Power Loss Minimization Research Articles

Impacts of electric vehicle charging stations and DGs on RDS for improving voltage stability using honey badger algorithm

The intelligent computational technique used in this research handles the multi-objective voltage stability optimization (MOVSO) problem in radial distribution systems (RDS). The objectives of the proposed research are to minimize network loss, lower the average voltage deviation index (AVDI), and improve the voltage stability index (VSI) of RDS by taking into account the recently created distributed generators (DGs) and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs). To address the MOVSO problem, a novel and innovative honey badger algorithm (HBA) optimization technique is put forth. The two stages of HBA, known as the "digging" and "honey" phases, are responsible for effectively identifying the ideal position and appropriate quantity of EVCSs and DGs. The standard IEEE 33 node test system with different case studies is considered to validate the performance of HBA. The simulation results of improved voltage profile, minimized power loss, AVDI and improved VSI are tabulated. The proposed HBA fine-tunes the ideal position and size of the EVCSs to significantly enhance RDS performance under higher loading circumstances. To demonstrate the efficacy and originality of the suggested HBA, the numerical results are contrasted with those of earlier soft computing techniques.

Application of monarch butterfly optimization algorithm for solving optimal power flow

This paper proposes a highly flexible, robust, and efficient constraint-handling approach for the solution of the optimal power flow (OPF) problem and this solution lies in the ability to solve the power system problem and avoid the mathematical traps. Centralized control of the power system has become inevitable, in the interest of secure, reliable, and economic operation of the system. In this work, OPF is solved by considering the three distinct objectives, generation cost minimization, power loss minimization, and enhancement of voltage stability index. These three objectives are solved separately by considering the evolutionary-based monarch butterfly optimization (MBO) algorithm. This MBO algorithm is validated on the IEEE 30 bus network and the obtained results are compared with differential evolution, particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, and Jaya algorithm. The obtained results reveal that among the various optimization algorithms considered in this work, the MBO evolves as the best algorithm for all three case studies.

Optimizing Grid-Dependent and Islanded Network Operations through Synergic Active-Reactive Power Integration

DG integration improves distribution network performance and also enables microgrid (MG) formation for islanded operation. However, existing studies assume an isolated operation approach for islanded mode, which is unrealistic and increases overall system costs while adding complexity to the grid. This paper presents a dual-stage methodology for the efficient operation of distributed generation (DG) and shunt capacitor banks (SCBs) in radial distribution networks (RDNs) for both grid-integrated and islanded modes. The first stage proposes an improved Jaya algorithm (IJaya) to optimize DG and SCB allocation during grid-connected operation, aiming to reduce power loss and improve voltage profiles. IJaya employs a dynamic weight-based grid search to address premature convergence. The second stage formulates a multiobjective function for the islanded operation to minimize power loss and underutilization of DG-SCB capacity. Case studies on IEEE 33- and 69-bus RDNs show IJaya reduces power loss by 38.84% and improves voltage by 3.26% in grid-connected networks compared to existing methods. The proposed analytical approach for islanded operation tunes the source power factor, reducing DG-SCB underutilization by up to 15.83% for power factors between 0.8 and 0.93. The results demonstrate that operating distributed resources near optimal capacities meets a larger portion of the island network's energy needs.

Research on photovoltaic MPPT under complex conditions based on an advanced great wall construction algorithm method.

To mitigate the challenges posed by the non-linear multi-peak power-voltage output characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems operating under partial shading conditions, which often lead to suboptimal performance of conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms, a novel approach was introduced. We introduce the LGWGCA-P&O method, which synergistically combines an modified Great Wall Construction Algorithm (LGWGCA) with the Perturbation and Observation (P&O) technique. The LGWGCA is refined with a positional update mechanism inspired by the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm, optimizing the distribution of solution agents, while a Levy flight strategy is employed to reduce excessive randomness during agent replacement and recombination, thereby accelerating the tracking process. As the algorithm approaches the maximum power point, it seamlessly transitions to the P&O method, leveraging its rapid convergence to ensure precise and efficient power point identification. Experimental results demonstrate that the LGWGCA-P&O method achieves a PV conversion efficiency exceeding 99.96%, significantly minimizing power losses during MPPT. Furthermore, the method enhances convergence speed by approximately 40% compared to traditional GWO-P&O approaches, and it consistently outperforms Particle Swarm Optimization and Cuckoo Search Optimization algorithms under extreme conditions, demonstrating superior computational efficiency and robustness.

Optimal Placement of TCSC and DPFC on Nigeria Power Transmission Network for Capacity Enhancement

The increasing demand for electrical energy and the high costs and challenges associated with building new transmission lines highlight the need to optimize existing power transmission networks. This study focuses on optimizing or enhancing Nigeria's 28-bus power transmission system using Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices, specifically, Dynamic Power Flow Controller (DPFC) and Thyristor-Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC). This research employed the Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA) in MATLAB to determine the optimal placement and sizing of DPFC and TCSC to minimize power losses, voltage deviations, and installation costs. Simulation results were compared, before and after incorporating the FACTS devices. In the base case, 32% of the buses had voltage profiles outside the acceptable range (0.95 to 1.05 p.u.), with real power loss of 602.91 kW and reactive power loss of 4559.69 kVAR. After optimally placing two DPFC and two TCSC devices in the system, all bus voltages were regulated to fall between 0.95 and 1.06 p.u., while real and reactive power losses were reduced by approximately 84.6% and 84.7%, respectively. This demonstrates a significant improvement in the efficiency and capacity of the power transmission network.

Voltage enhancement and loss minimization in a radial network through optimal capacitor sizing and placement based on Crow Search Algorithm

In power systems, the distribution network is crucial as it serves as the final stage in delivering energy from generation plants to end users. However, reactive power demand from consumers can create challenges such as low power factor, voltage drops, and increased power losses depending on the distribution system used. This study aims to enhance the performance of radial distribution networks (RDNs) by optimizing capacitor placement and sizing based on the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). Additionally, the study addresses the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) within the network by employing the Backward/Forward Sweep (BFS) method. The study accesses CSA’s effectiveness compared to other metaheuristic optimization techniques through simulation. The simulation results showed that the Voltage Stability Index improved from 0.61 for base case to 0.68 pu with CSA, compared to 0.66 for Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Teacher Learner Based Optimization (TLBO and 0.67 for Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO). CSA also achieved a 30.41 % reduction in active power losses, outperforming PSO, ABC, GA, and TLBO having 26.61 %, and IWO at 24.92 %. Additionally, application of CSA led to a 29.33 % reduction in reactive power losses, compared to 21.91 % for PSO, ABC, GA, and TLBO, 18.2 % for IWO. In the simulated IEEE 33 bus Radial Distribution Network (RDN) topology, the lowest bus voltage at bus 18 increased from 0.8820 in the base case to 0.9080 with CSA, indicating a 32.9 % improvement in voltage deviation. Furthermore, the optimization resulted in a significant reduction of 3.841 pu in capacitor cost, demonstrating CSA’s efficiency in both technical and economic aspects. CSA not only showed favorable results in minimizing power losses and improving voltage profiles but also provided substantial cost savings in capacitor implementation, making it a robust and cost-effective solution for enhancing RDN performance.

Studies on effective solar photovoltaic integration in distribution network with a blend of Monte Carlo simulation and artificial hummingbird algorithm

AbstractIn this paper, the two level stochastic optimisation approach has been suggested. In the lower level, the probability distribution functions (pdfs) for bus voltages and branch currents have been determined using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to be employed in chance‐constrained probabilistic optimisation by taking into account solar radiation and power consumption uncertainties in the distribution networks (DNs). In the upper level, artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) handles the expected power loss minimisation subjected to chance constraints, which are related to bus voltages and branch currents, by optimising photovoltaic (PV) system capacities. This research examines the effect of uncertainties in PV system performing under diverse solar radiation and varying PV penetration level scenarios on expected power losses with stochastic DN limits. The stochastic optimisation approach has been compared with the deterministic method for observing the efficiency with optimal power usage. This research improves the knowledge base for optimal PV installation in DN by combining AHA with MCS and emphasising chance‐constrained methods. To indicate the efficacy of proposed strategy, the optimisation outcomes are tested utilising MCS under various uncertainty circumstances and DN parameters are assessed in terms of probabilities of exceeding limitations. The results are compared with the application of firefly algorithm (FA) using stochastic assessment and simulations. The simulation results show that the AHA technique outperforms the FA method in terms of effectively minimising power losses with less simulation time.

Renewables usage maximization in automated distribution networks by coordinated operation of dynamic line rating and dynamic network reconfiguration

Incorporation of smart-grid technologies (SGTs) in today’s electric distribution networks (DNs) has enabled distribution network operators (DNOs) to have an on-line supervision over the network equipment for optimal operation. This paper proposes a new approach for optimal scheduling of active DNs aiming at minimizing the curtailment power of wind and photovoltaic (PV) units as renewable energy sources (RESs). This purpose is fulfilled by minimizing the imported power from the transmission network resulting in maximization of renewables usage and minimization of power loss. The conducted approach is based on dynamic line rating (DLR) and dynamic network reconfiguration (DNR) as flexibility options. A convex formulation is employed to incorporate the objective function and constraints into a mixed-integer quadratically-constrained programming (MIQCP) model which is solved by global optimum solvers in GAMS. The proposed model is applied to the IEEE 33-bus system under different case studies, and the simulation results are analyzed. The obtained results indicate that the maximum scheduling of wind and PV units’ is fulfilled with the minimum energy losses. By the aid of DNR and DLR in a coordinated manner, the renewables scheduling is increased by about 64% while the energy loss is reduced by 29% compared to the base case.

Analysis and Optimization of Output Low-Pass Filter for Current-Source Single-Phase Grid-Connected PV Inverters

In this study, the design of output low-pass capacitive–inductive (CL) filters is analyzed and optimized for current-source single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters. Four different CL filter configurations with varying damping resistor placements are examined, evaluating performance concerning the output current’s total harmonic distortion (THD), the power factor (PF), and power losses. High-frequency harmonics are effectively attenuated by a second-order CL filter with the damping resistor placed parallel to the filter inductor. In addition, this filter type achieves the best performance by minimizing power loss. A systematic design methodology using filter normalization techniques allows to determine the optimum filter parameters based on the specified cut-off frequency (500 Hz), power loss (5% of rated power), and target THD (<5%). The analysis, simulations, and experiments show that under various operating conditions, this approach meets the grid connection standards (current THD < 5%, power factor between 0.8 leading and 0.95 lagging) while improving efficiency.

Control of Large Wind Energy Converters for Aeroacoustic Noise Mitigation with Minimal Power Reduction

The population is often opposed to wind turbines being erected near their homes, mainly because the machines are noisy, especially at night. In an effort to establish a compromise between the needs of the people and the fulfilment of energy demands, wind turbines have the ability to switch between day and night operation by reducing the rotation speed during the night, resulting in a loss of generated power. The present study investigates simple models for noise emission, propagation, and prediction, with the objective of proposing a control system configuration that continuously adjusts the rotational speed as much as necessary until it matches sound level regulations while minimising power losses. Thus, several approaches are implemented and tested with a very large reference wind turbine. The simulation results of a reference wind turbine show that the approaches provide significant improvements in sound reduction as well as in power conversion.

Artificial intelligence-based optimization techniques for optimal reactive power dispatch problem: a contemporary survey, experiments, and analysis

The optimization challenge known as the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem is of utmost importance in the electric power system owing to its substantial impact on stability, cost-effectiveness, and security. Several metaheuristic algorithms have been developed to address this challenge, but they all suffer from either being stuck in local minima, having an insufficiently fast convergence rate, or having a prohibitively high computational cost. Therefore, in this study, the performance of four recently published metaheuristic algorithms, namely the mantis search algorithm (MSA), spider wasp optimizer (SWO), nutcracker optimization algorithm (NOA), and artificial gorilla optimizer (GTO), is assessed to solve this problem with the purpose of minimizing power losses and voltage deviation. These algorithms were chosen due to the robustness of their local optimality avoidance and convergence speed acceleration mechanisms. In addition, a modified variant of NOA, known as MNOA, is herein proposed to further improve its performance. This modified variant does not combine the information of the newly generated solution with the current solution to avoid falling into local minima and accelerate the convergence speed. However, MNOA still needs further improvement to strengthen its performance for large-scale problems, so it is integrated with a newly proposed improvement mechanism to promote its exploration and exploitation operators; this hybrid variant was called HNOA. These proposed algorithms are used to estimate potential solutions to the ORPD problem in small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale systems and are being tested and validated on the IEEE 14-bus, IEEE 39-bus, IEEE 57-bus, IEEE 118-bus, and IEEE 300-bus electrical power systems. In comparison to eight rival optimizers, HNOA is superior for large-scale systems (IEEE 118-bus and 300-bus systems) at optimizing power losses and voltage deviation; MNOA performs better for medium-scale systems (IEEE 57-bus); and MSA excels for small-scale systems (IEEE 14-bus and 39-bus systems).

Improved binary quantum-based Elk Herd optimizer for optimal location and sizing of hybrid system in micro grid with electric vehicle charging station

In recent times, there has been increasing interest in renewable power generation and electric vehicles within the domain of smart grids. The integration of electric vehicles with hybrid systems presents several critical challenges, including increased power loss, power quality issues, and voltage deviations. To tackle these challenges, researchers have proposed various techniques. Effective management of energy systems is essential for maximizing the benefits of integrating a hybrid system with a microgrid at an electric vehicle charging station. This research specifically aims to optimize the location and sizing of such a hybrid system within the microgrid. Additionally, an improved binary quantum-based Elk Herd optimizer approach is proposed. This approach addresses for optimally managing renewable energy sources and load uncertainty. The proposed system also considers the stochastic nature of electric vehicles and operational restrictions, encompassing diverse charging control modes. The proposed technique performance is implemented in MATLAB platform and compared against existing approaches. The analysis demonstrates the effectiveness in achieving optimal location and sizing for a hybrid system with an electric vehicle charging station. Additionally, the proposed approach contributes to minimizing power loss, electricity costs, and average waiting time. Furthermore, the proposed approach reduces computing time, net present cost, and emissions are 12.5 s, 1.1×106 dollar, 2.21×108 g year−1, respectively.

Aluminum-Doped Indium Oxide Electron Transport Layer Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition: Highly Efficient and Damage-Resistant Interconnection Solution for All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells with 25.46% Efficiency.

In fabricating high-efficiency all-perovskite tandem solar cells (APTSCs) with a p-i-n configuration, the electron transport layer (ETL) plays a critical role in facilitating the transport of photogenerated electrons from the front cell to the recombination layer and protecting the front cell from damage during rear cell fabrication. This study introduces aluminum-doped In2O3 (AIO) films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) as a promising ETL for high-efficiency APTSCs. ALD-grown AIO films with an optimized Al concentration exhibit superior charge transport characteristics, excellent transparency, and damage-resistant barrier properties against solution infiltration compared with conventional SnO2 ETLs and undoped ALD In2O3. Using an ALD SnO2/3 at.% AIO bilayer as the electron transport layer, an efficiency of 18.33% is achieved from single-junction wide bandgap perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the use of ALD SnO2/3 at.% AIO ETL enables the reliable fabrication of APTSCs with negligible solution damage to the front cell and minimized power loss. Consequently, APTSC employing the ALD AIO-based ETL exhibit an excellent photoconversion efficiency of 25.46%, outperforming APTSCs with the ALD SnO2 ETL.

Modelling of Power Semiconductor Devices Switching and Conduction Losses in a Power Electronic System

In power converters, power semiconductor devices, mainly Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), are generally used as they are less costly and capable of converting electrical energy into high frequency and voltage. It is critical to accurately determine the switching and conduction losses of power devices before they are assembled into an electronic system. The accurate values help to minimize power loss in a power converter system. With the aid of simulation, design problems are identified to help eliminate device destruction, and critical parameters are monitored. In addition, costly equipment for measuring purposes and testing prototypes is not required at the initial design stage. This research uses simulation work in a power converter system to predict IGBT and diode losses with varied frequencies and voltages. The predictive modelling is produced using regression analysis. The models have been validated by R square (R2) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) techniques. This work is aimed at providing a supervised learning technique mainly used in a machine learning environment, in line with the technological development in the semiconductor industry. With the simulation performed in this work, the efficiency of a boost converter system is enhanced as it shows the models have a good fit with an R2 value of almost 1, and MAPE values are noticed to be less than 5%.

Power Loss Minimization and Voltage Profile Improvement on Nigeria Distribution Network Using Whale Optimization Algorithm

The power grid has significant power losses, unstable voltage, and large voltage drops during high demand due to its high resistance. One way to reduce power loss is by strategically placing and sizing Distributed Generation (DG) within the distribution network. However, improper installation of DG can increase power loss. To address this issue, various optimization techniques have been used, but finding the best solution and dealing with complex issues has been challenging. It is important to make efforts to optimally place and size DG in the distribution network to minimize power loss. To this end, a research study aimed to minimize power loss and improve the voltage profile on the DG network using the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) was done. Objective functions were formulated and integrated into WOA, and power flow analysis on the standard IEEE 33-bus and 33-bus Ilorin industrial distribution feeder with and without DG was conducted using the forward and backward sweep distribution load flow algorithm. The optimal size and location of DG for power network loss reduction using sensitivity analysis (SA) and the whale optimization algorithm were determined. The results of the power flow analysis indicated that the total active losses and reactive power losses were reduced to varying extents with the integration of DG using both SA and WOA. The validation results showed that WOA is more efficient and provides high-quality solutions in terms of system loss reduction and best placement for DG in power systems compared to the application of SA. Additionally, WOA was found to offer accurate and high-quality solutions for power loss reduction compared to other existing techniques such as Loss Sensitivity Analysis (LSA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Adaptive Shuffled Frogs Leaping Algorithm (ASFLA), and One Rank Cuckoo Search Algorithm (ORCSA). Keywords: Optimization, Distributed Generation (DG), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Sensitivity Analysis (SA)

Optimizing size and location of UPFC for enhanced system dynamic stability using hybrid approach

This paper proposed a novel hybrid optimization technique, combining the Enhanced Multi-Strategic Sparrow Search Algorithm (EMSA) and White Shark Optimizer (WSO), to determine the optimal location and size of a Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) for enhancing power system dynamic stability. The proposed method offers improved search capabilities, reduced randomness, and lower computational complexity compared to existing approaches. Generator faults can significantly impact system dynamic stability constraints, including voltage and power loss. EMSA algorithm is employed to identify optimal location for UPFC placement by selecting bus with minimum power loss. Subsequently, WSO algorithm is used to optimize UPFC's capacity, ensuring that affected system parameters and dynamic stability constraints are restored within safe limits. Optimized UPFC is then installed at identified location, and system's power flow is analyzed. Proposed method is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink environment and tested on both IEEE 30 and IEEE 14 standard benchmark systems. Proposed method's performance is evaluated by comparison with existing methods.

Multi-faceted sustainability improvement in low voltage power distribution network employing DG and capacitor bank

Efficient distribution of active and reactive power in distribution networks is crucial for ensuring that consumer demand is met and that electrical power quality is maintained. This requires careful planning, particularly in terms of optimally placing and sizing distributed generator (DG) and capacitor bank (CB) units. These units play a key role in minimizing power losses and voltage fluctuations within the network. However, implementing DG and CB units in unbalanced distribution networks presents unique challenges due to inherent system unbalances. To address these challenges, this article proposes a method for allocating and sizing DG and CB units in unbalanced distribution networks. The approach accounts for the network's unbalance and targets multiple objectives, such as reducing power losses, improving multi-phase voltage stability, and minimizing phase-to-phase voltage unbalance. The fast and flexible radial power flow (FFRPF) technique is employed to model complex interactions and constraints within the network, leading to a multi-objective optimization problem. This optimization problem is solved using the weight aggregated particle swarm optimization (WA-PSO) method, a variant of particle swarm optimization tailored for multi-objective functions. WA-PSO simplifies the process by combining multiple objectives into a single function using weighted aggregation. The efficacy of this approach is validated on 19, 34, and 123-node unbalanced radial distribution networks (URDNs). The results show significant improvements in power delivery efficiency across all tested networks, especially when DG and CB units are operated simultaneously. Specifically, DG and CB integration led to a reduction in system losses by 89.90 %, 88.42 %, and 86.87 %, and a decrease in three-phase voltage unbalance indices by 88.75 %, 81.68 %, and 39.05 %, for the 19, 34, and 123-node systems, respectively, while maintaining voltage stability within acceptable limits. Additionally, CO2 emissions were reduced by 52 %, 62 %, and 53 % when microturbines were utilized instead of coal-based thermal power plants, further highlighting the environmental benefits of the proposed approach.

Minimization of Real Power Losses with Facts with the Application Hybrid MGA and IGWO Optimization Techniques

Minimization of Real Power Losses with Facts with the Application Hybrid MGA and IGWO Optimization Techniques

Optimization Control Strategy for Light Load Efficiency of Four-Switch Buck-Boost Converter

The four-switch buck-boost (FSBB) converter usually adopts a pseudo-continuous conduction mode (PCCM) soft switching (ZVS) control strategy, but there is a problem with the low efficiency of FSBB converters under light loads. Firstly, the constraints that the control variables of the FSBB converter need to satisfy are analyzed, and it is pointed out that the fixed frequency constraint is not necessary. Then, the switching frequency is used to control the degree of freedom, and the quantitative relationship between the FSBB converter loss and the switching frequency is obtained. Finally, for different input voltages and loads, the switching frequency corresponding to the minimum power loss is calculated offline. By optimizing the switching frequency, the light-load efficiency of the FSBB converter is improved. A prototype with an input voltage range of 210 V–330 V, an output voltage of 270 V, and an output power of 3 kW was developed. The loss was reduced by 15% at 20% load, and the peak efficiency of the converter reached 99.23%. The experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Design and implementation of a control system for multifunctional applications of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in a power system network

This work proposes a design and implementation of a control system for the multifunctional applications of a Battery Energy Storage System in an electric network. Simulation results revealed that through the suggested control approach, a frequency support of 50.24 Hz for the 53-bus system during a load decrease contingency of 350MW was achieved. Without the control system, the frequency was 50 .38Hz. Such a high frequency if not addressed, may result in a loss of synchronization among interconnected synchronous machines which could result in a decrease in voltage stability of the studied network. Besides, a reduction of about 2.05 MW in the active power losses was accomplished and a reactive power support of 3.63Mvar was realised. Thus, through the proposed strategy, Battery energy storage system has been enabled for frequency regulation, power loss minimization and voltage deviation mitigation resulting in an overall enhancement of the power quality of the electric power delivered in the studied networks.