Installation Site Research Articles

Sonic Gathering Place: implementation of a biophilic soundscape design and its evaluation

The Sonic Gathering Place (SGP) is a prototype urban furniture installation that uses sound design to enhance the biophilic effects of plants. It uses field recordings from four different biomes in South-Eastern Australia mixed with plants that are representative of those biomes. The SGP has a circular seating structure comprising four integrated planter boxes, each with a single speaker. Nature-based field recordings play through the four-speaker array to create an immersive audio playback experience, though without masking the existing acoustic environment of the installation site. This paper focuses, as practice-led research, on the design process of the installation that encompasses four disciplinary approaches: soundscape design, biophilic design, field recording and urban furniture. Innovatively, it then reports a quantitative survey of the user’s experience of the SGP that hones understanding of human response to the design. Measured user-responses to the SGP, collected through a smartphone-based questionnaire, were overwhelmingly affirmative of the design, including a positive change in self-reported mood resulting from the visit to the SGP. These responses were observed with introduced sound levels set only marginally louder than sound levels that existed before the installation. The results signal a wider role that biophilic sound installations might play in urban landscape design.

Electric vehicle charging by use of renewable energy technologies: A comprehensive and updated review

The majority of the vehicles in the world consuming fossil fuels that causes emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. In order to mitigate the emissions regarding the transport sector, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have attracted attentions. One of the main concerns in the development of EVs is supply of required power for the charging stations. Renewable energy systems would be clean and attractive options for supply of required power of charging stations. In recent years, several studies have investigated applications of renewable energy systems for charging stations of EV and analyzed different aspects of these technologies. This article reviews the research works on the design, optimization and performance investigation of charging stations coupled with renewable energy systems. Studies on EV charging systems powered by stand-alone or hybrid renewable energy systems are considered in the present article. According to the reviewed works, significant potential of renewable energy systems for supply of charging stations can be concluded. Different factors such as the applied technology and components, meteorological data of the installation site and operating condition influence the performance of these systems. Furthermore, it can be concluded that control design system can influence various aspects of EV charging technologies powered by renewable energy systems such as share of renewables in the grid-connected configurations and performance reliability. Challenges and opportunities associated with the development of these systems are provided in the current works and some recommendations are highlighted for the forthcoming studies and projects.

A hierarchical optimization technique for placement of battery energy storage system to improve grid transient stability

AbstractA battery energy storage system (BESS), due to its very fast dynamic response, plays an essential role in improving the transient frequency stability of a grid. The performance of the BESS varies with the system's installation site. Hence, the optimal location of the BESS is of utmost importance for improving transient frequency stability. Therefore, this paper presents a hierarchical approach for optimizing the BESS placement to improve a grid's transient frequency stability. In most research, frequency nadir and rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) have been considered for studying frequency stability. This paper considers two more parameters, along with frequency nadir and ROCOF, to study the transient frequency stability, settling time, and decay ratio. A novel frequency stability index (FSI) using the four transient frequency parameters has been developed. After a significant disturbance in a benchmarked test system, the FSI was used to identify the optimal location of the BESS for stabilizing the frequency. It has been observed that, after a sudden generator outage, the ROCOF and the frequency nadir improve the best when the BESS is located at the bus closest to the generator experiencing the outage. However, considering the other two parameters as well, the value of the FSI is the minimum; that is, the optimum solution is when the BESS is located at the bus that is the second closest to the generator experiencing the outage. Results of similar studies validate the proposed FSI in indicating the optimal location of the BESS in improving the transient frequency behavior of the system.

CFD wind farm evaluation in complex terrain under free and wake induced flow conditions

Massive deployment of wind energy is critical to achieving the renewable energy production targets. This requires the development and improvement of models and tools for the optimal exploitation of high altitude and complex terrain sites for wind energy installations. Predicting the wind resource assessment of these sites is very challenging, as is predicting the interaction of wind farms in complex terrain with neighbouring installations, which is necessary to maximise the efficiency of wind energy. To address these challenges, the use of high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models is recommended. In this study, the wind resource at the complex terrain site of the CENER experimental wind farm (Alaiz) is evaluated using steady-state RANS CFD simulations performed with OpenFOAM v2212, taking into account the effects of terrain topography and vegetation. Furthermore, a virtual wind farm located at Alaiz is modelled with the Actuator Disk (AD) method to analyse the effect of topography on the the wake evolution.

A New Perspective on Offshore Wind Turbine Certification Using High Performance Computing

A correct estimation of fatigue and ultimate loads on the structure is key for wind turbine design and certification. In a greater perspective, wind turbines are large structures placed in the natural environment and are thus subject to environmental loads that are stochastic in nature. In the case of offshore turbines, the design space is even vaster, as wind speed, turbulence intensity, wave height and period, and wind/wave direction need to be considered. Due to this complexity, standardization is a challenge, and current design standards prescribe load calculations to be performed on a site-per-site basis. Performing this task requires obtaining a long-term statistical representation of the installation site, which can be complex. Moreover, this process is affected by uncertainties. This work explores an alternative to this approach, i.e., partially, or entirely simulating the lifetime of the offshore asset. Results show how this method can reliably predict fatigue loads even using as little as one year of data. On the other hand, prediction of extreme loads is influenced by the sample size and time-period.

Seismic Performance of Precast Double-Skin Composite Shear Wall with Horizontal Connection Region

This paper proposed a novel, precast double-skin composite (DSC) shear wall, which was composed of two precast parts at the factory and welding and pouring grouting material on site. One monolithic cast-in-place DSC shear wall specimen and two precast DSC shear wall specimens with different axial compression ratios were subjected to reverse cyclic loading tests. The results indicated that the failure mode of both the cast-in-place and precast DSC shear wall shear walls were compression-bending failures, and the damage range of specimens within a height range of 100 mm to 200 mm from the bottom of the DSC shear wall. The load-bearing capacity of the precast specimen was 6.3% higher than that of the monolithic counterpart, but its ductility was reduced by 16%. The precast DSC shear wall with better casting quality and easier site installation exhibited a satisfactory seismic performance on a par with that of the monolithic cast-in-place DSC shear wall. Under higher axial compression ratios, the bearing capacity and energy dissipation of the precast DSC shear wall specimen significantly improved due to the enhanced confinement effect. Finite element (FE) models clarified the stress and deformation mechanisms between the exterior steel plate and the infill concrete. Finally, the key parameters affecting the seismic bearing capacity of the precast DSC shear wall were identified through FE parameter analysis.

QUANTUM-ENHANCED SOLAR SITE SELECTION: A NOVEL MCDM APPROACH

In the pursuit of optimizing renewable energy sources, the selection of solar plant installation sites presents a complex decision-making challenge that involves multiple criteria. This research introduces a groundbreaking algorithm, leveraging quantum computing techniques to enhance Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) for solar plant site selection. The proposed algorithm harnesses the superposition and entanglement properties of quantum bits to evaluate extensive datasets and criteria with unprecedented speed and accuracy. By integrating quantum versions of established MCDM methods such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), the algorithm provides a sophisticated tool for decision-makers. The research demonstrates the algorithm’s superiority over classical methods through rigorous simulation and validation processes. The findings suggest that quantum-enhanced MCDM can significantly streamline the solar plant site selection, paving the way for a more efficient deployment of solar energy infrastructure and contributing to a sustainable energy future.

Development of portable deterioration diagnosis device for oil filled transformers based on near‐infrared spectroscopic information

AbstractA transformer plays a key role in electric power distribution system; therefore, when the transformer fails, several electrical components may get affected. As a result, diagnosing the deterioration of transformers is important for the management of electric power distribution system. The furfural content in the insulating oil of a transformer is widely used as an indicator of deterioration because furfural is generated by the decomposition of insulating paper. However, analyzing the furfural content is time consuming because of the requirement of a professional and the complexity of the diagnosis process. In this study, we propose a novel method for analyzing the amount of furfural in the insulating oil based on near‐infrared spectroscopic data obtained using the developed portable spectrometer, which can be used for the on‐site analysis at transformer installation sites. We selected wavenumbers with high correlation coefficients between the furfural content of oil and the spectroscopic data and estimated the furfural content by partial least squares regression. The results suggest that the furfural content can be analyzed in a few minutes using a small amount of oil through a portable diagnostic device.

I-V response test of 60–150 W mono-crystalline solar panel

This work investigates the discrepancies in electrical parameters of mono-crystalline solar panels between Ago-Iwoye weather conditions and the manufacturer’s specified ideal conditions. Manufacturer’s specifications are typically based on 1,000 W/m2 global solar irradiance, AM 1.5, and 25°C operating temperature, while actual weather conditions at installation sites can vary significantly. Mono-crystalline (single-crystal) silicon solar panels of capacities 60, 80, 100, and 150 W were evaluated through current-voltage (I-V) response tests at an installation site in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, with solar irradiance exposure from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The analysis of I-V and P-V curves revealed a significant reduction in maximum power output by 28.6%, 25.9%, 28.9%, and 19.36%, respectively, compared to the manufacturer’s stated values. This deviation underscores the importance of considering local weather conditions during solar PV projects, and we recommend adding an additional 20%–30% of the total solar panel capacity during installations to account for variations in solar irradiance and operating temperatures, ensuring optimal performance and effective solar power generation in Ago-Iwoye and similar areas.

OPERATE–H2: A tool for optimizing underground hydrogen storage

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is crucial in facilitating the transition to clean energy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring a stable supply of emission-free energy. However, safe and efficient storage conditions require careful planning. While reservoir simulations could determine optimal storage conditions, exploring all possible scenarios can be computationally prohibitive and time-consuming. Reduced-order models (ROMs) can efficiently simulate reservoir performance and analyze multiple strategies with reduced computational cost, providing valuable insights for UHS decision-making. This paper introduces an innovative integrated assessment framework with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), designed to optimize UHS operations. The GUI features several advanced functionalities, including (1) temporal evolution for visualizing and analyzing UHS performance over withdrawal cycles, (2) local sensitivity analysis to determine the impact of individual parameters on UHS sites while keeping other inputs constants, (3) uncertainty quantification to identify the key factors for effective decision-making via tornado plots, (4) global sensitivity analysis to comprehensively quantify the interactions between geologic and operational parameters and their effect on UHS performance, and (5) sites screening feature to identify the most prominent potential sites for UHS installations. The GUI is built based on ROMs and the PyQt5 packages in Python. With user-friendly design and advanced features, Optimization, Evaluation, and Risk-Assessment Techniques for Hydrogen Energy tool (OPERATE–H2) enables users to evaluate different UHS scenarios quickly and effectively, helping to accelerate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

A comprehensive framework for electric vehicle charging station siting along highways using weighted sum method

The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to an increased demand for strategically located EV charging stations (EVCSs) to ensure a balanced and accessible charging network. The siting of EVCS involves a multifaceted process that includes technological, economic, social, geographical, and environmental factors. An EVCS network should deliver high-quality service, alleviate drivers' range anxiety, and be compatible with renewable energy system integration, while also accounting for technical infrastructure and future expansion expectations. Resting areas along highways, equipped with amenities and grid connections, emerge as potential sites for EVCS installation. Accordingly, this study presents an EVCS siting framework along highways, integrating expert opinions from diverse disciplines. The proposed method employs expert opinions to weigh site selection criteria and then uses a clustering-based approach to identify suitable locations for EVCS siting, utilizing the weighted sum method. According to the experts, the most important criterion is determined as the service level of the candidate point with a weight of 0.375, followed by traffic density (0.218), and proximity to connection roads (0.215). The method is tested both on a test highway and the Edirne-Ankara highway, which is the most heavily used in Türkiye. The results demonstrate that the test highway identifies 13 out of 18 optimal locations using the clustering strategy. Similarly, the siting method identifies 18 out of 31 optimal EVCS locations along the Edirne-Ankara highway ensuring the distance constraints. This approach is scalable and adaptable for application on highways in various countries where EVCS infrastructure is still developing.

Quantum-Enhanced SOLAR Site Selection: A Novel MCDM Approach

In the pursuit of optimizing renewable energy sources, the selection of solar plant installation sites presents a complex decision-making challenge that involves multiple criteria. This research introduces a groundbreaking algorithm, leveraging quantum computing techniques to enhance Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) for solar plant site selection. The proposed algorithm harnesses the superposition and entanglement properties of quantum bits to evaluate extensive datasets and criteria with unprecedented speed and accuracy. By integrating quantum versions of established MCDM methods such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), the algorithm provides a sophisticated tool for decision-makers. The research demonstrates the algorithm’s superiority over classical methods through rigorous simulation and validation processes. The findings suggest that quantum-enhanced MCDM can significantly streamline the solar plant site selection, paving the way for a more efficient deployment of solar energy infrastructure and contributing to a sustainable energy future.

On the issue of the concept of public sculpture in urban space

The subject of the study is the phenomenon of public sculpture. This topic is very relevant, as public sculpture causes extensive controversy, which involves sculptors, architects, urbanists, representatives of public organizations. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the place of public sculpture in the contours of the artistic and associative landscape of a modern city. The research methodology includes historical, cultural and cross-cultural analysis, a dialectical approach to assessing the trajectories of the aesthetics of public sculpture, as well as a conceptual analysis of the phenomenon of public sculpture in modern public, including urban, spaces. As a result of the research, the historical genesis of the phenomenon of public sculpture was presented, the place of public sculpture in the postmodern paradigm was characterized, attention was paid to the problems of low performance quality, inappropriate installation sites in public urban space and the creation of visual noise. Refined scientific definitions of the concepts of social and public sculpture are proposed. I'd like to emphasize the importance of researching and defining the concepts of public and urban sculpture, as well as the need to develop methodological approaches for the management and evaluation of public sculpture. This article proposes an adaptation of the concept of an artistic and associative city landscape, which allows public sculpture to harmoniously fit into the urban environment. The use of a methodological approach will allow us to manage creative activity in this area and make the right decisions regarding the ordering, financing and placement of public sculpture in public spaces of cities.

Decision Process for Identifying Appropriate Devices for Power Transfer between Voltage Levels in Distribution Grids

During the energy transition, new types of electrical equipment, especially power electronic devices, are proposed to increase the flexibility of electricity distribution grids. One type is the solid-state transformer (SST), which offers excellent possibilities to improve the voltage quality in electricity distribution grids and integrate hybrid AC/DC grids. This paper compares SST to conventional copper-based power transformers (CPT) with and without an on-load tap changer (OLTC) and with additional downstream converters. For this purpose, a corresponding electricity distribution grid is set up in the power system analysis tool DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2022. A DC generator like a photovoltaic system, a DC load like an electric vehicle fast charging station, and an AC load are connected. Based on load flow simulations, the four power transformers are compared concerning voltage stability during a generator-based and a load-based scenario. The results of load flow simulations show that SSTs are most valuable when additional generators and loads are to be connected to the infrastructure, which would overload the existing grid equipment. The efficiency of using SSTs also depends on the parameters of the electrical grid, especially the lengths of the low-voltage (LV) lines. In addition, a flowchart-based decision process is proposed to support the decision-making process for the appropriate power transformer from an electrical perspective. Beyond these electrical properties, an evaluation matrix lists other relevant criteria like characteristics of the installation site, noise level, expected lifetime, and economic criteria that must be considered.

Study of the sizing of a fecal sludge treatment station in the town of Kissidougou (Republic of Guinea)

The management of fecal sludge is a concern for cities in Guinea such as the city of Kissidougou. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of setting up a fecal sludge treatment station at the Songbo public landfill, 3 km from the city center of Kissidougou. The methodology adopted for this study is based on: the choice and installation site of the treatment structure, the determination of the geometric parameters of the station, the identification of construction materials and the estimation of the cost of carrying out the the work. For this reason, the upstream hypotheses were defined and the analytical formulas were used. The emptying flow produced by the urban municipality is estimated at 176 m3/day of materials. The volumes of these works are: optional basin (1300 m3); anaerobic pond (384 m3) and maturation pond (1828 m3). The investment cost of building the station amounts to 25 301 546 000 GNF over a requested area of 2 hectares. However, before the establishment of these stations, the Guinean government, through state structures, should carry out preliminary actions to raise awareness among all stakeholders in the sector and regulate it in order to be able to perpetuate this study project.

Evaluation of Community Empowerment in Hand Washing Use Soap (CTPS)

Behavior Washing your hands with soap (CTPS) using running water can protect yourself and others from infectious diseases. The proportion of good and correct CTPS behavior in Indonesia is still low. Community empowerment is one strategy to improve community behavior in CTPS. The aim of the research is to evaluate the community empowerment program in CTPS. This type of research is descriptive with survey methods. The aspects evaluated include aspectsinput, proses, and output based on a societal perspective. The population is all managers of facility installation locations, namely 10 units and households who live in Baturraden District. The research sample was all facility installation site managers and 200 heads of households. Data collection techniques through observation and interviews. Observations were carried out on 10 installed facilities. Interviews with facility managers cover aspects of input, process and output from the results of the installation of facilities, while interviews with heads of households relate to the use of facilities. The collected data is then processed and displayed in the form of tables and narratives. Evaluation of community empowerment in CTPS in Baturraden District based on: 1) The input aspect shows that there is no budget and operational officers; 2) The process aspect shows that soap and soap are not available tissue/ drying rags and the community has not been involved in maintaining/maintaining the facilities; 3) The output aspect shows that facilities that are still functioning well do not meet the requirements. Based on the perspective of the community using CTPS, it shows that most of the facilities are dirty, soap is not availabletissue/clean rag. Budget limitations and the absence of operational officers have caused CTPS facilities to not function and not meet the requirements, resulting in the community not using the facilities optimally.

Examining electrical equivalent circuit models of insulators in transmission lines under pollution conditions: a comprehensive study and analysis

This research presents a comprehensive study investigating the behavior of insulators in transmission lines under various pollution conditions. Utilizing equivalent electrical circuits, the analysis aims to understand the impact of pollution on insulator performance, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of power transmission systems. By providing valuable insights into the relationship between pollution and insulator behavior, this study contributes to the development of improved strategies for mitigating the effects of pollution on transmission lines, ultimately enhancing the overall safety and stability of electrical power networks. The study focuses on a digital model that enables the visualization of potential and electric field distribution within a series of glass insulators utilized in Algerian electrical grids. Initially, a parallel RC network equivalent circuit was devised and its parameters were determined through finite element analysis using Comsol Multiphysics. This equivalent circuit was subsequently integrated into ATP/EMTP software to simulate leakage currents, yielding satisfactory outcomes. The model was then incorporated into the isolator's equivalent circuit. Results from various simulations indicate that the occurrence of discharge along the dry strip impacts leakage current. Furthermore, the re-initiation of discharge on the contaminated insulator's surface is influenced by the pollutant deposit's conductivity and distribution. Therefore, understanding the pollution level is vital for accurately evaluating and sizing the insulator chain at the installation site.

Shading impact on the electricity generated by a photovoltaic installation using “Solar Shadow-Mask”

Abstract Solar energy is an excellent source of renewable power, but designing photovoltaic (PV) systems can be challenging without proper knowledge of solar radiation. The amount of energy received at the installation site plays a crucial role in determining the number of panels required to meet the electrical demand. For a given electrical demand, higher levels of received energy imply a reduced number of panels required, and vice versa. Hence, having knowledge of this irradiance is of paramount importance in the design and sizing of solar energy systems. The primary objective of this article is to provide an accurate estimation of electricity production in a PV installation when it is affected by shading. To achieve this, we performed calculations of the irradiation (direct and diffuse) received by our installation using the “Hottel” method, which integrates relevant local site parameters for our study. Subsequently, we study the impact of shading by conducting shade mask measurements on our installation. This enables us to obtain an accurate estimation of the irradiance received by the PV panels. The measurements include surveys of the geometry of obstacles and shade measurements taken at various times of the day. Additionally, a practical study of shading effects will be conducted using “close shading masks.” This method was applied to a 1.44 kWp PV installation located at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Settat (Morocco), where the output energy of PV panels was calculated. Finally, the effect of shading on the PV installation was quantified.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CLOT-ADJUSTED AHI-8/9 AND FY-4A SOLAR RADIATION DATA FOR SOLAR PV POWER POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract. The theoretical solar photovoltaic (PV) power (PPV) potential in the Philippines has been estimated to range from 1.87 to 3.19 kWh/kWp daily and 681.80 to 1,162.58 kWh/kWp yearly using the shortwave radiation (SWR) product derived from the Advanced Himawari Imager-8 and 9 (AHI-8/9) satellite data. However, solar radiation measurements, especially for satellite-derived data, must be accurate when used to estimate the maximum solar energy available for solar PV power production. The objective of this study is to evaluate the satellite-derived measurements of AHI-8/9 SWR and Fengyun 4A surface solar irradiance (SSI) data products in the estimation of theoretical PPV output in the Philippines. Moreover, selected actual solar PV installation sites located across the Philippines, such as in the cities of Baguio, Cebu, and Tagum, are included in the analysis PV power production data. Both SWR and SSI products were adjusted using the cloud optical thickness (CLOT) product for cloud effects and consequently, obtain the maximum solar PV power potential. In this study, SWR and SSI products were analyzed to determine which factors may have contributed to the differences in the estimated values. The in-situ PV power production data was compared to the two satellite-based solar radiation data to assess the degree of correlation between the two. Diurnal trends for representative areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao show that for all sites, the SWR data agrees with the actual PV production data better than the SSI data. Results show that the range of CLOT-adjusted solar irradiance values are higher when using SSI than SWR. It was also observed that CLOT reduces the solar radiation by an average of 19.36%, 16.08% and 10.54% during the cool dry season (December to January), rainy season (June to November) and hot dry season (March to May), respectively. In future studies, the adjusted solar radiation (R') data may be used instead of the raw AHI8 SWR or FY-4A SSI to estimate the theoretical maximum solar PV power potential (PPV). Geomorphological and meteorological factors can also be considered in the estimation of effective PPV.

The volcanic aspect on determining Site of nuclear power plant in Indonesia: Gap analysis between standard and regulations

The development of nuclear power plants is in three phases. The first phase is a consideration before the decision on the NPP construction program is approved, the second phase is the preparatory work for making contracts and preparing for the construction of NPP after the NPP construction policy is approved, and the third phase is contracting, licensing and building the first NPP. As a volcanically active country, Indonesia contains over 130 active volcanoes that are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The volcanic aspect is one of the safety factors considered while deciding the location of an NPP. Research on the potential of natural external risks to the determination of nuclear power plants in Indonesia, including the volcanic aspect, has been conducted based on the safety reference or safety guide of the IAEA and the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Body (BAPETEN) Regulation. Due to technological advancements, safety needs have evolved so the existing Indonesia National Standard (SNI) must be updated to comply with BAPETEN regulations. The substance in SNI 18-2034-1990 relating to volcanic features seems less relevant in actual conditions, given that more complete and exact criteria for determining a site guarantee the safety and health of residents and surrounding the environment site. The study intends to conduct a gap analysis of volcanic issues in SNI and volcanic regulations. The method used is identification requirements for volcanic aspects in SNI 18-2034-1990 about Determining Site of Nuclear Reactor Guidance with BAPETEN Chairman Regulation (BCR) number 4 of 2018 about Nuclear Installation Site Evaluation Safety Provisions and BCR number 5 of 2015 about Evaluation of Nuclear Installation Sites for Volcanic Aspects, and analysis uses a qualitative method of inductive techniques. The outcome of this research applies to suggesting a revision of SNI number 18-2034-1990, especially the volcanic aspect.