Power Flow Research Articles

CFD simulation of power characteristics and flow field distribution of different spiral stirring paddles

Stirred reactors are widely used in various industries, and the stirring paddle structure has a significant effect on its power consumption. Therefore, in this study, different spiral stirring paddles were investigated. The effects of the ratio of paddle length to leads (Ls/S) design values and number of blades on the power characteristics and internal flow field of the reactor are discussed in detail, and the correlation equation of power number (Np) concerning Re and Ls/S values is fitted. It was found that the Np of stirring paddles increased and then decreased as the Ls/S value increased, and the effect of the number of blades on the Np gradually reduced. When the Ls/S value is equal to 0.6, the high-speed region of the flow field is the largest and the mixing effect is the best. The conclusions obtained can provide a reference for the energy-saving optimal design of spiral stirring paddles.

Implementation of ANFIS-based UPQC for Power Quality and Thermal Management Enhancement in the Distribution System

Conventional distribution systems generally operate with voltage and current waveforms being sinusoidal, though they slightly deviate from the ideal sinusoidal waveform, which is measured as distortion. The increase in power demand has led to the local generation and storage of power (Micro Grid systems). For its adoption, we need to implement smart grid architecture. Power electronics is a technologically sound way to limit different kinds of power quality (PQ) disturbances. It can also be used to control power flow, boost energy transmission capacity, enhance dynamic behavior and voltage stability, and ensure better power quality at distribution within established bounds. Unified Power Quality Conditioners (UPQC), one of the well-known Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices, are typically used to address problems in distribution systems such as voltage surges, flickers, neutral current reduction, and PQ. Additionally, thermal management is crucial for maintaining system stability and preventing overheating. While dealing with sensitive loads, a UPQC injects harmonics into the system, which can compromise system stability. This article describes an artificial neural network with harmonics elimination techniques for a modified UPQC connected with a Smart Grid. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated using MATLAB/Simulink software.

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)

An integrated approach for multi-objective differential algorithm based event constrained optimal power flow for power system resiliency enhancement

ABSTRACT Due to climatic changes, the probability of occurrence and the intensity of extreme weather events increase day by day which leads to power outages. The probability of failure events is calculated using Monte Carlo simulation technique which is used to identify the most frequent failure events. The least eigenvalues of the inverse reduced Jacobian matrix decide the sensitive buses for load shedding using V-Q sensitivity analysis. This work presents the multi-objective differential evolution (MODE) algorithm for solving resilient constrained optimal power flow (RCOPF) in a deregulated power system. The control variables namely the real power of generators in a base case and under event, generator bus voltage magnitude, the real and reactive power demand of the selected load buses, tap settings and capacitor bank ratings. This algorithm is validated in IEEE 30 bus test system and the Indian 62 bus utility test system to show the effectiveness in four different cases including tie lines and distributed generation.

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.

Effect of plasma excitation on aerodynamic characteristics of airfoil under Martian conditions

Due to the low density and pressure of the Martian atmosphere, the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil of the Mars UAV needs to be further improved. Plasma excitation active flow control technology is used to improve the lift of the airfoil and reduce the drag of the airfoil under Martian conditions. The effects of the action position, excitation power and incoming flow angle of attack on the lift and drag of the airfoil are studied under the low Reynolds number conditions on Mars. The results show that plasma excitation increases lift in the trailing edge area of the lower surface, with a maximum lift increase rate 37%; reduces drag in the leading edge area of the lower surface, with a maximum drag reduction rate 8%; the greater the excitation power and the smaller the incoming flow angle of attack, the more obvious the improvement of the airfoil lift-to-drag ratio. Plasma excitation induces pressure waves, forming a pressurization zone and a decompression zone upstream and downstream of the excitation, respectively, resulting in the formation of a pressurization surface and a decompression surface on the airfoil surface. When the excitation position is close to the trailing edge, the pressurization surface expands, and the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the airfoil increases, thereby achieving lift increase; when the excitation position is close to the leading edge, the decompression surface expands, and the pressure difference drag of the airfoil decreases, thereby achieving drag reduction.

Understanding the impact of an applied axial magnetic field on efficient current coupling on the Z machine

Magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) is an attractive concept for producing thermonuclear fusion reactions. The MagLIF platform involves the operation of Helmholtz coils to apply a 15 Tesla axial magnetic field to the load region, where a cylindrical, fuel-filled metal liner is imploded by a ∼20 MA current pulse. The fringe field from these coils extends into the transmission line that delivers the current to the target. We investigated the extent to which this applied field disturbs the nominal power flow within that transmission line. A simplified model of the geometry shows that adding the applied magnetic field results in magnetic field lines that connect the cathode to the anode, suggesting electrons may not be magnetically insulated in this region. Particle-in-cell simulations indicated the addition of the applied magnetic field would not significantly impact the current delivery to the load. Velocimetry was used to experimentally assess the current delivery with and without the applied magnetic field. We find no measurable effects of the applied field on current delivery in the configuration investigated in this study. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The Calibrated Safety Constraints Optimal Power Flow for the Operation of Wind-Integrated Power Systems

As the penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs), particularly wind power, continues to rise, the uncertainty in power systems increases. This challenges traditional optimal power flow (OPF) methods. This paper proposes a Calibrated Safety Constraints Optimal Power Flow (CSCOPF) model that uses the Improved Acceleration Coefficient-Based Bee Swarm algorithm (IACBS) in combination with the equivalent current injection (ECI) model. The proposed method addresses key challenges in wind-integrated power systems by ensuring preventive safety scheduling and enabling effective power incident safety analysis (PISA). This improves system reliability and stability. This method incorporates mixed-integer programming, with continuous and discrete variables representing power outputs and control mechanisms. Detailed numerical simulations were conducted on the IEEE 30-bus test system, and the feasibility of the proposed method was further validated on the IEEE 118-bus test system. The results show that the IACBS algorithm outperforms the existing methods in both computational efficiency and robustness. It achieves lower generation costs and faster convergence times. Additionally, the CSCOPF model effectively prevents power grid disruptions during critical incidents, ensuring that wind farms remain operational within predefined safety limits, even in fault scenarios. These findings suggest that the CSCOPF model provides a reliable solution for optimizing power flow in renewable energy-integrated systems, significantly contributing to grid stability and operational safety.

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.

Power flow analysis and volt/var control strategy of the active distribution network based on data-driven method

In order to solve the problems of low power flow calculation accuracy and voltage overcrossing of the distribution network caused by large-scale distributed power supply, a data-driven power flow analysis and volt/var optimization control strategy for distribution network are proposed in this paper. Firstly, a data-driven power flow analysis model for the distribution network is proposed, and the nonlinear mapping relationship between the distribution network state and power flow results is described from the data-driven perspective. Secondly, the paper analyzes the influence of photovoltaic power supply on the voltage of the distribution network, and establishes the volt/var optimization model based on photovoltaic power supply. Then, on the basis of data-driven power flow analysis of the distribution network, the distribution network reactive voltage optimization strategy based on data-driven power flow analysis is proposed to ensure the safe and stable operation of distribution network voltage, reduce the operating network loss of distribution network, and realize the distribution network reactive voltage optimization is not affected by factors such as distribution network line parameters. Finally, IEEE 33 node power distribution system is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

Universal Soft Switching Dual Active Bridge Converter for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure towards Sustainable Electric Transportation

This paper introduces a modified Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter integrated with an LLC2 resonant converter tailored for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, emphasizing a unidirectional power flow. The converter implements a two-stage power conversion process, leveraging the DAB’s suitability for high-power applications characterized by enhanced efficiency, low voltage stress, and universal soft switching (ZVS) across all switches. Distinguishing itself from conventional isolated and non-isolated DC-DC converters, the DAB-LLC2 configuration is systematically elucidated in terms of its operating principle, soft switching characteristics, steady-state attributes, output features and crucial design parameters. A meticulous design of a 3kW DAB-LLC2 converter is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink software and the comprehensive results are documented, providing valuable insights into the converter’s performance and applicability for EV charging infrastructure for sustainable electric transportation.

Adaptive Reactive Power Management with Thyristor-Controlled Transformer and Fixed Capacitor

The objective of this article is to develop and analyse a thyristor-controlled transformer with a fixed capacitor for reactive power compensation in power systems. Reactive power compensation is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and stability of power systems by reducing power losses, improving voltage profiles, and minimizing equipment stress. Traditional compensation methods often rely on fixed capacitors, reactors, or static VAR compensators, but these systems lack the flexibility required for dynamic control of reactive power under varying load conditions. The proposed approach integrates a thyristor-controlled transformer with fixed capacitors, allowing for precise, real-time adjustment of reactive power flow. The novelty of this article lies in the hybrid configuration of the thyristor-controlled transformer and fixed capacitor, which provides a cost-effective and robust solution compared to conventional systems. Unlike traditional methods that depend solely on switching capacitors or reactors, the use of thyristors allows for fine-tuning of reactive power, offering improved performance under variable loading conditions without the need for complex control algorithms. This setup enhances the adaptability of reactive power management, thus maintaining optimal power factor and voltage regulation. The findings from the simulation and experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in power factor correction, voltage stabilization, and reduction in harmonic distortion. The proposed system exhibits a faster response time and greater control accuracy compared to existing compensation techniques. These advantages make the thyristor-controlled transformer with a fixed capacitor a promising alternative for power utilities seeking to enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of their networks. This article contributes to the advancement of reactive power compensation technologies, providing a scalable solution suitable for modern power system.

A soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with improved voltage conversion ratio and minimum number of switches

AbstractA soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with an improved voltage conversion ratio without any additional auxiliary switch is presented in this paper. In the proposed converter, improved step‐up/step‐down gain conversion is achieved by employing the coupled inductors method. Also, the auxiliary circuit provides soft switching conditions for all the semiconductor elements, regardless of the power flow direction and without any extra voltage stress. The other switch helps provide soft switching conditions for the main switch. Moreover, the switch used for providing soft switching conditions operates as a synchronous rectifier as well. The additional circuit added to attain soft switching is composed of an inductor, coupled with the converter's main inductor, and two auxiliary diodes. The auxiliary diodes benefit from zero‐current‐switching conditions. Fully soft switching conditions for all semiconductor devices, removing the reverse recovery problem, and a low number of components have led to mitigating switching losses and improving efficiency. Detailed operating principles and a theoretical analysis of the proposed converter are presented. Also, the experimental results of a 220 W prototype circuit are provided to confirm the validity of the proposed topology.

Stochastic optimal power flow framework with incorporation of wind turbines and solar PVs using improved liver cancer algorithm

AbstractThe present study introduces a nature inspired improved liver cancer algorithm (ILCA) for solving the non‐convex engineering optimization issues. The traditional LCA (t‐LCA) inspires from the conduct of liver tumours and integrates biological ethics during the optimization procedure. However, t‐LCA facing stagnation issues and may trap into local optima. To avoid such issues and provide the optimal solution, there are some modifications are implemented into the internal structure of t‐LCA based on Weibull flight operator, mutation‐based approach, quasi‐opposite‐based learning and gorilla troops exploitation‐based mechanisms to enhance the overall strength of the algorithm to obtain the global solution. For validation of ILCA, the non‐parametric and the statistical analysis are performed using benchmark standard functions. Moreover, ILCA is applied to resolve the stochastic renewable‐based (wind turbines + PVs) optimal power flow problem using a modified RER‐based IEEE 57‐bus. The objective of this work is to obtain the minimum predicted power losses and enhance the predicted voltage stability. By incorporation of renewable resources into the modified IEEE57‐bus network can help the system to reduce the power losses from 5.6622 to 3.8142 MW, while the voltage stability is enhanced from 0.1700 to 0.1164 p.u.

Transient Stability Assessment in Power Systems: A Spatiotemporal Graph Convolutional Network Approach with Graph Simplification

Accurate and fast transient stability assessment (TSA) of power systems is crucial for safe operation. However, deep learning-based methods require long training and fail to simultaneously extract the spatiotemporal characteristics of the transient process in power systems, limiting their performance in prediction. This paper proposes a novel TSA method based on a spatiotemporal graph convolutional network with graph simplification. First, based on the topology and node information entropy of power grids, as well as the power flow of each node, the input characteristic matrix is compressed to accelerate evaluation. Then, a high-performance TSA model combining a graph convolutional network and a Gated Convolutional Network is constructed to extract the spatial features of the power grid and the temporal features of the transient process. This model establishes a mapping relationship between spatiotemporal features and their transient stability. Finally, the focal loss function has been improved to dynamically adjust the influence of samples with different levels of difficulty on model training, adaptively addressing the challenge of sample imbalance. This improvement reduces misclassification rates and enhances overall accuracy. Case studies on the IEEE 39-bus system demonstrate that the proposed method is rapid, reliable, and generalizable.

Data-driven adaptive Lyapunov function based graphical deep convolutional neural network for smart grid congestion management

Optimal power flow by leveraging network grid topology will ensure stable operation of the smart grid. Energy management in grid-connected systems aimed to reduce computational non-linearities and ensure reliable operation of the smart grid. The conventional method manages congestion with optimal scheduling for every 10–15 min. Hence congestion in the smart grid occurs during secured energy distribution. In smart grid, instant congestion and energy management are needed. This research, work is devoted to a novel data-driven adaptive Lyapunov function with a Graphical Deep Convolutional Neural Network (GDCNN) regulated optimal flow by accurate energy management. By employing novel Graph theory-based network, the congestion data are obtained to train the proposed GDCNN. A Comparison of obtained results with existing baseline methods has been carried for claiming the novelties of proposed GDCNN. It is observed, that compared to existing machine learning-based extended subspace identification techniques. Our method has better optimal power regulation within 1.8 s by controlling power sources. Also, numerical simulation on IEEE 68 bus system shows the proposed GDCNN have superior performance, reliability, and optimal energy management. This by integrating the benefits of adaptive Lyapunov function and graphical convolutional network.

Hunter–Prey Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Allocation of PV, DSTATCOM, and EVCS in Radial Distribution Systems

ABSTRACTThis research article instigates a seminal approach for optimizing reactive power in renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EVs) coalescing distribution systems, using the innovative Hunter–Prey Optimization (HPO) algorithm in conjunction with DSTATCOM as a reactive power compensator. The proposed methodology aims to minimize losses, enhance voltage stability, and improve overall system performance by simultaneously optimizing reactive power flows in photovoltaic RES (PV_DG), EV charging stations (EVCS), and DSTATCOMs within the distribution system. Simulations carried on IEEE‐33, IEEE‐69, and IEEE‐118 test bus systems in MATLAB environment demonstrate that the HPO‐based approach achieves a 91.47% and 96.61% reduction in real power losses and an improvement in voltage profile with a minimum voltage value of 0.991 and 0.994 p.u. (respectively for IEEE‐33 and 69 bus systems), compared to traditional algorithms. These results highlight the lofty performance of the HPO method, effectively addressing the challenges posed by the integration of RES and EVs along with DSTATCOM.

Advanced smart grid controller: a next-gen alternative to Fuzzy-logic for UPFC

A very valuable component of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTs) is the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC). By simultaneously regulating both active and reactive power on transmission lines, it maintains voltage stability on linked buses. This study devised a thorough control strategy for the Unitary Power Flow Controller (UPFC), combining traditional and artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods. To see how the system would react in different situations and how well artificial intelligence control worked compared to more traditional proportional-integral power control, we ran a lot of simulations. The study found that the control strategy based on artificial intelligence (AI) was better than the proportional-integral (PI) control at managing power flow, keeping the voltage stable, and responding to changes in the environment. The results of this study emphasize the capacity of artificial intelligence methods to improve the performance and stability of FACT components such as the UPFC. The research provides important insights into power system control and optimization, indicating that strategies based on artificial intelligence could greatly enhance power generation. In order to enhance the AI control strategy, future research should focus on its practical application in actual power systems.

Designing a Bidirectional Power Flow Control Mechanism for Integrated EVs in PV-Based Grid Systems Supporting Onboard AC Charging

This paper investigates the potential use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to enhance power grid stability through their energy storage and grid-support capabilities. By providing auxiliary services such as spinning reserves and voltage control, EVs can significantly impact power quality metrics. The increasing energy consumption and the global imperative to address climate change have positioned EVs as a viable solution for sustainable transportation. Despite the challenges posed by their variable energy demands and rising numbers, the integration of a smart grid environment with smart charging and discharging protocols presents a promising avenue. Such an environment could seamlessly integrate a large fleet of EVs into the national grid, thereby optimizing load profiles, balancing supply and demand, regulating voltage, and reducing energy generation costs. This study examines the large-scale adoption of EVs and its implications for the power grid, with a focus on State of Charge (SOC) estimation, charging times, station availability, and various charging methods. Through simulations of integrated EV–PV charging profiles, the paper presents a lookup-table-based data estimation approach to assess the impact on power demand and voltage profiles. The findings include multiple charging scenarios and the development of an optimal control unit designed to mitigate the potential adverse effects of widespread EV adoption.

Analysis and Design of a Battery and Supercapacitor‐Based Propulsion System for Electric Vehicles

ABSTRACTThis work deals with the design and development of a dual source based propulsion architecture for electric vehicles. The converter utilized for the propulsion system is derived from a conventional CuK converter, which operates in a bidirectional power flow mode. The proposed propulsion system has two energy sources: a battery and a supercapacitor (SC). The proposed system has continuous input and output currents at low and high voltage sides, which improves the cycle life of hybrid energy storage (SC and battery) and the DC‐link capacitor. Further, the proposed converter has magnetic reduction compared to a conventional two‐input bidirectional CuK converter. Moreover, an effective and simpler control strategy (only one switch is pulse width modulated (PWM) operated at a time) has been developed for energy management between sources during charging (regenerative braking) and discharging (propulsion), which is effectively verified by simulation and experimental results. Further, a frequency domain (bode plot)‐based technique is used for controller design and stability analysis of the proposed system.