Ecological efficiency in CHP: Biodiesel case

This paper evaluates and quantifies the environmental impact resulting from the combination of biodiesel fuel (pure or blended with diesel), and diesel combustion in thermoelectric power plants that utilize combined cycle technology (CC). In regions without natural gas, the option was to utilize diesel fuel; the consequence would be a greater emission of pollutants. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel which has been considerably interesting in Brazil power matrix in recent years. The concept of ecological efficiency, largely evaluates the environmental impact caused by CO(2), SO(2), NO(x) and particle matter (PM) emissions. The pollution resulting from biodiesel and diesel combustion is analyzed, separately considering CO(2), SO(2), NO(x) and particulate matter gas emissions, and comparing them international standards currently used regarding air quality. It can be concluded that it is possible to calculate the qualitative environmental factor, and the ecological effect, from a thermoelectric power plant utilizing central heat power (CHP) of combined cycle. The ecological efficiency for pure biodiesel fuel (B100) is 98.16%; for biodiesel blended with conventional diesel fuel, B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel) is 93.19%. Finally, ecological efficiency for conventional diesel is 92.18%, as long as a thermal efficiency of 55% for thermoelectric power plants occurs. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transient stability analysis of electric energy systems via a fuzzy ART-ARTMAP neural network

This work presents a methodology to analyze transient stability (first oscillation) of electric energy systems, using a neural network based on ART architecture (adaptive resonance theory), named fuzzy ART-ARTMAP neural network for real time applications. The security margin is used as a stability analysis criterion, considering three-phase short circuit faults with a transmission line outage. The neural network operation consists of two fundamental phases: the training and the analysis. The training phase needs a great quantity of processing for the realization, while the analysis phase is effectuated almost without computation effort. This is, therefore the principal purpose to use neural networks for solving complex problems that need fast solutions, as the applications in real time. The ART neural networks have as primordial characteristics the plasticity and the stability, which are essential qualities to the training execution and to an efficient analysis. The fuzzy ART-ARTMAP neural network is proposed seeking a superior performance, in terms of precision and speed, when compared to conventional ARTMAP, and much more when compared to the neural networks that use the training by backpropagation algorithm, which is a benchmark in neural network area. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Allocation of protective devices in distribution circuits using nonlinear programming models and genetic algorithms

The optimized allocation of protective devices in strategic points of the circuit improves the quality of the energy supply and the system reliability index. This paper presents a nonlinear integer programming (NLIP) model with binary variables, to deal with the problem of protective device allocation in the main feeder and all branches of an overhead distribution circuit, to improve the reliability index and to provide customers with service of high quality and reliability. The constraints considered in the problem take into account technical and economical limitations, such as coordination problems of serial protective devices, available equipment, the importance of the feeder and the circuit topology. The use of genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed to solve this problem, using a binary representation that does (1) or does not (0) show allocation of protective devices (reclosers, sectionalizers and fuses) in predefined points of the circuit. Results are presented for a real circuit (134 busses), with the possibility of protective device allocation in 29 points. Also the ability of the algorithm in finding good solutions while improving significantly the indicators of reliability is shown. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interior point algorithm for linear programming used in transmission network synthesis

This article presents a well-known interior point method (IPM) used to solve problems of linear programming that appear as sub-problems in the solution of the long-term transmission network expansion planning problem. The linear programming problem appears when the transportation model is used, and when there is the intention to solve the planning problem using a constructive heuristic algorithm (CHA), ora branch-and-bound algorithm. This paper shows the application of the IPM in a CHA. A good performance of the IPM was obtained, and then it can be used as tool inside algorithm, used to solve the planning problem. Illustrative tests are shown, using electrical systems known in the specialized literature. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generalization of the Y-differential autotransformer for 12- and 18-pulse converters

This work proposes a methodology to generalize the Y-connections for 12- and 18-pulse autotransformers. A single mathematical expression, obtained through simple trigonometric operations, represents all the connections. The proposed methodology allows choosing any ratio between the input and the output voltages. The converters can operate either as step-up or as step-down voltage. To simplify the design of the windings, graphics are generated to calculate the turn-ratio and the polarity of each secondary winding, with respect to the primary winding. A design example, followed by digital simulations, illustrates the presented steps. Experimental results of two prototypes (12 and 18 pulses) are presented. The results also show that high power factor is an inherent characteristic of multi-pulse converters, without any active or passive power factor pre-regulators needs. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection and classification of voltage disturbances using a Fuzzy-ARTMAP-wavelet network

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Optimised placement of control and protective devices in electric distribution systems through reactive tabu search algorithm

Optimised placement of control and protective devices in distribution networks allows for a better operation and improvement of the reliability indices of the system. Control devices (used to reconfigure the feeders) are placed in distribution networks to obtain an optimal operation strategy to facilitate power supply restoration in the case of a contingency. Protective devices (used to isolate faults) are placed in distribution systems to improve the reliability and continuity of the power supply, significantly reducing the impacts that a fault can have in terms of customer outages, and the time needed for fault location and system restoration. This paper presents a novel technique to optimally place both control and protective devices in the same optimisation process on radial distribution feeders. The problem is modelled through mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) with real and binary variables. The reactive tabu search algorithm (RTS) is proposed to solve this problem. Results and optimised strategies for placing control and protective devices considering a practical feeder are presented. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-objective evolutionary particle swarm optimization in the assessment of the impact of distributed generation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Single real transformation matrices applied to double three-phase transmission lines

Single real transformation matrices are tested as phase-mode transformation matrices of typical symmetrical systems with double three-phase and two parallel double three-phase transmission lines. These single real transformation matrices are achieved from eigenvector matrices of the mentioned systems and they are based on Clarke's matrix. Using linear combinations of the Clarke's matrix elements, the techniques applied to the single three-phase lines are extended to systems with 6 or 12 phase conductors. For transposed double three-phase lines, phase Z and Y matrices are changed into diagonal matrices in mode domain. Considering non-transposed cases of double three-phase lines, the results are not exact and the error analyses are performed using the exact eigenvalues. In case of two parallel double three-phase lines, the exact single real transformation matrix has not been obtained yet. Searching for this exact matrix, the analyses are based on a single homopolar reference. For all analyses in this paper, the homopolar mode is used as the only homopolar reference for all phase conductors of the studied system. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Artificial neural networks for load flow and external equivalents studies

In this paper an artificial neural network (ANN) based methodology is proposed for (a) solving the basic load flow, (b) solving the load flow considering the reactive power limits of generation (PV) buses, (c) determining a good quality load flow starting point for ill-conditioned systems, and (d) computing static external equivalent circuits. An analysis of the input data required as well as the ANN architecture is presented. A multilayer perceptron trained with the Levenberg-Marquardt second order method is used. The proposed methodology was tested with the IEEE 30- and 57-bus, and an ill-conditioned 11-bus system. Normal operating conditions (base case) and several contingency situations including different load and generation scenarios have been considered. Simulation results show the excellent performance of the ANN for solving problems (a)-(d). (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adubação química e orgânica na recuperação da fertilidade de subsolo degradado e na micorrização do Stryphnodendron polyphyllum

Com a construção da usina hidrelétrica de Ilha Solteira no final da década de 1960, algumas áreas foram desmatadas, servindo como área de empréstimo. Os solos dessas áreas foram retirados e estas adquiriram características físicas, químicas e biológicas distantes das ideais. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da aplicação da adubação química e orgânica na fertilidade do subsolo degradado e micorrização de Stryphnodendron polyphyllum (barbatimão). A área localiza-se na fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão (FEPE) da UNESP/Ilha Solteira, em Selvíria - MS. Com delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em parcelas de 250 m² (10 x 25 m), foram avaliados 10 tratamentos: testemunha; calagem; adubação N + P; calagem + N + P; N + P + aguapé; N + P + bagaço de cana; N + P + aguapé + bagaço de cana; calagem + N + P + aguapé; calagem + N + P + bagaço de cana; e calagem + N + P + bagaço de cana + aguapé. Avaliaram-se as características químicas do solo e o crescimento do barbatimão em cinco períodos (junho, agosto, novembro e dezembro de 2005 e março de 2006), e a micorrização, em março de 2006. Observou-se que o subsolo continuou apresentando caráter ácido e pobreza em nutrientes após um ano de avaliação. O crescimento da planta aumentou ao longo do período, com os maiores valores para os tratamentos que receberam calagem, adubação e resíduos orgânicos, especialmente o aguapé. A colonização micorrízica foi influenciada positivamente pela presença de resíduos orgânicos, e o número de esporos, pelos tratamentos com presença de aguapé.

Revegetation and Soil Management Effects on Chemical Properties of a Saprolite Resulting from Deep Soil Removal

During the building of a hydroelectrical power plant at Ilha Solteira in the Parana River (Brazil), materials of a highly weathered soil Oxisol were extracted from a depth between 5 and 8 m for engineering works. This resulted in an abandoned depression area. The topsoil was not salvaged and the open pit was not backfilled, and as result vegetation hardly or not at all recovered. on the residual saprolite materials, an experimental field was established to assess different soil rehabilitation treatments. Field experiments were initiated in 1992. After soil tillage, two different crops and three different liming strategies were compared, giving six combinations. In addition, two uncropped control treatments, tilled and no-tilled, were established so that a total of eight treatments were assessed. The experimental design consisted of four randomized experimental blocks, which included a total of 32 plots with a plot area of 100 m(2). This experiment was used to study the effectiveness of the soil-reclamation treatments after a 9-year period. Soil samples were taken at three different depths (0-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm), and they were analyzed routinely for pH, organic-matter content, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Revegetation of the abandoned saprolite material increased soil organic-matter content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and to some extent small differences between treatments were evidenced. Exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) recovered faster than organic-matter content. A significant linear relationship was found between organic-matter content and CEC, suggesting continued addition of organic material will further approach the value of these parameters to those levels corresponding to natural soils under "Cerrado" vegetation.

Tectônica rúptil e sismicidade na área de inundação do açude do Castamhão (CE): implicações para o risco sísmico

This study describes brittle deformation and seismicity in the Castanhão Dam region, Ceará State, Brazil. This reservoir will include a hidroeletric power plant and will store about 6,7 billions m3 of water. Five main litostratigraphic unit were identified in the region: gneissic-migmatitic basement, metavolcanosedimentary sequence, granitoid plutons of Brasiliano age, Mesozoic basaltic dike swarm, and Cenozoic fluvial terraces of the Jaguaribe river. The region has experienced several faulting events that occurred at different crustal levels. Faults formed at depths less than about 12 km present left-lateral movement and are associated with epidote and quartz infillings. Faults formed at depths less than 7 km are mainly strike-slip present cataclastic rocks, fault breccia and gouge. Both fault groups form mainly NE-trendind lineaments and represent reactivation of ductile shear zones or new formed faults that cut across existing structures. Seismically-induced liquefaction fractures take place in Cenozoic terraces and indicate paleoearthquakes that may have reached at leat 6,8 MS. In short, this work indicate that the level of paleoseismicity is much greater than one observed in the instrumental record. Several faults are favourably oriented for reactivation and induced seismicity should be expected after the Castanhão Dam impoudment

SEROLOGIC SURVEY FOR LEPTOSPIRA SPP. IN CAPTIVE NEOTROPICAL FELIDS IN FOZ do IGUACU, PARANA, BRAZIL

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Spatial and temporal distribution of the zoobenthos community during the filling up period of Porto Primavera Reservoir (Paraná River, Brazil)

Este estudo é parte do monitoramento limnológico empreendido pela Companhia Energética do Estado de São Paulo (CESP) durante o processo de enchimento do reservatório de Porto Primavera (Usina Hidrelétrica Engenheiro Sérgio Motta). Este reservatório, localizado no alto rio Paraná, entre os Estados de São Paulo e Mato Grosso, é o quarto maior do país. A primeira etapa de enchimento do lago começou em dezembro de 1998 e a segunda em março de 2001. Amostras para a análise da comunidade bentônica e das características sedimentológicas foram coletadas trimestralmente entre agosto de 1999 e novembro de 2001 e também em agosto de 2002 (11 campanhas). As coletas foram feitas em 13 estações de amostragem distribuídas no reservatório e em uma localizada a jusante da barragem. 128 táxons de invertebrados foram encontrados, sendo Mollusca, Annelida, Insecta e Nematoda os grupos dominantes durante praticamente todos os meses analisados. A classe Insecta foi a melhor representada, com 9 diferentes ordens, dentro das quais os Diptera contribuíram com a ocorrência de 63 táxons. A espécie exótica de bivalve Corbicula fluminea foi registrada em todas as estações de amostragem mostrando sua grande capacidade para colonizar novos habitats em regiões neotropicais. Variações consideráveis na densidade da fauna foram observadas para os diferentes períodos e locais analisados. A densidade máxima (média de 7812 ind.m-2) foi registrada no centro do reservatório enquanto que as densidades mínimas foram registradas na zona lacustre próxima à barragem (média de 9 ind.m-2). A maior riqueza de espécies por local/período (24 táxons) foi encontrada no trecho superior do reservatório (trecho fluvial). A diversidade máxima foi observada nas zonas superior e central do reservatório, com valores de 3.82 e 3.86 (bits.ind-1) no início (agosto/1999) e final (agosto/2002) do processo de enchimento, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado um padrão de distribuição dos grupos faunísticos que pudesse estar associado com a textura granulométrica dos diferentes locais amostrados. Por outro lado, constatou-se a diminuição, ou mesmo a não ocorrência de organismos, nas estações com elevada concentração de matéria orgânica (>40%) em baixo estado de degradação (grandes detritos vegetais). Tal fato pode estar relacionado com a falta de depósitos de sedimentos, dificultando a fixação de organismos da fauna bentônica, bem como com condições químicas mais redutoras em função da intensidade dos processos de decomposição da fitomassa inundada.