Bus bar aeolian vibration field tests

Large amplitude bus bar aeolian vibration may lead to post insulator damage. Different damping applications are used to decrease the risk of large amplitude aeolian vibration. In this paper the post insulator load caused by the bus bar aeolian vibration and the effect of damping methods are evaluated. The effects of three types of bus bar connectors and three types of primary structures are studied. Two actual damping devices, damping cable and their combinations are studied. The post insulator loads are studied with strain gage based custom made force sensors installed on the both ends of the post insulator and with the displacement sensor installed on the midpoint of the bus bar. The post insulator loads are calculated from the strain values and the damping properties are determined from the displacement history. The bus bar is deflected with a hanging weight. The weight is released and the bus bar is left to free damped vibration. Both actual bus bar vibration dampers RIBE and SBI were very effective against the aeolian vibration. Combining vibration damper with damping cable will increase the damping ratio but it may be unnecessary considering the extra effort. Bus bar connector type or primary structure have no effect on the vertical load. The bending moment at the post insulator with double sided bus bar connector is significantly higher than at the post insulator with single sided bus bar connector. No reliable conclusions about bus bar connector type effect can be done, but the roller bearing type or central bearing type connector may reduce the bending moment. The RHS steel frame as primary structure may increase the bending moment peak values since it is the least rigid primary structure type and it may start to vibrate as a response to the awakening force of the vibrating bus bar.

Dedução de Funções de Alívio para Priorização de Variantes de Chaveamento Adequadas à Eliminação de Sobrecargas

Eventually, violations of voltage limits at buses or admissible loadings of transmission lines and/or power transformers may occur by the power system operation. If violations are detected in the supervision process, corrective measures may be carried out in order to eliminate them or to reduce their intensity. Loading restriction is an extreme solution and should only be adopted as the last control action. Previous researches have shown that it is possible to control constraints in electrical systems by changing the network topology, using the technique named Corrective Switching, which requires no additional costs. In previous works, the proposed calculations for verifying the ability of a switching variant in eliminating an overload in a specific branch were based on network reduction or heuristic analysis. The purpose of this work is to develop analytical derivation of linear equations to estimate current changes in a specific branch (due to switching measures) by means of few calculations. For bus-bar coupling, derivations will be based on short-circuit theory and Relief Function methodology. For bus-bar splitting, a Relief Function will be derived based on a technique of equivalent circuit. Although systems of linear equations are used to substantiate deductions, its formal solution for each variant, in real time does not become necessary. A priority list of promising variants is then assigned for final check by an exact load flow calculation and a transient analysis using ATP Alternative Transient Program. At last, results obtained by simulation in networks with different features will be presented

Um algoritmo para estimação de estado em alimentadores de distribuição de energia elétrica com base no método da soma de potências

Most algorithms for state estimation based on the classical model are just adequate for use in transmission networks. Few algorithms were developed specifically for distribution systems, probably because of the little amount of data available in real time. Most overhead feeders possess just current and voltage measurements at the middle voltage bus-bar at the substation. In this way, classical algorithms are of difficult implementation, even considering off-line acquired data as pseudo-measurements. However, the necessity of automating the operation of distribution networks, mainly in regard to the selectivity of protection systems, as well to implement possibilities of load transfer maneuvers, is changing the network planning policy. In this way, some equipments incorporating telemetry and command modules have been installed in order to improve operational features, and so increasing the amount of measurement data available in real-time in the System Operation Center (SOC). This encourages the development of a state estimator model, involving real-time information and pseudo-measurements of loads, that are built from typical power factors and utilization factors (demand factors) of distribution transformers. This work reports about the development of a new state estimation method, specific for radial distribution systems. The main algorithm of the method is based on the power summation load flow. The estimation is carried out piecewise, section by section of the feeder, going from the substation to the terminal nodes. For each section, a measurement model is built, resulting in a nonlinear overdetermined equations set, whose solution is achieved by the Gaussian normal equation. The estimated variables of a section are used as pseudo-measurements for the next section. In general, a measurement set for a generic section consists of pseudo-measurements of power flows and nodal voltages obtained from the previous section or measurements in real-time, if they exist -, besides pseudomeasurements of injected powers for the power summations, whose functions are the load flow equations, assuming that the network can be represented by its single-phase equivalent. The great advantage of the algorithm is its simplicity and low computational effort. Moreover, the algorithm is very efficient, in regard to the accuracy of the estimated values. Besides the power summation state estimator, this work shows how other algorithms could be adapted to provide state estimation of middle voltage substations and networks, namely Schweppes method and an algorithm based on current proportionality, that is usually adopted for network planning tasks. Both estimators were implemented not only as alternatives for the proposed method, but also looking for getting results that give support for its validation. Once in most cases no power measurement is performed at beginning of the feeder and this is required for implementing the power summation estimations method, a new algorithm for estimating the network variables at the middle voltage bus-bar was also developed

Controle Fuzzy aplicado à melhoria da estabilidade dinâmica em sistemas elétricos de potência

Este trabalho propõe uma estratégia fuzzy, do tipo Rede de Controladores Locais, aplicável à melhoria da estabilidade dinâmica em sistemas elétricos de potência, visando compensar possíveis perdas de sintonia devido à ocorrência de variações nas condições operacionais da planta. A adaptação dos ganhos do controlador fuzzy é efetuada on-line, interpolando-se os ganhos de um conjunto finito de controladores locais fixos. Ao ocorrer variações nas condições operacionais da planta, os ganhos da lei de controle são ajustados automaticamente de modo a manter satisfatório o desempenho do sistema de controle. O desempenho do controle foi avaliado através de estudos de simulação, utilizando-se um modelo dinâmico não-linear, do tipo máquina barra infinita. Os resultados mostram que o emprego da estratégia proposta permite obter melhorias no desempenho dinâmico do sistema.

AVR adjustment of Synchronous Generators in Weak Grids under Faulty Conditions.

In weak grids, an important problem with voltage stability and protections coordination of power plants exists. This problem appears because all the generation groups are connected to the same bus bar. As a result, if a fault occurs in any of the generation groups, or in the bus bar that connect them, the system voltage will have large oscillations. Hence, in weak grids the correct adjustment of AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) is critical. In this work an experimental study of differents AVR adjustments against fault in weak grids is described.

Case study in failure analysis of accelerated life tests (ALT) on III-V commercial triple-junction concentrator solar cells

In this work the failure analysis carried out in III-V concentrator multijunction solar cells after a temperature accelerated life test is presented. All the failures appeared have been catastrophic since all the solar cells turned into low shunt resistances. A case study in failure analysis based on characterization by optical microscope, SEM, EDX, EQE and XPS is presented in this paper, revealing metal deterioration in the bus bar and fingers as well as cracks in the semiconductor structure beneath or next to the bus bar. In fact, in regions far from the bus bar the semiconductor structure seems not to be damaged. SEM images have dismissed the presence of metal spikes inside the solar cell structure. Therefore, we think that for these particular solar cells, failures appear mainly as a consequence of a deficient electrolytic growth of the front metallization which also results in failures in the semiconductor structure close to the bus bars.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mass Splitting and Flavor Mixing by MINOS

Measurements of neutrino oscillations using the disappearance of muon neutrinos from the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beam as observed by the two MINOS detectors are reported. New analysis methods have been applied to an enlarged data sample from an exposure of 7.25 x 10(20) protons on target. A fit to neutrino oscillations yields values of vertical bar Delta m(2)vertical bar = (2.32(-0.08)(+0.12) x 10(-3) eV(2) for the atmospheric mass splitting and sin(2)(2 theta) > 0.90 (90% C.L.) for the mixing angle. Pure neutrino decay and quantum decoherence hypotheses are excluded at 7 and 9 standard deviations, respectively.

Snack bar inside the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Snack bar inside the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California in the 1970s. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

T-Bar clasp-retained removable partial denture as an alternative to implant-based prosthetic treatment

This article reports the case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented with unsatisfactory temporary crowns in the right mandibular premolars and molars, and a premolar-to-molar fixed partial denture in the left side. The clinical and radiographic examinations revealed a fracture of the left first premolar that was a retainer of the fixed partial denture and required extraction. Initially, the acrylic resin crowns were replaced by new ones, and a provisional RPD was made using acrylic resin and orthodontic wire clasps to resolve the problem arising from the loss of the fixed partial denture. Considering the patient's high esthetic demands, the treatment options for the definitive prosthetic treatment were discussed with her and rehabilitation with implant-supported dentures was proposed because the clinical conditions of the residual alveolar ridge were suitable for implant installation, and the patient's general health was excellent. However, the patient did not agree because she knew of a failed case of implant-retained denture in a diabetic individual and was concerned. The patient was fully informed that implant installation was the best indication for her case, but the arguments were not sufficient to change her decision. The treatment possibilities were presented and the patient opted for a clasp-retained removable partial denture (RPD) associated with the placement of crowns in the pillar teeth. The temporary RPD was replaced by the definitive RPD constructed subsequently. Although RPD was not the first choice, satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes were achieved, overcaming the patient's expectations. This case report illustrates that the dentist must be prepared to deal with situations where, for reasons that cannot be managed, the patient does not accept the treatment considered as the most indicated for his/her case. Alternatives must be proposed and the functional and esthetic requirements must be fulfilled in the best possible manner.

Retention force of T-bar clasps for titanium and cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures

The objective of this study was to evaluate the retention force of T-bar clasps made from commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy by the insertion/removal test simulating 5 years use. Thirty-six frameworks were cast from CP Ti (n=18) and Co-Cr alloy (n=18) with identical prefabricated patterns on refractory casts from a distal extension mandibular hemi-arch segment. The castings were made on a vacuum-pressure machine, under vacuum and argon atmosphere. Each group was subdivided in three, corresponding to 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm and 0.75 mm undercuts, respectively. No polishing procedures were performed to ensure uniformity. The specimens were subjected to an insertion/removal test and data was analyzed statistically to compare CP Ti and Co-Cr alloy in the same undercut (Student's t-test for independent samples) and each material in different undercuts (one-way ANOVA) (p=0.05). Comparisons between materials revealed significant differences (p=0.017) only for the 0.50-mm undercut. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found when comparing the same material for the undercuts. It may be concluded that for different undercuts, both Co-Cr alloy and CP Ti had no significant differences for T-bar clasps; CP Ti showed the lowest retention force values when compared to Co-Cr alloy in each undercut, but with significant difference only for the 0.50-mm undercut; and both materials maintained the retentive capacity during the simulation test.

Measurement of neutrino oscillations with the MINOS detectors in the NuMI beam

This Letter reports new results from the MINOS experiment based on a two-year exposure to muon neutrinos from the Fermilab NuMI beam. Our data are consistent with quantum-mechanical oscillations of neutrino flavor with mass splitting vertical bar Delta m(2)vertical bar = (2.43 +/- 0.13) x 10(-3) eV(2) (68% C.L.) and mixing angle sin(2)(2 theta) > 0.90 (90% C.L.). Our data disfavor two alternative explanations for the disappearance of neutrinos in flight: namely, neutrino decays into lighter particles and quantum decoherence of neutrinos, at the 3.7 and 5.7 standard-deviation levels, respectively.

Splitting of the zero-energy edge states in bilayer graphene

Bilayer graphene nanoribbons with zigzag termination are studied within the tight-binding model. We also include single-site electron-electron interactions via the Hubbard model within the unrestricted Hartree-Fock approach. We show that either the interactions between the outermost edge atoms or the presence of a magnetic order can cause a splitting of the zero-energy edge states. Two kinds of edge alignments are considered. For one kind of edge alignment (?) the system is nonmagnetic unless the Hubbard parameter U becomes greater than a critical value Uc. For the other kind of edge alignment (?) the system is magnetic for any U>0. Our results agree very well with ab initio density functional theory calculations.

Spectra of identified high-p(T) pi(+/-) and p((p)over-bar ) in Cu + Cu collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV

We report new results on identified (anti) proton and charged pion spectra at large transverse momenta (3 < p(T) < 10 GeV/c) from Cu + Cu collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). This study explores the system size dependence of two novel features observed at RHIC with heavy ions: the hadron suppression at high-p(T) and the anomalous baryon to meson enhancement at intermediate transverse momenta. Both phenomena could be attributed to the creation of a new form of QCD matter. The results presented here bridge the system size gap between the available pp and Au + Au data, and allow for a detailed exploration of the onset of the novel features. Comparative analysis of all available 200 GeV data indicates that the system size is a major factor determining both the magnitude of the hadron spectra suppression at large transverse momenta and the relative baryon to meson enhancement.

Contrasting LH-HH subband splitting of strained quantum wells grown along [001] and [113] directions

Contrasting responses for the temperature tuning of the electronic structure in semiconductor quantum wells are discussed for heterolayered structures grown along (001) and (113) directions. The temperature affects the strain modulation of the deformation potentials and the effective optical gap is tuned along with the intersub-band splitting in the valence band. A multiband theoretical model accounts for the characterization of the electronic structure, highlighting the main qualitative and quantitative differences between the two systems under study. The microscopic source of strain fields and the detailed mapping of their distribution are provided by a simulation using classical molecular-dynamics technics.

Skewness, splitting number and vertex deletion of some toroidal meshes

The skewness sk(G) of a graph G = (V, E) is the smallest integer sk(G) >= 0 such that a planar graph can be obtained from G by the removal of sk(C) edges. The splitting number sp(G) of C is the smallest integer sp(G) >= 0 such that a planar graph can be obtained from G by sp(G) vertex splitting operations. The vertex deletion vd(G) of G is the smallest integer vd(G) >= 0 such that a planar graph can be obtained from G by the removal of vd(G) vertices. Regular toroidal meshes are popular topologies for the connection networks of SIMD parallel machines. The best known of these meshes is the rectangular toroidal mesh C(m) x C(n) for which is known the skewness, the splitting number and the vertex deletion. In this work we consider two related families: a triangulation Tc(m) x c(n) of C(m) x C(n) in the torus, and an hexagonal mesh Hc(m) x c(n), the dual of Tc(m) x c(n) in the torus. It is established that sp(Tc(m) x c(n)) = vd(Tc(m) x c(n) = sk(Hc(m) x c(n)) = sp(Hc(m) x c(n)) = vd(Hc(m) x c(n)) = min{m, n} and that sk(Tc(m) x c(n)) = 2 min {m, n}.