Eastern and Western European policy on electricity infrastructure,interconnections and electricity exchanges

This paper focuses on the present and future state of the electric power sector, future development of European power systems interconnections and power exchanges, cooperation, and direction of reforming the industry. It discusses the deregulation process and experience in Scandinavia, electricity infrastructure in Hungary, challenges to the German electricity system as part of the western European interconnected system of the Union for the Coordination of Protection and Transmission of Energy (UCPTE), extension of European interconnections to the Black Sea and central African countries, together with the development of a Trans-European synchronized power system as seen from the East. It also examines the current situation and policy of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova taking into account the recently created new independent states (NIS)     

Impacts of a Japan–South Korea power system interconnection on the competitiveness of electric power companies according to power exchange prices

In many regions, international power system interconnections provide economic, energy-security, environmental, and technical benefits. In contrast, such interconnections remain scarce in Northeast Asia. In 2016, after approving a joint memorandum of understanding between major electric power companies from China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, related initiatives regained momentum in the region. Nevertheless, the corresponding developments in Japan remain limited, mainly owing to the lack of involvement of Japanese electric power companies. This study represents a pioneering attempt to provide an economic assessment based on power exchange prices of a power system interconnection between Japan and South Korea regarding the competitiveness of electric power companies in terms of competitive business segments and strategic consequences. We found that although the position of Japanese generators may slightly deteriorate, that of the supply segment would substantially improve, thus suggesting that more opportunities than threats are derived from the interconnection. This promising outcome may foster the adoption of an interconnection with South Korea considering the positive economic and business perspectives in Japan. Furthermore, realizing the interconnection may improve the energy security and air quality in the region.     

A spatial and temporal correlation analysis of aggregate wind power in an ideally interconnected Europe

Studies have shown that a large geographic spread of installed capacity can reduce wind power variability and smooth production. This could be achieved by using electricity interconnections and storage systems. However, interconnections and storage are not totally flexible, so it is essential to understand the wind power correlation in order to address power system constraints in systems with large and growing wind power penetrations. In this study, the spatial and temporal correlation of wind power generation across several European Union countries was examined to understand how wind ‘travels’ across Europe. Three years of historical hourly wind power generation data from 10 countries were analysed. The results of the analysis were then compared with two other studies focused on the Nordic region and the USA. The findings show that similar general correlation characteristics do exist between European country pairs. This is of particular importance when planning and operating interconnector flows, storage optimization and cross‐border power trading. Copyright © 2017 The Authors Wind Energy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

The energy storage mathematical models for simulation and comprehensive analysis of power system dynamics: A review. Part i

Energy storage systems are increasingly used as part of electric power systems to solve various problems of power supply reliability. With increasing power of the energy storage systems and the share of their use in electric power systems, their influence on operation modes and transient processes becomes significant. In this case, there is a need to take into account their properties in mathematical models of real dimension power systems in the study of various operation modes, design, etc. In this article the main types of energy storage devices, as well as the fields and applications of their use in electric power systems are considered. The principles of realization of detailed mathematical models, principles of their control systems are described for the presented types of energy storage systems. The article is an overview and can help in choosing a mathematical model of energy storage system to solve the necessary tasks in the mathematical modeling of storage systems in electric power systems.Information is presented on large hydrogen energy storage units for use in the power system.     

Storage as a flexibility option in power systems with high shares of variable renewable energy sources: a POLES-based analysis

In this paper, we demonstrate the role of electricity storage for the integration of high shares of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) in the long-term evolution of the power system. For this, a new electricity module is developed in POLES (Prospective Outlook on Long-term Energy Systems). It now takes into account the impacts of VRES on the European power system. The power system operation relies on EUCAD (European Unit Commitment and Dispatch), which includes daily storage and other inter-temporal constraints. The innovative aspect of our work is the direct coupling between POLES and EUCAD, thus combining a long-term simulation horizon and a short-term approach for the power system operation. The storage technologies represented are pumped-hydro storage, lithium-ion batteries, adiabatic compressed air energy storage (a-CAES) and electric vehicles (charging optimisation and vehicle-to-grid). Demand response and European grid interconnections are also represented in order to include, to some extent, these flexibility options.     

飞轮储能技术研究的发展现状

飞轮储能技术已成为国际能源界研究的热点之一,从飞轮储能技术的技术进展（包括飞轮本体、转子支承系统,电动／发电机,电力转换器与真空室）以及应用研究（电力调峰,飞轮电池,不间断供电,强力放电等）角度出发,系统地介绍了该技术国内外的发展现状及今后发展方向。     

Design for a BlackLight Power multi‐cell thermally coupled reactor based on hydrogen catalyst systems

The design and cost estimates compared with other systems of an energy‐producing reactor system are presented. Heat from hydrino reactions within individual cells provides both the reactor power and the heat for regeneration of the reactants. These processes occur continuously over a plurality of cells in different phases of the processes. The hydrino reactions are maintained and regenerated in a batch mode using thermally coupled multi‐cells arranged in bundles wherein cells in the power‐production phase of the cycle heat cells in the regeneration phase. In this intermittent cell power design, the thermal power is statistically constant as the cell number becomes large, or the cell cycle is controlled to achieve steady power. The conversion of thermal power to electrical power requires the use of a heat engine exploiting a cycle such as a Rankine, Brayton, Stirling, or steam‐engine cycle (Int. J. Energy Res. 1997; 21 :113–127; Int. J. Energy Res. 1998; 22 :237–248; Int. J. Energy Res. 1998; 22 :991–1000; Int. J. Energy Res. 2010; 34 :1071–1087; Int. J. Energy Res. 2009; 33 :1203–1232). Owing to the temperatures, economy goal, and efficiency, the Rankine cycle is the most practical and can produce electricity from a steam source at 30–40% efficiency with a component capital cost of about $300 per kW electric. Conservatively, assuming a conversion efficiency of 25%, the total cost with the addition of the boiler and chemical components is estimated at $1380 per kW electric. The system applications for distributed power (1–10 MW electric) and central generation retrofit and green‐field projects are projected to be very competitive relative to existing power sources and systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electric-systems integration in the Andes community: Opportunities and threats

This paper identifies some sustainable and technically feasible alternatives for electric exchange through interconnections among the electric systems of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In particular, we assess such interconnections from both technical and economic perspectives, and identify the main technological, commercial and regulatory barriers for their development. The analysis is carried out at the pre-feasibility level from both private and social point of views, based on the assessment of different investment alternatives in the transmission systems among the aforementioned countries.     

Economic consequences of geomagnetic storms (a summary)

The effects of the March 13, 1989, geomagnetic storm, which revealed significant vulnerabilities of electric power systems to this natural widespread phenomenon, are described. This vulnerability appears to be increasing during the 1990s. The economic consequences to the nation of this vulnerability are significant, on the order of several billion dollars for each major outage. It is suggested that the US government can play an important role in reducing the vulnerability of electric power systems to solar storms by installing an early warning satellite and cooperating with industry in a comprehensive research program. The Department of Energy can fill gaps in the research and provide for continuity of research during periods of reduced solar activity when industrial research tends to wane     

Asian international grid connection and potentiality of DC superconducting power transmission

In 2011, a large scale earthquake and tsunami hit the northeastern coast of Japan, and nuclear plants were damaged to a large extent. Before the Tsunami, 54 nuclear plants were operated, however presently, only three nuclear plants are in operation. Therefore, Japan is suffering from high price of electricity and low supply reliability. In generation mix, nuclear plants generate only one percent and 87 percent of electricity is generated by fossil energy. This is not preferable for Japan from the viewpoints of energy security and stable electricity supply. Therefore, it is mandatory to increase sustainable energy and to decrease consumption of fossil fuel. International grid connection and the Global Energy Interconnection will be one of countermeasures against these problems existing in Japan. In this paper, international grid connection initiatives proposed in Asia are described and features and issues of electric power grids in Japan are discussed to implement the international grid connection. As the key technology for implementing the international grid connection, the present status of DC superconducting power transmission lines and power converters for long-distance power transmission lines are presented. In conclusion, conditions and legal frameworks for realizing the international grid connection are described.     

Measurements get together

EEveryday life relies heavily on the reliable operation and intelligent management of critical infrastructures, such as electric power systems, telecommunication networks, and water distribution networks. Designing, monitoring and controlling such systems is becoming increasingly more challenging as a consequence of the steady growth of their size, complexity, level of uncertainty, unpredictable behavior, and interactions. These critical infrastructures are susceptible to natural disasters, frequent failures, and malicious attacks. At the epicenter of the well-being and prosperity of society lie the electric power systems. The secure and reliable operation of modern power systems is an increasingly challenging task due to the ever-increasing demand for electricity, the growing number of interconnections, penetration of variable renewable energy sources, and deregulated energy market conditions. Power companies in different parts of the world are therefore feeling the need for a real-time wide area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) system. Synchronized measurement technology (SMT) has the potential of becoming the backbone of this system. The major advantages of using SMT are that 1) the measurements from widely dispersed locations can be synchronized with respect to a global positioning system (GPS) clock, 2) voltage phase angles can be measured directly, which was so far technically infeasible, and 3) the accuracy and speed of energy management system (EMS) applications (e.g., state estimation) increases manifold.     

Power loss reduction in radial distribution system with multiple distributed energy resources through efficient islanding detection

To provide electric utility service of desired quality at the lowest possible cost, voltage drop and power loss reduction is crucial for distribution network. Distribution systems with Distributed Energy Resources (DER) have shown an enormous potential for power loss and voltage drop reduction. This paper investigates existing islanding detection techniques for feeder performance and proposes a new islanding detection algorithm (NIDA) for node voltage profile improvement and power loss reduction in the distribution network.     

Colombian ancillary services and international connections: Current weaknesses and policy challenges

Ancillary services are required to maintain the unity, stability, and quality of power systems. In Colombia these services are required to operate the national power system and the international connections with the neighboring countries. The system is influenced by factors ranging from system's topology to social and political aspects, such as the large number of terrorist attacks. In light of these particularities, we consider Colombia as a learning lab for ancillary services in the region. Colombia's power system relies on three ancillary services for its operation, namely frequency regulation, voltage control, and blackstart service. From 2010 Special Protection Systems were also added. In this paper we first analyze the technical aspects, operational restrictions, financial management, and the most relevant regulatory conditions of these ancillary services of the SIN. We also take into consideration the main regulatory characteristics and statistical data related to energy exchanges that have taken place between Colombia and Venezuela and Ecuador. Thereafter, we depict the main weaknesses and policy challenges that Colombia must address in order to increase the effectiveness and coverage of ancillary services in both the SIN and in the international interconnections. Finally, we propose new market oriented regulations to encourage investments and new tools for international connections.     

独立光伏系统中超级电容器储能研究

超级电容器作为储能装置,不但可以为光伏发电系统提供必要的能量缓冲,而且对提高电力系统的运行稳定性具有非常重要的作用。使用PSIM软件仿真分析了系统的运行特性。结果表明,系统在光伏输入功率大幅波动时具有很好的稳定性,为超级电容器应用于可再生能源发电和电能质量改善等领域提供参考。     

英国能源政策的抉择与后果

英国政府最近公布的能源法案为我们提供了一个了解该国能源政策走向及其潜在影响的机会。笔者认为能源政策的困难,在于现代能源系统必须满足多方面的不同要求,并且必须在不确定的动态环境下实现这一点。这意味着拥有更多的政策选项非常重要。如果你不知道天然气价格的走向,就不要建立以其为基础的能源系统。你需要做的是去投资那些可以增加灵活度的技术选项:如能源效率,智能电网,需求侧管理,储能技术,跨国电网和电动汽车。尽管这些技术可能目前表面看起来成本效益并不是最大化的,但是,他们提供了灵活适应未来能源系统条件的机会。     

Constructing an innovative Bio-Hydrogen Integrated Renewable Energy System

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) offer alternative energy options that deliver distributed power generation for isolated loads. However, the production of energy from both wind turbines and solar PV systems is weather-dependent. In this study, we developed an innovative Bio-Hydrogen Integrated Renewable Energy System (BHIRES) based on the integration of hydrogen generation from biomass fermentation, renewable energy power generation, hydrogen generation from water electrolysis, a hydrogen storage device, and a fuel cell providing combined heat and power. BHIRES can provide electric power, thermal energy, and hydrogen, with the additional function of processing biomass waste and wastewater. As indicated by results of the economic analysis conducted in this study, the cost of electricity and the average energy cost of using BHIRES are both lower than those for wind/PV/hydrogen HRES. Therefore, this system is ideal for users in remote areas such as islands, and farms in mountainous areas.     

可并网微型水力发电系统的控制研究

为提高偏远山区的用电质量、降低用电成本,依托山区微型水资源,在传统独立式微型水力发电系统基础上,提出了一种基于自励式不控异步发电机的可并网微型水力发电系统电路拓扑结构,采用带有输出电流反馈的电压闭环控制策略,以单位功率因数并网。利用补偿电容提供无功能量给异步电动机作微型水力系统发电部分,采用电力电子变换电路实现能量传输,减小并网能量损耗。通过搭建实验平台,验证了该系统的可行性。     

A review of energy storage technologies for wind power applications

Due to the stochastic nature of wind, electric power generated by wind turbines is highly erratic and may affect both the power quality and the planning of power systems. Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) may play an important role in wind power applications by controlling wind power plant output and providing ancillary services to the power system and therefore, enabling an increased penetration of wind power in the system. This article deals with the review of several energy storage technologies for wind power applications. The main objectives of the article are the introduction of the operating principles, as well as the presentation of the main characteristics of energy storage technologies suitable for stationary applications, and the definition and discussion of potential ESS applications in wind power, according to an extensive literature review.     

African electricity infrastructure interconnections and electricityexchanges

This paper discusses African electrical energy resources: feasibility studies, interconnection of power systems, the present state of the electric power sector, future expansion of African power systems, and implementation of an African power grid network. It examines involvement of the World Bank with African electricity infrastructure, Grand Inga interconnection projects, the Great Lakes project, and prospects for evaluation of a unified power system in Africa. First, the poorness of African countries and their limited electricity infrastructure is discussed. Objectives for electricity infrastructure development in response to perceived needs is examined and the development challenge for the future, with ways of meeting that challenge defined. Grand Inga interconnections projects are then reviewed. The Democratic Republic of Congo's potential is equivalent to 88400 MW of continuous energy; 42000 MW is located in the Inga region. Development of the Great Lakes interconnected network which links Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo is also reviewed. The paper discusses existing power systems in Africa and presents the idea of dividing the continent into five main regions of about the same surface area for electricity trade. Feasibility studies of an HVDC line from Democratic Republic of Congo to Egypt and other studies to South Africa and Europe are discussed. A scenario for energy balance for the 2050 is presented, and export of electricity to neighboring continents, mainly Europe, in excess of 200 TWh/year by 2050 is outlined. Implementation of an integrated African grid network is discussed     

Energy in the People's Republic of China

This article was prepared as part of the Energy Forecasting Project sponsored by British Petroleum at the Science Policy Research Unit. The purpose of the study was to review the literature on the coal, petroleum and electric power industries in the People's Republic of China and to relate developments in these industries to overall economic social and political policies in China. The article is thus a summation of our present knowledge about energy sources in China. On this basis, a preliminary attempt is made to assess the implications for China's international economic and political policies in the short-term future.