Reduction of switching overvoltages on composite feeders—Transformer feeders

This paper describes the overvoltages produced on composite feeders when a circuit breaker closes at the peak of the applied voltage. Transformer feeders are considered. The means of reducing such overvoltages are also included, and the effect of the system parameters and factors on the initial voltage applied and the accompanying overvoltages are covered.     

Digital computer studies of the surge response of a transmission line tower

In this paper, the transmission line tower response and behaviour are described when a lightning stroke terminates on the tower apex. The accompanied overvoltages on different points on the tower and under different conditions are covered. The effect of tower representation and modelling on the overvoltages produced and the tower travel time is also included.     

Transmission line tower representation and its effect on the tower surge response calculation

In this paper, the transmission line tower response and behaviour are described when a lightning stroke terminates on the tower apex. The accompanying overvoltages on different points on the tower and under different conditions are covered. The effect of different tower representation and modelling on the overvoltages produced and the tower travel time is also included. The effect of back flashover on a phase conductor terminated by a GIS for a simplified tower is also investigated.     

复合材料在输电线路的应用与建议

介绍了复合材料的定义、树脂基复合材料的应用及其成型工艺.根据复合材料优异的材料特性以及输电线路工程的特点,对复合材料在电缆线路及架空线路等输电线路工程中的应用,分别与木质电杆、钢筋混凝土电杆和钢管电杆等传统产品进行了分析与比较,并对制约复合材料在输电线路中的应用原因进行了探讨,提出了相关的对策及建议.     

A study of Electrical Security Risk Assessment System based on Electricity Regulation

With the expansion of China's power system, there are more and more factors contributing to Large-area Power Outages. The snow disaster that hit Southern China in 2008 caused serious damages to the power systems, which made Chinese government realize that they cannot solely depend on power enterprises to effectively control the risk involved in power system. The Chinese government needs to collaborate with power enterprises in strengthening Electricity Regulation and taking countermeasures to reduce the risk of Large-area Power Outages. This paper first proposes an objective, practical and adaptive Electrical Security Risk Assessment System based on Electricity Regulation. The system consists of an assessment process with 278 indices, which are used to calculate the risk of Large-area Power Outages by the use of Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Delphi Method. Then, an example of Guangdong power system serves to illustrate the detailed implementation procedures of the proposed assessment system and the results show that Guangdong power system faces a moderate risk of Large-area Power Outages. Finally, some countermeasures are proposed to overcome the defects in the existing power system.     

Behavioral aspects of regulation: A discussion on switching and demand response in Turkish electricity market

Electricity sector has been transformed from state-owned monopolistic utilities to competitive markets with an aim to promote incentives for improving efficiency, reducing costs and increasing service quality to customers. One of the cardinal assumptions of the liberalized and competitive electricity markets is the rational actor, and decision-makers are assumed to make the best decisions that maximize their utility. However, a vast literature on behavioral economics has shown the weakness of economic theory in explaining and predicting individuals’ decision-making behavior. This issue is quite important for competition in electricity markets in which consumers’ preferences have a significant role. Despite its importance, this issue has almost been neglected in Turkey, which has taken major steps in electricity sector restructuring. Therefore, this paper aims to examine switching and demand response behavior in Turkish electricity market by using multiple correspondence and panel data analysis, and findings are discussed in light of the neoclassical and behavioral economics literature. Analyses’ results show that consumers’ switching and demand response behavior is consistent with the neoclassical literature to some extent; however, behavioral factors are also affecting consumers’ decisions. Furthermore, there are systemic problems that hinder effective functioning of the electricity market and restrict competition.     

Analysis and study of two‐dimensional parameter bifurcation of wind power farms and composite loads

This study focuses on the stability of power system based on codimension‐two bifurcation theory. In this paper, we investigate the impact of load modeling on permissible wind power generation margins in distribution networks. The study considers codimension‐two bifurcations of equilibria and limit cycles in wind power systems depending on varying two parameters simultaneously. The principle parameter is the wind power generation, and the other parameter depends on the different types of loads. The types of loads are ZIP, exponential recovery, dynamic induction loads, and composite load models. To study the effects of the induction motor loads, the proportion of the static component in the motor load is changed and assessed with respect to their mechanical loads. Wind generation margin boundaries are traced, and saddle‐node, Hopf, and limit‐induced bifurcation branches are obtained, delimiting the stable and unstable operating regions in the parameter space. The analysis presented in this paper can pave the way for determining methods for improving and monitoring these margins with consideration to the system parameters and load composition.     

Solar energy—A look into power generation,challenges, and a solar‐powered future

Sun is an inexhaustible source of energy capable of fulfilling all the energy needs of humankind. The energy from the sun can be converted into electricity or used directly. Electricity can be generated from solar energy either directly using photovoltaic (PV) cells or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. Progress has been made to raise the efficiency of the PV solar cells that can now reach up to approximately 34.1% in multi‐junction PV cells. Electricity generation from concentrated solar technologies has a promising future as well, especially the CSP, because of its high capacity, efficiency, and energy storage capability. Solar energy also has direct application in agriculture primarily for water treatment and irrigation. Solar energy is being used to power the vehicles and for domestic purposes such as space heating and cooking. The most exciting possibility for solar energy is satellite power station that will be transmitting electrical energy from the solar panels in space to Earth via microwave beams. Solar energy has a bright future because of the technological advancement in this field and its environment‐friendly nature. The biggest challenge however facing the solar energy future is its unavailability all‐round the year, coupled with its high capital cost and scarcity of the materials for PV cells. These challenges can be met by developing an efficient energy storage system and developing cheap, efficient, and abundant PV solar cells. This article discusses the solar energy system as a whole and provides a comprehensive review on the direct and the indirect ways to produce electricity from solar energy and the direct uses of solar energy. The state‐of‐the‐art procedures being employed for PV characterization and performance rating have been summarized . Moreover, the technical, economic, environmental, and storage‐related challenges are discussed with possible solutions. Furthermore, a comprehensive list of future potential research directions in the field of direct and indirect electricity generation from solar energy is proposed.     

The performance of heat pumps in service—A simulation study

A computer model is developed to simulate the performance of air-to-water heat pumps heating a house via a radiator system. The performance characteristics of the heat pumps are derived from laboratory measurements. Hourly weather observations are used to calculate the heat demand of the house and the performance of the heat pump. The effects of changes in heat pump characteristics, changes of radiator size, and changes in heat demand of the house due to insulation, are compared in terms of their effects on annual energy consumption.     

Congestion management through topological corrections: A case study of Central Western Europe

The integration of an increasing amount of renewable generation within Europe is posing operational challenges that require various balancing actions. System operators therefore need to rely increasingly on the active control of the transmission network. Transmission topology control is a fast and economical option to add flexibility to the transmission system. We model the current methodology for controlling congestion in the Central Western European (CWE) market and quantify the benefits of topology control. We also compare the results with a nodal pricing model. Our computational results suggest that topology control can significantly reduce congestion management costs under the current market coupling regime whereas the benefits of topology control are limited under nodal pricing. Topology control emerges as an attractive and implementable means of managing congestion as it provides a significant percentage of the cost savings that would be achieved by overhauling the existing European market design and shifting to a nodal pricing regime.     

In-situ repair of composite palladium membranes with macro defects: A case study

A new method was developed for repairing Pd/Al₂O₃ membranes with macro defects without the need of disassembling the membrane from the module. In order to target and fill the membrane defect automatically with solid particles, a TiO₂ powder was firstly tested by flowing high-pressure nitrogen as a carrier gas, followed by a heat treatment. A filter cake was found on the membrane defect but still porous. A glass powder was selected instead of TiO₂, and the membrane defect was successfully sealed by glazing. The in-situ repair of a waste commercial Pd/Al₂O₃ membrane separator was carried out with the glass powder, and the hydrogen flux and H₂/N₂ selectivity of the membrane separator at 450 °C under 100 kPa reached 12.6 m³m⁻²h⁻¹ and 1600, respectively.     

Carbon materials in composite bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: A review of the main challenges to improve electrical performance

The technology of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells is dependent on the performance of bipolar plates. There is a strong relationship between the material used in the manufacturing of the bipolar plate and its final properties. Graphite-polymer composite bipolar plates are well-established commercial products. Several other carbon based fillers are tested. Carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, carbon black, graphite nanoplatelets and expanded graphite are examples of such materials. Structural characteristics of these particles such as morphology and size have decisive influence on the final properties of bipolar plates. Furthermore, the volumetric fraction of the filler is of prime importance. There is plenty of information on individual aspects of specific composite bipolar plates in the literature. Notwithstanding, the analysis of structure-property relationship of these materials in a comprehensive source is not found. In this paper, relevant topics on the structural aspects of carbon based fillers and how they influence the final electrical performance of composite bipolar plates are discussed. It is intended that this document contribute to the development of new and maximized products to the PEM fuel cell industry.     

Parameter optimization study on SOFC‐MGT hybrid power system

This paper mainly studied the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)–micro gas turbine (MGT) hybrid power system. The key parameters that greatly influence the overall system performance have been studied and optimized. The thermodynamic potential of improving the hybrid system performance by integrating SOFC with the advanced thermal cycle system is analyzed. The optimization rules of main parameters of SOFC‐MGT hybrid power system with the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) of MGT as a constraint condition are revealed. The research results show that TIT is a key parameter that limits the electrical efficiency of hybrid power system. With the increase of the cell number, both the power generation efficiency of the hybrid cycle power system and TIT increase. Regarding the hybrid system with the fixed cell number, in order to get a higher electrical efficiency, the operating temperature of SOFC should be enhanced as far as possible. However, the higher operating temperature will result in the higher TIT. Increasing of fuel utilization factor is an effective measure to improve the performance of hybrid system. At the same time, TIT increases slightly. Both the electrical efficiency of hybrid power system and TIT reduce with the increase of the ratio of steam to carbon. The achievements obtained from this paper will provide valuable information for further study on SOFC‐MGT hybrid power system with high efficiency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A high-performance ceramic composite anode for protonic ceramic fuel cells based on lanthanum strontium vanadate

The composite electrodes for protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFC) were fabricated by infiltration of (La_0.8Sr_0.2)FeO_3−δ (LSF) cathode and (La_0.7Sr_0.3)V_0.90O_3−δ (LSV) anode into a porous protonic ceramic, Ba(Ce_0.51Zr_0.30Y_0.15Zn_0.04)O_3−δ (BCZY-Zn), respectively. Further, Pd-ceria catalysts were added into the composite anode. In the same method, the oxygen ion conducting fuel cells with the yttria-stabilized zirconia as an electrolyte (YSZ cell) were also fabricated. At 973 K, the non-ohmic area specific resistance (ASR) of PCFC (0.09 Ω cm²) was much smaller than that of the YSZ cell (0.28 Ω cm²) although the protonic conductivity of BCZY-Zn was slightly smaller than the oxygen ion conductivity of YSZ. According to the analysis of the symmetric cells with BCZY-Zn as an electrolyte, the LSV-composite anode showed better performance than the LSF-composite cathode at low temperatures.     

A fuel cell operating between room temperature and 250 °C based on a new phosphoric acid based composite electrolyte

A phosphoric acid based composite material with core-shell microstructure has been developed to be used as a new electrolyte for fuel cells. A fuel cell based on this electrolyte can operate at room temperature indicating leaching of H₃PO₄ with liquid water is insignificant at room temperature. This will help to improve the thermal cyclability of phosphoric acid based electrolyte to make it easier for practical use. The conductivity of this H₃PO₄-based electrolyte is stable at 250 °C with addition of the hydrophilic inorganic compound BPO₄ forming a core-shell microstructure which makes it possible to run a PAFC at a temperature above 200 °C. The core-shell microstructure retains after the fuel cell measurements. A power density of 350 mW/cm² for a H₂/O₂ fuel cell has been achieved at 200 °C. The increase in operating temperature does not have significant benefit to the performance of a H₂/O₂ fuel cell. For the first time, a composite electrolyte material for phosphoric acid fuel cells which can operate in a wide range of temperature has been evaluated but certainly further investigation is required.     

Impact of coal quality on the cost of electrical power generation: A technoeconomic model

The paper describes a computer based technoeconomic model that can accurately predict the impact of coal quality and other key variables on the busbar cost of electricity generated by new power plants. The model, IMPACT, focuses on the four major cost sectors of the coal-to-electricity chain: transportation, power plant, post combustion particulate and SO₂ emission controls, and waste disposal. Technically and economically established technologies in each sector are included in the model to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of possible strategies. The user can select any combination of these technologies and evaluate the consequent impact on the busbar cost of electricity. Different strategies can be examined by selecting different options or through sensitivity analyses by changing coal or system parameters. IMPACT is structured to reflect regional and national cost differences by the use of appropriate cost indexes and site-specific cost parameters; it is, therefore, independent of location. IMPACT is a flexible and powerful decision making tool that can be used for a variety of purposes such as exploring the various avenues open to a utility in the selection of a coal supply, or evaluating various emission control and waste disposal strategies, energy supply alternatives and utility expansion options. The model can also be used to determine the realistic value of a coal and optimal beneficiation levels; it can therefore be used by coal producers in the preparation of competitive bids.     

A 500 W low-temperature thermoelectric generator: Design and experimental study

Most of the current thermal power-generation technologies must first convert thermal energy to mechanical work before producing electricity. In this study, a direct heat to electricity (DHE) technology using the thermoelectric effect, without the need to change through mechanical energy, was applied to harvest low-enthalpy thermal work. Such a power generation system has been designed and built using thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules. Experiments have been conducted to measure the output power at different conditions: different inlet temperature and temperature differences between hot and cold sides. TEG modules manufactured with different materials have also been tested. The power generator assembled with 96 TEG modules had an installed power of 500 W at a temperature difference of around 200 °C. An output power of over 160 W has been generated with a temperature difference of 80 °C. The power generated by the thermoelectric system is almost directly proportional to the temperature difference between the hot and the cold sides. The cost of the DHE power generator is lower than that of photovoltaics (PV) in terms of equivalent energy generated.     

Effects of salt composition on the electrical properties of samaria-doped ceria/carbonate composite electrolytes for low-temperature SOFCs

Samaria-doped ceria (SDC)/carbonate composite electrolytes were developed for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SDC powders were prepared by oxalate co-precipitation method and used as the matrix phase. Binary alkaline carbonates were selected as the second phase, including (Li–Na)₂CO₃, (Li–K)₂CO₃ and (Na–K)₂CO₃. AC conductivity measurements showed that the conductivities in air atmosphere depended on the salt composition. A sharp conductivity jump appeared at 475 °C and 450 °C for SDC/(Li–Na)₂CO₃ and SDC/(Li–K)₂CO₃, respectively. However, the conductivities of SDC/(Na–K)₂CO₃ increase linearly with temperature. Single cells based on above composite electrolytes were fabricated by dry-pressing and tested in hydrogen/air at 500–600 °C. A maximum power density of 600, 550 and 550 mW cm⁻² at 600 °C was achieved with SDC/(Li–Na)₂CO₃, SDC/(Li–K)₂CO₃ and SDC/(Na–K)₂CO₃ composite electrolyte, respectively, which we attribute to high ionic conductivities of these composite electrolytes in fuel cell atmosphere. We discuss the conduction mechanisms of SDC/carbonate composite electrolytes in different atmospheres according to defect chemistry theory.     

Wave energy resources in sheltered sea areas: A case study of the Baltic Sea

Wave energy is a renewable source, which has not yet been exploited to a large extent. So far the main focus of wave energy conversion has been on the large wave energy resources of the great oceans on northern latitudes. However, large portions of the world potential wave energy resources are found in sheltered waters and calmer seas, which often exhibit a milder, but still steady wave climate. Examples are the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean and the North Sea in Europe, and ocean areas closer to the equator. Many of the various schemes in the past consist of large mechanical structures, often located near the sea surface. In the present work we instead focus on wave power plants consisting of a number of small wave energy converters, forming large arrays. In this context, we look at advantageous arrangements of point absorbers, and discuss the potential of the Baltic Sea as a case study.