Power Engineering Institute Research Articles

Impact of Climate Changes on the Regional Energy Balances and Energy Exports from Russia

Based on the approaches developed by the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute (NRU MPEI) and the Energy Research Institute (ERI), the results of calculations of total world energy consumption and by groups of countries for the period up to 2050, with allowance for the anticipated climate changes, as well as resource and environmental restrictions, are presented. The estimates of energy consumption in various world regions for the period up to 2050 are based on a historical extrapolation approach to the research of energy consumption dynamics with allowance for the dependence of its optimal level on natural and geographical conditions. Using the SCANER simulation computer system developed by the Energy Research Institute for the study of energy markets, forecast fuel and energy balances for various regions have been made, which are aimed at meeting the national commitments on the Paris Agreement (2015) of the countries participating in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and international flows of the main energy carriers have been calculated. Estimates of the possible oil and gas export from Russia in the context of various scenarios for the development of the world energy sector have been made. It is shown that the fundamental processes currently taking place in the global energy complex, such as the development of new renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, the control and constraint on greenhouse gas emissions, and the uncertain status of nuclear energy, will contribute to an increase in demand for oil and, especially, natural gas from Russia and facilitate the rise in exports of these energy carriers, predominantly in the Asian direction.

Equipment Exploitation in Power to Gas Installation

Abstract The article presents idea of installation to energy storage in the form of hydrogen – Power to Gas (P2G). The results of laboratory tests carried out at the Silesian University of Technology in the Institute of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery (IMiUE), covering selected aspects of hydrogen generators most frequently used in these types of installations are presented. The influence of water conductivity and temperature during continuous operation of the electrolyzer at constant current value and in operation at variable current on the efficiency of the tested devices are shown. A hydrogen generator equipped with two AEM electrolyzers with a performance of 0.5 Nm3H2/h and a generator containing four PEM electrolyzers connected in series, with a maximum performance of 1.58 Ndm3/min were tested. The efficiency characteristics of the electrolysis process, efficiency of the electrolyzers and changes in the resistance values for both types of electrolyzers were presented. Calculations to estimate effect of temperature change on the efficiency characteristic of AEM electrolyzers were also made.

Errata: Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, Vol. 20, No.1, 2018, "On Frequency Estimation for Partially Observed System with Small Noises in State and Observation Equations", pp. 67-72.

Errata: Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, Vol. 20, No.1, 2018, "On Frequency Estimation for Partially Observed System with Small Noises in State and Observation Equations", pp. 67-72. The third author should have the number 3 at the name, i. e. 3 Mariana Marcokova and two affiliations as follows: 3 Department of Structural Mechanics and Applied Mathematics, University of Zilina, Slovakia and Department of Electronics and Nanoelectronics, National Research University "Moscow Power Engineering Institute", Russia.

The Effect of Condensing Steam Turbine Exhaust Hood Body Geometry on Exhaust Performance Efficiency

The article presents data from combined numerical and experimental investigations of the effect that the overall dimensions of the exhaust hood of a steam turbine with an underslung condenser has on the aerodynamic losses in the hood. Owing to the properly selected minimum permissible overall dimensions of the exhaust hood, more efficient operation of this turbine component is achieved, better vibration stability of the turbine set shaft line is obtained, and lower costs are required for arranging the steam turbine plant in the turbine building. Experiments have shown that the main overall dimensions of the hood body have a determining effect on the exhaust hood flow path profile and on its aerodynamic performance. Owing to properly selected ratios between the exhaust hood body main sizes without a diffuser, a total loss coefficient equal to approximately unity has been obtained. By using an axial–radial diffuser, the energy loss can be decreased by 30–40% depending on the geometrical parameters and level of velocities in the inlet section of a hood having the optimal overall dimensions. By using the obtained results, it becomes possible to evaluate the overall dimensions necessary for achieving the maximal aerodynamic hood efficiency and, as a consequence, to obtain better technical and economic indicators of the turbine plant as a whole already at the initial stage of its designing. If a need arises to select overall dimensions smaller than their optimal values, the increase of energy loss can be estimated using the presented dependences. The cycle of investigations was carried out on the experimental setups available in the fundamental research laboratory of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute National University’s Department of Steam and Gas Turbines with due regard to the operating parameters and similarity criteria.

ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BEST AVAILABLE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES

The paper contains general information on the environmental impact assessment of the projects in Russia in compliance with the relevant federal legislation taking into account changed and additions. The paper describes the main types of environmental expertise applied in Russia, and the main objects of compulsory state ecological expertise in power engineering of the federal level including first of all gas, oil and coal-fired power plants. We have analyzed the current situation related to the tightening of the Russian environmental legislation and the corresponding impact of scientific and technical environmental expertise on the BAT implementation. The paper lists the chief reasons for a lack of the independent scientific environmental assessment of energy projects. At the same time, we note that a special role should be assigned to higher educational institutions and research institutes with scientific staff being professionals in various energy issues. Based on 20 years’ experience of the Centre for Science and Education “Ecology of Power Engineering” of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, we have considered the issue of ecological training of personnel from energy holding and companies. The authors' views on the expertise on management of wastes (coal ash) from thermal and electric energy production are considered, taking into account the legal and normative-technical documents. The paper presents a block diagram of the prospective coal ash handling system of thermal power plants and the modernized structural scheme of the prospective ash and slag removal system of TPPs. The block diagram provides the possibility of maximum collection and shipment of dry ash as well as environmentally acceptable ways of storing the unclaimed dry ash. The paper describes the examples of the implementation of the ash handling modernization projects at State District Power Plants with different levels of expertise compliance with the current trends in the development of ash handling systems using the best available technologies in the power engineering.

Erratum to: “An Energy-Efficient Induction Motor with an Unconventional Electromagnetic Core”

The list of author’s affiliations should read as follows: a Samara State Technical University, Samara, 443100 Russia b National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute, Moscow, 111250 Russia

Characterization of a circular 80 mm anode supported solid oxide fuel cell (AS-SOFC) with anode support produced using high-pressure injection molding (HPIM)

The current study was oriented at analyzing the performance of an anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell produced using high-pressure injection molding. The cell with a total thickness of 550 μm was produced in the Ceramic Department (CEREL) of the Institute of Power Engineering in Poland and experimentally analyzed in the Energy Department (DENERG) of Politecnico di Torino in Italy. The high-pressure injection molding technique was applied to produce a 500 μm thick anode support NiO/8YSZ 66/34 wt% with porosity of 25 vol%. The screen printing method was used to print a 3 μm thick NiO anode contact layer, 7 μm thick NiO/8YSZ 50/50 wt% anode functional layer, 4 μm thick 8YSZ dense electrolyte, 1.5 μm thick Gd0,1Ce0,9O2 barrier layer and a 30 μm thick La0,6Sr0,4Fe0,8Co0,2O3–δ cathode with porosity 25 vol%.The experimental characterization was done at two temperature levels: 750 and 800 °C under fixed anodic and cathodic flow and compositions. The preliminary studies on the application of high-pressure injection molding are discussed together with the advantages of the technology. The performance of two generations of anode-supported cells is compared with data of reference cells with supports obtained using tape casting.

Методы и программные средства конструирования интеллектуальных систем поддержки принятия решений для объектов энергетики

The article discusses matters concerned with designing advanced intelligent real-time decision support systems (RT IDSS) serving for providing support to operating and dispatching personnel in performing diagnostics, monitoring and control of complex process systems such as power industry facilities. The basic technology for designing an RT IDSS, which involves a number of key stages, is described. An overview and comparative analysis of SCADA-systems as tools for designing real-time information and intelligent systems are presented. Special attention is paid to SCADA-systems that use knowledge-based information processing and presenting methods (so-called intelligent SCADA-systems). These SCADA-systems are proposed to be used as instrumental environment for constructing an RT IDSS. The specific features that are of importance in implementing an RT IDSS for operator support purposes are pointed out. It is noted that the proper choice of a SCADA-system is quite a difficult problem that requires decision making under the conditions of multiple criteria with some of them being not amenable to quantitative assessment due to lack of information, or because they are qualitative in nature. The intelligent SPRINT-RV SCADA-system developed at OOO TASMO-BIT in cooperation with the Moscow Power Engineering Institute National Research University’s Department of Applied Mathematics is described. This system is developed as a set of tools enabling one to describe a subject field of control (for example, a nuclear power plant’s power unit) and a set of operational facilities for implementing the functions of providing intelligent support to the operational staff in making control decisions in off-design situations and in monitoring the state of a controlled plant in stationary and transient modes of its operation. The purpose and implementation of a number of the SPRINT-RV system’s key components are considered.

Analysis of possibilities and demand for energy in a public building using a tracking photovoltaic installation

In the first part of this paper we present an overview of photovoltaic devices installed in Poland in the years 1960-2015. In the years 2009-2016, approximately 199 MW in total power of photovoltaic devices were installed. The second part of the paper we focus on presenting the research results on the usage of tracking photovoltaic installations in 2010-2016 collected in various periods of their work. PV panels were installed on the building of the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering of the Lodz University of Technology. In this paper we considered PV installations as an additional source of energy improving the total energetic efficiency of the building via the reduction of energy consumed from public electric and power networks. The installation satisfies up to 30% of annual energy demand of laboratories. However, the break-even period of the system was estimated to be about 30 years because of the high cost of installation.

Экспериментальное исследование рабочего процесса в пилотном образце осевого насоса с трехрядными мультипланными проточными частями

The article describes the stages of preparing the pilot sample of a vertical first-lift condensate pump with a unique axial active part for physical tests and the results from studying the working process in it. The actual parameters of the polyrow hydraulic machine mockup version intended for carrying out physical experiments are given, and the main stages of elaborating the innovative unit’s design are outlined. The working members used in the three-row arrangement are described, their design is shown, and the method for manufacturing the impeller and guide vanes of the proposed complex multirow configuration is considered in detail. Prototyping---an advanced approach practiced in the machinery constructing industry---has been chosen as the method for manufacturing the polyrow pump working members. A technology for manufacturing the active part of a three-row mockup pump on a 3D printer is proposed. Information about the experimental test setup constructed at the research-and-production facilities of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute National Research University Institute is given. The difficulties encountered in designing the experimental test setup and in adjusting its equipment are described together with the methods used to resolve them. The vertical three-row pump assembled at the experimental test setup and prepared for a series of tests according to existing standards is shown. Information on carrying out the physical experiments is briefly outlined. The results from the polyrow pump tests are analyzed. Single-row axial working members designed according to the conventional pattern have been manufactured. The results from tests of the three-row pump and the single-row axial pump have been compared with each other.

Институту автоматики и вычислительной техники — 60 лет

The article is devoted to the 60th anniversary from the date of establishing the Moscow Power Engineering Institute National Research University’s Department of Automation and Computer Engineering, which was transformed in 2002 into the Institute of Automation and Computer Engineering. Information on the prehistory of the institute and the history of its establishment, on the work of its chairs, and on the fields of its scientific and educational activities is given. The role the Institute plays in the University, the contribution of the Institute's graduates in the national science, and the influence of outstanding scientists in the fields of mathematics, automation and computer technology on the making and development of the Institute and its scientific schools are shown.

Методика выбора параметров противоаварийных команд на отключение потребителей в сетях 0,4 кВ

Conventionally, when accidents entailing active power imbalance occur in a power system, the underfrequency load shedding devices disconnect the necessary and sufficient amount of loads at the 10 kV voltage level. These load shedding operations are carried out without the possibility of taking into account the importance of certain consumers at the 0.4 kV voltage level. What is more, in view of using loads highly sensitive to power supply continuity, recent years have seen more stringent requirements being imposed on the reliability of their power supply. On the other hand, the availability of new computerized facilities opens the possibility of improving the reliability of supplying power to them even in the emergency load limitation mode. Specifically, this can be achieved by integrating the existing relay protection and automatic control systems with the automated electricity consumption monitoring and control system in such a way that consumers at the 0.4 kV level are selectively disconnected by commands of the underfrequency shedding control devices installed at the 10 kV voltage level. The article considers issues concerned with elaborating a procedure for selecting the values of the information parameter specifying the duration of command signals for disconnecting 0.4 kV loads produced by the automatic underfrequency load shedding devices at the 10 kV voltage level. It is proposed to perform load shedding operations by using a new method developed at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute National Research University. According to the proposed method, loads operating at the 0.4 kV voltage level are selectively disconnected through artificially creating a voltage sag (interruption) and using it as the underfrequency shedding command signal for disconnecting less critical loads. The article presents the principle of tuning-out from possible events and phenomena in the power supply network internal and external parts taking into account the existing setpoints of the relay protection and automatic control devices, and the influence of motor loads in generating and transmitting the command signal for short-term interruption of voltage via the 10 and 0.4 kV power network. A procedure for selecting the timing tuning parameters of the emergency control command generating and receiving devices.

Preliminary Electrochemical Characterization of Anode Supported Solid Oxide Cell (AS-SOC) Produced in the Institute of Power Engineering Operated in Electrolysis Mode (SOEC)

Abstract The article discusses the operation of solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOC) developed in the Institute of Power Engineering as prospective key components of power-to-gas systems. The fundamentals of the solid oxide cells operated as fuel cells (SOFC - solid oxide fuel cells) and electrolysers (SOEC - solid oxide fuel cells) are given. The experimental technique used for electrochemical characterization of cells is presented. The results obtained for planar cell with anodic support are given and discussed. Based on the results, the applicability of the cells in power-to-gas systems (P2G) is evaluated.

Молодежная политика в процессе формирования политической культуры участия

Youth policy and the youth in Russian politics are the central theme of the article. The author identifies contemporary issues and promising areas for developing youth policy and youth participation in policy-making within participatory culture development. By the example of “NIU “MPEI” (“National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute”) branch in Volzhsky, Volgograd region, it is proposed to establish a public organization in the form of social movement in the development of university and society communication networks. The aim of the study is to work out modalities of integrating young people harmoniously into social and political practices as well as its development of participatory culture in Russia based on the analysis of political practices against youth and scientific literature. Systems approach, analysis and participant observation are the basis of the conducted research. Results of the research can be considered the fact that a harmonious approach to the integration of young people into social and political practices and the development of its participatory culture are adopted. Research materials are designed to improve government and municipal performance management in the area of youth policy, political parties and public organizations. Materials would also be useful to scientists and experts involved in youth issues and its socialization.

Research on the Thermophysics of Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors

The results of scientific research on the thermophysics of next-generation nuclear reactors conducted at the Leipunskii Institute of Physics and Power Engineering are presented: integrated experimental and computational-theoretical studies to validate design and engineering solutions as well as the safety of fast reactors with sodium and heavy liquid-metal coolant, increasing the efficiency and safety of currently operating and future NPP with water-cooled reactors, software development and certification, pilot research on innovative nuclear power facilities (fast reactors with supercritical water and high-temperature sodium coolant).

Application of heterogeneous blading systems is the way for improving efficiency of centrifugal energy pumps

The results of independent research implemented by the teams of authors representing the Brno University of technology (Czech Republic) and Moscow Power Engineering Institute National Research University (Russia) are presented and compared. The possibilities for improving the energy efficiency of slow-speed centrifugal pumps (with a specific speed coefficient n s < 80) widely used in power engineering—in thermal power stations, in heat electric-power stations, in nuclear power plants, and in boiler rooms—were investigated. These are supply pumps, condensate pumps, precharge pumps, etc. The pumps with such values of n s are widely used in some technological cycles of oil-and-gas and chemical industries too. The research was focused on achieving the shape of the pump efficiency characteristics providing a significant extension of its effective working zone and increasing its integrated efficiency. The results were obtained based on new approaches to the formation of a blading system of an impeller of a slow-speed centrifugal pump different from the traditional blading system. The analytical dependences illustrating the influence of individual geometry of a blading system on the efficiency were presented. The possibilities of purposeful changing of its structure were demonstrated. It was experimentally confirmed that use of the innovative blading system makes it possible to increase the pump efficiency by 1–4% (in the experiments for the pumps with n s = 33 and 55) and to extend its efficient working zone approximately by 15–20% (in the experiment for the pumps with n s = 33 and 66). The latter is especially important for the supply pumps of NPP power units. The experimental results for all investigated pumps are presented in comparison with the characteristics of the efficiency provided by the blading systems designed by traditional methods.

Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Emission of Radioactive Products from Irradiated Fuel of Fast Sodium-Cooled Reactor

The key experimental and computational studies of the emission of long-lived radioactive fission products and actinides from uranium dioxide irradiated in BN-600 into sodium and the gas phase in the range 150–800°C, performed on the experimental bench at the Leipunskii Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, are presented. The results of measurements of the properties of aerosols of certain radioactive fission products formed upon heating of irradiated nuclear fuel in sodium are presented. The experimental results are of interest for evaluating the radiation impact of reactor facilities on workers and the public during beyond design basis accidents.

Innovative technologies in course Electrical engineering and electronics

Department of Electrical Engineering and Nondestructive Testing, NRU “MPEI”, has been working on development Electronic Learning Resources (ELRs) in course Electrical Engineering and Electronics for several years. This work have been focused on education intensification and effectiveness while training bachelors in nonelectrical specializations including students from Thermal and Atomic Power Engineering Institute. The developed ELRs are united in a tutorial module consisting of three parts (Electrical Circuits, Electrical Machines, Basics of Electronics): electronic textbook and workbook (ETW); virtual laboratory sessions (VLS); training sessions (ETS); personal tasks (PT); testing system that contains electronic tests in all course subjects and built-in verification of a student’s work results in ETW, VLS, ETS, PT. The report presents samples of different ELRs in html format and MathCAD, MatLAB Simulink applications, copyrighted programs in Java2, Delphi, VB6, C++. The report also contains the experience description, advantages and disadvantages of the new technologies. It is mentioned that ELRs provide new opportunities in course studying.

Distance educational technologies as means of increase of student’s motivation in the learning of general physics course

The Department of General physics and nuclear fusion, National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute”, developed a set of tests (over 1000 questions) for the current control of knowledge of students in the section “Electricity and magnetism” of the General physics course using the internet distance learning system “Prometheus” (fourth generation). Under this section of the proposed test tasks are divided into sections corresponding to the topics section. These tasks include quality issues, design tasks, tasks with a choice of answers (one of many, many of many), the job with the selection region in the figure, tasks with detailed answer. The variety of tasks allows the teacher not only to objectively assess the student acquired knowledge but also to develop his problem-solving skills, to learn to be fluent in theory. The results of testing conducted for several years, show the high interest of students in the repeated independent execution of tasks and correlate well with the results of intermediate certification (exams).

Extending the applied software in the contemporary thermal power plants for increasing the intelligence of the automatic control system

During the last decades, there can be noticed an increase of interest concerning various aspects of intellectual diagnostics and management in thermal power engineering according the hybrid principle. It is conditioned by the fact that conservative static methods does not allow to reflect the actual power installation state adequately. In order to improve the diagnostics quality, we use various fuzzy systems apparatus. In this paper, we introduce the intellectual system, called SKAIS, which is intended for quick and precise diagnostics of thermal power equipment. This system was developed as the result of the research carried out by specialists from National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute” and Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management. It drastically increases the level of intelligence of the automatic power plant control system.