Electrical Energy Generation Research Articles

Hydropower Station Status Prediction Using RNN and LSTM Algorithms for Fault Detection

In 2019, more than 16% of the globe’s total production of electricity was provided by hydroelectric power plants. The core of a typical hydroelectric power plant is the turbine. Turbines are subjected to high levels of pressure, vibration, high temperatures, and air gaps as water passes through them. Turbine blades weighing several tons break due to this surge, a tragic accident because of the massive damage they cause. This research aims to develop predictive models to accurately predict the status of hydroelectric power plants based on real stored data for all factors affecting the status of these plants. The importance of having a typical predictive model for the future status of these plants lies in avoiding turbine blade breakage and catastrophic accidents in power plants and the resulting damages, increasing the life of these plants, avoiding sudden shutdowns, and ensuring stability in the generation of electrical energy. In this study, artificial neural network algorithms (RNN and LSTM) are used to predict the condition of the hydropower station, identify the fault before it occurs, and avoid it. After testing, the LSTM algorithm achieved the greatest results with regard to the highest accuracy and least error. According to the findings, the LSTM model attained an accuracy of 99.55%, a mean square error (MSE) of 0.0072, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0053.

Modeling and simulation of a full ISRU-based system for energy storage and electricity generation on the Moon

Modeling and simulation of a full ISRU-based system for energy storage and electricity generation on the Moon

Boosting electricity generation associated with Saudi Arabi buildings using PCM and PV cells on walls and roof leading to a sustainable building

In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of regions receive a minimum incident shortwave solar energy exceeding 4 kWh/(m2.year), there is a high potential for electricity generation and simultaneously, a challenge in building cooling. In this study, by adding photovoltaic (PV) on the roof and wall, as well as using phase change material (PCM) inside the walls, electricity production and energy consumption of Saudi residential buildings were investigated. Taking into account the effects of radiation on vertical and horizontal envelopes as well as phase change in PCM, the energy equation was solved using DesignBuilder to specify hourly energy consumption and electricity generation. When installing PV cells at the optimal tilt, incoming radiation to the cells increases. However, creating shadows on subsequent rows of cells diminishes the effective PV surface area. Surprisingly, calculations revealed that if PV cells are installed at zero angle, owing to installing more PV cells, up to 31% extra electricity is produced than when installed at the optimal tilt. As a side effect, the cooling load decreases by 5.1% due to reduced radiation intensity on the roof. The orientation of the walls significantly impacts both phase change material (PCM) and PV-associated electricity generation. Placing PCM on the east wall optimizes its performance, while walls containing PV panels perform best when facing south. To further enhance cooling and reduce electricity demand, phase change material was incorporated into both the roof and wall, resulting in a 2% reduction in overall electricity demand. Notably, in eight major populated areas across Saudi Arabia, under the constraint of the constant PV cell area, installing PV cells on the roof proves three times more advantageous than placing them on the walls.

Power Quality State Estimation for Distribution Grids Based on Physics-Aware Neural Networks—Harmonic State Estimation

In the transition from traditional electrical energy generation with mainly linear sources to increasing inverter-based distributed generation, electrical power systems’ power quality requires new monitoring methods. Integrating a high penetration of distributed generation, which is typically located in medium- or low-voltage grids, shifts the monitoring tasks from the transmission to distribution layers. Compared to high-voltage grids, distribution grids feature a higher level of complexity. Monitoring all relevant nodes is operationally infeasible and costly. State estimation methods provide knowledge about unmeasured locations by learning a physical system’s non-linear relationships. This article examines a new flexible, close-to-real-time concept of harmonic state estimation using synchronized measurements processed in a neural network. A physics-aware approach enhances a data-driven model, taking into account the structure of the electrical network. An OpenDSS simulation generates data for model training and validation. Different load profiles for both training and testing were utilized to increase the variance in the data. The results of the presented concept demonstrate high accuracy compared to other methods for harmonic orders 1 to 20.

Geometric Evaluation of an Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter Device Using Representative Regular Waves of the Sea State Found in Tramandaí, Brazil

Aiming to contribute to studies related to the generation of electrical energy from renewable sources, this study carried out a geometric investigation of an oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter (WEC) device. The structure of this device consists of a hydropneumatic chamber and an air duct, where a turbine is coupled to an electrical energy generator. When waves hit the device, the air inside it is pressurized and depressurized, causing the air to flow through the duct, activating the turbine. In this sense, the present study used the constructal design method to evaluate the influence of the ratio between the height and length of the hydropneumatic chamber (H1/L) on the mean available hydropneumatic power (PH(RMS)). Fluent software was used to perform numerical simulations of representative regular waves from the sea state in the municipality of Tramandaí, southern Brazil, impacting the OWC. Thus, it was possible to identify the geometry that maximized the performance of the OWC WEC, with (H1/L)O=0.3430, yielding PH(RMS)=56.66 W. In contrast, the worst geometry was obtained with H1/L=0.1985, where PH(RMS)=28.19 W. Therefore, the best case is 101% more efficient than the worst one.

Advancement of Finite Element Method Solver Used in Dam Safety Monitoring System by Interpolation of Pore Pressure and Temperature Values

In this paper, we focused on the advancement of Dam Monitoring Software that incorporates the Finite Element Method (FEM), as these large infrastructure constructions are crucial for ensuring a dependable water supply, irrigation, flood control, renewable electric energy generation, and safe operation, which is of utmost importance to any country. However, the material properties and geotechnical environments of dams can change (deteriorate) over time, while the standards and legal norms that govern them become more and more rigorous, so in order to accurately assess the state of a dam and detect any concerning behavior, the software must be updated as well. The custom-developed FEM solver, unlike many commercial alternatives, is adaptable and can be reconfigured to function within a Dam Monitoring System. In this paper, we present the procedure for interpolating numerical values at measurement points, when the position of the measurement point does not align with the node of the element, allowing for additional instrument locations to be added to the monitored system without the need for remeshing the numerical model. This procedure is used to compare the actual pore pressures and temperature values of the concrete dam structure with the prediction of the numerical model, and the agreement is much greater with the new interpolation algorithm in comparison to the nearest nodal values, with the average relative difference for pore pressure reduced from 8.89% to 8.10%, justifying this implementation.

Global status and prospects for hybrid hydrogen-natural gas systems for power plants in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract With the lowest power access rate in the world (51.4%), Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a severe energy crisis. Many of the region’s countries report access rates of less than 20%. Even though Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest global greenhouse gas emissions, the region still suffers from climate change, especially extreme droughts. Efforts to tackle these issues by implementing a macro-grid system that integrates natural gas and renewable energy resources have not been successful in reducing the adverse environmental effects and energy poverty. This study highlights research on the technological approaches used in hybrid hydrogen/natural gas in heavy-duty dual-fuel power plants, their benefits and drawbacks, and their economic viability. The goal of this is to suggest an improved and more reliable hub energy system for Sub-Saharan Africa. While all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa utilize natural gas plants, only 17% are involved in hydrogen production, and none have implemented hybrid methods for electrical energy generation. Studies using experimental and numerical analyses have shown that adding hydrogen to natural gas plants increases overall efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this research introduces an energy hub approach that incorporates carbon capture and power-to-X technologies, potentially improving efficiency by 42%. These strategies not only support environmental sustainability but also provide economic advantages by decreasing operational and financial losses in power plants. The results reveal a new pathway for the region’s transition to sustainable energy: identifying key locations for the technological and economic viability of hybrid hydrogen/natural gas power plants in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design and simulation of a photovoltaic plant for maximum use of the solar resource in the Toluviejo municipality of Colombia

Currently, there are various technologies for constructing photovoltaic plants including monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic panels, centralized and string-type inverters, and fixed mounting structures with light followers, to build electrical energy generation systems. This work reviewed the advantages and disadvantages between these technologies, and the implementation of a photovoltaic plant in Toluviejo, Colombia was proposed. To justify and confirm the design, simulations were carried out with the PVsyst software, resulting in the bifacial panels, centralized inverters, and structures with light followers, the most effective solution, and with the highest production for the proposed photovoltaic power generation plant.

Harnessing Wind Vibration, a Novel Approach towards Electric Energy Generation - Review

Harnessing Wind Vibration, a Novel Approach towards Electric Energy Generation - Review

Modeling and Simulation of an Integrated Synchronous Generator Connected to an Infinite Bus through a Transmission Line in Bond Graph

Most electrical energy generation systems are based on synchronous generators; as a result, their analysis always provides interesting findings, especially if an approach different to those traditionally studied is used. Therefore, an approach involving the modeling and simulation of a synchronous generator connected to an infinite bus through a transmission line in a bond graph is proposed. The behavior of the synchronous generator is analyzed in four case studies of the transmission line: (1) a symmetrical transmission line, where the resistance and inductance of the three phases (a,b,c) are equal, which determine resistances and inductances in coordinates (d,q,0) as individual decoupled elements; (2) a symmetrical transmission line for the resistances and for non-symmetrical inductances in coordinates (a,b,c) that result in resistances that are individual decoupled elements and in a field of inductances in coordinates (d,q,0); (3) a non-symmetrical transmission line for resistances and for symmetrical inductances in coordinates (a,b,c) that produce a field of resistances and inductances as individual elements decoupled in coordinates (d,q,0); and (4) a non-symmetrical transmission line for resistances and inductances in coordinates (a,b,c) that determine resistances and inductance fields in coordinates (d,q,0). A junction structure based on a bond graph model that allows for obtaining the mathematical model of this electrical system is proposed. Due to the characteristics of a bond graph, model reduction can be carried out directly and easily. Therefore, reduced bond graph models for the four transmission line case studies are proposed, where the transmission line is seen as if it were inside the synchronous generator. In order to demonstrate that the models obtained are correct, simulation results using the 20-Sim software are shown. The simulation results determine that for a symmetrical transmission line, currents in the generator in the d and q axes are −25.87 A and 0.1168 A, while in the case of a non-symmetrical transmission line, these currents are −26.14 A and 0.0211 A, showing that for these current magnitudes, the generator is little affected due to the parameters of the generator and the line. However, for a high degree of non-symmetry of the resistances in phases a, b and c, it causes the generator to reach an unstable condition, which is shown in the last simulation of the paper.

A life cycle assessment of CCU process to produce a nanocomposite from ethanol plant CO2 emission

The use of rubber septa for controlled release of semiochemicals has raised important discussions about their efficiency and environmental impact since they are composed of fossil raw material. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the synthesis of a nanocomposite type calcium nanocarbonate/Kraft lignin (NC-CN-KL) obtained from CO2 capture aimed to quantify the environmental loads involved in the production process. The synthesis evaluated by the LCA was performed on a laboratory scale, since it is a synthetic route classified as technological readiness level 4 (TRL-4) and is in the study and development stage. The LCA was performed according to the principles of the ISO 14044/2006 series of standards, from 101.854 g of nanocomposite as a functional unit. The limitations of the study arose from its synthesis scale, absence of LCA data on the rubber septa and other nanocomposites. The results obtained in the LCA identified electricity and other energy generation processes as the largest contributors to environmental loads for all environmental impact categories studied and suggest that research should focus on these inputs when choosing the sources used in energy nanocomposite formulation processes. LCAs for this synthesis to obtain NC-CN-KL should be carried out on a pilot scale, and it is expected that this work will contribute to the formulation of the material and decision-making, especially regarding the choice of the energy matrix.

Effect of Reactive Power Generation in Photovoltaic Installations on the Voltage Value at the Inverter Connection Point

Worldwide, photovoltaic installations are making an increasing contribution to electric energy generation. These are power-unstable sources due to the rapid and frequent change in insolation. As a result, a common problem noted in low-voltage power grids is that the permitted voltage values at the source connection point are exceeded. There are several methods of limiting the voltage values present at the inverter. One of them is the generation of reactive power in a photovoltaic installation. In the literature, one can find many relationships that allow one to determine the increase in voltage caused by the change in reactive power, where the imaginary part of the voltage loss is omitted as insignificant. The authors’ research has shown that this can lead to significant errors. Omitting the imaginary value causes the determined values to be even more than 4.5 times smaller—these differences increase with the length of the line. The analyses carried out by the authors show that the determination of voltage increments with and without taking into account the imaginary part of the voltage loss in the calculations differs from the values determined via computer simulation (failure to take into account the imaginary part results in calculated values of voltage increase being lower than the values determined via a computer by about 40% on average).

NiMnO nanoparticle-activated carbon anodes for efficient urea oxidation and energy production in wastewater-driven direct urea fuel cells

The growing concern over urea-containing wastewater from industrial sources necessitates innovative treatment solutions that also offer sustainable energy production. In this study, a novel anode material is developed by decorating activated carbon with NiMnO nanoparticles through thermal treatment under an inert atmosphere. The resulting NiMnO NPs-decorated activated carbon was evaluated for its electrocatalytic performance in the electrooxidation of urea and its application in a direct urea fuel cell (DUFC). X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of nickel metal and Mn(II) oxide, with activated carbon showing representative peaks. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed well-dispersed nanoparticles on the activated carbon surface, corroborated by uniform elemental distribution from mapping results. Electrochemical measurements using cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that the 30 wt% MnAc sample exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity among the tested samples (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% MnAc) with a maximum current density of 123 mA/cm2 at 3.0 M urea concentration and an onset potential of −0.02 V versus Ag/AgCl. Linear sweep voltammetry of the assembled DUFC showed promising open circuit potentials of 0.82 V and maximum power densities reaching 4.9 W/m2, achieved using industrial wastewater from the Egyptian Chemical Industries Company (KIMA) in Aswan, Egypt. The results highlight the efficacy of NiMnO NPs-decorated activated carbon in both urea oxidation and electrical energy generation. This study not only provides a viable method for treating urea-rich industrial wastewater but also presents a sustainable approach to energy production. The findings underscore the potential of this material for future applications in DUFCs, offering significant environmental and economic benefits.

Experimental studies of the generating capabilities of mine hoists in industrial conditions

The article is devoted to a topical subject of distributed generation of electrical energy. The cage and skip mine hoists of the iron ore mining enterprise were considered as generators of electrical energy. The purpose of the study is to compare theoretical and experimental data on electricity generation by mine hoisting units of the Sukha Balka PJSK (Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine). The research methods are theoretical ones – on the transformation of the potential energy of a solid body into electrical energy during its movement through a mine shaft, and experimental ones – involving instrumental measurements of the consumption and generation of electrical energy by cage and skip hoists units during industrial operation. Research schedule: collection and processing of information on the operation of the cage and skip hoists of the mine named after Frunze and similar indicators of the cage and skip hoists units of the Yuvileyna mine for the period from September 1 to December 31, 2021. The novelty of the research lies in the instrumental measurement of the electrical parameters of mine hoists in real Ukrainian operating conditions. The most significant results: it was found that the volumes of electricity generation by mine cage hoists significantly exceed the results of skip hoists. The actual indicators of electricity generation by cage hoists units are much lower than the results of theoretical estimates. There is an imbalance between the generation and consumption of energy resources – 9% for the cage elevation of the mine Frunze; about 2% for the cage hoist of the Yuvileyna mine; less than 1% on skip units. It was found that there is a statistically significant correlative relationship between the generation and consumption of electricity by the cage hoist of the mine named after Frunze and no statistically significant relationship between the generation and consumption of electricity by the cage hoist unit of the Yuvileyna mine. The electricity obtained from the daily operation of two cage and two skip units of the Sukha Balka PJSC (approximately 400 kWh) is enough to power 58 average Ukrainian households.

Enhancing Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal System Efficiency with Boron Dipyrromethene Dyes.

A library of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) compounds was studied to assess their efficacy as components of a working liquid in hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems. Two series of BODIPY dyes were investigated: series I included alkylBODIPYs with varying substitution patterns, while series II included 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-substituted BODIPYs featuring electron-rich aromatic groups in the meso position, such as naphthalene, anthracene, and carbazole. Series II dyes were designed to exhibit luminescence downshifting due to enhanced UV absorption (300-400 nm) and excited-state energy transfer, leading to visible-region fluorescence under UV excitation. Samples of PVT liquids based on decalin and containing each individual BODIPY dye were tested on a standard a-Si solar cell to evaluate their impact on solar energy conversion efficiency. The thermal behavior of the working liquid and the cell during the illumination cycle was monitored, alongside the cell's electrical characteristics. Energy conversion pathways and the overall effects of the dyes on the system performance were scrutinized. Results indicated that all BODIPY dyes enhanced both the electrical conversion efficiency (up to 2.41% increase) and thermal energy generation (up to 6.87%) compared to the solvent alone. These findings highlight the potential of BODIPY dyes to significantly improve the performance of PVT systems.

Mediating role of energy uncertainty for environmental management in electricity generation: The evidence from Pakistan

This groundbreaking study examines the relationship between CO2 intensity, aggregated and disaggregated fossil fuels, clean and nuclear energy, and, as a mediating variable, energy uncertainty for Pakistan during 2019M01 and 2022M10 with monthly data. To this end, the ARDL Bound Testing method is used to identify the long-run relationship of the studied factors. The empirical results suggest that under the mediating effect of energy uncertainty, renewables and nuclear energy in electricity generation have a negative association with CO2 intensity. In contrast, fossil fuels in generating electricity influence positively CO2 intensity in the aggregated analysis. Moreover, the disaggregated results under the mediating role of energy uncertainty reveal that only hydro energy reduces CO2 intensity as renewables, bioenergy, wind, and solar energy do not impact CO2 intensity. Both coal and gas energies cause a rise in CO2 intensity. Regarding nuclear energy, it also has a negative relation with CO2 intensity. The increase in energy uncertainty leads to a fall in CO2 intensity in aggregated and disaggregated analyses as well. Wavelet coherence analysis shows that CO2 intensity and energy uncertainty depend on each other dynamically for almost the whole employed period.

Design, construction, and testing of generation of electric energy using microbial fuel cell

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that converts chemical energy from organic compounds/renewable energy sources to electrical energy/bio-electrical energy through microbial catalysis at the anode under anaerobic conditions. The process is becoming an attractive and alternative methodology for the generation of electricity. The scope of this paper was to design, construct, and test microbial fuel cells that source their fuel from organic waste, using microbial fuel cells to power LED lights. The research concluded that microbial fuel is a prospective energy source for future electricity that can be produced and used by all consumers. Single Chamber Microbial fuel cells were set up using material readily available around i.e. the slurry and, in the market, i.e. the other materials, in batches. The studies showed that the single chamber MFC can produce a maximum voltage of over 500mV and can last for a minimum of two and half months. Out of the 30 MFCs produced 18 of them which produce stable and progressive voltage were connected in series in the frame. The whole setup successfully powered five red LED lights. This shows that more of the MFCs set up can produce more electricity such as that can power a control system.

Development of multi droplet-based electricity generator system for energy harvesting improvement from a single droplet

Abstract Due to high output performance, the droplet-based electricity generator (DEG) is garnering attention as a promising alternative power source for small electronic devices. Accordingly, to utilize the DEG as a power source, the efforts to boost the output have focused on methods to modify material modification and introduce surface structure. However, the behavior feature that the reconfigured droplet falls after the DEG operation leaves room for one more droplet energy harvesting from a single droplet. Here, a multi DEG system (MDEG) constructed with multiple DEG units is proposed to harvest more energy from a single droplet. The continuous movement of a water droplet is realized through the inclined stair structure of the MDEG, resulting in electrical energy generation from a single water droplet as many times as it falls. In particular, 2-step MDEG consisting of two DEG units can have 45% higher performance than a single DEG. Therefore, this study implies a contribution to the development of DEGs by considering the droplet dynamics, which has been overlooked in existing DEG studies.

Sustainable Use of the Fungus Aspergillus sp. to Simultaneously Generate Electricity and Reduce Plastic through Microbial Fuel Cells

The improper disposal of plastic waste has become a significant problem, with only a small amount recycled and the rest ending up in landfills or being burned, leading to environmental pollution. In addition, the cost of electric energy has risen by over 100% in the last 20 years, making it unaffordable for remote areas to access this service due to high installation costs, leaving people living far from major cities without electricity. This study proposes an innovative solution to these issues using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology to simultaneously reduce plastic waste and generate electric energy by utilizing the fungus Aspergillus sp. As a substrate for 45 days. The MFCs reached maximum values of 0.572 ± 0.024 V and 3.608 ± 0.249 mA of voltage and electric current on the thirty-first day, with the substrate operating at a pH of 6.57 ± 0.27 and an electrical conductivity of 257.12 ± 20.9 mS/cm. Furthermore, it was possible to reduce the chemical oxygen demand by 73.77% over the 45 days of MFC operation, while the recorded internal resistance was 27.417 ± 9.810 Ω, indicating a power density of 0.124 ± 0.006 mW/cm2. The initial and final transmittance spectra, obtained using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), showed the characteristic peaks of polyethylene (plastic), with a noticeable reduction in the final spectrum, particularly in the vibration of the C-H compound. After 45 days of fungus operation, the plastic surface used as a sample exhibited perforations and cracks, resulting in a thickness reduction of 313.56 µm. This research represents an initial step in using fungi for plastic reduction and electric energy generation in an alternative and sustainable manner.

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF A WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT THAT DETECTS AND INFORMS THE PRESENCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Electrical energy has both positive and negative effects nowadays, with the potential to cause property and human loss. Technical professionals working at electrical energy generation, distribution, and utilization points may die due to carelessness or neglect. Although there are protection elements (fuses, residual current protection relays, etc.) in electrical panels that interrupt the flow of electrical energy in the event of a shock, there may be working areas where energy cannot be cut off due to incorrect electrical connections caused by unauthorized people interacting with the panel. Existing protective components may be insufficient. The experiments include both wired protection elements and wireless detection elements. However, they need to be enhanced because they have limited detection distances. Furthermore, using an ergonomic design can improve operability. New protection and warning features must be designed using developing technology. To prevent employees from being shocked by being exposed to electrical energy in the workplace, AC voltage can be detected without contact using this study, which includes the design and test results of a wearable technology product that warns when electricity is present. An electrical circuit that technical staff can wear on their finger detects voltage without contact and displays the existence of energy with a red LED. It was discovered that the test circuit detects 230V AC electrical energy up to 8 cm away and warns with light.