International Electrotechnical Commission Research Articles

Analysis of the use of the Hanning Window for the measurement of interharmonic distortion caused by close tones in IEC standard framework.

The widespread use of devices based on power electronics and other nonlinear loads has led to an increase in harmonic distortion that affects the quality of power systems. Therefore, the correct measurement of harmonic and interharmonic content is necessary. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards define the concepts of spectral and time grouping required for such measurements. This paper demonstrates that the procedures defined in the IEC standards are not sufficiently accurate when several close interharmonic tones interact due to the lack of stability of the values that the Discrete Fourier Transform obtains in each sampling window, and to the inaccuracy in the measurement of interharmonic groups and rates when using the Hanning window. This paper proposes novel solutions based on time aggregation and the use of other groupings and alternative windows. The results obtained are compared with the results produced by applying the rectangular window indicated in the standards, using sensitivity analysis varying one of the tones and using experimental results measuring the output signals of frequency inverters driving induction motors. The proposed method achieves greater accuracy and stability in the measurement of spectral groupings and their related distortion rates in signals with abundant and dispersed interharmonic content.

Hands-on defibrillation with safety drapes: Analysis of compressions and an alternate current pathway.

Hands-on defibrillation (HOD) could theoretically improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) though a few mechanisms. Polyethylene drapes could potentially facilitate safe HOD, but questions remain about the effects of CPR on polyethylene's conductance and the magnitude of current looping through rescuers' arms in contact with patients. This study measured the leakage current through 2 mil (0.002in.) polyethylene through two different current pathways before and after 30min of continuous compressions on a CPR mannequin. The two pathways analyzed were the standardized IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) leakage current analysis and a setup analyzing a current pathway looping through a rescuer's arms and returning to the patient. First, ten measurements involving the two pathways were obtained on a single polyethylene drape. 30min of continuous compressions were applied to the drape on a CPR mannequin after which the ten measurements were repeated. Twenty patients undergoing elective cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (18/20) or atrial flutter (2/20) at Emory University Hospital underwent analysis all receiving 200J shocks (age 38-101, 35% female). Through the IEC measurement method the peak leakage current mean was 0.70 +/- 0.02mA before compressions and 0.59 +/- 0.19mA after compressions. Only three of the ten measurements assessing current passing through a rescuer's arms had detectable current and each was of low magnitude. All measurements were well below the maximum IEC recommendations of 3.5mA RMS and 5.0mA peak. Polyethylene may facilitate safe HOD even after long durations of compressions. Current looping through a rescuer's arms is likely of insignificant magnitude.

Study on Analysis and Design of Line-Start Synchronous Reluctance Motor Considering Rotor Slot Opening and Bridges

According to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60034-1, in industrial applications not only efficiency but also power factors are important performance indexes. When comparing line motor to induction motor (IM), a line-start synchronous reluctance motor (LS-SynRM) has a high efficiency but a low power factor than that of IM. In this article, the analysis and design of LS-SynRM are carried out considering the rotor slot opening and bridges for improving the efficiency and power factor. The reference machine is selected with a 2.2 kW IM, and the performance of the reference model is analyzed based on finite element analysis (FEA). To analyze the effect of rotor slot opening and bridges, an optimal model of LS-SynRM is designed through a two-step design process. First, the design of rotor slot for synchronization is carried out, and second, the design of barriers using the response surface method (RSM) is carried out under the same conditions of the stator size of IM. Based on the basic model, the performances of LS-SynRM are analyzed according to the slot opening and bridges. Furthermore, the parametric analysis is carried out and the final model is designed considering the efficiency and power factor based on the design parameters. Finally, the final model is manufactured, and the experiment is carried out to verify the FEA result.

Conversion coefficients from total air kerma to the newly proposed ICRU/ICRP operational quantities for radiation protection for photon reference radiation qualities

The International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) has recently proposed a set of new operational quantities for radiation protection. ICRU supplied conversion coefficients for mono-energetic photons but not for photon reference radiation qualities defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in ISO 4037 and by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in IEC 61267. Therefore, in this work, conversion coefficients from total air kerma to the newly proposed operational quantities are averaged for photon reference radiation qualities. Also, parameters necessary to determine the influence of the air density on the conversion coefficients are determined. Finally, the impact of the newly proposed quantities upon the response of dosemeters is investigated.

Waterborne Polyurethanes for Electrical Applications as Insulators and Anti-Electrostatic

In this manuscript, we analyze the viability of waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) and compounds derived from WPU mixtures, for applications of these materials in the electrical, electronic, and energy fields as insulation and anti-electrostatic applications. In the current research, several applications type of neat WPU, with any reinforcement, and WPU polymer blends have been studied and compared with standard criterions from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Standardization Association from Spain (UNE). To analyze the feasibility in different industrial applications selected, certain compounds obtained from the WPU blends were analyzed regarding their use in eleven low requirement insulator and anti-electrostatic applications. The research and analysis developed in this manuscript used standard data from the UNE – IEC norms, and these standard values were compared with the obtained research values from scientific literature and recent research published experiences. The obtained results were used to provide an application list that could be helpful for industrial applications. In this research, the analyzed WPU compounds neat WPU, Fe3O4 WPU composites, among other nanocomposites WPU blends, which has been currently published in research works, journals, and conferences. We have discovered some possible useful applications for WPU with any reinforcement, mainly as insulators and for WPU nanocomposite blends for anti-electrostatic uses, mainly dielectric and mechanical features compared, however other test types are needed to obtain like flame resistance, thermal behavior, or another key aspect to analyze in deep.

Optimization of 99m Tc whole-body SPECT/CT image quality: A phantom study.

PurposeInvestigate the impact of acquisition time and reconstruction parameters on single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) image quality with the ultimate aim of finding the shortest possible acquisition time for clinical whole‐body SPECT/CT (WB‐SPECT/CT) while maintaining image qualityMethodsThe National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) image quality measurements were performed on a SPECT/CT imaging system using a NEMA International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) phantom with spherical inserts of varying diameter (10–37 mm), filled with 99mTc in activity sphere‐to‐background concentration ratio of 8.5:1. A gated acquisition was acquired and binned data were summed to simulate acquisitions of 15, 8, and 3 s per projection angle. Images were reconstructed on a Hermes (HERMES Medical Solutions AB, Stockholm, Sweden) workstation using eight subsets and between 4 and 24 iterations of the three‐dimensional (3D) ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm. Reconstructed images were post‐smoothed with 3D Gaussian filter ranging from 0 to 12 mm full‐width at half maximum (FWHM). Contrast recovery, background variability, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio were evaluatedResultsAs expected, the spheres were more clearly defined as acquisition time and count statistics improved. The optimal iteration number and Gaussian filter were determined from the contrast recovery convergence and level of noise. Convergence of contrast recovery was observed at eight iterations while 12 iterations yielded stabilized values at all acquisition times. In addition, it was observed that applying 3D Gaussian filter of 8–12 mm FWHM suppressed the noise and mitigated Gibbs artifacts. Background variability was larger for small spheres than larger spheres and the noise decreased when acquisition time became longer. A contrast‐to‐noise ratio >5 was reached for the two smallest spheres of 10 and 13 mm at acquisition times of 8 sConclusionOptimized reconstruction parameters preserved image quality with reduce acquisition time in present study. This study suggests an optimal protocol for clinical 99mTc SPECT/CT can be reached at 8 s per projection angle, with data reconstructed using 12 iterations and eight subset of the 3D OSEM algorithm and 8 mm Gaussian post‐filter.

The effect of Q.Clear reconstruction on quantification and spatial resolution of 18F-FDG PET in simultaneous PET/MR

BackgroundQ.Clear is a block sequential regularized expectation maximization penalized-likelihood reconstruction algorithm for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). It has shown high potential in improving image reconstruction quality and quantification accuracy in PET/CT system. However, the evaluation of Q.Clear in PET/MR system, especially for clinical applications, is still rare. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Q.Clear on the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MR system and to determine the optimal penalization factor β for clinical use.MethodsA PET National Electrical Manufacturers Association/ International Electrotechnical Commission (NEMA/IEC) phantom was scanned on GE SIGNA PET/MR, based on NEMA NU 2-2012 standard. Metrics including contrast recovery (CR), background variability (BV), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spatial resolution were evaluated for phantom data. For clinical data, lesion SNR, signal to background ratio (SBR), noise level and visual scores were evaluated. PET images reconstructed from OSEM + TOF and Q.Clear were visually compared and statistically analyzed, where OSEM + TOF adopted point spread function as default procedure, and Q.Clear used different β values of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 1100 and 1400.ResultsFor phantom data, as β value increased, CR and BV of all sizes of spheres decreased in general; images reconstructed from Q.Clear reached the peak SNR with β value of 400 and generally had better resolution than those from OSEM + TOF. For clinical data, compared with OSEM + TOF, Q.Clear with β value of 400 achieved 138% increment in median SNR (from 58.8 to 166.0), 59% increment in median SBR (from 4.2 to 6.8) and 38% decrement in median noise level (from 0.14 to 0.09). Based on visual assessment from two physicians, Q.Clear with β values ranging from 200 to 400 consistently achieved higher scores than OSEM + TOF, where β value of 400 was considered optimal.ConclusionsThe present study indicated that, on 18F-FDG PET/MR, Q.Clear reconstruction improved the image quality compared to OSEM + TOF. β value of 400 was optimal for Q.Clear reconstruction.

Study on thermo-electrical characteristics of natural oils

The primary objective of this study is to find a high-performance, eco sustainable, biodegradable natural oil that may be used as a coolant and dielectric fluid. With this in cognizance, the primary goal is to conduct laboratory tests in accordance with IEC (International Electro technical Commission) testing methods to study the thermo-electric properties of the different natural oils in both virgin and thermally aged states. The tests were performed with commercially available natural oils such as corn oil, palm oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil. In order to observe the difference thermal and electrical properties at rising temperature, accelerated ageing was used in the lab to expose the oil to extreme temperature conditions for a timeframe. The liquid products were maintained in a temperature-controlled oven for 15 and30 days at 150 degrees Celsius. Results obtained were compared to mineral oil in order to explore feasible natural oil as a substitute for existing mineral oil, and the results are reported in this work.

Optimization of Losses Joule in the Congolese Electrical Network Integrated with the Energy Pool of Central Africa in the PEAC Acronym

Joule losses in the power grids are a factor in the degradation of power grid equipment (lines and transformers), but also a shortfall for power companies, which must maximize their revenues. This is why in this article we present a study on the optimization of joule losses in a meshed electricity network interconnected to a very high voltage power line crossing Congolese territory for nearly one thousand five hundred (1500) kilometers. The value of interconnections no longer needs to be demonstrated in view of these technical, economic and social advantages. The object of this study is to assess the optimal node where the interconnection can be achieved which would cause fewer joule losses in the networks to be interconnected on this line. Indeed, it can have several possible nodes where the interconnection can be carried out, so it is necessary to simulate each configuration in order to evaluate the losses using the hybrid method including the genetic algorithm to provide different configurations and the Newton Raphson algorithm. Advanced integrating FACTS devices in this case STATCOM to perform load flow. The results are interesting because by injecting electrical energy to the network or to the line to the same selected, the joule losses are within the standards provided by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Analysis of 5G Base Station RF EMF Exposure Evaluation Methods in Scattering Environments

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) develops and validates methods for assessing radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure due to base stations (BS). When the assessment is performed in- situ, it is recommended to extrapolate the maximum level of exposure from measurement of stable signals, such as broadcast signal with BS of the 5^th generation (5G) of mobile communication systems (gNodeB). A comparative statistical analysis of extrapolation methods based on nominal antenna pattern (as measured in an anechoic chamber) and effective antenna pattern (as measured in scattering environment) of gNodeB is presented in this paper. This theoretical analysis shows that extrapolation with nominal antenna pattern may lead to significant overestimation of the maximum RF EMF exposure (up to 5.4 dB) in case of scattering environment or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. This overestimation is expected to be reduced by using effective antenna pattern in order to better represent the actual propagation conditions, such as those found in urban or dense urban areas. Therefore, it is recommended to perform extrapolation of the maximum exposure based on joint modeling of antenna beam pattern and representative value of the angular spread (AS) for the targeted deployment conditions. This conclusion was obtained from the observed consistence between two different approaches for determination of effective antenna gain. The first approach assumes statistical simulations with full three-dimensional (3D) channel model, especially distribution function of AS. The second approach enables simpler calculation of the effective antenna gain in scattering environment or NLOS conditions by considering only representative values from the full range of AS distribution function. The proposed simple method, if used with representative realistic values of AS, could reduce overestimation of RF EMF exposure resulting from an extrapolation factor based on nominal antenna gains of broadcast and traffic beams.

Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis of On-Grid Battery Energy Storage System: Almanara PV Power Plant Case Study

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are considered one of the most developed energy storage system (ESS) technologies because they have different benefits for distribution networks like smoothening the output fluctuations, improving the power quality, peak load shifting, voltage support and delaying the distribution network upgrade. This work involves integrating a BESS into a 33 KV distribution network in Jordan. CYME software is used to assess the impact of BESS at Almanara PV power plant on the 33 KV medium voltage network. The voltage level, power losses, power factor (PF) and voltage step are chosen as performance indicators. For each of these indices, comparisons between the grid performance with and without the BESS are carried out. In addition, the payback period of the BESS is calculated. The obtained results reveal that BESS not only improves the voltage level – with an overall improvement of about 3.03% at both feeders – but also reduces the losses, with an overall reduction in losses of 4.68% at both feeders. BESS is found to decrease the PF with an average of 0.83 at both feeders, while the voltage step doesn’t exceed the limits set by the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC). Additionally, the performed economic analysis unveils that the payback period is about 10.98 years.

A Review of Blood-mimicking Fluid Properties Using Doppler Ultrasound Applications.

Doppler imaging ultrasound characterization and standardization requires blood that is called blood mimicking fluid for the exam. With recognized internal properties, acoustic and physical features of this artificial blood. Both acoustical and physical merits set in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) scale are determined as regular values, where the components utilized in the artificial blood preparation must have values identical to the IEC values. An artificial blood is commercially available in the medical application and may not be suitable in the mode of ultrasonic device or for rate of new imaging technique. It is sometimes qualified to have the strength to produce sound features and simulate blood configuration for particular implementations. In the current review article, appropriate artificial blood components, fluids, and measurements are described that have been created using varied materials and processes that have modified for medical applications.

Novel evaluation and testing of technology qualification process of subsea oil and gas products

Use of robust products is of utmost importance in the subsea production systems to ensure the maximum utilization of the energy resources available under the seabed. To achieve highly reliable products, a comprehensive technology qualification program is proposed in this paper for the subsea electrical and electronics-based products. The recommended qualification program is specifically focused on a novel technology readiness level 4 (TRL4) process of the product used in an intended environment condition, which guarantees the product availability on the seabed without any operational failures. The analytical assessment on the products’ design, operating conditions and compliance stress tests are proposed following the internationally recognized standards, e.g. The American Petroleum Institute (API) , International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), European Standards (EN) and European Union (EU-directives). Modified environmental tests methods and novel product safety procedures are introduced for the first time to ensure that products meet the acceptance criteria set in the proposed TRL4 process. Finally, the proposed TRL4 process and its recommended test methods are exercised on the various functional units of the subsea electronic module. The experimental results show that the product is fit for use in the subsea environment after going through the proposed extensive qualification test program. • Novel Technology qualification process ensures the products’ operation on seabed. • Compliance to the proposed environmental test methods increase product reliability. • Appropriate EMC and safety test methods are identified for the Subsea products. • Proposed TRL4 qualification process ensures the safe operation of Subsea products.

Quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of thermal insulations for mitigating the probability of thermal runaway occurrence by using 1DCAE

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) consisting of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are being increasingly used to supplement the unstable electrical power derived from renewable energy sources. As stipulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission, BESSs must be assessed for any risks, including thermal runaway (TR) and thermal runaway propagation (TRP), at the module level as well as the final system level. Several studies have focused on the hazards and risk assessments (RAs) of BESSs; however, the assessment of system-level risks is challenging due to complex system-level interactions in BESSs, which involve multiphysics and dynamic phenomena. Therefore, we have focused on using 1D model, which can model multiphysics system-level interactions between system components in multiple physical domains. This study aims at a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of thermal insulations for the prevention of the TRP scenario that a TR of a LIB propagates to other adjacent batteries as one of the high-risk scenarios in a battery module. To estimate the frequency of the scenarios, we applied the model which was able to predict the temperature profile of individual batteries in a battery module. The probability of TRP occurred in a battery module was estimated via the TRP occurrence rate by Monte Carlo simulations using the 1D model, which considers the probability distribution of the design parameters of individual LIBs or the components of a BESS. As a result, it was possible to conduct a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness on reducing the probability of a TRP scenario due to model changes.

Indoor Electromagnetic Radiation Intensity Relationship to Total Energy of Household Appliances

The rapid technological developments in the modern era have led to increased electrical equipment in our daily lives, work, and homes. From this standpoint, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the potential relationship between the intensity of electromagnetic radiation and the total energy of household appliances in the living environment within the building by measuring and analyzing the strength of the electric field and the entire electromagnetic radiation flux density of electrical devices operating at frequencies (5 Hz to 1 kHz). The living room was chosen as a center for measurement at 15 homes in three different environmental regions (urban, suburbs, and open areas). The three measurement methods are (Mode 1: people in a sitting position with electrical appliances on. Mode 2: People in a standing position with electrical appliances on. Mode 3: People are in the upright position while turning off the electrical devices) in the living room. These measurement methods and their results reinforce the importance of this research. The results showed that the average electric field strength measured in Mode 2 is much greater than the two methods, and we also found less electromagnetic radiation in Mode 3 than in the two modes. All results remain within the recommended overall exposure developed by the International Committee for the Prevention of Non-Ionizing Radiation and the International Electrotechnical Commission.

IEC Versus IEEE/ANSI Medium-Voltage Switchgear: Matching the Standard to the Application

Companies are increasingly expanding into overseas operations, often in countries where International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards are common. For the simplicity, commonality, and increased reliability of operations as well as economies of scale in procurement, organizations prefer to buy common products across all operations.

A Review on TSO-DSO Data Exchange, CIM Extensions and Interoperability Aspects

The exchange of information between transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) is a common practice. However, the evolution of the regulatory frameworks in Europe has increased the need for enhancing TSO-DSO data exchange and interoperability. This paper provides an overview of the TSO-DSO data exchanges and demonstrates the best practices using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) common information model (CIM), including the implementation of IEC common grid model exchange standard (CGMES), and discussion of the corresponding advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. Furthermore, this paper evaluates and reports the activities already carried out within European projects, with particular focus on TSODSO interoperability. Finally, this paper concludes the need for TSOs and DSOs to rely on standard-based solutions when performing TSO-DSO data exchange, which enables the efficient operation and development of the future power systems.

Highly Fast Innovative Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Microgrid Using Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms and Nonstandard Tripping Characteristics

The incorporation of renewable energy microgrids brings along several new protection coordination challenges due to the new and stochastic behaviour of power flow and fault currents distribution. An optimal coordination scheme is a potential solution to develop an efficient protection system to handle the microgrid protection challenges. In this paper, new optimal Over Current (OC) relays coordination schemes have been developed using nonstandard tripping characteristics for a power network connected to renewable energy resources. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) microgrid and IEEE-9 bus systems have been used as benchmark networks to test and evaluate the coordination schemes. The proposed OC relays coordination approach delivers a fast and more reliable performance under different OC faults scenarios compared to traditional approaches. In addition, to improve and evaluate the performance of the proposed coordination approach, four modern and novel metaheuristic optimization algorithms are developed and employed to solve the OC relay coordination problem, namely: Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO), Teaching Learning (TL), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Moth-Flame Optimization Algorithm (MFO). In this paper, the modern metaheuristic algorithms have been employed to handle the impact of renewable energy on the grid, and enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of the protection system. The test cases, consider the impact of integrating the different levels of renewable energy resources (with a capacity increment of 25% and 50%) in the microgrid on the OC relays protection performance by using nonstandard and standard tripping characteristics. In addition, a comparison analysis for the modern metaheuristic algorithms with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm as a common and standard technique in solving coordination problems under different fault scenarios considering also the higher impedance faults are introduced. The results in all cases showed that the proposed optimal nonstandard approach successfully reduced the overall tripping time and improve the performance of the protection system in terms of sensitivity and selectivity.

Resolving challenges of monitoring PV systems: a case study for three 1.5 kW generators in Lima, Peru

This paper addresses challenges from monitoring three grid-connected PV systems with different module technologies in Lima, Peru, following the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Missing and erroneous data due to sensor malfunction or partial shadowing can negatively impact the measured data quality. We developed a program to automatically detect erroneous measurements, enhance the data quality, and calculate PV performance parameters following the IEC-61724 standard to resolve these challenges. The program includes mathematical methods to replace faulty or missing measurements. Finally, we present the impact of the algorithms for erroneous data detection, deletion, and correction on performance calculations.

Analysis of XLPE cable parameters subject to thermo aging

Modern marine vessels use electrically driven rudders; cruise liners, gas carriers, tankers are equipped with Azipod systems manufactured by the Swedish-Swiss company ABB. Gondola-type propellers make it possible to break ice when the vessel is moving astern, therefore such vessels are used for work on the Northern Sea Route, in particular, when working on the Yamal LNG project. The 22MW Azipod propulsion system rotates 360° and enables difficult maneuvering without the assistance of tugs. When operating such propellers, powerful diesel generators are installed on the ship. For the transmission of electricity, ship cables are used, which are subject to increased requirements that meet the standard of the International Electrotechnical Commission. Modern marine vessels are equipped with XLPE or EPDM insulated cable lines; industrial production of these cables is carried out in the Russian Federation. In the course of the study, a method for auditing the state of insulation has been considered based on an assessment of the change in the tangent of the angle of dielectric losses in the process of thermal aging of the cable of the PvBPng(A)-HF brand. Measurements of the tangent of the dielectric losses' angle have been carried out with a Tangens-2000 insulation parameter meter.