-carbon measures, are 136 million tons and 72 million tons, respectively. Urgent actions, especially in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and stakeholder roles, are essential. The study advocates for consumer awareness on energy conservation and reducing dependence on imported products. Manufacturing emissions highlight the need for eco-design, emphasizing sustainable practices. Recycling and dismantling phases also contribute emissions, necessitating optimized routes and advanced technologies. In addition, the study explores the potential for carbon reduction by incorporating the organic combination of carbon trading markets, evaluating the carbon emission reduction potential of recycling enterprises. The proposal suggests replacing government subsidies with the sale of carbon credits, not only to stimulate companies to actively promote green dismantling but also to address the current inadequacy of subsidies. Establishing a comprehensive life cycle management system is crucial to minimizing the EEE industry's carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable future.

Experimental and numerical investigation of wicked heat pipe cooling efficacy in oil-immersed transformers

The significance of thermal management in transformers, recognized as a pivotal component within the electricity industry, has prompted numerous studies in this area. Although various methods to decrease hot-spot temperatures in transformers have been introduced, a comprehensive investigation into the effectiveness of wicked heat pipes (WHPs) remains lacking.This study aims to rectify this deficiency by conducting experimental and numerical investigations to assess the impact of WHPs on transformer thermal management. Firstly, the WHPs undergo testing with varied thermal loads to assess their heat transfer efficiency in steady-state operation. This not only monitors the WHP conditions to prevent limitations but also computes the effective thermal conductivity for numerical study input. Next, the thermal management performance of a laboratory transformer with two WHPs was experimentally studied both indoors and outdoors.Additionally, the simultaneous utilization of WHPs and radiator with various configurations is examined experimentally to assess their combined effect. Then, a numerical study investigates how the number of WHPs influences the reduction of the hot-spot temperatures in the transformer. The experimental findings indicate that the use of WHPs led to a 9 % reduction in peak transformer temperature under real conditions. Simultaneous use of the radiator and WHPs, regardless of their arrangement, resulted in an approximate 18 % reduction in the hot-spot temperature. Additionally, numerical simulations suggest that employing eight heat pipes could reduce hot-spot temperatures by up to 9.2 °C, representing a 15 % improvement compared to baseline conditions.

Air Quality and Health Implications of Coal Power Retirements Attributed to Industrial Electricity Savings in China.

The coal-dominated electricity system, alongside increasing industrial electricity demand, places China into a dilemma between industrialization and environmental impacts. A practical solution is to exploit air quality and health cobenefits of industrial energy efficiency measures, which has not yet been integrated into China's energy transition strategy. This research examines the pivotal role of industrial electricity savings in accelerating coal plant retirements and assesses the nexus of energy-pollution-health by modeling nationwide coal-fired plants at individual unit level. It shows that minimizing electricity needs by implementing more efficient technologies leads to the phaseout of 1279 hyper-polluting units (subcritical, <300 MW) by 2040, advancing the retirement of these units by an average of 7 years (3-16 years). The retirements at different locations yield varying levels of air quality improvements (9-17%), across six power grids. Reduced exposure to PM2.5 could avoid 123,100 pollution-related cumulative deaths over the next 20 years from 2020, of which ∼75% occur in the Central, East, and North grids, particularly coal-intensive and populous provinces (e.g., Shandong and Jiangsu). These findings provide key indicators to support geographically specific policymaking and lay out a rationale for decision-makers to incorporate multiple benefits into early coal phaseout strategies to avoid lock-in risk.

Clariant introduces new solutions to reduce environmental impact of plastics at Chinaplas 2024

On April 23, 2024, Clariant announced it was introducing at Chinaplas 2024: AddWorks® PPA, a perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS)-free polymer processing aid line, and Licocare® RBW Vita 560 and 360 – the newest additions to its range of high-performing additives for applications in the electronics and electric (E&amp;E) industries.

A Comprehensive Review of Modern Methods for Load Prediction in the Smart Grid

: Load forecasting plays a crucial role in mitigating risks for utilities by predicting future usage of commodity markets transmission or supplied by the utility. To achieve this, various techniques such as price elastic demand, climate and consumer response, load analysis, and sustainable energy generation predictive modelling are used. As both supply and demand fluctuate, and weather and power prices can rise significantly during peak periods, accurate load forecasting becomes critical for utilities. By providing brief demand forecasts, load forecasting can assist in estimating load flows and making decisions that prevent overloading. Therefore, load forecasting is crucial in helping electric utilities make informed decisions related to power, load switching, voltage regulation, switching, and infrastructure development. Forecasting is a methodology used by electricity companies to forecast the amount of electricity or power production needed to maintain constant supply as well as load demand balance. It is required for the electrical industry to function properly. The smart grid is a new system that enables electricity providers and customers to communicate in real-time. The precise energy consumption sequence of the consumers is required to enhance the demand schedule. This is where predicting the future comes into play. Forecasting future power system load (electricity consumption) is a critical task in providing intelligence to the power grid. Accurate forecasting allows utility companies to allocate resources and assume system control in order to balance the same demand and availability for electricity. In this article, a study on load forecasting algorithms based on deep learning, machine learning, hybrid methods, bio-inspired techniques, and other techniques is carried out. Many other algorithms based on load forecasting are discussed in this study. Different methods of load forecasting were compared using three performance indices: RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), MAE (Mean Absolute Error), MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error), and Accuracy. Machine learning-based techniques showed a reduction of 9.17% in MAPE, 0.0429% in RMSE, and 5.23% in MSE, and achieved 90% accuracy. Deep learning-based techniques resulted in a 9.61% decrease in MAPE and achieved 91% accuracy. Bioinspired techniques provided a reduction of 9.66% in MAPE, 0.026% in RMSE, and 5.24% in MSE, and achieved 95% accuracy. These findings concluded that optimization techniques are more encouraging in predicting load demand and, as a result, can represent a reliable decision-making tool.

The Impact of Privatization of Nigeria’s Electricity Industry on the Quality of Electricity Service Delivery in Lokoja Metropolis

This study empirically examined the impact of the privatization of the electricity industry on electricity service delivery in the Lokoja metropolis by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Data for the study were elicited from copies of structured questionnaire administered to 400 (four hundred) residential electricity consumers in the Lokoja metropolis via the cluster sampling technique. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, frequency distribution tables and the mean (x) score respectively. The rational choice theory which provides insight into how the vested interests of Nigeria’s ruling class compromised the privatization process of the Nation’s electricity industry constituted the theoretical foundation of the study. Findings revealed, among other things, that the privatization of the electricity industry in Nigeria has not translated to significant improvement in power supply in the Lokoja metropolis and that electricity billing is not a fair reflection of the electricity consumption rate in the metropolis. To this end, the study concluded that the privatization of Nigeria’s electricity industry has not impacted positively on electricity service delivery in the Lokoja metropolis. Consequently, the study recommended, amongst others, that the Nigerian government should put in place measures to attract globally reputable electricity utility companies to invest in the Nation’s electricity industry and prepaid metering as against estimated billing should be the sole criterion for determining electricity consumers' tariff in the country.

The Impact of Innovation Adoption on Sustainable Business Development in China: the role of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Performance

ESG as a phenomenon appears to be consistent with high quality development of economy of country like China, hence, implementation of ESG is essential to embrace sustainability. Thus, it is imperative to scrutinize the its effectiveness and, in this lieu, the study attempts to scrutinize the effectiveness of innovation adoption on the environmental, social and governance performance, and SBD of the electric vehicle industry in the context of China. Along with it, mediating role of ESG performance has also been explored in the study. Primary data was collected for the study and PLS-SEM methodology was used to evaluate the collected data. Results showcase that innovation adoption is positively correlated with ESG performance and SBD of the electric vehicle industry in China. The outcomes also exposed that the ESG performances significantly mediates the relationship between innovation adoption and SBD. In the light of the evidence, the analysis recommends that organizations must value their ESG performance in order to formulate relatable policies.

Quantum-level investigation of air decomposed pollutants gas sensor (Pd-modified g-C3N4) influenced by micro-water content.

In the electrical industry, there are many hazardous gases that pollute the environment and even jeopardize human health, so timely detection and effective control of these hazardous gases is of great significance. In this work, the gas-sensitive properties of Pd-modified g-C3N4 interface for each hazardous gas molecule were investigated from a microscopic viewpoint, taking the hazardous gases (CO, NOx) that may be generated in the power industry as the detection target. Then, the performance of Pd-modifiedg-C3N4 was evaluated for practical applications as a gas sensor material. Novelly, an unconventional means was designed to briefly predict the effect of humidity on the adsorption properties of this sensor material. The final results found that Pd-modified g-C3N4 is most suitable as a potential gas-sensitizing material for NO2 gas sensors, followed by CO. Interestingly, Pd-modified g-C3N4 is less suitable as a potential gas-sensitizing material for NO gas sensors, but has the potential to be used as a NO cleaner (adsorbent). Unconventional simulation explorations of humidity effects show that in practical applications Pd-modified g-C3N4 remains a promising material for gas sensing in specific humidity environments. This work reveals the origin of the excellent properties of Pd-modified g-C3N4 as a gas sensor material and provides new ideas for the detection and treatment of these three hazardous gases.

Ultrasonic phased array imaging of multi-layered structures using full-matrix migration and normalized cross-correlation matching technique

Multi-layered structures play a critical role in aerospace, automotive and electrical industries, so the non-destructive evaluation and maintenance of such structures must be accurate and rapid. The application of conventional ultrasonic phased array imaging methods is limited due to computational complexity, image quality and image size. In this paper, we proposed a cost-effective, high-quality imaging method that uses full-matrix migration total focus method (FM-TFM) and produces large-area scanned image with the aid of normalized cross-correlation (NCC) template matching technique. The FM-TFM method eliminated the need for iterative refraction point calculations by using full matrix migration extrapolation, and the optimization of NCC was also investigated in the study. The verification was divided into two parts, fixed transducer experiment and manual scanned experiment, to demonstrate the advantages of FM-TFM with improved SNR (22 % or greater) and one order of magnitude reduction in computational time when compared to ray tracing total focus method (RT-TFM) and NCC matching accuracy of multilayer specimen, respectively. The proposed method can help eliminate the need for costly scanning equipment and shows great potential for extension to other TFM-based approaches.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AS A TOOL FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN UKRAINE: ANALYSIS, MECHANISM, FINANCIAL REPORTING

Based on the analysis of the dynamics of implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Ukraine, key problems have been identified and its priorities in financial support for the recovery of the native energy sector have been determined. It is appointed that PPP concession agreements are the main mechanisms for attracting investment in the global electric power industry. The expediency of using the concession model on BOT terms for the implementation of large projects in the energy sector is substantiated, which will contribute to the intensification of investment attraction and will allow to distribute risks between the state and business. Recommendations on the formation of an information platform for participants in the implementation of PPP projects on the basis of disclosure of information on the effectiveness of concession operations in accounting and financial statements have been developed. The tools for the formation of the financial mechanism of public-private partnership, where the priority is budget and venture financing, are substantiated. To make decisions on the implementation of PPP investment projects, an approach to assessing the financial support of project initiatives is recommended, the basis of which is the proposed criteria for compliance with financial security, the choice of funding sources, indicators of scenario analysis and efficiency. The proposed methodical approach to assessing the effectiveness of PPP allows us to assess the synergistic effect, which reflects the totality of economic, social and environmental effects. The formulated recommendations for improving the relationship between the state and business will contribute to the intensification of the attraction of private investment resources on the basis of PPPs for the restoration of the energy sector in Ukraine.

Coal Industry Global Transformations: Analysis and Projections

The paper explores the current global trends in coal production, exports, imports, and consumption with focus on China, India, and Russia up to the year 2050. Russia’s coal production in 2022 is shown to rise to 443.6 million tons due to an increase in domestic coal consumption, which made it possible to compensate for a slight decrease in coal exports. At the same time, the growth in domestic coal consumption was 6.1% compared to the level of 2021. Of this, 23% was utilized by the electric power industry, 10.4% for coking, 6.9% for residential, industrial and agricultural consumers, and the remaining 6.8% of coal supplies were delivered to other consumers within the domestic market. In 2023–2024, Russia may see a slight decrease in coal production and export volumes, which is associated with sanctions, a decline in demand of European consumers, and a reduction in the use of this type of fuel or refusal from it in some Asian countries. The possibility of reorienting Russian coal supplies from West to East is limited by the plans of the Asia-Pacific countries along with commissioning new coal capacities in the near future to actively develop wind farms and solar power plants and adopt national hydrogen strategies. These factors, in turn, may lead to a decrease in Russian coal production and exports by 2050. However, it is too early to talk about the end of the “era of coal,” at least until 2030.

Integrating management systems in the energy sector: the case of the electricity industry in New Zealand

The New Zealand Electricity Engineers Association (EEA) asked for advice about development of a guide for a public safety management system (PSMS) for electricity distribution networks based on ISO45001 Occupational health and safety management systems. This would help eliminate overlap between legislation and standards while maintaining compliance with legal requirements. At Victoria University of Wellington we have been working on such an integrated approach and this article reports on the project and suggests how the results can be extended to include other areas of management while retaining the ability for appropriate elements to be audited and certified in accordance with systems required by legislation. The project reviewed an earlier report and literature review on PSMS for the Electricity Networks Association. Development of the legal requirements for a PSMS were reviewed and use of the International Standards Organization (ISO) framework for all management system standards proposed to encompass ISO45001 and similar standards. Relevant management content was incorporated in the high-level structure and key stakeholders contributed technical content. Use of the ISO Annex SL as a template enabled development of an integrated management system incorporating other management system standards, that would still support legal compliance while enabling elimination of duplication and clutter, and waste of resources at a time of technology change. The work was carried out in New Zealand (NZ) and may not apply in other countries with different legal requirements. Auditors may resist integrated management systems although this may not be a limitation if documentation is appropriately written. The electricity networks businesses in NZ may move to implementation of the PSMS guide but this will be an internal decision and results may take some years to declutter documentation and reduce overlapping audits under management system standards. Over the next decade the context of the New Zealand electricity industry will undergo major shifts with the need to adapt to increasing expectations for occupational health and safety and public safety, adaptation to climate change and accelerated implementation of new technologies. The electricity industry will need to apply its resources to those changes while avoiding duplicated efforts to implement multiple management systems. Developing an integrated management system that incorporates several management systems and public safety may aid protection of non-workers who cannot otherwise be “controlled” by a business.