Power Lines Topologies Research Articles

Virtual Topologies for Populating Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Powerlines Topology Classes by Exploiting Neural Network Topology Generator Methodology (NNTGM) - Part 1: Theory

Based on a set of indicative overhead low voltage broadband over power lines (OV LV BPL) topologies of respective OV LV BPL topology classes, Neural Network Topology Generator Methodology (NNTGM) is theoretically proposed in this paper, so that its generated OV LV BPL topologies (NNTGM OV LV BPL topologies) can populate the OV LV BPL topology classes. Given the indicative topology of the OV LV BPL topology class, the NNTGM OV LV BPL topologies can be statistically familiar with the corresponding indicative OV LV BPL topology in terms of the theoretical channel attenuation behavior. Actually, NNTGM is based on the reverse procedure of the Neural Network Identification Methodology for the distribution line and branch Line Length Approximation (NNIM-LLA); say, NNTGM generates theoretical channel attenuation behaviors given the number of branches, the distribution line lengths and the branch line lengths, when appropriate NNTGM default operation settings are assumed. The statistical familiarity between the examined indicative OV LV BPL topology and an NNTGM OV LV BPL topology is examined after the application of appropriate channel attenuation metrics. On the basis of the channel attenuation metrics, class maps are theoretically defined so that the relative positions of indicative OV LV BPL topologies and their respective NNTGM OV LV BPL topologies (NNTGM virtual topologies) can be further studied.

Arc fault detection and identification via non-intrusive current disaggregation

The series arc faults causing increasing incidences of household fires are difficult to be detected due to the low fault current amplitude. The existing research on arc fault detection is at the power socket level with simple appliances circumstances, but hardly on the whole residential household. As series arc fault current waveform holds unique information of downstream appliance in operation, this paper proposes an arc fault detection and identification method via supervised non-intrusive current disaggregation for low-voltage consumers in the service entrance. In the proposed method, a NILM module initially identifies the appliances in operation in the residential household while an arc fault detection module screens the simultaneous total current signal for an arc fault. In case of arc fault detected, an arc current disaggregation module will find the best-fit arc fault waveform of one or more specific appliances by total current harmonic disaggregation. Then combining the prior knowledge of household power line topology, the consumer can be alerted with the arc resided branch indicated by the operation appliances. By collecting current signals of appliances with and without arc fault, a set of features is extracted from the measurements for total current feature threshold selection and appliance-specific template acquisition. Besides arc fault detection at the service wire entrance, it also infers the specific circuit branch on which arc faults occur. This approach contributes to timely location and elimination of fire hazards. Experiments in consumer scenarios are carried out with an arc fault generator, and the results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Study on High-precision Grid Outage Region Based on Distribution Network Topology Analysis

Based on the recursion method and the Java language, this paper develops a program for analyzing the distribution network topology diagram and explores various scenarios of power outages. The power line topology analysis can pinpoint the power outage range, providing a solid foundation for power outage information release and distribution network reliability calculation.

Management Information Systems and Data Science in the Smart Grid – Inner Class Area Capacity Distribution of the iSHM Class Maps of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies

On the basis of the initial Statistical Hybrid Model (iSHM), the iSHM class maps, which are 2D contour plots and may graphically classify the real and virtual OV LV BPL topologies into five class areas, are upgraded in this paper by exploiting the third dimension of the capacity so that the upgraded class maps can provide additional information concerning the inner class area capacity distribution. The comprehension of the behavior of the inner class area capacity distribution is critical in order to deeper understand the extent and the position of iSHM class map footprints when various operation conditions of OV LV BPL topologies occur. Two inner class area capacity distribution rule of thumbs that deal with the OV LV BPL topology classification and capacity estimation are proposed thus supporting the management information system of OV LV BPL networks. Citation:  Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2020). Management Information Systems and Data Science in the Smart Grid – Inner Class Area Capacity Distribution of the iSHM Class Maps of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6(3), 245-265. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2020.6.3.00122

Business Analytics and IT in Smart Grid – Part 1: The Impact of Measurement Differences on the iSHM Class Map Footprints of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies

Due to the smart grid (SG) operation, the power utilities are dealing with a cataclysm of big data that demands advanced information technology (IT) infrastructure and business analytics while one cause of this growth is the nature of the power grid operation that demands real-time measurements. In [1], [2], the theoretical framework and the numerical results for the interoperability of Deterministic Hybrid Model (DHM), initial Statistical Hybrid Model (iSHM), the definition procedure and the class maps have been presented for the overhead low-voltage broadband over power lines (OV LV BPL) networks as well as the iSHM footprints. On the basis of the five real indicative OV LV BPL topologies of [1], [2], the impact of measurement differences that follow either continuous uniform distributions (CUDs) or normal distributions (NDs) of different intensities is first highlighted on iSHM footprints. Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2020). Business Analytics and IT in Smart Grid – Part 1: The Impact of Measurement Differences on the iSHM Class Map Footprints of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6, 146-176. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2020.6.2.00117

Business Analytics and IT in Smart Grid – Part 3: New Application Aspect and the Quantitative Mitigation Analysis of Piecewise Monotonic Data Approximations on the iSHM Class Map Footprints of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies Contaminated by Measurement Differences

Βig data that overwhelm smart grid (SG) are susceptible to errors that can further affect business analytics and related human decisions. In [1], the impact of measurement differences that follow various distributions has been examined via initial Statistical Hybrid Model (iSHM) footprints while the mitigation impact of piecewise monotonic data approximations has been qualitatively assessed via corresponding iSHM footprints in [2]. In this companion paper, the potential of applying piecewise monotonic data approximations in the intrinsic procedure of iSHM rather than its inputs and the quantitative mitigation analysis of piecewise monotonic data approximations against measurement differences via iSHM footprints are proposed for the overhead low-voltage broadband over power lines (OV LV BPL) topologies. Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2020). Business Analytics and IT in Smart Grid – Part 3: New Application Aspect and the Quantitative Mitigation Analysis of Piecewise Monotonic Data Approximations on the iSHM Class Map Footprints of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies Contaminated by Measurement Differences. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6, 214-233. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2020.6.2.00119

Business Analytics and IT in Smart Grid – Part 2: The Qualitative Mitigation Impact of Piecewise Monotonic Data Approximations on the iSHM Class Map Footprints of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies Contaminated by Measurement Differences

Business analytics and IT infrastructure preserve the integrity of the smart grid (SG) operation against the flood of big data that may be susceptible to faults, such as measurement differences. In [1], the impact of measurement differences that follow continuous uniform distributions (CUDs) of different magnitudes has been investigated via initial Statistical Hybrid Model (iSHM) footprints during the operation of overhead low-voltage broadband over power lines (OV LV BPL) networks. In this companion paper, the mitigation efficiency of piecewise monotonic data approximations, such as L1PMA and L2WPMA, is qualitatively assessed in terms of iSHM footprints when the aforementioned measurement difference CUD of different intensities are applied. Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2020). Business Analytics and IT in Smart Grid – Part 2: The Qualitative Mitigation Impact of Piecewise Monotonic Data Approximations on the iSHM Class Map Footprints of Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Topologies Contaminated by Measurement Differences. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6, 177-203. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2020.6.2.00118

Virtual Indicative Broadband over Power Lines Topologies for Respective Subclasses by Adjusting Channel Attenuation Statistical Distribution Parameters of Statistical Hybrid Models (Class Maps) – Part 3: The Case of Overhead Transmission Power Grids

In [1], [2], the theoretical framework and the numerical results concerning the class mapping of overhead and underground medium voltage broadband over power lines (OV and UN MV BPL) topologies have been presented on the basis of the recently proposed initial statistical hybrid model (iSHM), modified statistical hybrid model (mSHM) and class map definition procedure. In this paper, all the recent findings regarding the statistical channel modeling and class mapping are first applied to transmission BPL networks; say, OV high voltage (HV) BPL topologies. The numerical results of OV HV BPL networks are compared against the respective ones of OV and UN distribution networks revealing significant similarities and differences. Finally, the impact of considering minimum or maximum capacity value instead of the average one during the definition procedure is investigated as well as the behavior of the total simulation time of class mapping. Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2019). Virtual Indicative Broadband over Power Lines Topologies for Respective Subclasses by Adjusting Channel Attenuation Statistical Distribution Parameters of Statistical Hybrid Models (Class Maps) – Part 3: The Case of Overhead Transmission Power Grids. Trends in Renewable Energy, 5, 282-306. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2019.5.3.00101

Virtual Indicative Broadband over Power Lines Topologies for Respective Subclasses by Adjusting Channel Attenuation Statistical Distribution Parameters of Statistical Hybrid Models (Class Maps) – Part 1: Theory

Based on a set of indicative overhead and underground medium voltage broadband over power lines (OV and UN MV BPL) topologies, initial statistical hybrid model (iSHM) and modified statistical hybrid model (mSHM) are statistical channel models suitable for the distribution BPL networks. Both iSHM and mSHM statistically process channel attenuation and capacity values of assumed indicative OV and UN MV BPL topologies by exploiting channel attenuation statistical distributions (CASDs). iSHM exploits a set of well-known CASDs (i.e., Gaussian, Lognormal, Wald, Weibull and Gumbel CASDs) while mSHM exploits the Empirical CASD. Each indicative OV and UN MV BPL topology acts as the representative one of a respective OV and UN MV BPL topology class (i.e., rural, suburban, urban and aggravated urban class) that consists of a number of respective statistically equivalent OV and UN MV BPL topologies. The contribution of this paper is the theoretical framework presentation of the creation of new virtual indicative OV and UN MV BPL topologies by appropriately adjusting the parameters of iSHM and mSHM CASDs. These new virtual indicative OV and UN MV BPL topologies will enrich the respective today’s OV and UN MV BPL topology classes with respective OV and UN MV BPL topology subclasses while each subclass will be enriched by a number of respective statistically equivalent OV and UN MV BPL topologies. The procedure of defining new virtual distribution BPL topologies by applying iSHM and mSHM will allow a better capacity study of OV and UN MV BPL topology classes. Apart from the definition procedure of the virtual indicative OV MV and UN MV BPL topologies and their respective virtual subclasses by adjusting CASD parameters of iSHM and mSHM, the contribution of this paper is the class map that analytically describes the taxonomy of distribution BPL topology classes and subclasses. Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2019). Virtual Indicative Broadband over Power Lines Topologies for Respective Subclasses by Adjusting Channel Attenuation Statistical Distribution Parameters of Statistical Hybrid Models (Class Maps) – Part 1: Theory. Trends in Renewable Energy, 5, 237-257. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2019.5.3.0099

Virtual Indicative Broadband over Power Lines Topologies for Respective Subclasses by Adjusting Channel Attenuation Statistical Distribution Parameters of Statistical Hybrid Models (Class Maps) – Part 2: Numerical Results for the Overhead and Underground Medium-Voltage Power Grids

With reference to the initial statistical hybrid model (iSHM) and modified statistical hybrid model (mSHM), the theory of the definition procedure of new virtual indicative distribution BPL topologies by appropriately adjusting the channel attenuation statistical distributions (CASDs) parameters of iSHM and mSHM has been presented in [1]. In this paper, the results of the definition procedure for the OV and UN MV BPL networks are first presented through the prism of the proposed class maps of iSHM and mSHM. Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. G. (2019). Virtual Indicative Broadband over Power Lines Topologies for Respective Subclasses by Adjusting Channel Attenuation Statistical Distribution Parameters of Statistical Hybrid Models (Class Maps) – Part 2: Numerical Results for the Overhead and Underground Medium-Voltage Power Grids. Trends in Renewable Energy, 5, 258-281. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2019.5.3.00100

Performance estimation and analysis of power line communication using single-ended loop testing

Using the electricity infrastructure for broadband data transmission is known as power line communication (PLC). The quality of broadband connectivity over a power line is a strong function of the line topology. Two-step hybrid single-ended loop testing (SELT) to estimate the open port loop topology of power lines is discussed in this paper. Correlation time domain reflectometry (CTDR) at different sockets is used to construct the initial topology. Optimization-based frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) is employed to ascertain more accurate power line topology. The discussed method has the advantage of reusing the existing DSL modem for the measurement and no prior knowledge is needed for the topology estimation. This method is validated for a wide range of line topologies with different numbers of bridge taps. The performance of the estimated topology is calculated using two-port network theory and the influence of the bridge taps on the performance of the line is analyzed.

Review and Progress towards the Capacity Boost of Overhead and Underground Medium-Voltage and Low-Voltage Broadband over Power Lines Networks: Cooperative Communications through Two- and Three-Hop Repeater Systems

This paper reviews and analyzes the broadband capacity and the coexistence potential of overhead and underground medium-voltage/broadband over power lines (MV/BPL) and low-voltage/broadband over power lines (LV/BPL) topologies when one and two repeaters are additively deployed between their existing transmitting and receiving ends (overhead and underground MV/BPL and LV/BPL topologies with two- and three-hop repeater system, respectively). The contribution of this paper is four fold. First, the factors that influence the broadband capacity performance of overhead and underground MV/BPL and LV/BPL topologies with multihop repeater systems are identified, namely the number of repeaters, the distribution power grid type—either overhead or underground, either MV or LV, the initial distribution BPL topology, the multiconductor transmission line configuration, and coupling scheme applied. Second, the well-validated applicability of two-hop repeater systems is now extended in overhead and underground LV/BPL and MV/BPL networks. The significant mitigating role of two-hop repeater systems against capacity losses due to aggravated topologies or different coupling schemes is verified. Third, the deployment upgrade of two- to three-hop repeater systems in distribution BPL topologies is first examined in terms of broadband capacity performance. To study the occurred capacity improvement, suitable capacity contour plots are first proposed. Fourth, multi-hop repeater systems are identified as valuable technology solution so that the required intraoperability between overhead and underground MV/BPL and LV/BPL networks, which is a prerequisite condition before BPL systems symbiosis with other broadband technologies (interoperability), is promoted.

Magnetically induced swing movement of overhead power line conductors in a transition span subsequent to an initial fault

An initial electric fault can result in strong magnetic torque exerted on overhead power line conductors, which will make them swing and may bring them to close proximity or in contact with one another, causing a subsequent fault. Computer simulations have been developed for the analysis of the subsequent fault and presented in the authors’ earlier work for level spans and inclined spans that are both of uniform power line construction. However, in practice, a power line topology may require a transition from one power line structure to another. Such a required transition can be realized by a transition span. In this paper, we present a dynamic analysis of swing movement of power line conductors in a transition span subsequent to an initial fault, to track the smallest distance between the conductors, which is an important factor useful for predicting the probability of the subsequent fault. The analysis is much more complex than that for level spans and inclined spans. To address the complexity, we employ coordinate system transformations and establish a common coordinate system, then make use of it in the dynamic analysis. Sample numerical results are presented, analyzed, and checked with the energy conservation law requirement.