Evolutionary multi-move path-relinking for transmission network expansion planning

This paper presents the application of a new metaheuristic algorithm to solve the transmission expansion planning problem. A simple heuristic, using a relaxed network model associated with cost perturbation, is applied to generate a set of high quality initial solutions with different topologies. The population is evolved using a multi-move path-relinking with the objective of finding minimum investment cost for the transmission expansion planning problem employing the DC representation. The algorithm is tested on the southern Brazilian system, obtaining the optimal solution for the system with better performance than similar metaheuristics algorithms applied to the same problem. ©2010 IEEE.

The use of current transformers for noise detection due to sparking in insulators strings in high voltage transmission lines

In a general way, in an electric power utility the current transformers (CT) are used to measurement and protection of transmission lines (TL) 1 The Power Line Carriers systems (PLC) are used for communication between electrical substations and transmission line protection. However, with the increasing use of optical fiber to communication (due mainly to its high data transmission rate and low signal-noise relation) this application loses potentiality. Therefore, other functions must be defined to equipments that are still in using, one of them is detecting faults (short-circuits) and transmission lines insulator strings damages 2. The purpose of this paper is to verify the possibility of using the path to the ground offered by the CTs instead of capacitive couplings / capacitive potential transformers to detect damaged insulators, since the current transformers are always present in all transmission lines (TL's) bays. To this a comparison between this new proposal and the PLC previous proposed system 2 is shown, evaluating the economical and technical points of view. ©2010 IEEE.

Família de retificadores multipulsos com topologias diferenciais de transformadores

Multipulse rectifier topologies based on auto-connections or differential connections, are more and more applied as interface stages between the mains and power converters. These topologies are becoming increasingly attractive not only for robustness, but to mitigate many low order current harmonics in the utility, reducing the total harmonic distortion of the line currents (THDi) and increasing the power factor requirements. Unlike isolated connections (delta-wye, zigzag, etc.), when the differential transformer is employed, most of the energy required by the load is directly conducted through the windings. Thus, only a small fraction of the kVA is processed by the magnetic core. This feature increases the power density of the converter. This paper presents a mathematical model based on phasor diagrams, which results in a single expression able to merge all differential connections (wye and delta), for both step-up and step-down rectifiers for 12 or 18 pulses. The proposed family of converters can be designed for any relationship between the line input voltage and the DC voltage, unlike the conventional phase-shift voltage connections. An immediate application would be the retrofit, i.e. to replace a conventional rectifier with poor quality of the processed energy by the 12 or 18-pulse rectifiers with Wye or Delta-differential connections, keeping the original values for the input and load voltages. The simple and fast design procedure is developed and tested for a prototype rating 6 kW and 400 V on DC load.

Multi-area decentralized optimal VAr planning using the Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition principle

This paper presents a new methodology for solving the optimal VAr planning problem in multi-area electric power systems, using the Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition. The original multi-area problem is decomposed into subproblems (one for each area) and a master problem (coordinator). The solution of the VAr planning problem in each area is based on the application of successive linear programming, and the coordination scheme is based on the reactive power marginal costs in the border bus. The aim of the model is to provide coordinated mechanisms to carry out the VAr planning studies maximizing autonomy and confidentiality for each area, assuring global economy to the whole system. Using the mathematical model and computational implementation of the proposed methodology, numerical results are presented for two interconnected systems, each of them composed of three equal subsystems formed by IEEE30 and IEEE118 test systems. © 2011 IEEE.

Market-driven security-constrained transmission network expansion planning

This paper presents a Bi-level Programming (BP) approach to solve the Transmission Network Expansion Planning (TNEP) problem. The proposed model is envisaged under a market environment and considers security constraints. The upper-level of the BP problem corresponds to the transmission planner which procures the minimization of the total investment and load shedding cost. This upper-level problem is constrained by a single lower-level optimization problem which models a market clearing mechanism that includes security constraints. Results on the Garver's 6-bus and IEEE 24-bus RTS test systems are presented and discussed. Finally, some conclusions are drawn. © 2011 IEEE.

An unproblematic method to solve economic and emission dispatch

This paper proposes a method to determine the output of all online units with minimum total cost when the amount of emission is reasonable. A joint economic and emission dispatch is proposed in order to get a significant compromise between costs and emission such that real power supply-demand equilibrium is satisfied. In order to have a meaningful compromise between costs and emission in the problem formulation, two variables are used, weighting factor and price penalty factor. A case study comprising of a 3-unit power system is employed, where various demand is used. Results for the test system indicate the fastness and effectiveness of proposed method. © 2011 IEEE.

Proposal of a dedicated telemetry device for real-time and remote measurements

This work aims to demonstrate an application of telemetry for monitoring process variables. The authors developed the prototype of a dedicated device capable of multiplexing, encoding and transmitting real-time data signals via amplitude-shift keying modulation to remotely located device(s). The prototype development is described in details, enabling the reproduction of the proposed telemetry system for a three-phase motor as well as for other devices. Furthermore, the proposed device has an easy implementation by using of accessible components and low cost, also presenting a tutorial and educational purpose. © 2011 IEEE.

Real-time estimation of transmission line impedance based on modal analysis theory

The objective of this paper is to show a methodology to estimate the longitudinal parameters of transmission lines. The method is based on the modal analysis theory and developed from the currents and voltages measured at the sending and receiving ends of the line. Another proposal is to estimate the line impedance in function of the real-time load apparent power and power factor. The procedure is applied for a non-transposed 440 kV three-phase line. © 2011 IEEE.

Fault location in underground systems through optimum-path forest

In this paper we propose an accurate method for fault location in underground distribution systems by means of an Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) classifier. We applied the Time Domains Reflectometry method for signal acquisition, which was further analyzed by OPF and several other well known pattern recognition techniques. The results indicated that OPF and Support Vector Machines outperformed Artificial Neural Networks classifier. However, OPF has been much more efficient than all classifiers for training, and the second one faster for classification. © 2011 IEEE.

Electrical consumers data clustering through optimum-path forest

Non-technical losses identification has been paramount in the last decade. Since we have datasets with hundreds of legal and illegal profiles, one may have a method to group data into subprofiles in order to minimize the search for consumers that cause great frauds. In this context, a electric power company may be interested in to go deeper a specific profile of illegal consumer. In this paper, we introduce the Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) clustering technique to this task, and we evaluate the behavior of a dataset provided by a brazilian electric power company with different values of an OPF parameter. © 2011 IEEE.

Bridgeless interleaved boost PFC converter with variable duty cycle control

This paper proposes a bridgeless boost interleaved PFC (power factor correction) converter with variable duty cycle control. The application of bridgeless technique causes reduction of conduction losses, while the interleaving technique of converters cells allows division of efforts in semiconductor devices and reduction of weight and volume of the input EMI filter. The use of variable duty cycle control has the functions of regulating the output voltage and eliminating the low order harmonic components that appears in the input current of the common interleaved power factor converters working in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM). The simulation results of the proposed converter presented high power factor and a good transient response in relation to the output voltage regulation in presence of high load variations and supply voltage variations. © 2011 IEEE.

AC-DC three-phase multipulse converter with boost DC-DC stage and constant hysteresis control

This work proposes a new three-phase multipulse rectifier based on the delta autotransformer connection with DC-DC Boost stages and constant hysteresis control which has the objective of providing a reliable DC bus for on-board applications, electric motor drives and similars, always considering power quality issues. Thus, the proposal presents 0.99 power factor, 6% harmonic distortions in the currents from the mains and enhanced magnetic core utilization, which results in low weight and volume for the overall converter. The proposed control technique uses the simple constant hysteresis concept, thus leading to a low-cost but effective and reliable strategy. © 2011 IEEE.

Dynamic voltage restorer development and testing

The growing use of sensitive loads in the electric power system, especially in industrial applications, increases voltage sags related production losses considerably, stimulating a demand for power electronics' based solutions to mitigate the effects of such problems. This paper shows the implementation and some industrial certification tests of a power equipment prototype designed to correct sags and swells, a dynamic voltage restorer, which is one of the many possible solutions for voltage sags and swells problems Experimental results of a 75kVA prototype are shown both in laboratory and full load conditions, in a certification institution (IEE-USP). © 2011 IEEE.

A visual tool for building synchronous generator capability curves

Synchronous generators are essential components of electric power systems. They are present both in hydro and thermal power plants, performing the function of converting mechanical into electrical energy. This paper presents a visual approach to manipulate parameters that affect operation limits of synchronous generators, using a specifically designed software. The operating characteristics of synchronous generators, for all possible modes of operation, are revised in order to link the concepts to the graphic objects. The approach matches the distance learning tool requirements and also enriches the learning process by developing student trust and understanding of the concepts involved in building synchronous machine capability curves. © 2012 IEEE.

Coeficiente de operación de un sistema formado por un refrigerador doméstico acoplado a un acumulador de agua caliente para la recuperación de energía

An experimental apparatus containing a domestic refrigerator coupled to a vertical hot water storage tank was used for energy recovery. The original condenser of the refrigerator was maintained, but modified with a concentric tubes heat exchanger with countercurrent water and refrigerating gas flows. The coefficient of performance for the heat pump is calculated by the ratio of energy in the heat storage and the electric power consumed by the domestic refrigerator compressor. The results show that the increasing of hydrostatic pressure in the storage tank increases the water flow rate and the coefficient of performance. The proposed device also reduces the heat dissipation to the surroundings. This is more important in small confinements found in low-cost houses.