Monte Carlo simulation-based probabilistic assessment of DG penetration in medium voltage distribution networks

With the growing use of renewable energy sources, Distributed Generation (DG) systems are rapidly spreading. Embedding DG to the distribution network may be costly due to the grid reinforcements and control adjustments required in order to maintain the electrical network reliability. Deterministic load flow calculations are usually employed to assess the allowed DG penetration in a distribution network in order to ensure that current or voltage limits are not exceeded. However, these calculations may overlook the risk of limit violations due to uncertainties in the operating conditions of the networks. To overcome this limitation, related to both injection and demand profiles, the present paper addresses the problem of DG penetration with a Monte Carlo technique that accounts for the intrinsic variability of electric power consumption. The power absorbed by each load of a medium voltage network is characterized by a load variation curve; a probabilistic load flow is then used for computing the maximum DG power that can be connected to each bus without determining a violation of electric constraints. A distribution network is studied and a comparison is provided between the results of the deterministic load flow and probabilistic load flow analyses.     

Estimation of a preference map of new consumers for spatial load forecasting simulation methods using a spatial analysis of points

The paper presents a spatial analysis of points especially suited to estimate a preference map for new consumers, which is then used as an analytical tool in spatial electric load forecasting. This approach is an exploratory spatial data analysis used to discover useful point patterns in the spatial location of distribution transformers to calculate a preference value for each area, rating it with respect to a hypothetical load change that may occur. We consider the locations of distribution transformers occupied land. Random points are generated in the study area where the new loads are expected; these points are referred to as unoccupied land. The method uses a generalized additive model (GAM) to estimate the probability of unoccupied land becoming occupied land. We test the approach with data from a real distribution system in a mid-size city in Brazil; the result is a preference map that shows the areas where new consumers are most likely to be allocated. The main advantage of this method is the ability work with a small-scale resolution, which enables the use of a resolution suitable for spatial load forecasting method chosen. We test the calculated probabilities in a spatial load forecasting simulation, yielding results with lower spatial error when compared with the heuristic technique.     

Technologies for Single-Cell Isolation

The handling of single cells is of great importance in applications such as cell line development or single-cell analysis, e.g., for cancer research or for emerging diagnostic methods. This review provides an overview of technologies that are currently used or in development to isolate single cells for subsequent single-cell analysis. Data from a dedicated online market survey conducted to identify the most relevant technologies, presented here for the first time, shows that FACS (fluorescence activated cell sorting) respectively Flow cytometry (33% usage), laser microdissection (17%), manual cell picking (17%), random seeding/dilution (15%), and microfluidics/lab-on-a-chip devices (12%) are currently the most frequently used technologies. These most prominent technologies are described in detail and key performance factors are discussed. The survey data indicates a further increasing interest in single-cell isolation tools for the coming years. Additionally, a worldwide patent search was performed to screen for emerging technologies that might become relevant in the future. In total 179 patents were found, out of which 25 were evaluated by screening the title and abstract to be relevant to the field.     

Energy dissipation capacity of fibre reinforced concrete under biaxial tension–compression load. Part I: Test equipment and work of fracture

The objective of this research was to analyse the differences in the dissipated energy under uniaxial tension and biaxial tension–compression load of fibre reinforced concretes using the Wedge Splitting Test. Under biaxial load the specimens were subjected to compressive stress ratios from 10% to 50% of the concrete compressive strength perpendicular to the direction of the tensile load.Under biaxial tension–compression load the energy dissipation capacity of the specimens decreases compared to the uniaxial tension load case on average 20–30%. It is believed that the decrease is a result of the damage mechanism of the concrete matrix and deterioration of the fibre–matrix and/or aggregate–cement paste interfaces in case the section is additionally loaded with compression stresses. This indicates that dimensioning of concrete elements under biaxial stress states using material parameters obtained from tests conducted on specimens under uniaxial tensile load is unsafe and could potentially lead to a non-conservative design.In the second part of this paper the extent of the fracture process zone under uniaxial tension and biaxial tension–compression load will be examined with the Acoustic Emission technique and the reasons for decrease of the energy dissipation capacity under biaxial load will be further discussed.     

水闸改造工程有限元计算方法研究

以江苏省宜陵北闸改造工程为例,分别采用"一次加载计算方法"和"模拟施工过程的加载计算方法"对其进行三维有限元计算,研究了两种加载计算方法在水闸改造工程结构应力计算中的差异。研究表明,在有限单元法对水闸改造工程结构应力的计算中采用"模拟施工过程的加载计算方法"能更真实地模拟初始位移的情况。计算不仅应考虑水闸原有位移沉降对结构的影响,而且需考虑拆除部分结构与新增部分结构的施工过程对水闸剩余结构的影响。     

橡塑往复密封性能参数数值求解流程与物理模型探讨

橡塑往复密封的密封寿命通常是通过膜厚、承载力、泄漏率、磨损率等参数以表征。为获取上述参数,佐治亚大学SALANT提出橡塑往复密封模型建立和数值计算求解流程。为更好地理解与应用该方法,从橡塑往复密封物理结构、数值求解流程、Reynolds方程建立、方程约束边界建立、GW接触模型建立、力载平衡等6个方面系统地分析其特点与不完备之处,并从6个方面探讨数值求解流程和数值模拟的修正方法;提出密封模型修正方法,给出修正后密封数值求解流程,使得计算结果更好地与实际工作性能相吻合,并能较好地揭示密封机制。