Independent Power Production Research Articles

Multi-objective optimisation and planning of grid-connected cogeneration systems in presence of grid power fluctuations and energy storage dynamics

In recent years, multi-generation systems (MGS) have been at the centre of attention for incorporating various energy sources and technologies to provide a reliable and sustainable energy supply. However, deciding on the most suitable configuration and optimal operation strategy of MGSs has always been a challenging issue due to the nonlinear and complex interactions between different energy converters. Cogeneration solutions offer excellent energy efficiency through the coproduced heat from the electricity generation process. This will lead to significant economic profitability compared to conventional independent heat and power production plants. This paper presents a mixed-integer quadratic based multi-objective structural design strategy for grid-connected cogeneration systems comprising combined heat and power (CHP) devices, ancillary boiler, and energy storage devices in presence of nonlinear and dynamic behaviour of the energy storage systems. The power fluctuations smoothing index (PFSI) and energy storage depreciation factor (ESDF) are defined to effectively mitigate the power grid fluctuations and extend the lifetime of the energy storage systems. Presenting three case scenarios, the obtained results demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of the developed technique and reflect the impact of the introduced factors on the optimal configuration and operation of cogeneration systems.

“Perception of Employees on Organizational Culture of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (With Special Reference to Kothagudem Mines, Khammam District, Telangana State)”

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is the second largest coal mining company in India after Coal India Limited (CIL) with a total man power of 56,282 during 2016-17. It is a public sector coal mining company jointly owned by Telangana State Government (51 Percent share capital) and the Government of India (49 percent share capital). The company’s accredited function is to explore and exploit coal deposits in the Godavari Valley coal field area covering the four districts of Telangana State namely Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam and Warangal. The company markets its coal to diverse industries such as thermal power plants, cement, steel, paper, textiles, tobacco, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, distilleries etc. With spurt in industrial growth and the resultant increase in demand for electricity, the company has been playing a key role in the growth and development of the nation. Further, the new Electricity Act providing opportunities for independent power production and distribution, the demand for coal has increased phenomenally. In short, the demand for its coal is more than what it can supply to the market. Hence the company has to take measures to increase its coal production and productivity, which in turn to a large extent depends upon positive organizational culture. In a dynamic and changing environment, culture’s flexibility, adaptiveness and responsiveness create organizational capabilities. Organizational culture plays a vital role in the survival and success of organizations. Hence, the present article focuses on the perception of employees of SCCL on the Organizational Culture that is prevailing and whether the present Organizational culture is conducive to the productive performance or not. Certain Statistical tools like Chi-Square test, ANOVA and T-test have been applied to validate the perception of employees.

Optimal location and capacity planning for distributed generation with independent power production and self-generation

This paper proposes a planning model for power distribution companies (DISCOs) to maximize profit. The model determines optimal network location and capacity for renewable energy source, which are categorized as independent power production (IPP) and self-generation (SG). IPP refers to generators owned by third-party investors and linked to a quota obligation mechanism. SG encompasses smaller generators, supported by feed-in tariffs, that produce energy for local consumption, exporting any surplus generation to the distribution network. The obtained optimal planning model is able to evaluate network capacity to maximize profit when the DISCO is obliged to provide network access to SG and IPP. Distinct parts of the objective function, owing to the definition of SG, are revenue erosion, recovery as well as the cost of excess energy. Together with the quota mechanism for IPP, the combination of all profit components creates a connection trade-off between IPP and SG for networks with limited capacity. The effectiveness of the model is tested on 33- and 69-bus test distribution systems and compared to standard models that maximize generation capacity with predefined capacity diffusion. Simulation results demonstrate the model outperforms the standard models in satisfying the following binding constraints: minimum IPP capacity and SG net energy. It is further revealed that integrating SG and IPP with the proposed model increases profit by up to 23.7%, adding an improvement of 8% over a feasible standard model.

Policy Reform and the Problem of Private Investment: Evidence from the Power Sector

AbstractDevelopment economists frequently emphasize the importance of good infrastructure for economic growth. Can governments attract private capital in infrastructural investments through policy reform? We address this question by showing that, in the case of electricity generation, a simple legislation enabling independent power production increases private investment in electricity generation by more than an order of magnitude. Contrary to the conventional wisdom on the importance of constraints on executive power for credible commitment, we find that such constraints neither draw private capital nor condition the effectiveness of policy reform. We also find that both domestic and foreign investment increase with IPP reform. Evidence for these claims comes from an instrumental variable analysis of power sector reforms and private electricity generation in all developing countries for the years 1982 to 2008. Simple and politically uncontroversial policies can generate positive results in developing countries.

Comparison between CSP+MED and CSP+RO in Mediterranean Area and MENA Region: Techno-economic Analysis

Mediterranean (South of Europe) and MENA regions are increasingly facing the lack of fresh water supplies. They have high solar radiation levels, which make them good candidates for the development and installation of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Therefore, cogeneration of electricity and fresh water using CSP with desalination plants (CSP+D) can be proposed as a sustainable option for these regions. The aim of this work is to find the most suitable CSP+D configurations (including the power cycle refrigeration technology) in Mediterranean and MENA regions. For this purpose, a comparative techno-economic analysis of CSP+D plants that considers several integrations of the Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) process together with the independent freshwater and power production by connecting a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system has been carried out. The three conventional cooling methods for power cycles have been taken into account: dry cooling, once-through and wet cooling.

Characterisation of the coupling of multi-effect distillation plants to concentrating solar power plants

The aim of this work is to analyse whether the integration of Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) process into Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants can be more competitive, under certain conditions, than the independent freshwater and power production by connecting a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system to a CSP plant. For this purpose, different CSP + MED configurations using the steam from the turbine as the thermal energy source of the desalination process have been evaluated and compared to the simple combination of a CSP plant connected to a RO plant. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out varying different parameters of the whole system (the specific electric consumption and the exhaust steam temperature) and calculating in each case the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the combined system for the same net production of electricity and desalinated water. This analysis has been performed for the three types of cooling methods usually employed in power plants (dry cooling, once-through and evaporative water cooling) and the results have been discussed in detail.

Solar to Ammonia – Via Proton's NFuel Units

The biggest problem associated with solar power is intermittency. The problem is ensuring energy supply after the Sun has gone down. Balancing this cyclic and intermittent energy production along with uncertain energy demand is a major concern to all large utilities around the world. Conventional options for dealing with such imbalance of energy consist of creating flexible electricity demand and supply, but that is not always feasible. Hence options for storing energy when in excess and supplying it when the demand rises are investigated. Batteries are conventional solutions for energy storage; newer options include storage in the form of hydrogen. We propose a new solution for all energy buffering problems – Ammonia! Ammonia can be a suitable medium to ‘buffer’ intermittent renewable energy in liquid form. We propose a completely environmentally friendly system, where there are no carbon emissions upstream or downstream. Ammonia can be produced decentrally from renewables (or cheap power) via Proton's NFuel units and this ammonia can be converted into power when needed via ammonia generators. Secondly, excess ammonia can be directly used as a fertilizer or chemical feedstock.Over the longer term such decentralized and independent power production and usage system will herald the dawn of energy independency, guaranteeing security of supply by reducing reliance on imported oil and gas.

The Mexican electricity sector: Policy analysis and reform (1992–2009)

This article analyses the cause–effect relation of the structural reform in the Mexican electricity sector, called the Public Electricity Service Act, from 1992 to 2009. One of the main arguments of the reform is to attract private investment in order to reduce the financial load of the government in infrastructure for the development of the National Electric Power System by means of six modalities (Power Self-Supply, Cogeneration, Small Power Production, Independent Power Production, Power Export and Power Import). The article presents the global context of reforms adopted in 1990. The major policies and events are presented in chronological order (before and after reform). In addition, it analyses the new institutional framework, the evolution of modalities, technologies of electricity generation and tariffs. The main conclusion is that the result of reform could be considered a partial progress. The Independent Power Production modality shows greater participation, while Power Self-Supply and Cogeneration are lower. The subsidy policy is maintained. Progress is needed in policies and strengthening, and also in updating regulatory and normative frameworks.

MDU Resources Group Inc.

AbstractEarth & Rock Mining (MIC: 14.5 SIC: 1429 NAIC: 212319)MDU Resources Group is a natural resource company. Co.'s electric and natural gas distribution segments include the operations of Montana‐Dakota and Great Plains Natural Gas Co. Co., through its wholly owned subsidiary, Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., owns WBI Holdings (comprised of the pipeline and energy services and the natural gas and oil production segments); Knife River (construction materials and mining segment); MDU Construction Services (construction services segment); Centennial Resources (independent power production segment); and Centennial Capital (reflected in the Other category).

Tertiary Phosphorus Removal: An Effective Treatment Strategy for Reuse Applications

Tertiary Phosphorus Removal: An Effective Treatment Strategy for Reuse ApplicationsIn late 2004, the City of Mankato, MN and the Calpine Corporation, an independent power production company, entered an agreement to treat and reuse the City's wastewater treatment plant effluent to supply cooling water for a proposed 640-megawatt combined-cycle power plant. The Mankato Wastewater Treatment Plant has an average day design capacity of 11.25 mgd, and prior to the tertiary treatment...Author(s)Mark SteichenDerek CambridgeEd KobylinskiAndrew HansenMary FralishSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 93: Reclaimed Water Membrane Concentrates and AWTDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Oct, 2007ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20071001)2007:10L.7530;1-DOI10.2175/193864707787168585Volume / Issue2007 / 10Content sourceWEFTECFirst / last page(s)7530 - 7531Copyright2007Word count875Subject keywordsREUSEACTIFLOPHOSPHORUS REMOVALDISK FILTERSBALLASTED FLOCCULATION

Strategic bidding in continuous electricity auctions: an application to the Spanish electricity market

In this paper we introduce an asymmetric model of continuous electricity auctions with limited production capacity and bounded supply functions. The strategic bidding is studied with this model by means of an electricity market game. We prove that for every electricity market game with continuous cost functions a mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium always exists. In particular, we focus on the behavior of producers in the Spanish electricity market. We consider a very simple form for the Spanish electricity market: an oligopoly consisting just of independent hydro-electric power production units in a single wet period. We show that a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium for the Spanish electricity market game always exists.

MDU Resources Group Inc.

AbstractEarth & Rock Mining (MIC: 14.5 SIC: 1429 NAIC: 212319)MDU Resources Group is a natural resource company. Co.'s electric and natural gas distribution segments include the operations of Montana‐Dakota and Great Plains Natural Gas Co. Co., through its wholly owned subsidiary, Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., owns WBI Holdings (comprised of the pipeline and energy services and the natural gas and oil production segments); Knife River (construction materials and mining segment); MDU Construction Services (construction services segment); Centennial Resources (independent power production segment); and Centennial Capital (reflected in the Other category).

From Investor-owned Utility to Independent Power Producer

We examine the issue of why some parent companies of U.S. electric utilities have expanded into domestic independent power production (IPP) but not others. We evaluate the conjecture that the parent companies who have chosen to participate in recently restructured U.S. wholesale electricity markets are those with the most generation cost advantages. Specifically, we empirically investigate the link between apparent advantages in two types of generation costs — operation &maintenance (O&M) and capital — and the IPP participation decision. We use electric utility data from FERC Form 1 and combine it with IPP data collected from various industry sources. The data is analyzed using both a descriptive approach and a simple, empirical competitive entry model. We find that utilities with lower O&M costs are more likely to expand into IPP. Also, utility financial characteristics, reflecting possible capital cost advantages, seem to matter mainly for the largest utilities.

Hydropower's Role in Delivering Sustainability

Johannesburg's World Summit on Sustainable Development stipulated in its Implementation Plan that hydropower of all scales should be included in the drive to increase the contribution of renewable energy. This can be achieved through the plant-life extension and upgrading of existing schemes, as well as by the sustainable development of new projects according to the needs, opportunities and resources available. Hydropower is the world's largest source of renewable energy used for power generation; it accounts for 19 percent of the world's supply (by 2010 wind power is expected to contribute 0.6 percent and solar power 0.12 percent1. Hydropower is also a truly global resource, as more than 150 countries generate hydroelectric power. There is about 730 GW of hydro capacity in operation worldwide, generating 2650 TWh/year. A further 101 GW is under construction and 338 GW is at the planning stage2. Hydropower plays an important role in reducing global GHG emissions by an estimated 10 percent per annum; in its current role, hydropower offsets 4.4 million barrels of oil-equivalent3 (thermal electric generation) each day. There is vast unexploited potential worldwide for new hydro plants, with only 33 percent of the economic potential having been developed so far. The majority of the remaining potential exists in lesser developed countries in Asia, South America and Africa. For example, Europe has developed 75 percent of its economic potential, whereas Africa has only developed seven percent. Hydropower technologies are reliable, advanced and efficient. The energy conversion efficiency of 80 to 93 percent is far higher than that for other major types of power plant. The level of service from the various types of hydro scheme varies from base-load supply, typically from run-of-river schemes, to peak-load and system-back-up services from hydro storage schemes. In regions where there is long-developed hydro capacity, plant-life extension can be achieved by the replacement of equipment within existing infrastructure; this can extend the operating life by a further 30 to 50 years. Small-scale, decentralised development has been responsible for bringing light and power to remote communities. Such schemes have catalysed local commercial diversification and prosperity. The lower investment demand of smaller schemes has enabled private sector involvement through independent power production. Typically smaller schemes become grid connected if the power system is accessible, as this increases the security of supply. Furthermore, schemes at remote sites can assist transmission system stability. A further important role of smaller scale hydro is the recovery of energy at water infrastructure developed for other purposes. In many countries, large schemes play a significant role in national and regional supply security due to the flexibility of storage reservoirs and independence from fuel price fluctuations. Hydro also integrates well with other generation technologies, with its flexibility enabling thermal plants to operate steadily (saving fuel and reducing emissions). In addition, its responsiveness permits the back-up of the intermittent renewables. The question of storage is clearly a major issue in balancing supply and demand. Hydro reservoirs and pumped-storage schemes offer security in the stability and reliability of power systems; they can absorb power when there is an excess and follow load demand instantaneously. A major challenge is that ‘support’ and ‘storage’ services are rarely understood and encouraged in the market-driven arena. The main arguments against hydropower concern its social impacts, such as land transformation, displacement of people, and environmental changes, i.e. fauna, flora, sedimentation and water quality. The social and environmental impacts can, however, be mitigated by taking appropriate steps according to established codes of good practice. As a tool for this purpose, the hydropower sector has recently developed and adopted Sustainability Guidelines. These Guidelines are currently being tested by a number of governments and international organisations.

The power of the Buckley and Casson thesis: the ability to manage institutional idiosyncrasies

Recent patterns of rapid internationalization in sectors characterized by strong public interest and both government and domestic capital constraints seem, at first, inconsistent with the drivers of internationalization identified by Buckley and Casson (1976) for manufacturing industries in the postwar era. A more microanalytic perspective, however, identifies the ability to manage institutional idiosyncrasies as a firm-level capability akin to research or advertising that can drive internalization across national borders and thereby internationalization. These arguments are examined using evidence from the independent power production sector.

The prospects for local private investment in Tanzania's rural electrification

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether local investors are capable of establishing and managing power sector enterprises in Tanzania. The paper then examines the extent to which this capability could be harnessed to enhance rural electrification especially of the poor. The data used were obtained from interviews of power sector stakeholders. Three major conclusions arise from the findings. First, it seems that substantial local ownership is possible in small power enterprises but is limited in the larger ones. Second, available evidence suggests that the terms and conditions of local financial institutions are major constraining factors on the ability of local investors to mobilise finance locally. Third, it appears that, on the overall, technical, managerial and professional capabilities needed to set up, operate and manage Independent Power Production (IPP) and Independent Power Distribution (IPD) enterprises exist locally.

Institutions, Exchange Relations, and the Emergence of New Fields: Regulatory Policies and Independent Power Production in America, 1978–1992

This paper analyzes how a new field, independent (or non-utility) power production, was created by a federal mandate that electric utilities purchase power from private generating sources and how the field was populated. Results show that key rules that state regulatory bodies adopted or rejected regulating exchange between independent power producers and utilities were influential predictors of organizational foundings. Results also show that collective action by independent power producers boosted foundings. Finally, if the preexisting relationship between utilities and regulators was one of accommodation, foundings were suppressed. The paper examines these results in view of economic and sociological perspectives on public policies, spotlighting the vital role of institutions in early population dynamics.

Long-term trends in direct and indirect household energy intensities: a factor in dematerialisation?

Technical-economic and geographical opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy in Russia are enormous – cost-effective investments are possible in district heating systems, buildings, and industry, and for wind, biomass, solar and geothermal energy. Market-level energy prices, privatization, and the possibility of independent power production all favor investments in these technologies and technology transfer with other countries. But many transaction barriers limit such investments and transfers, especially barriers that are related to capital, information, infrastructure, market institutions, human resource capabilities, and institutional incentives. Market intermediation and joint ventures are important in overcoming these transaction barriers. International policies, for example by bilateral and multilateral agencies, should facilitate market intermediation. Capacity building should target skills in economic analysis, management, and finance; information services; regulatory development; new market intermediation institutions; stronger legal and market institutions; and implementation mechanisms supporting independent power producers. Policies that encourage and support energy service companies are especially important.

On appraising alternative power plant investment proposals: Part 1: Economic model

Combined energy plants operating on the Brayton-Rankine cycle have gained wide acceptance as the most efficient energy conversion system. The technology is well proven and numerous research activities are underway to develop it further past its present plateau of performance. In developed and emerging economies alike, the current situation in the global economic market has caused the liberalization of the energy industry in some countries, and in others it is causing a rethink of economic and energy policies. A result is that electric utility companies that have enjoyed a monopoly in power generation and distribution are seeing this privilege being eroded. This is opening up opportunities for independent power production and, consequently, for gas/steam turbine plants because of the technical merits of the technology and its ability to fill the vacuum being created in the energy industry. An economic model has been developed for carrying out life cycle costs analysis of energy investment proposals involving gas and steam turbines in combined power and combined heat and power. A computer program for the economic analysis of combined energy systems (PEACES) was developed with a capability to evaluate the economic merits of individual and competing energy investment proposals. This paper describes the economic medel around which the computer code was structured.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRIC DEREGULATION

The talk provides an overview of recent regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level concerning the deregulation of the electric power industry. The effects of these initiatives on the IPP (independent power production) sector is emphasized. A discussion of the evolution of contracting for the sale of power from the passage of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act in 1978 through the present is presented. The relationship between new merchant IPPs and the power exchange (a power spot market trading center) in places like California where deregulation is already in place is covered.