National Power Research Articles

Reconfigurable and Scalable Honeynet forCyber-physical Systems

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) constitute the backbone of contemporary industrial operations, ranging from modest heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to expansive national power grids. Given their pivotal role in critical infrastructure, there has been a concerted effort to enhance security measures and deepen our comprehension of potential cyber threats within this domain. To address these challenges, numerous implementations of Honeypots and Honeynets intended to detect and understand attacks have been employed for ICS. This approach diverges from conventional methods by focusing on making a scalable and reconfigurable honeynet for cyber-physical systems. It will also automatically generate attacks on the honeynet to test and validate it. With the development of a scalable and reconfigurable Honeynet and automatic attack generation tools, it is also expected that the system will serve as a basis for producing datasets for training algorithms for detecting and classifying attacks in cyberphysical honeynets.

Holistic approach to energy storage management aspects in sustainable community

Energy management is nowadays key topic for synchronic operation of renewable sources of energy and their recipients. Contemporary national electrical power grid systems more often cannot supply efficiently electrical energy and cannot receive energy produced by renewable sources. The common approach to the problem is to meet energy demands supplying from electrical grid and renewable power sources with energy storage feature. From the other side, off-grid solutions based on the co-generation biogas plants are commonly aimed on small local communities as power supply supported by renewable energy systems like photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind power plants or small water plants with energy storage to support self-consumption of electrical energy. Integration of intermittent renewable power sources, such as solar, wind and biogas plant, increases the difficulty of managing the electricity grid and maintaining the balance of electricity supply and demand, especially in small communities. The holistic approach to the energy storage management takes all above aspects and presents the concept where municipal waste is used to produce energy in biogas plant supported by PV systems and community shared electrical energy storage to provide uninterrupted power supply. The study also presents how energy storage management can be used in whole process to adjust the size and manage energy supply and demand within the community based on energy self-consumption optimization. It is also shown that by utilizing municipal waste produced by the community we can meet the goals of circular economy and sustainable development of local communities as the waste will be used in full without necessity of recycling it outside the community. The novelty of the study is the foundation for energy storage capacity and renewable energy sources size evaluation to balance energy management process without the need of on-grid power supply and with use only municipal biodegradable waste for biogas fuel supply and solar energy for energy production.

Regional inequality in China's electricity trade

The electricity industry has emerged as a key driver in the global carbon reduction initiative within the energy sector. Meanwhile, the national power grid is an essential foundation for societal well-being. However, ongoing regional inequalities in electricity trading highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation to ensure efficiency and fairness in electrification. We strategically address the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of inter-regional electricity trade and its added value. The mismatch between carbon emissions and benefits during electricity exchanges is quantified across 30 distinct regions in China from 2005 to 2019. The conclusion indicates that, since 2005, eastern coastal areas have generally benefited, whereas inland areas have faced disadvantages in electricity trade. By 2019, an analysis of electricity trade among regions and grids revealed that areas with low net outflows of clean electricity are more prone to trade inequality. Lastly, regions with high electricity demand or economic development exhibit lower carbon emissions per unit and higher added value per unit of exported products compared to low electricity demand or economically backward regions, with the disparity between them widening. This research offers important insights into developing fair climate policies.

Design, techno-economic evaluation, and experimental testing of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for commercial buildings

This study aims to investigate the potential of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for commercial buildings. Helio-Scope software is utilized to perform simulations to determine the ideal rooftop area for photovoltaic panels. The efficiency of photovoltaic systems is impacted by the shading effects of photovoltaic modules installed in parallel rows. To enhance energy output, the optimal distance between rows is determined, and it is found that 5-feet inter-row spacing provides the best results. The simulation results indicate that with 5-feet inter-row spacing, photovoltaic system has an energy generation of 371.6 MWh, specific yield of 1508.0 kWh/kWp, performance ratio of 82.1%, solar access rate of 98.9%, total solar resource fraction of 96.3% and a total irradiance of 1655.9 kWh/m2. The annual nameplate energy is 425.1 MWh, output energy at irradiance levels is 423.1 MWh, optimal DC output is 378.5 MWh, inverter output is 373.5 MWh, and total energy delivered to the national power grid is 371.6 MWh. The average daily DC inverter input power is 158881.5110 W and the average daily AC inverter output power is 152231.6311 W, showing an inverter efficiency of approximately 95.93%. Moreover, detailed testing of the installed PV system is performed on-site to make sure that equipment’s performance guarantees are achieved, the system is properly installed and its configuration is suitable for commercial operations. The maximum daily output energy generation of an installed photovoltaic (PV) system is 1.33 MWh, and its average energy generation is 1.09 MWh. The voltage of all strings is within the rated range of the inverter, with a maximum voltage of 835 V and a minimum of 698 V, as tested by PV string open-circuit voltage. The inverter efficiency test is also performed, with a maximum efficiency of 98.83% and fill factors ranging from 81.37% to 82.34%. The payback period of a photovoltaic system is 4.22 years and LCOE is 0.0229$/kWh. PV system saved 215569.818 metric tons of CO2 in the first year and a total of approximately 5068976.99 metric tons in 25 years.

The role of Xizang in China's transition towards a carbon-neutral power system

Developing renewable energy is crucial for achieving China's carbon neutrality target by 2060. Xizang has a large renewable energy potential, especially hydropower potential, and it could become an important source of clean energy. Meanwhile, climate change has been affecting and will significantly alter hydropower resources in Xizang. This study estimates the development of Xizang's power system and its role in the national power supply under China's carbon neutrality target. In particular, it considers the changes in theoretically available hydropower potential from glacial retreat and transmission-supporting policies. The results show that considering the hydropower potential changes from glacier retreat under climate change, an additional 5.7–6.8 GW of hydropower capacity could be developed in Xizang by 2060, concentrated in Linzhi and Naqu areas. This additional hydropower capacity could increase to 15.9–17.7 GW if transmission subsidies are provided. Under such a scenario, Xizang could export renewable electricity to other provinces for up to about 3 % of the national electricity demand by 2060. The results indicate the importance of considering the impacts of climate change in power system planning and implementing transmission-supporting policies, which could facilitate Xizang to become a renewable energy base for China.

Great Powers Struggle: To A Bipolar World Order Again in The 21st Century by The United States of America-People’s Republic Of China Rivalry?

After the pandemic in 2020, “a bipolar international system formed around the United States of America (USA)- People’s Republic of China (PRC) has started to re-emerge” evolutions have increased recently in the Academy. With this article, the hypothesis that “the struggle of these states, the superpowers of our time, will again bring ‘a bipolar world order’ as in the Cold War, as put forward in the global order reshaped by the 2020 pandemic” will be tested. In this context, the conceptual framework of the bipolar world order will be drawn, in the continuation the national power elements of the two countries will be researched within the framework of realist theory, and the international results of their rivalry will be analyzed in the conclusion. In the study, the necessary data were collected using the quantitative research method, and this data were analyzed by content analysis technique. Finally, an evaluation was made by discussing the accuracy of the tested hypothesis.

An interdisciplinary analysis of Turkiye's space policy: An economic and political perspective

Turkiye has invested significantly in the development of its space policy in recent years. At its core, Turkiye's space policy aims to reduce the country's dependence on foreign technologies and develop national capabilities in related fields. However, it also has implications for national security, defense and political power. This study uniquely contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis of Turkiye's space policy, focusing on its economic and political dimensions. The study commences with a brief historical overview of Turkiye's space program, highlighting its evolution and strategic milestones. It then addresses the economic implications of Turkish space policy, including potential benefits and challenges for the country's macroeconomic and microeconomic environment. Finally, the study examines the political power dimensions of Turkiye's space policy, encompassing national security, defense, and geopolitical implications.Drawing on a range of sources, including government reports and academic articles, this research integrates the theoretical frameworks of Political Economy and International Relations to offer a multifaceted analysis. The findings indicate that, from an economic perspective, investment in the space program is expected to stimulate economic growth, create new industries and job opportunities, increase economic diversification, and lead to the development of human capital. The space program will spur technological advancements across various sectors, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, a successful space program will elevate the country's international prestige, attracting more investors, and expanding investment opportunities. From a political perspective, Turkiye is enhancing its launch capabilities and missile defense systems to bolster national security due to its geopolitical position. Turkiye's space policy is designed to position the country as a leading space power in the Middle East and beyond, thereby strengthening its strategic and diplomatic stance globally.This study provides critical policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of Turkiye's space endeavors, emphasizing the importance of foundational investments in education, research, and international collaborations. The insights gained from this interdisciplinary approach are invaluable to policymakers and scholars, offering a holistic understanding of the economic and political ramifications of national space programs.

The Great Power of Small Nations: Indigenous Diplomacy in the Gulf South. By Elizabeth Ellis

The Great Power of Small Nations: Indigenous Diplomacy in the Gulf South. By Elizabeth Ellis

Digital Dissemination of African Films in China: A Case Study of the Bilibili Platform

Cultural communication is of great significance to countries in shaping their national image and enhancing their national soft power. However, due to the influence of African politics and economy, African films always face the situation of insufficient production capacity in the film industry, internationalization experience, and film professionals. As a result, its culture has been discounted in the process of dissemination. In particular, African films have for many years relied only on video and other channels of dissemination, making it difficult to compete with the production and wide dissemination of films from Europe and the United States. Therefore, African films have only accounted for 4% of the African film market share in their home countries.

Digital Dissemination of African Films in China: A Case Study of the Bilibili Platform

Cultural communication is of great significance to countries in shaping their national image and enhancing their national soft power. However, due to the influence of African politics and economy, African films always face the situation of insufficient production capacity in the film industry, internationalization experience, and film professionals. As a result, its culture has been discounted in the process of dissemination. In particular, African films have for many years relied only on video and other channels of dissemination, making it difficult to compete with the production and wide dissemination of films from Europe and the United States. Therefore, African films have only accounted for 4% of the African film market share in their home countries.

Nepal’s Geostrategic Location: Realist Imperatives on Foreign Policy

Realist imperatives in foreign policy emphasize the pursuit of national interests, power balance, and pragmatic decision-making in an anarchic international system. This study aims to analyze Nepal's foreign policy through a realist perspective, focusing on its historical evolution, challenges, and opportunities. An exploratory research design is employed, using secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, historical records, academic books, policy reports, and governmental publications. The publication period of the sources ranges between 1963 and 2023. The study finds that Nepal’s foreign policy decisions are significantly influenced by its geopolitical position and the need to balance relationships with neighboring powers India and China. The implication of this study is that realist theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how small states like Nepal navigate complex international dynamics to safeguard their national interests.

BRICS Alliance: A SWOT Analysis and the Potential Implications for Ending the Dominance of the USD

The group known as BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, came into being when its members decided to join hands to challenge the economic and political power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe and expanded as BRICS+ when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates entered the alliance with the same goals. Among the main reasons that led to the formation of the bloc was to put an end to the global dominance of the United States dollar (USD). Today, the BRICS+ bloc is motivated more than ever to find a solution to the ever-growing sanctions imposed by the United States (U.S.) on its member states as well as to cope with the fluctuating market situations that are merely based on the USD. The effectiveness of the newly expanded bloc’s alliance is the need of the hour, and for this purpose, the current study conducted a SWOT analysis to evaluate the bloc’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The study took the facts and figures associated with the BRICS member states and their dealings with the U.S. and tried to analyze the effectiveness of this bloc should its members decide to conduct business with each other in a common currency. Furthermore, the study also evaluated the reasons behind the concept of de-dollarization and the benefits it offers the member states of the BRICS bloc. Additionally, the study proposes essential recommendations, such as the formulation of necessary measures to deal with potential disagreements that may arise regarding the choice of a common currency that should be used for trade among the member countries. Such an application of the study is an entirely novel application in the current area of research with the potential to open new horizons for future research considering the new targets of the BRICS+ group.

Biomass as a Renewable Energy Source for Power Boilers

The development of photovoltaic systems and wind turbines reduces the carbon footprint (CFP) of energy generation. However, these systems deteriorate the stability of the national power system (NPS). The important stabilizing element of the Polish NPS are coal-fired power plants. Since the cold startup of these units takes several hours, the stability of the NPS forces the boilers to operate so that the power can be increased quickly. Therefore, it will be impossible to abandon coal-fired units in the next years, and the boilers will be modernized to reduce their CFP. An important option is to replace coal with a fuel with a lower CFP, e.g. biomass. This paper deals with the CFP for different types of biomass. It also considers methane emissions from coal mines. The CFP for coal and biomass was compared with the CFP for green ammonia. Using 0-dimensional calculations of the boiler, the need to modernize the heating surfaces was assessed when replacing 50% and more of coal with biomass. The changed fouling of heating surfaces was taken into account. The problem of reducing harmful phenomena such as corrosion, erosion and slagging associated with such a change of fuel is also discussed.

Static Power Equipment for the Active Elimination of Harmonics from the National Energy Grid

Taking into account the long-term (2020-2050) Energy Strategy of Romania, and the Integrated National Plan in the Energy and Climate Changing 2021-2030, Dunărea de Jos University of Galati, utilizing the industrial partners, will conduct the applied industrial research to provide in the National Grid a clean energy, by harmonics mitigation. This paper deals with the Shunt Active Power solution to efficiently mitigate the current harmonics within the national power grid. Both numerical and experimental results are presented in this paper. The results of this paper are obtained by the beneficiary and the industrial partner of the „Knowledge transfer regarding the increase of energy efficiency and intelligent power systems” project, acronym CRESC-INTEL, within the POC Competitiveness Operational Program. The obtained results of this project will conduct one innovation-based ecosystem in the European Union research and technological development field. Innovative static power types of equipment ensure an increased energy efficiency of the power system with a high power factor. Based on the obtained prototype, a mass production of the innovative static power equipment will be delivered to the specific market, by complying with the available power quality standards. In this way, based on the static power equipment series production, by considering alternative power ranges, harmonic cleaning of the national grid is obtained.

Spatial national multi-period long-term energy and carbon planning scenarios in Ecuador’s electric system

The Republic of Ecuador is developing a comprehensive plan to meet the increasing residential, industrial, and commercial energy demands. With a population of 17.08 million in 2018, the country is experiencing an annual average energy growth of approximately 7.13% until 2027. This research aims to model the incorporation of new and proposed power plants strategically planned to cater to the expanding demand needs. Ensuring that our existing energy infrastructure can adequately meet the current and growing needs of the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors should be made possible. In this paper, we present several hypotheses that need to be made to identify the potential demands for residential, industrial, and commercial requirements, making it more accessible to build new facilities that use renewable energy. Traditional and unconventional renewable energy sources, such as hydro-power, wind, and solar power, are being explored to generate electricity. The research employs quantitative methodology, beginning with gathering information and a detailed data analysis. Subsequently, a scenario-based model will examine the impact on energy demand and supply from 2020 to 2035. The results show that the Santiago hydroelectric project is becoming essential for the country’s energy development and that the current national power system will only be able to supply the electricity demand when the industrial city of Posorja is being developed. We suggest that to maintain Ecuador’s electricity trade balance as an electricity exporter, we continue with the energy investment plans currently issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This study is relevant for establishing global financing arrangements involving the public and private sectors. In doing so, we can meet our hypothetical scenarios, ensuring that all energy needs are met by 2035. This will involve developing a robust national grid system with sufficient reserve capacity, meeting residential and projected commercial and industrial demand.

The Power of Liberal Nationalism

ABSTRACT: Diversity poses no threat to democracy. What does imperil democracy are demagogues who deprive minorities of rights and claim that vesting themselves with extraordinary powers is vital to guarding the ethnic majority against the purported predations of minorities and immigrants. Virtually everywhere such demagogues have gained the upper hand. Moreover, they have claimed superiority as patriots and protectors of the nation. Democracy's liberal defenders have often neglected the power of nationalism, regarding it as an unsavory atavism. If they are to successfully defend democracy in multiethnic societies, liberals must stop conflating nationalism with nativism and ethnonationalism, seize the flag, and arm themselves with emotionally compelling national-democratic narratives that appeal more widely than the biased tales spun by the illiberal foes of free government.

Towards decarbonizing large-scale industries: A decision support framework for optimizing grid-connected PV-battery energy systems planning – Case study of an OCP mining site, Morocco, North Africa

Incorporating renewable energy into forthcoming grid-connected or decentralized energy systems assumes an escalating significance and can potentially enhance endeavors toward accomplishing Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). Nevertheless, deploying sustainable renewable energy-intensive systems may present challenges related to their intermittency and cost instability. This paper proposes the development of a decision support model aimed at planning an optimal on-grid PV battery system. The model builds upon the Open Energy Modeling Framework (OEMOF) and defines asset capacities, energy dispatch, operational strategies, and optimal costs for the designated system. Key factors considered include energy demand profile, photovoltaic potential, electricity tariffs, and the availability of the National Grid. Furthermore, the model evaluation incorporates the computation of pertinent performance, feasibility, and viability indicators, notably the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). To validate the framework, the article conducts a case study to determine the optimal sizing and planning of a grid-connected PV battery energy system. The objective is to cater to the electricity needs of an OCP (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) mining site in Morocco. The study considers the characteristics of the national power grid, incorporating time-varying electricity tariffs based on a Demand-Response program taking into account various rates according to the time of use (ToU). The case study includes a sensitivity analysis that examines different factors, namely the proportion of renewable energy, the investment costs of photovoltaic systems and batteries, and the financial parameter known as the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Through this analysis, the study assesses the impact of these variables on the calculated cost of energy. Experimental results revealed a range of LCOE values from $0.07111/kWh to $0.11847/kWh for high renewable energies integration.

Back to Bipolarity: How China's Rise Transformed the Balance of Power

Abstract China's rise, Russia's military resurgence, and India's economic growth have prompted debates about the end of unipolarity and the future balance of power. Such debates are a staple of international politics; indeed, in the late twentieth century, many observers warned that Japan and the Soviet Union would overtake the United States. Yet scholars and policymakers evince little agreement on how to define power or measure the distribution of power. This article introduces an inductive method for comparing national power. I empirically validate common metrics of national capabilities—economic and military—by assessing their ability to both predict known balances of power across historical systems (1820–1990) and distinguish between great powers and other countries. This method yields three important findings. First, large gaps in national capabilities between great powers and even superpowers have been common throughout history. Great powers need not achieve parity with the leading state to engage in a dangerous security competition. Second, this method shows that China on most dimensions is not only a great power but a superpower. Third, neither Russia nor India is a great power. The system is bipolar. These findings inform debates about the stability of international politics and the future of international order and suggest the likelihood of shifts in U.S. grand strategy and alliances.

Geopolitical Aspects of Demographic Processes: Development of Scientific Ideas of L. L. Rybakovsky

Demographic processes play a key role in the formation of the geopolitical picture of the world. Population size, its age structure, growth rates and migration flows have a significant impact on the economic power of states, their military potential and their ability to project power in the international arena. This article examines contemporary and historical views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical competition of countries and the measurement of a state's national power. The study covers both contemporary and historical aspects of the issue. The paper provides a systematic review of the evolution of scientific views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical context. Particular attention is paid to modern methodological approaches to measuring the national power of a state considering demographic indicators. The article offers a critical analysis of existing models for assessing geopolitical influence based on demographic factors and considers their applicability in the context of global demographic transformations. The study also addresses topical issues of the impact of demographic trends on the geopolitical strategies of states in the 21st century, including the problems of population aging, migration processes and demographic imbalances between developed and developing countries. Special attention is paid to the analysis of geopolitical aspects of demographic processes in the works of the outstanding Russian demographer L.L.Rybakovsky. The paper considers the key concepts of the scientist, including demographic security, the geopolitical significance of migration processes, the relationship between demography and spatial development of Russia, as well as the role of demographic policy as an instrument of geopolitical influence.

Addressing the limitation of Operational Flexibility in Power Generation with Pumped Hydro Energy Storage System – Indian Perspective

The global climate change scenario has impacted and taken corrective measures in shifting the sourcing of primary energy and efficient end-use pattern with more focus to utilise renewable energy resources to replace the depleting fossil fuels. Electric power generation capacity in the Indian subcontinent has gradually been improved to substantially contribute to intermittent and variable renewable power generation mix up to 40% of grid demand. However, the injection of grid-integrated renewable power as per the availability of generation potential will necessitate limiting the power generation from generating plants running on fossil fuel. But the operational flexibility of fossil fuel power plants is mostly designed to run efficiently with a 55% minimum technical load on the machines. In the above situation, stable grid availability and operation with a desirable spinning reserve may be taken care of suitably with an on-grid energy storage system, and in the Indian context, a pumped hydro energy storage system may play a critical role to take care of grid operational variability with adequate measures on frequency and voltage correction through periodic power generation and power draw. In this paper, the feasibility of a pumped hydro storage system from an Indian power sector perspective has been reviewed about the present national power scenario.