Reliability Of Electrical Distribution Systems Research Articles

Applications of tunable-Q factor wavelet transform and AdaBoost classier for identification of high impedance faults: Towards the reliability of electrical distribution systems

This study presents a novel approach that employs a mixture of the tunable-Q wavelet transform (TQWT) and enhanced AdaBoost to address the issue of high impedance fault (HIF) recognition in power distribution networks. Traditional overcurrent protection relays frequently have lower fault current levels than normal current, making it exceedingly difficult to detect this HIF problem with the necessity to use a quick and effective approach to find HIF problems. Since the TQWT performs better with signals that exhibit oscillatory behavior, it has been utilized to extract special features for the training of the improved AdaBoost model. The procedure is accelerated by calculating the Kourtosis (K) value for each level and selecting the ideal level of decomposition to minimize computing work. Faulted zones are categorized using an enhanced AdaBoost approach. Under normal, noisy, and unbalanced conditions, the recommended approach is applied to an imbalanced 123-bus test system and an IEEE 33-bus test system. The efficiency of the recommended method is also being assessed for imbalanced distribution networks incorporating dispersed generation into real-time platforms. This procedure is quick compared to previous methods since it uses an upgraded AdaBoost classifier and optimal decomposition level.

Pioneering Maintenance Strategies for Enhanced Reliability of Low Voltage Switchboards

This study highlights the critical need for rigorous maintenance protocols, focusing on routine inspections, preventative measures, and timely corrective actions. Low voltage switch panels (PHB-TR) are vital for ensuring the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution systems. Through systematic analysis of existing maintenance procedures and field evaluations across diverse setups, the research confirms that structured maintenance not only mitigates the risk of failures but also significantly reduces workplace accidents. The findings advocate for strict adherence to standard operating procedures and improved coordination among technicians, suggesting these strategies as global standards for enhancing the safety and functionality of electrical distribution networks. Highlights: Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of system failure. Adherence to applicable SOPs is crucial to prevent work accidents. Coordination and adherence to job distribution streamline work execution. Keywords: PHB-TR Maintenance, Split Switch Panel Maintenance, Low Voltage Split Switch Board

Effects of TiO2 nanoparticles and silane coupling agents on the adhesion strength and weathering properties of silicone rubber coatings

Environmental contamination on high voltage outdoor insulators can cause leakage currents and electrical flashover and finally reduce the reliability of electric distribution systems. To prevent energy losses and enormous damages, the in-service life of insulators has to be extended. For this purpose, room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber coatings are used due to their hydrophobicity. The objective of the current paper is to enhance the weathering resistance and proper adhesion of these coatings to the insulator. In the present study, adhesion improvement was achieved by adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and silane coupling agents to the silicone rubber. The mechanical properties of nanocomposite coatings were characterized using the pull-off test method. Also, the water immersion method was employed to investigate the weathering resistance. The results revealed that adding TiO2 nanoparticles and silane coupling improved nanoparticle dispersion, adhesion strength, hydrophobicity, and weathering properties of RTV coatings.

Adaptive Salp Swarm Algorithm as Optimal Feature Selection for Power Quality Disturbance Classification

Power quality disturbance (PQD) is an influential situation that significantly declines the reliability of electrical distribution systems. Therefore, PQD classification is an important process for preventing system reliability degradation. This paper introduces a novel algorithm called “adaptive salp swarm algorithm (SSA)” as an optimal feature selection algorithm for PQD classification. Feature extraction and classifier of the proposed classification system were based on the discrete wavelet and the probabilistic neural network, respectively. The classification was focused on the 13 types of power quality signals. The optimal number of selected features for the proposed classification system was firstly determined. Then, it demonstrated that the optimally selected features resulted in the highest classification accuracy of 98.77%. High performance of the proposed classification system in the noisy environment, as well as based on the real dataset was also verified. Furthermore, the proposed SSA indicates a very high convergence rate compared to other well-known algorithms. A comparison of the proposed classification system’s performance to existing works was also carried out, revealing that the proposed system’s accuracy is on a high-range scale. Hence, the adaptive SSA becomes another efficient optimal feature selection algorithm for PQD classification.

A chance constrained programming approach to integrated planning of distributed power generation and natural gas network

The growing integration of distributed electric power generators means the reliability of electricity distribution systems will increasingly depend on the reliability of primary energy resources such as natural gas supply for natural gas-fired distributed power generation. This, therefore, necessitates an integrated approach for planning both the electricity and natural gas distribution systems for the purpose of ensuring reliable natural gas supply for electricity generation. We propose a probabilistic planning approach based on the chance constrained programming method for planning these two systems in the presence of uncertain real and reactive power demand. The proposed model minimizes the investment cost of gas-fired generators, natural gas pipeline and the operation cost of the natural gas-fired distributed generators over a long-term planning horizon. The proposed integrated planning approach is used to develop a 10 years long-term plan for 9 and 33 bus distribution systems. The result shows that the integrated planning approach results in a cheaper and more reliable system in comparison with a traditional sequential planning approach.

Multi-criteria Distribution Systems Reconfiguration Using Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II

Ponte Academic JournalMay 2017, Volume 73, Issue 5 Multi-criteria Distribution Systems Reconfiguration Using Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm IIAuthor(s): SOUIFI Hayfa ,Omar Kahouli, HADJ ABDALLAH HsanJ. Ponte - May 2017 - Volume 73 - Issue 5 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.5.38 Abstract:This paper presents and applies a mono-and multi-objective approaches to improve the power quality and the reliability of electrical distribution systems using network reconfiguration. This study aims at finding a radial operating structure that improves the system reliability or/and minimizes the total cost of system power losses while taking into account a set of constraints. To handle the mono-criterion reconfiguration problem, a Genetic Algorithm (G.A) is applied. Subsequently, in the multi-objective issue with two conflicting criteria (total cost of power losses and total cost of energy not supplied). The pareto-optimality principle based trade-off is done using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGAII). For a load flow analysis in radial distribution system, a Backward/Forward sweep algorithm is carried out. To investigate their feasibility, these algorithms are tested on IEEE 10-Bus test system. All simulation results demonstrate that the proposed methods successfully find the optimal configuration in a conspicuously short time. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

A novel approach based on reliability sensitivity analysis to allocate protective devices

In electrical distribution systems, it is possible to have a reliable system via a well-designed protective scheme. The allocation of protective devices is an important parameter in the design of a protective scheme. Different approaches to optimize the allocation of protective devices have been studied. Because of some uncertainties, it is not the best strategy to select an optimized solution in accordance with certain conditions. The availability of the protective devices seriously affects the reliability of electrical distribution systems. Furthermore, reduction of the investment in some designing processes leads to a decrease in the number of protective devices that will be installed. By considering the insensitivity of malfunctioning or removed protective devices, it is possible to select a flexible scheme having a minimal reliability decrement due to the malfunction or removal of protective devices. Sensitivity analysis is an appropriate way to determine system robustness against the uncertainties of the model or design parameters. In this article, the reliability sensitivity level is examined according to the allocation of the protective devices. The system average interruption index (SAIFI) variation is selected as the reliability level. In the proposed method, the SAIFI variation is calculated when a protective device malfunctions or is removed. A higher sensitivity level signifies a device having a more proper allocation. Moreover, to prevent any malfunctions, that device must be preserved and revised continuously. Hence, the proposed method can be used to improve the system reliability by adding the protective device to the most appropriate location. To illustrate the efficiency of the introduced method, it is applied to a typical distribution network.

Interruption modelling in electrical power distribution systems using the Weibull—Markov model

This paper develops an application of the Markov and Weibull—Markov methods to evaluate the effects of maintenance actions on the availability and reliability of electrical distribution systems. It unifies existing models and critically reviews them on their applicability to electrical components. Both methods are applied to investigate the expected performances of underground and overhead circuits. It compares expected performance in terms of failure rates, outage times, and availability. Based an a threshold reliability value and maximum benefit, specific preventive maintenance actions are defined for reliability improvement for each component and therefore for the system. The results obtained by the Weibull—Markov method would seem to be more realistic. A range of recommendations is formulated for practical considerations which may be of interest to operators, as well as to managers of these systems.

Value-Based Radial Distribution System Reliability Optimization

The protective devices and switches play an important role in the reliability of electrical distribution systems by minimizing the impact of interruption. In this paper, a method for identifying the type and location for protection devices and switches on the prerouted distribution system using value-based optimization is proposed. The proposed method is based on the contingency analysis of various components, e.g., the faults of line sections, switches, protective devices, and the restoration through switching actions such as upstream restoration and downstream restoration. The formulation of the optimization problem in this paper is appropriate for linear integer programming, where each nonlinear term can be translated by only two additional linear constraints. The detailed design of the protection devices and the switches are determined by minimizing the total cost of reliability that comprises apparatus investment, maintenance, and interruption cost. The efficiency and validity of the proposed method are demonstrated in case studies.

Network reconfiguration to enhance reliability of electric distribution systems

Abstract This paper presents a model for improving the reliability of electric distribution systems through network reconfiguration. Three reliability indices are focussed on: the system average interruption frequency (SAIFI), the system average interruption duration (SAIDI), and the system average availability index (ASAI). It is shown that ASAI is linearly related to SAIDI. It is also shown that if the time required to restore service is the same as the time required to isolate a fault, minimizing SAIFI will lead to minimization of SAIDI. The mathematical formulations for calculating the change of SAIDI and SAIFI as a result of reconfiguration are presented. Methods for identifying beneficial load transfers are developed. The procedure is illustrated by an example. The relationship with electrical loss reduction is discussed.

Proper Grounding Can Improve Reliability in Low-Voltage Systems

Safety and reliability of electric distribution systems depend on many factors, including proper grounding. Correct functioning of ground fault relays depends on carefully designed busway housings and conduit connections. Busway housings are recommended as the preferred equipment grounding means because they achieve a low voltage drop value with little danger of electric shock. Eleven specific suggestions are made in an effort to improve the safety and reliability of low-voltage systems.

Busbar protection: a critical review of methods and practice

One result of the rising standard of reliability of electrical distribution systems has been to enhance the importance of the busbars in such systems. The paper draws attention to the prevalent inadequacy of the protective arrangements of those busbars in an analysis of the character of the protection given to them as an incidental feature of the protection applied to elements other than the busbars; and contrasts this with the protection afforded by schemes specially developed for application to the busbars themselves. The desirable attributes of such specialized schemes are discussed and some of the principles employed are described and illustrated by examples. A guide to the choice of a suitable scheme for a variety of cases is given, together with some recommendations concerning supplementary measures designed to limit and localize the damage consequent on busbar faults, and to facilitate repairs.

Busbar protection: a critical review of methods and practice

One result of the rising standard of reliability of electrical distribution systems has been to enhance the importance of the busbars in such systems. The paper draws attention to the prevalent inadequacy of the protective arrangements of those busbars in an analysis of the character of the protection given to them as an incidental feature of the protection applied to elements other than the busbars; and contrasts this with the protection afforded by schemes specially developed for application to the busbars themselves. The desirable attributes of such specialized schemes are discussed and some of the principles employed are described and illustrated by examples. A guide to the choice of a suitable scheme for a variety of cases is given, together with some recommendations concerning supplementary measures designed to limit and localize the damage consequent on busbar faults, and to facilitate repairs.