Ramp Rate Research Articles

Unravelling the formation of Fe2SiO4 on Fischer-Tropsch Fe/SiO2 catalyst

Fe-SiO2 interaction is a critical issue in the study of Fischer-Tropsch Fe/SiO2 catalyst. It has been advanced that the formation of Fe-O-Si bond is related to Fe-SiO2 interaction and responsible for dispersing iron particles and stabilizing active phases. This work formulates studying the relationship and interconversion between Fe-O-Si bond and Fe2SiO4 phase, and further concludes that Fe2SiO4 is another form of Fe-SiO2 interaction. A well mixing of Fe-O and Si-O domains in the catalyst precursor benefits the distribution of extensive Fe-O-Si bond, which in turn facilitates the formation of Fe2SiO4 during the catalyst reduction process. High ramp rate and diluted H2 favor the transition of discrete Fe-O-Si to Fe2SiO4 kinetically and thermodynamically, respectively. During the transition, amorphous Fe2SiO4 initially forms before undergoing a rapid crystallization process, at ca. 560 ± 10 °C, to transform to large crystals detectable by XRD. In addition, the amorphous nature of Fe2SiO4 requires the combination of characterization techniques capable of detecting short-range ordered structures, e.g., XAFS, MES, and magnetometer.

Design of Multi-Input Multi-Output Non-linear Model Predictive Control for Main Steam Temperature of Super Critical Boiler

Flexible operation of coal-fired power plants is becoming increasingly necessary for successful integration of large-scale renewable power generation into the power grid. The maximum ramp rate and the number of load cycles are generally limited by the thermal stress experienced by the boiler pressure parts, turbine metallurgy and creep and fatigue of critical thick-walled components Main steam temperature is a critical operating parameter that must be controlled within acceptable limits for safe operation. Main steam temperature deviation beyond acceptable limit has impact on boiler pressure parts and turbine material of construction due to creep and fatigue effect. Base load operating units do not require steep ramp rate and hence recommended ramping rates are kept low within the safe operating zone in comparison to the flexible operation of the units with wide range load change width. Thermal stresses are caused by the temperature changes inside the thick-walled components and turbine steam admission parameters. Hence, the quality of main steam temperature control plays a vital role in flexible operation of the coal fired units. Conventional cascaded PID temperature control loop architecture performs well at steady state condition within a limited variation of load change at low ramp rate but it acts slowly and performs poorly at transient operating conditions of flexible operation of the boiler turbine with wide range load variation and load cycle with high ramp rate and remains far from rated conditions. In this paper, a Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) Non-linear Model Predictive Control (MPC) design for regulation of the main steam temperature of a Once-Through supercritical Boiler is proposed. The controller is based on a non-linear dynamic model which incorporates dynamics of the variables of interest. It has the capability to operate effectively across a wide load range while maintaining main steam temperature within acceptable limits. A notable advancement in this design of MPC is the incorporation of coal flow demand and feedwater flow demand as additional control inputs alongside primary and secondary spray flows. In simulation test cases, the MPC controller demonstrates satisfactory performance and computational efficiency.

Nucleation and grain growth in low-temperature rapid solid-phase crystallization of hydrogen-doped indium oxide

Nucleation and grain growth are discussed as a means of clarifying the mechanism of the rapid solid-phase crystallization (SPC) process of H2-doped amorphous indium oxide (InO x :H) films. H2-doping in InO x :H films reduced nucleation density at 250 °C from 4.1 to 1.1 μm−2, resulting in an increase in grain size and Hall mobility of the polycrystalline (poly)-InO x :H films. Lateral growth rate from the nucleus was estimated to be 220 nm min−1 for the InO x :H film at 250 °C. Thus, an amorphous InO x :H film could be converted to a poly-InO x :H film within 3 min owing to a fast lateral growth rate from the nucleus. Almost the same grain size, Hall mobility, and carrier density could be obtained from the poly-InO x :H films after annealing at 250 °C for only 3 min irrespective of the ramp rate. The results demonstrated the wide range of the processing window for SPC for poly-InO x :H films.

Battery Storage Use in the Value Chain of Power Systems

In recent years, energy challenges such as grid congestion and imbalances have emerged from conventional electric grids. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of these systems poses many challenges in meeting various users’ demands. The Battery Energy Storage System is a potential key for grid instability with improved power quality. The present study investigates the global trend towards integrating battery technology as an energy storage system with renewable energy production and utility grid systems. An extensive review of battery systems such as Lithium-Ion, Lead–Acid, Zinc–Bromide, Nickel–Cadmium, Sodium–Sulphur, and the Vanadium redox flow battery is conducted. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of their working principles, control strategies, optimizations, and technical characteristics is presented. The review findings show that Lead–Acid, Lithium-Ion, Sodium-based, and flow redox batteries have seen increased breakthroughs in the energy storage market. Furthermore, the use of the BESS as an ancillary service and control technique enhances the performance of microgrids and utility grid systems. These control techniques provide potential solutions such as peak load shaving, the smoothing of photovoltaic ramp rates, voltage fluctuation reduction, a large grid, power supply backup, microgrids, renewable energy sources time shift, spinning reserve for industrial consumers, and frequency regulation. Conclusively, a cost summary of the various battery technologies is presented.

Fast and accurate electromagnetic modeling of non-insulated and metal-insulated REBCO magnets

REBCO high-temperature superconductors are promising for all-superconducting high-field magnets, including ultra-high field magnets. Non-insulated (NI) and metal-insulated (MI) windings are a good solution for protection against electro-thermal quench. Design and optimization requires numerical modelling of REBCO inserts for high-field magnets. Here, we detail a fast and accurate two-dimensional cross-sectional model for the electromagnetic response of NI and MI coils, which is based on the minimum electro magnetic entropy production. Benchmarking with an A − V formulation method on a double pancake coil shows good agreement. We also analyse a fully superconducting 32 T magnet with a REBCO insert and a low-temperature superconducing outsert. In particular, we analyse the current density, the screening current induced field (SCIF), and the AC loss. We have shown that metal-insulated coils enable transfer of angular current in the radial direction, and hence magnet protection, while keeping the same screening currents and AC loss of insulated coils, even at relatively high ramp rates of 1 A s−1. Surprisingly, soldered coils with low resistance between turns present relatively low AC loss for over-current configuration, which might enable higher generated magnetic fields. The numerical method presented here can be applied to optimize high-field magnets regarding SCIF in MI or NI magnets. It also serves as the basis for future electro-thermal modelling and multi-physics modelling that also includes mechanical properties.

A multi-mobility model for polymer insulation: Role of high-mobility space charge on breakdown with high dv/dt voltages

The failure of polymeric solid insulation under transient voltages is closely associated with space charge. In this study, DC and AC field dependent conduction characteristics of epoxy resin were investigated using the space charge limited current and high voltage broadband dielectric spectrum methods. The breakdown voltages (BDVs) were examined over a wide range of DC voltage ramp rates. The results reveal a threshold effect of AC conduction loss below 600 Hz with respect to the electric field. By analyzing charge migration laws, a mobility distribution was deduced, with an upper limit of 10−9m2V−1s−1, which is much higher than the measured DC mobility of 10−14m2V−1s−1. A multi-mobility bipolar charge transport model was proposed by introducing the obtained mobility distribution. Compared to the single-mobility model, high-mobility carriers induce larger unblocked space charge currents for high dv/dt voltages, leading to lower values of BDV, which is consistent with experiment results. As the voltage ramp rate decreases, both simulation and experiment demonstrate higher BDVs due to the field shielding effect of homocharges.

A modified white shark optimizer for optimal power flow considering uncertainty of renewable energy sources

This paper presents a novel approach to solve the optimal power flow (OPF) problem by utilizing a modified white shark optimization (MWSO) algorithm. The MWSO algorithm incorporates the Gaussian barebones (GB) and quasi-oppositional-based learning (QOBL) strategies to improve the convergence rate and accuracy of the original WSO algorithm. To address the uncertainty associated with renewable energy sources, the IEEE 30 bus system, which consists of 30 buses, 6 thermal generators, and 41 branches, is modified by replacing three thermal generators with two wind generators and one solar PV generator. And the IEEE 57-bus system, which consists of 57 buses, 7 thermal generators, and 80 branches, is also modified by the same concept. The variability of wind and solar generation is described using the Weibull and lognormal distributions, and its impact on the OPF problem is considered by incorporating reserve and penalty costs for overestimation and underestimation of power output. The paper also takes into account the unpredictability of power consumption (load demand) by analyzing its influence using standard probability density functions (PDF). Furthermore, practical conditions related to the thermal generators, such as ramp rate limits are examined. The MWSO algorithm is evaluated and analyzed using 23 standard benchmark functions, and a comparative study is conducted against six well-known techniques using various statistical parameters. The results and statistical analysis demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the MWSO algorithm compared to the original WSO algorithm for addressing the OPF problem in the presence of generation and demand uncertainties.

Analysis of Power System Flexibility Considering Power System Ramp Rate

Analysis of Power System Flexibility Considering Power System Ramp Rate

Flexible Power Point Tracking Aided Power Ramp Rate Control for Photovoltaic Systems With Small Energy Storage Capacity

Flexible Power Point Tracking Aided Power Ramp Rate Control for Photovoltaic Systems With Small Energy Storage Capacity

Effects of processing conditions on flash sintering of commercial ZrN

AbstractFlash sintering (FS) is a potentially rapid and low‐cost manufacturing technique for advanced ceramics. There are still many unknowns about ceramic FS, especially for highly conductive high‐temperature ceramics (HTC), which often display decreased bulk conductivity with increasing temperature. This study qualitatively characterizes the flash behavior of highly conductive HTC materials using zirconium nitride (ZrN) as an example. The effects of processing parameters (e.g., DC voltage/electrical field strength, voltage ramp rate, post‐flash holding time, mechanical pressure, sample milling, and choice of electrode materials) on ZrN flash behavior are also qualitatively studied and linked to samples microstructure and hardness. It is observed that best densification was achieved using 5 min Spex‐milled ZrN powder under 25 MPa of applied pressure and constant 8 V DC. The potential mechanism for ZrN FS and the similarity and difference from FS of conventional oxides like YSZ have been proposed based on experimental observations, and the directions for future research are also pointed out.

Fish stranding in relation to river bar morphology and baseflow magnitude: Combining field surveys and hydrodynamic–numerical modelling

AbstractHydropeaking mitigation based on down‐ramping thresholds is crucial to avoid stranding of fish and ensure sustainable hydropower production. However, the risk of stranding is influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors that interact with the ramping rate, including river morphology and baseflow magnitude. Also, at the river bar scale, the lateral or horizontal down‐ramping velocity may be of even greater importance than the vertical one as the prior integrates bar morphology. This study investigates the connection between ecologically relevant hydraulic parameters (vertical and lateral ramping velocity, dewatered river bar width) and the stranding of young‐of‐the‐year European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) due to down‐ramping, based on field observations of stranded fish at the hydropeaked Drava River in Austria combined with hydrodynamic–numerical modelling. We also examine the interplay between baseflow conditions and river topography in the dewatered areas. Stranding observations in spring and summer found a median rate of 90 individuals per 100 m, ranging from 50 to 500 fish per 100 m shoreline. Stranding rates were three times higher at night than during the day. Our data revealed a positive relationship between stranded fish and down‐ramping hydraulics, with higher intensity resulting in more stranded fish. This association was stronger for the lateral than the vertical ramping velocity, presumably because the former accounts for bar morphology, suggesting that the lateral dewatering velocity is a better indicator to assess fish stranding at the bar scale than the vertical velocity. We also found a negative relationship between the extent of the dewatered area and baseflow magnitude, indicating that the stranding risk is higher during down‐ramping at low flow conditions.

Effects of the maximum flow ramping rates on the long-term operation decisions of a hydropower plant

This paper presents a study on the influence of maximum ramping rates (MRR) on the annual operation of a real hydropower plant. For this purpose, an annual optimization model based on incremental dynamic programming (IDP) with weekly steps is used, each step being evaluated by mixed integer linear programming (MILP) on an hourly basis. The model considers hourly water inflows and energy prices, limits on reservoir level and water discharge, power generation dependence on the available head, wear and tear costs of hydro units caused by power variations, start-up and shut-down costs of hydro units, and minimum environmental flows and maximum ramping rates. The main contribution of the proposed model is the consideration of the released flow as a second state variable to define the state diagram of the problem, with the aim of guaranteeing the continuity of flow between consecutive weeks and thus the fulfilment of MRR. The results obtained in a case study with a real plant are discussed. The inclusion of the released flow as state variable does not show a significant impact in the estimated annual revenue, but certain differences observed in some periods of the year might justify its consideration in shorter time horizons.

Limiting Ramp Rate of Wind Power Output using a Battery Based on the Variance Gamma Process

A battery system is designed to reduce violations of ramping limit due to severe and long ramps of wind power output. The power rating, battery capacity, and operational policies of the battery are decided based on the assumption that the wind power output follows the Variance Gamma (V.G.) process over short time interval. The histogram of the ramp rates of wind power follows the symmetric Laplace distribution. Furthermore, ramp rates have independent and stationary increments, and their variances are proportional to the time interval. Consequently, the wind power output can be modelled as a simple form of the V.G. process. Battery operational oplicies based on the V.G. process are tested using statistics representing the sum of all wind power outputs from wind farms in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). It is found that the battery can essentially eliminate violations of ramping limits due to severe ramp events. Furthermore, in this operation, it is discovered that the power rating influences the ramp limiting performance of the battery more than battery storage rating.

Inertia and Governor Ramp Rate Constrained Economic Dispatch to Assess Primary Frequency Response Adequacy

The contribution of non-dispatchable, renewable generation to both total grid inertia and grid frequency response is significantly lesser than that of dispatchable, thermal generation. In large non-dispatchable generation penetration scenarios, the effect of inertia and frequency response diminution on primary frequency control reserves adequacy will be important. This paper develops a constraint on the economic dispatch problem that assures that frequency nadirs after a given sudden loss of generations will not be lower than a given limit. This constraint considers system inertia and governor ramp rate limits. A simulation using the IEEE Reliability Test System is presented.

Integrating High Levels of Wind in Island Systems: Lessons from Hawaii

such as wind and solar plants presents an operational challenge for grid operators. The economic incentives and technical challenges that accompany large amounts of variable generation in island power systems are often much greater. The Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiaries, the Maui Electric Company and the Hawaii Electric Light Company have considerable experience in planning and operating power systems with relatively high levels of wind power. The islands of Hawaii and Maui operate power systems with high levels of wind power (more than 10% by energy) and have experienced and addressed challenges associated with the variability and uncertainty of wind power. The island of Maui is anticipating further wind plant deployments in the near future. Recent analyses of possible near-term deployment of large amounts of wind power on the Oahu power system (500MW of wind power; approximately 1200MW peak and 520MW minimum annual load) has shown the potential for this system to accept almost 25% of its energy from wind and solar power. This paper will identify some of the wind integration challenges and highlight the benefits of a variety of strategies that are expected to improve system economics and operational reliability, including proposed modifications to the baseload thermal fleet (deeper turndown, higher ramp rates, and tuned droop characteristics), advanced wind turbine grid support features, new operating strategies, wind forecasting and refinements to the up and down reserve requirements. This paper will present the key findings in the context of useful insights and lessons learned that are relevant to other island power systems considering very high levels of wind power.

On sizing of battery energy storage systems for PV plants power smoothing

The high variability of solar irradiance causes fluctuations in the generation of photovoltaic (PV) power plants. This characteristic affects power system operation, thus, strategies are necessary to mitigate the intermittent characteristics of PV power plants. Several countries adopt grid codes incorporating ramp rate (RR) limitations for PV power injection into the grid, also known as power smoothing control. In this sense, battery energy storage systems (BESS) with coordinated RR control algorithms are commonly applied to mitigate current fluctuations from the PV system to the grid. Therefore, studies on the effect of local solar irradiance on BESS requirements for PV power smoothing applications are very important. It is also worth highlighting that in the literature there is a gap in the evaluation of aspects of battery lifetime, BESS volume, price and BESS oversizing for selecting an ideal battery model, among a catalog of batteries, constituting an industrial concern. Therefore, this work presents a detailed BESS sizing methodology, evaluating aspects of the energy requirements, power, and discharging rate (C-rate), based on the mission profile (featuring a customized solution for each project). In addition, the effect of the battery temperature control on the BESS sizing is evaluated. The case study is based on a 1 MW PV system, assessed using a one-year mission profile of solar irradiance and ambient temperature from Goiânia-Brazil. The PV plant is connected to a 440 V grid associated with a BESS that mitigates oscillations of 10%/min. The BESS sizing is evaluated in terms of BESS volume, lifetime, and oversizing factor for power and energy. The proposed methodology reduces the BESS volume by 57.14% in relation to the traditional BESS design of literature.

Dynamic modelling and simulation of the Graz Cycle for a renewable energy system

Critical atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and, in response, an increasing shift toward variable renewable energy sources causes the need of transient operation for thermal power plants coupled with carbon capture and storage. In this regard, dynamic process simulations are a valuable tool for predicting the cycling performance of power plants. In this study, the proposed Graz Cycle, an oxy-combustion power plant fired with natural gas, is investigated and modelled in (a) the steady-state design-point (i.e., full-load), (b) steady-state off-design (i.e., part-load), and (c) dynamic conditions. At full loads, the Graz Cycle power plant achieves a maximum net plant efficiency of 54.5%, comparable to the performance results of the competing Allam cycle found in relevant studies. In the off-design simulation, considering for the first time compressor component maps with variable inlet guide vanes, the load is reduced down to 50% achieving improved performance results compared to previous studies. The dynamic simulation boils down to a ramp rate analysis and shows that practical ramp rates of 5.55 %/min for load decrease and 18.18 %/min for load increase can be reached. The results show that the high ramp rates of the Graz Cycle enable balancing services to the electrical grid next to clean and dispatchable power generation. In this study, a systematic first-principle modelling approach has been developed with the final aim to evolve dynamic models for oxy-combustion carbon capture cycles, and a first-of-its-kind analysis of the dynamic operation of the Graz Cycle is presented.

Research on large-scale clean energy optimal scheduling method based on multi-source data-driven

With the large-scale growth and grid connection of intermittent renewable energy such as wind and solar, the problem of increasing renewable energy curtailment rate and system backup flexibility has become increasingly prominent. In order to solve the problem of high proportion of renewable energy scientific consumption and flexible and stable operation of energy system. We propose a flexible and economical dispatch method based on data-driven multi-regional power system. For the problem of economic dispatch of multi-area power system, a mathematical calculation model is established to satisfy the constraints of unit output, system power balance, unit ramp rate, and valve point effect, and to consider the requirement of minimizing the cost of multi-area power load comprehensively. Based on data-driven, this paper adopts an improved fruit fly optimization algorithm to quickly find the global optimal solution. The calculations are performed by IEEE6 simulation test system, and the results verify the feasibility of the proposed algorithm. The improved fruit fly optimization algorithm is compared and analyzed with other algorithms considering the quality of the obtained solutions. The results show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm in solving multi-area economic dispatching problems in real power systems.

Optimising the acid-base ratio of Mg-Al layered double oxides to enhance CO2 capture performance: the critical role of calcination conditions.

The effect of calcination conditions (ramp rate, calcination temperature and time) on the formation of Mg2Al layered double oxides (Mg2Al LDOs) as well as their CO2 capture performance, has been systematically investigated. This study explores novel insights into the intricate relationship between these calcination conditions and the resulting surface characteristics, which play a vital role in CO2 capture efficiency. Notably, it is revealed that a rapid ramp rate (100 °C min-1) significantly increases surface area and hydroxyl concentration, leading to a 69% increase in CO2 capture efficiency compared to slower ramp rate. Conversely, short calcination times (1 h) and fast ramp rates (100 °C min-1) are observed to compromise CO2 adsorption due to the presence of dehydrated LDHs. A critical acid : base ratio of 0.37, achieved from a fast ramp rate (100 °C min-1) at 400 °C for 2 h, was found as a key threshold for optimising surface properties, effectively balancing favourable hydroxyl and less favourable strong acid sites, thereby maximizing CO2 capture performance.

Determination of Ductile Tearing Resistance parameter of Interstitial-Free Steel Sheet

The present work deals with the characterization of ductile tearing resistance of 1 mm thick interstitial free steel sheet using crack tip opening angle (φ), and δ5 concepts with some experimental modification. CTOA (φ) measurements on the specimen surface at the growing crack tip have been performed using light microscope on both pre-cracked DENT and SENT specimens at three ramp rates following the essence of ASTM E 2472. In order to determine the effect of pre-cracking, CTOA of the notched (ρ:0.1 mm) SENT specimen has also been measured at 10-4 s-1. The transferability of φ−Δα and δ5−Δα between two geometries has been verified. It is concluded that for a specified thickness both φ−Δα and δ5−Δα plots can be used for crack growth characterisation of sheet metals even without using pre-cracked specimens. However, the angle φ(δ5) determined from δ5−Δα curve is not the true measure of optical CTOA,φ as the δ5 gauge position does not follow the tip position of the growing crack.