Power Regulation Research Articles

Multi-market P2P trading of cooling–heating-power-hydrogen integrated energy systems: An equilibrium-heuristic online prediction optimization approach

In this paper, an equilibrium-heuristic online prediction optimization approach is proposed for multi-market peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity–hydrogen trading of integrated energy systems (IESs) with uncertainties. First, the IES, consisting of a hydrogen energy storage subsystem and a combined cooling, heating, and power subsystem, is constructed in the distribution network to improve energy utilization and market efficiency. Then, a bi-level optimization model for IESs, participating in the P2P electricity–hydrogen energy trading, the real-time electricity, and the ancillary service markets, is proposed, in which the top-level model can be formulated as a P2P electricity–hydrogen trading pricing model through the social welfare maximization problem, and the lower-level model is used to maximize the IES operating profit. To effectively solve the bi-level model, the game equilibrium-based ADMM distributed algorithm is used to obtain the P2P trading volume and prices of the top-level model, and a new hybrid heuristic algorithm, called hybrid sand cat swarm optimization and improved honey badger algorithm (SCIHB), is proposed to solve the lower level model. SCIHB utilizes a hybrid mechanism and an adaptive learning rate parameter to balance local exploitation and global exploration. Furthermore, a new online learning probabilistic prediction method based on the hidden Markov model and wavelet transform is introduced to describe the uncertainties of wind power, electricity prices, and frequency regulation prices. Finally, case studies are conducted on an IEEE 33-bus test system, and the numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed P2P trading model and solution approach.

A Comprehensive Review on Advanced Control Methods for Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Systems above the Rated Wind Speed

This paper presents a comprehensive review of advanced control methods specifically designed for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) above the rated wind speed. Focusing on primary control objectives, including power regulation at rated values, platform pitch mitigation, and structural load reduction, this paper begins by outlining the requirements and challenges inherent in FOWT control systems. It delves into the fundamental aspects of the FOWT system control framework, thereby highlighting challenges, control objectives, and conventional methods derived from bottom-fixed wind turbines. Our review then categorizes advanced control methods above the rated wind speed into three distinct approaches: model-based control, data-driven model-based control, and data-driven model-free control. Each approach is examined in terms of its specific strengths and weaknesses in practical application. The insights provided in this review contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic landscape of control strategies for FOWTs, thus offering guidance for researchers and practitioners in the field.

A Simplified Power Regulation Strategy for Grid-tied PMSG-based Marine Current Turbine System in High-speed Marine Current Conditions

Marine current turbine systems (MCTSs) play a crucial role in harnessing renewable energy from ocean currents. These systems are designed with specific rated values of marine current speed, dictating their optimal operational parameters. However, the dynamic nature of marine currents can lead to fluctuations, occasionally exceeding the rated values for which these systems are designed. This poses significant challenges to the efficient and safe operation of MCTSs, necessitating the development of effective power regulation strategies. In response to these challenges, this paper presents a simplified power regulation strategy to address the complexities of high-speed marine current conditions. The strategy focuses on constraining the reference torque command, a pivotal parameter governing power generation within MCTS. By precisely managing the reference torque command, the strategy aims to ensure that power output remains within designated limits, thereby safeguarding the MCTS despite high-speed marine current conditions. The proposed strategy leverages a computational approach to determine the generator's reference torque command, utilizing key parameters such as the rated power of the MCT and the mechanical angular rotor speed. It facilitates seamless transition between unconstrained reference torque command (URTC) and constrained reference torque command (CRTC) modes, enabling precise power regulation. This flexibility empowers the MCTS to respond promptly to changes in marine current conditions, facilitating precise and responsive power regulation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, the paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of MCTS performance across both URTC and CRTC modes utilizing Typhoon HIL604 real-time simulator. Through detailed examinations of MCT speed responses, generator torque, output power, and grid-side parameters, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of MCTS operation. This comprehensive understanding enhances the stability and adaptability of MCTSs across diverse operating conditions, thereby advancing their potential as a sustainable energy solution.

Abstract PO5-27-06: Development of TTX-MC138, a First-In-Class miRNA-10b-Targeted Therapeutic Against Metastatic Cancers of Diverse Primary Disease Origins

Abstract Conventional therapies targeted towards the primary tumor cell oftentimes do not affect the metastatic cell and, in fact, may promote metastasis. For these reasons, our research has focused on developing therapies specific to unique properties of metastatic tumor cells. In our earlier work, we identified miRNA-10b as a master regulator of the viability of metastatic tumor cells. We determined that miRNA-10b not only promotes the capacity of tumor cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissue, but, importantly, serves as a powerful master regulator of the viability of cancer cells. This knowledge allowed us to develop a therapeutic miR-10b inhibitor, named TTX-MC138, which is effectively delivered to metastatic tumor cells and can elicit complete responses and life-long disease remissions in preclinical models of breast and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. As a critical step towards de-risking further clinical development of TTX-MC138, we have embarked on a Phase 0 clinical trial with Cu64-labeled TTX-MC138. The trial involves microdose injection of Cu64-labeled TTX-MC138 into stage IV breast cancer patients, followed by positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI). The study seeks to determine the pharmacokinetics of TTX-MC138 and its uptake in metastatic lesions. The impact of this work is three-fold. First it can establish that TTX-MC138, which is so effective in mice, will also accumulate in human metastases. This greatly de-risks the clinical development of the therapeutic because it shows drug delivery is indeed feasible. Second, the Phase 0 studies will reveal the pharmacokinetic behavior of TTX-MC138 which will allow one to establish dosing during therapy. Third, once TTX-MC138 reaches late-stage clinical trials, one can use the radiolabeled therapeutic to select patients for treatment, based on which patients’ metastases accumulate the drug. Studies that we present in support of the Phase 0 trial include dosimetry/PK and tissue distribution studies, as well as metabolite analysis in non-human primates. In non-human primates injected with Cu64-labeled TTX-MC138 at a dose of 100 microg, the organs with the highest uptake were the liver, heart, lung and spleen. The mean whole blood half-life was 12.2 ± 2.3 h (mean ± standard deviation) and the mean plasma blood half-life was 11.5 ± 1.8 h. RadioHPLC analysis of plasma samples showed that the drug is very stable with respect to metabolism. Combined, these studies support first-in-human testing of TTX-MC138 for the treatment of metastatic cancer and, by addressing the issue of drug delivery, enable the clinical development of a wide array of TTX-based therapeutics. Citation Format: Zdravka Medarova, Neil Robertson, Subrata Ghosh, Andreas Varkaris, Peter Caravan, Susan Duggan. Development of TTX-MC138, a First-In-Class miRNA-10b-Targeted Therapeutic Against Metastatic Cancers of Diverse Primary Disease Origins [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-27-06.

Abstract PO3-24-11: Impact of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles derived from Obese Women on Pro-Tumor Functions of Stromal Fibroblasts in Breast Cancer

Abstract The incidence of obesity has risen sharply worldwide, and growing evidence shows its impact on several malignancies, including breast cancer (BC). Excessive adiposity and high body mass index (BMI) significantly affect BC incidence, prognosis, and therapeutic response of patients. Indeed, obese women exhibit larger tumor size, limph node involvement, metastatic spread, and poorer survival outcomes. Preclinical and clinical studies indicated that the obese setting provides local and systemic modifications that may stimulate BC progression and influence tumor microenvironment, particularly composed of stromal fibroblasts (SF). The mechanisms behind this interplay are likely to be multifactorial and may involve important adipocyte-derived mediators, such as adipokines and growth factors. Aside from these soluble factors, extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale lipid-bilayer enclosed vesicles released by a variety of cells, are emerging as powerful regulators of cell-to-cell communication able to promote BC initiation, growth, metastatic dissemination and drug resistance. However, the potential impact of obesity-derived EVs in affecting tumor-stimulatory features of SF has not been yet investigated. To this aim, circulating EVs were isolated from the serum of women categorized as normal weight (NW; 18 > BMI < 24.9 Kg/m2) and overweight/obese (OW/Ob; BMI > 25 Kg/m2). Immortalised human mammary control fibroblasts (CF), their cancer-associated counterparts (exp-CAFs), and human CAFs, isolated from biopsies of primary BC, were used as experimental models for stromal fibroblasts. Human MCF-7 and T47D BC cells were employed as experimental cell models for mammary carcinoma in co-culture experiments. Circulating EVs were successfully extracted from the serum of NW and OW/Ob women, and characterized by their shapes, size and protein markers. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) showed that EVs in the isolated fractions were oval or bowl-shaped with a size range between 50-200 nm. In accordance with the Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV) 2018, enrichment of the EV markers TSG101, CD81, and CD63 were all detected in the EV isolated fractions. Interestingly, elevated levels of circulating EVs were detected in OW/Ob women compared to NW subjects. Treatment of CF with OW/Ob-EVs resulted in an increased cell motility, invasiveness, contractility along with an up-regulation of CF markers. BC cells cocultured with conditioned medium (CM) derived from OW/Ob-EV-treated CF exhibited higher anchorage-independent growth and migratory capacity than BC cells cocultured with CM derived from NW-EV-treated CF. Moreover, OW/Ob-EVs enhanced tumor-stimulatory activities of exp-CAFs and CAFs, further highlighting how obese-related EVs may have the potential to modulate fibroblast phenotype in BC. Finally, cytokine arrays revealed that treatment of CF with OW/Ob EVs was associated with an enhanced release of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 and Cystatin C, factors that are closely related to BC growth and development. In conclusion, our data provide first evidence for the functional importance of EVs isolated from obese women in impacting tumor-stroma cross-talk and drive BC progression. Since obesity and its pathophysiological sequelae are on the rise, this new knowledge may help to identify specific biomarkers and innovative targets (i.e. FGF-19, and Cystatin C) that may allow a personalized management of patients affected by BC and obesity. Citation Format: Ines Barone, Piercarlo Del Console, Felice Maria Accattatis, Luca Gelsomino, Giuseppina Augimeri, Ennio Avolio, Sebastiano Andò, Daniela Bonofiglio, Cinzia Giordano, Stefania Catalano. Impact of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles derived from Obese Women on Pro-Tumor Functions of Stromal Fibroblasts in Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-24-11.

Multiple heating loads participate in the system power regulation control strategy

With the addition of a high proportion of new energy and power electronic equipment, the power system has shown characteristics such as low inertia and significant energy output fluctuation, which has brought great challenges to power/frequency regulation and control of the power system. Therefore, this article uses the inertia characteristics of heat energy on the load side and exerts reasonable start-stop control to play a positive and beneficial role in the power regulation of the power system. Firstly, the room temperature variation process was transformed into a lumped parameter equivalent model. A lumped parameter heat transfer model of a single typical load was built in Simulink, and its dynamic characteristics were analyzed by symbolic calculation. Based on this, a time-domain simulation was carried out to explore the influence of the law of system parameters and external input on the change of system state quantity. Based on time domain simulation, the behavior of the heating load is analyzed. Then, the effects of typical and multiple loads on system power regulation at different outdoor temperatures are studied. It is found that when the average outdoor temperature decreases, the sustainable time of system power upturn will increase, and the sustainable time of downturn will decrease. The power curve of multiple loads simultaneously is more stable, and the adjustment ability is stronger. The reasonable and flexible control method of load switch setting, namely the coherent characteristic load power regulation strategy, realizes the sustainable power optimization of the load to the system in the specified period.

Driving towards Sustainability: Wireless Charging of Low-Speed Vehicles with PDM-Based Active Bridge Rectifiers

Driving towards Sustainability: Wireless Charging of Low-Speed Vehicles with PDM-Based Active Bridge Rectifiers

Performance analysis of DFIG support microgrid using GA optimized restricted Boltzmann Machine algorithm

Voltage and reactive power regulation in a deregulated microgrid can be achieved by strategically placing the Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) in coordination with other renewable energy sources, thus ensuring high-end stability and independent control. STATCOM plays a crucial role in effectively addressing power quality issues such as voltage fluctuation and reactive power imbalances caused by the intermittent nature of wind energy conversion systems. To successfully integrate STATCOM into the existing system, it is essential that the control system employed for STATCOM coordination aligns with the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) controller within the microgrid. Therefore, an efficient control algorithm is required in the microgrid, capable of coordinating with the DFIG controller while maintaining system stability. The utilization of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) in calibrating the Restricted Boltzmannn Machine (RBM) can streamline the process of determining optimal hyperparameters for specific tasks, eliminating the need for computationally intensive and time-consuming grid searches or manual tuning. This approach is particularly advantageous when dealing with large datasets within short time durations. In this research, a Simulink model comprising a DFIG-based microgrid and STATCOM has been developed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control system using RBM in managing STATCOM and facilitating microgrid operations.

Variable-pitch power regulation of tethered-wing systems based on robust gain-scheduling H-infinity control

In this paper, we address the power regulation of tethered-wing systems and illustrate the benefits of employing variable-pitch control to alleviate dynamic mechanical loads and power fluctuations. The proposed control scheme is based on a strategy to maximize the generated power during low-speed wind and prevent force and power overloads during the high-speed wind. To implement this strategy, we employ a tether reeling-speed controller to maintain optimal generator speed in low-speed winds, and a MIMO speed-force controller to prevent power surges in high-speed winds. Additionally, the minimization of the wing’s pitch angle activity during high-speed wind is considered as another control objective in the proposed scheme. The controllers are synthesized using H∞ method and are made robust with respect to the system’s dynamic and parametric uncertainties. The synthesis procedure is predicated on a linear parameter varying (LPV) expression of the dynamics of the system. The effectiveness of the strategy and the performance of the controllers are showcased through simulations conducted with a comprehensive 3-dimensional simulator for tethered-wing systems.

Probabilistic photovoltaic generation and load demand uncertainties modelling for active distribution networks hosting capacity calculations

With the increasing integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in active distribution networks (ADNs), accurate modelling of PV power generation and the network demand has become essential, especially for system operators (SO). However, existing studies have focused on deterministic representations of hourly profiles for PV generation and load consumption, which cannot thoroughly evaluate the existing uncertainties of PV power output and load demands. In this study, uncertain parameters load demand and PV power output profile will be modelled with forecasted values, and their profile will be obtained over probability density functions (PDFs). Firstly, a vast quantity of realistic load and PV generation profiles are produced over a day with 15-minute resolution, with a scenario generation method using the Monte Carlo methodology. Afterward, the generated scenarios are reduced to a set of scenarios to represent the span of all generated scenarios. A fully local reactive power regulation strategy is used in this study to evaluate the hosting capacity of the ADN. This proposed method is tested on modified 33-bus and 69-bus distribution test systems by using practical solar generation and load data. The proposed methodology results in the hosting capacity improvement by 20% besides the existing Q-Voltage and PF-Power local voltage control methods, where it has the flexibility to be implemented to any distribution feeder.

Capacity configuration and economic analysis of integrated wind–solar–thermal–storage generation system based on concentrated solar power plant

As the proportion of wind and photovoltaic power plants characterized by intermittency and volatility in the electric power system is increasing continuously, it restricts the development of renewable energy at a higher proportion and a larger scale. CSP has the dual functions of peak-regulating power supply and energy storage, which can provide important support for grid access and power regulation for renewable energy power. In this study, the capacity configuration and economy of integrated wind–solar–thermal–storage power generation system were analyzed by the net profit economic model based on the adaptive weight particle swarm algorithm. A case study was conducted on a 450 MW system in Xinjiang, China. The effects of heat storage capacity, capacity ratio of wind power and photovoltaic to molten salt parabolic trough power generation on the economy of the integrated power generation system were obtained under the condition that the system output should meet the power load. The results show that when the capacity ratio is fixed and the heat storage capacity increases, the net profit of the system increases first and then decreases. When the heat storage capacity is fixed, the net profit of the system increases with the increase of the capacity ratio, but when the capacity ratio exceeds 5:1, the upward trend is gradually slowed down. When there are different heat storage capacities and capacity ratios, the lowest peak-shaving electricity prices corresponding to the net profit break-even point of the integrated system are obtained.

Design and Implementation of an Iot-Based Safety and Energy Efficient System

The paper provides a safe and power-efficient Internet of Things (IoT)-based solution. With the growing concerns about environmental sustainability and the demand for improved safety measures in today’s society, it has become critical to focus on building systems that decrease energy consumption and assure the safety of humans and the environment. The proposed system employs cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches that will result in optimal energy usage with minimal or no human involvement thereby assuring the safety of people. The proposed system leverages on existing IoT technologies and is comprised of smart sensors, energy-efficient gadgets, and a centralized control unit. Therefore, it is able to demonstrate cutting edge power control strategies including power gating and dynamic central power regulation which control the usage of gadgets to operate at optimal power levels vis-a-vis the real-time demand to achieve energy efficiency. The system is also able to collect data on occupancy, lighting, temperature, and power consumption trends which can assist in making data-driven choices that improve the usage of energy. The proposed system provides large energy savings without sacrificing user comfort by dynamically altering lighting, and cooling systems based on occupants and ambient factors. Multiple simulations and real-world trials in homes and institutions’ buildings were used to assess the efficacy of the suggested system. The findings revealed substantial reductions in energy consumption without jeopardizing safety.

Circular RNA circZFPM2 regulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and survival.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) constitutes the most common genetic cardiac disorder. However, current pharmacotherapeutics are mainly symptomatic and only partially address underlying molecular mechanisms. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered class of non-coding RNAs and emerged as specific and powerful regulators of cellular functions. By performing global circRNA-specific next generation sequencing in cardiac tissue of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared to healthy donors, we identified circZFPM2 (hsa_circ_0003380). CircZFPM2, which derives from the ZFPM2 genelocus, is a highly conserved regulatory circRNA that is strongly induced in HCM tissue. In vitro loss-of-function experiments were performed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), and HCM-patient-derived hiPSC-CMs. A knockdown of circZFPM2 was found to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and compromise mitochondrial respiration, leading to an increased production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. In contrast, delivery of recombinant circZFPM2, packaged in lipid-nanoparticles or using AAV-based overexpression, rescued cardiomyocyte hypertrophic gene expression and promoted cell survival. Additionally, HCM-derived cardiac organoids exhibited improved contractility upon CM-specific overexpression of circZFPM2. Multi-Omics analysis further promoted our hypothesis, showing beneficial effects of circZFPM2 on cardiac contractility and mitochondrial function. Collectively, our data highlight that circZFPM2 serves as a promising target for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy including HCM.

The Cultural Construction of the Domestic Space in France: Women’s Lived Experience and the Materialization of Customs

This article explores the intersecting processes of construction of the home, social, and individual identities through domestic practices inside French housing. It examines the design and occupation of French homes as crucial moments for the consolidation of subjectivities, beliefs, and ideologies manifested through daily actions that are influenced by normative cultural systems. In specific, it looks at codified domestic behaviours and their aesthetic dimension, focusing on how the French “art of living” has influenced taste, design, appropriation, and decoration of domestic interiors. Architectural treatises along with etiquette manuals are analysed as they both represent—through the written word and architectural drawings—cultural and gender stereotypes as well as societal norms and expectations that inform housing design and domestic practices. These documents directly assist in the cultural construction of the domestic space, uncovering mechanisms of reproduction and representation that inform the use and design of residential architecture. By focusing on women’s lived experiences, this research looks at the consolidation of feminine domestic cultures and how they fostered small-scale physical transformations of dwellings’ interiors through daily negotiations that define self-identity and interpersonal power relations. These dynamics are referred to as “cultural domesticity.” The latter frames this study along with feminist literature, situating women’s contribution to the aesthetic and spatial development of French apartments. What emerges from this study is that the French state historically exercised a regulatory power that impacted daily life and housing design.

Robust Direct Power Control of Three-Phase PWM Rectifier with Mismatched Disturbances

To effectively eliminate the impacts of both matched and mismatched power disturbances in a three-phase PWM rectifier, this paper proposes a robust direct power control (RDPC) method with a single-loop control structure. Firstly, a nonlinear power model of the three-phase PWM rectifier is established. Then, using the exact feedback linearization method, a linearized power model including matched and mismatched power disturbances is derived and achieves the decoupling of active and reactive power. Secondly, to regulate the DC bus voltage, a sliding-mode controller (SMC) combined with a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is proposed. The proposed SMC combined with an NDO (SMC + NDO) method features a single-loop control structure, which enables a faster response and simpler structure compared to the dual-loop DPC method. By incorporating estimated mismatched power disturbance into the sliding-mode surface, it overcomes the SMC’s defect in incompletely suppressing mismatched disturbances and enables the simultaneous regulation of voltage and active power. Additionally, it effectively reduces sliding-mode chattering. To regulate reactive power, a sliding-mode controller based on the exponential convergence law is designed to suppress matched reactive power disturbances. Finally, the simulation and experimental comparative results demonstrate that the proposed controller exhibits stronger robustness against matched and mismatched power disturbances, as well as a better performance under the constant power load (CPL).

Transnational Private Regulation of Environmental Sustainability through Commercial Contracts. Reassessing Contractual Governance in Global Supply Chains

Abstract Sustainability standards are integrated and applied in global supply chains through transnational commercial contracts that have come to play a regulatory function in addition to the conventional exchange task. The design of the architecture of contracting, the coordination among contracts, and the content of sustainability terms along the chain is the result of the cooperation of different actors, led by one or more transnational corporations. The paper describes the distribution of private regulatory power according to the structures of the chains- hierarchical, relational, market -and its impact on the compliance with sustainability standards. It considers the qualification system that regulates entry, exit, and permanence in the chain and the Suppliers codes and General principles of sustainability specified in the general terms and conditions. These represent complementary direct and indirect private regulatory instruments that can be deployed to ensure compliance. The choice of instruments depends on the distribution of regulatory power among the private actors and their exercise. Privity of contract makes it often difficult if not impossible direct regulation by the chain leader and obliges decentralization of regulatory power. The analysis shows that only the complementarity between the two sets of instruments enables control of compliance in complex chains whose actors operate across different jurisdictions with the use of sanctioning and remedial powers. The article analyzes how26 principles of effectiveness, proportionality and dissuasiveness may contribute to a fair and non discriminatory exercise of private regulatory power related to the implementation of sustainability standards through contracts.

Granulosa Cells-Related MicroRNAs in Ovarian Diseases: Mechanism, Facts and Perspectives.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that affect the translation of mRNAs by imperfectly binding to homologous 3'UTRs. Research on miRNAs in ovarian diseases is constantly expanding because miRNAs are powerful regulators of gene expression and cellular processes and are promising biomarkers. miRNA mimics, miRNA inhibitors and molecules targeting miRNAs (antimiRs) have shown promise as novel therapeutic agents in preclinical development. Granulosa cells (GCs) are supporting cells for developing oocytes in the ovary. GCs regulate female reproductive health by producing sex hormones and LH receptors. Increasing research has reported the relevance of miRNAs in GC pathophysiology. With in-depth studies of disease mechanisms, there are an increasing number of studies on the biomolecular pathways of miRNAs in gynecology and endocrinology. In the present review, we summarize the different functions of GC-related microRNAs in various ovarian disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, premature ovarian failure and ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

The European Union's Regulatory Power: Refining and Illustrating the Concept With the Case of the Transfer of EU Geographical Indication Rules to Japan

AbstractThe European Union's (EU) regulatory power is an increasing focus of scholarly attention, but the lack of a consistent definition leaves room for refinement. Studies investigating the EU's role as a global regulatory actor yield different interpretations, some viewing the EU as a global market regulator, some as a power residing in the trade–regulatory nexus and others as a law‐making entity that creates widely emulated rules. This article refines the definition of the EU's regulatory power by presenting a conceptual framework for better understanding the EU's regulatory actorness, encompassing its ends and means as a general regulator and/or a regulatory power. Using the proposed framework to analyse the transfer of EU geographical indication (GI) rules to Japan, this study finds that the EU's regulatory power is particularly conditioned on the interest constellation between the EU and a third country. Regarding the EU's goal of exercising regulatory power, interest promotion seems to take priority over rule exporting or norm sharing.

Optimal Control and Optimization of Grid-Connected PV and Wind Turbine Hybrid Systems Using Electric Eel Foraging Optimization Algorithms.

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of a hybrid energy system that integrates wind turbines with photovoltaics (PVs) to address the intermittent nature of electricity production from these sources. The necessity for such technology arises from the sporadic nature of electricity generated by PV cells and wind turbines. The envisioned outcome is an emissions-free, more efficient alternative to traditional energy sources. A variety of optimization techniques are utilized, specifically the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and Electric Eel Foraging Optimization (EEFO), to achieve optimal power regulation and seamless integration with the public grid, as well as to mitigate anticipated loading issues. The employed mathematical modeling and simulation techniques are used to assess the effectiveness of EEFO in optimizing the operation of grid-connected PV and wind turbine hybrid systems. In this paper, the optimization methods applied to the system's architecture are described in detail, providing a clear understanding of the intricate nature of the approach. The efficacy of these optimization strategies is rigorously evaluated through simulations of diverse operating scenarios using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results demonstrate that the proposed optimization strategies are not only capable of precisely and swiftly compensating for linked loads, but also effectively controlling the energy supply to maintain the load's power at the desired level. The findings underscore the potential of this hybrid energy system to offer a sustainable and reliable solution for meeting power demands, contributing to the advancement of clean and efficient energy technologies. The results demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to improve system performance, maximize energy yield, and enhance grid integration, thereby contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy systems.

Charting waters: the private sector’s evolving governance role in Southeast Asian maritime security

ABSTRACT Southeast Asian states are frequently viewed as jealously guarding their sovereignty and unwilling to delegate authority to multilateral organisations or private actors. In the contemporary response to regional piracy and armed robbery at sea (PAR), however, insurers and shippers have come to occupy a central governance role while the fortunes of private security actors (PSAs) have declined. Why? This paper conducts a qualitative case study analysis examining the evolving role of shipping and insurance companies and PSAs in the development and implementation of anti-PAR policies in Southeast Asia today. It argues that while the role of PSAs has diminished due to growing regional governance capacities, regional countries and multilateral regulatory frameworks have enlisted insurers and shippers as governance stakeholders, elevating them from beneficiaries of good order at sea to active shapers of this maritime order. The diverging experiences of PSAs and insurers/shippers demonstrate that the regulatory power relationship between states and private actors is not necessarily zero-sum as the role of insurers and shippers has grown even as state capacities have expanded. Ultimately, the paper illustrates the need to go beyond state- and PSA-centric analyses of maritime governance mechanisms in contemporary Southeast Asia.