Financial measures for supporting wind power systems in Europe: A comparison between green tags and feed’in tariffs

Distributed Generation demonstrates to be able to significantly influence the electric power system, bringing considerable benefits to the quality of service and improving the energetic efficiency of the distribution network. In particular, in the last few years, Distributed Generation from renewable energy sources is considerably increased thanks to the many support policies promoted worldwide with the aim of facing the environmental issue and the problem of the permanent rise of prices of the fossil energy. In this contest, after a brief review on the financing strategies carried out in Europe in the last decade for promoting the recourse to renewable energy, the paper presents a comparis…

The Quest for Global Safety

The authors present a systematic study on the factors that have influence on the establishment of the safety conditions ensuring the rise of Global Earthing Systems. Starting from the definition of Global Earthing System given by CENELEC Document HD 637 SI and from the results of the studies done on the last years on the interconnected earthing systems inside MV networks, the paper proposes some directions of deepening on the topic of Global Safety. Some of the themes whom the paper deals with are: the correct definition of proximity, interconnection and quasi-equipotentiality of the earth electrodes belonging to a Global Earthing System; the influence of the presence of HV/MV stations on h…

An analysis of feed’in tariffs for solar PV in six representative countries of the European Union

Abstract In this paper, after a brief review on the main support policies for Photovoltaic (PV) systems in Europe, the specific situations of six representative countries (France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and the U.K.) are examined, with the purpose of highlighting the main differences in the implementation of the feed’in tariff (FiT) support policies adopted for PV systems. In particular, a comparison based on the calculation of economic indexes, as the Discounted Cash Flows (DCF), the Pay-Back-Period (PBP), the Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), for different sized PV systems shows that a specific FiT can sometimes be inconvenient for the producer and that…

Simple Circuit Models for Studying Global Earthing Systems

The paper proposes three simple circuit models for the simulation of the behaviour of a global earthing system during different fault events. The models allow one the evaluation of the maximum earth potential rise at every possible fault location and for every possible fault event. The three considered fault events are: single-line-to-earth fault inside a MV/LV substation, double-earth-fault in a MV line, single-line-to-earth fault inside a HV/MV station. After having illustrated the hypotheses at the basis of the study, the circuit models for the three fault events are presented and a numerical example shows how to use them in order to check the "global safety" of the interconnected earthi…

DOUBLE EARTH FAULT EFFECTS IN PRESENCE OF INTERCONNECTED EARTH ELECTRODES

The paper presents a study on the effects of double earth faults in Medium Voltage (MV) networks, in presence of electrical interconnection of the earthing systems of the secondary substations. In urban areas, indeed, the earth electrodes of the secondary substations are interconnected and, in many cases, they are also connected to the earth electrodes of the primary stations, in order to realize quasi-equipotential surfaces, intrinsically safe against electric shocks, named Global Earthing Systems (GES). The concept of GES has been introduced in the technical literature ten years ago in the Document HD 637 S1 by CENELEC, with the aim of providing a solution to the problems of designing and…

An optimized diagnostic architecture for real-time monitoring of MV networks

Due to the electrical energy market liberalization, the Authority for electrical energy and gas (AEEG) in Italy and the other regulatory organizations in other European countries have concentrated their attention on the quality of the electrical service. One of the aspect of major importance in the definition of the quality of a public service is its continuity. In the aim of regulating this field the Authority has defined some continuity indicators, for example the number of interruptions per year and the cumulate duration of the interruptions per year. Recent statistics on these indicator show that the 80% of the number of interruptions in one year is caused by MV network. For this reason…

A study of the behaviour of earth electrodes connected together in resonant earthed neutral systems

Inside urban areas the earth electrodes of the MV/lv substations are often electrically connected together so as to form a single extended earthing system. The advantages of the realization of an extended earthing system are the reduction of the current that each substation earth electrode injects in the soil during the fault and a better uniformity of the voltages to earth inside the urban area. In previous works, models for the study of extended earthing systems have been proposed. These models were valid for the case of single-line-to earth fault in isolated neutral MV networks. In this paper, the extended earthing system is analyzed in the case of a resonant earthed neutral MV network. …

A generalized methodology for distribution systems faults identification, location and characterization

Service continuity is of basic importance in the definition of the quality of the electrical energy, for this reason, the research in the field of faults diagnostic for distribution systems is spreading ever more. In this paper, a new methodology for diagnostic management of automated distribution systems is presented. The technique is based on the solution of a circuital model of the electrical system resulting from the composition of distributed parameters quadripoles. The solution gives as a result the identification of the type of fault, of its characteristic parameters and location. The paper shows an application to line to line grounded and ungrounded faults in which also its precisio…

Considering safety issues in minimum losses reconfiguration for MV distribution networks

This paper offers a new perspective over the traditional problem of the multiobjective optimal reconfiguration of electrical distribution systems in regular working state. The issue is indeed here formulated including also safety issues. Indeed, dimensioning the earth electrodes of their own secondary substations, distribution companies take into account the probable future configurations of the network due to transformations of overhead lines into cable lines or realization of new lines. On the contrary, they do not consider that, during normal working conditions. the structure of the network can be modified for long periods as a consequence of reconfiguration manoeuvres, with differences …

EVOLUTIVE ALGORITHMS FOR OPTIMAL SIZING OF HYDROGEN STORAGE FOR WIND FARMS

A mathematical approach for studying interconnected earthing systems inside MV networks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define a new methodology for studying interconnected earthing system inside unearthed medium voltage (MV) networks.Design/methodology/approachThe developed methodology is based on the division of the MV network into simpler sub‐systems and its resolution using a multiport approach.FindingsThe methodology has been applied to various situations giving precious information on the behaviour of the interconnected earthing systems. The comparison between the results of the simulations and measurements done on a really existing network has shown that the methodology is able to provide accurate results.Research limitations/implicationsSome factors can influenc…

A Method to Evaluate Voltages to Earth During an Earth Fault in an HV Network in a System of Interconnected Earth Electrodes of MV/LV Substations

An easy and swift method to evaluate, in a system of interconnected earth electrodes, earth potentials on earthing systems of medium-voltage/low-voltage (MV/LV) substations, in an event of single-line-to-earth fault inside a high-voltage/medium- voltage (HV/MV) station, is presented. The advantage of the method is the simplicity of the mathematical model for solving complex systems of any size with a sufficient accuracy for practical purposes. This paper shows the results of simulations, performed on networks with different extensions and characteristics, organized in easy-to-read graphs and tables. A comparison of these results with the values obtained according to the procedure explained …

A study on the use of bare buried conductors in an extended interconnection of earthing systems inside a MV network

In the field of electrical safety an important topic is the transmission of voltages, during an earth fault, inside an extended interconnection of local earthing systems. The paper presents a study, with reference to the MV networks, about those systems where the interconnection between the earth electrodes of the electrical installations is carried out using bare buried conductors. Starting from the description of the circuital model of a bare buried conductor interconnecting together the earth electrodes of two MV/lv substations, the mathematical model of the whole interconnected earthing system is found. Finally, the results of some simulations, giving the distribution of the fault curre…

Economic impact of Ice Thermal Energy Storage Systems in residential buildings in presence of double-tariffs contracts for electricity

Thermal energy storage is one of the most important methods of demand-side load management, thanks to the capacity of reducing significantly the peak power demand for air conditioning in buildings. Thermal Energy Storage Systems (TESS) are indeed used for producing and storing cooling capacity during off-peak hours (in particular during night hours) to meet the following day's air conditioning requirements. The current paper presents a study on the effects of the installation of Ice TESS for cooling on the power daily profile of residential buildings, and examines the economic repercussions on the electricity billing. With reference to this second theme, the paper examines, in particular, t…

Comparative analysis of different supporting measures for the production of electrical energy by solar PV and Wind systems: Four representative European cases

Abstract In the 9th of March 2007, the European Council decided a fixing goal of 20% contribution of the renewable energy sources (RES) on the total European electric energy production in 2020. In order to reach such an ambitious goal, all the European countries are adopting different support policies for encouraging the installations of RES-based generation systems. In this paper, after a brief review on the main support policies for RES in Europe, the specific situations of four representative countries (France, Germany, Italy and Spain) are examined, with the purpose of putting into evidence the main differences in the support policies adopted for Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind systems. In p…

The Global Grounding System: Definitions and guidelines

The present paper presents the preliminary results of the ongoing Italian METERGLOB project on the contribution given by the exposed conductive parts to a Global Grounding System. One of the expected results of METERGLOB is to carry out guidelines for the identification of a Global Grounding System. These guidelines must be defined on the basis of the definitions and methods present in the current international standards on grounding and safety. In the paper some definitions and elements to be taken into account for the identification of a Global Grounding System are given.

Earthing system’s design in presence of non-uniform soil

The authors propose a practical approach for facing the problem of the design of the earthing systems in two-layer soils. The approach is based on the calculation of an equivalent resistivity of the non-uniform soil through which the designer can treat this one as it was uniform. The purpose of the Authors is to provide an innovative simple method and some easy-to-use graphs for an easy earthing systems' design in two-layer soils.

Results of the research on global earthing systems: A contribution to the problem of their identification

The paper presents a study on the factors that can have influence on the rise of a Global Earthing System. The first part of the work deals with: - the definition of proximity, interconnection and quasi-equipotential; - the influence of the presence of HV/MV stations on the dangerous voltages and on the permissible voltage limits; - the dependence of the hazardous condition for persons on the different kind of fault; - the effects on safety of the coexistence of HV, MV and LV systems. In the second part, starting from the discussion on the themes above-mentioned and on the results of the studies, measurement campaigns and simulations on interconnected earthing systems done in the last fifte…

Practical tables for the design of the grounding systems in distribution networks in presence of metallic interconnection

The present paper deals with the dependence of the ground current, due to a single-line-to-ground fault in a secondary substation, on the electrical and geometrical parameters of a Medium Voltage distribution network in which a metallic interconnection between the grounding systems is realized. Examining different situations, some easy-to-use tables are provided for a practical approach to the design of the ground electrodes of the secondary substations in these networks. The relevance of the work is due to the lack in the international standards of specific indications on how to consider the presence of the interconnection elements in distribution networks.

Analysis of Interconnected Earthing Systems of MV/LV Substations in Urban Areas

The paper proposes a study of the fault current distribution in an extended interconnection of earthing systems, belonging to secondary substations, during a single-line-to-earth fault. By applying the analysis methodology defined by the same authors in some previous works, the paper shows how the value of some important geometrical and electrical parameters of a MV network can influence the value of the earth current at the fault location.

A simple unsynchronized two‐end algorithm for faults location and identification in electrical distribution systems

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify a new and simple two‐end algorithm for fault location identification and characterization, in electrical distribution systems.Design/methodology/approachThe developed diagnostic algorithm is based on a simple model of the network using a lumped parameters representation.FindingsTest results have proved the approach to be efficient, allowing a precise fault identification and location while not requiring synchronized measures from the two ends.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for measurement systems at all MV/LV substations.Practical implicationsApplicability with limited investments is not possible where metering systems are no…

A new model for a safety analysis in a system of earthing systems interconnected through bare‐buried conductors

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model for studying the effects of the interconnection through bare‐buried conductors (BBC) of the secondary substations' earthing system of an urban area.Design/methodology/approachThe developed methodology is based on three main points: the solution of the transmission lines' equations for the formulation of a lumped parameters model of a BBC considering the conductive effect; the division of the distribution network into simpler sub‐systems; and the calculation of all the voltages and currents of the medium voltage (MV) network and of the earthing systems using a multiport approach.FindingsThe methodology has been applied to va…

Applicational Aspects of a New Diagnostic Methodology for Fault Location in MV Networks: Problems, Solutions and Improvements

The electrical energy market liberalization has encouraged utilities to make new investments at distribution level so as to attain higher quality levels. Service continuity is one of the aspects of greater importance in the definition of the quality of the electrical energy, for this reason, the research in the field of faults diagnostic for distribution systems is spreading ever more. The Authors have just developed a new methodology for diagnostic management of automated distribution systems. The technique is based on the use of circuital models of the electrical system resulting from the composition of quadripoles. In this paper, after a brief description of the proposed approach, the is…

Risk indexes for studying interconnected earthing systems inside MV networks

The paper presents a risk-evaluation-based approach to the issue of interconnection between the earth electrodes of the MV/LV substations within MV networks. After a short introduction on the interconnection between earthing systems, the paper proposes four risk indexes defined starting from the safety requirements given by CENELEC HD 63 7 S1. The indexes allow one to put in evidence, in a clear way, the benefits of the interconnection in terms of reduction of risk of critical electric shock for persons and of stress on the insulation of the LV devices in the presence of single line to earth faults and double earth faults inside MV/LV substations and single line to earth faults inside HV/MV…

A New Protection Strategy for Electrical Distribution Systems

In this paper, the authors propose a new protection strategy for electrical Medium Voltage distribution networks, based on a distributed intelligence system composed of a central unit and of many local processing units. The distributed intelligence system can precisely identify and locate faults in suitably limited times. Each local processing unit is composed of a data acquisition system and a data analysis system. The first allows the accurate reconstruction of the fundamental using only 1.5 cycles of under fault transient electrical quantities. The second performs suitably precise on-line fault diagnosis based on the data provided by the data acquisition module. The data acquisition algo…

A model for considering proximity effect on bare buried conductors connecting together MV/LV substations' earth electrodes

An analysis methodology to evaluate the contribution to electrical security given by bare buried conductors in a system of intertied earthing grids

The paper presents an analysis methodology for a single-line-to-ground fault, occurring at a secondary MV/LV substation in a power network formed by a HV/MV station, feeding, through a MV tri-phase cable line, N MV/LV substations whose earth electrodes are interconnected by bare buried conductors. In the preliminary explanation of the methodology, earth buried conductors are studied in their double function of earth electrodes and connection elements between earthing grids, both in absence and in presence of other interfering conductors. Subsequently analyzed is, with a distributed parameters approach, the system constituted by an earth buried conductor and a MV tri-phase cable line. The eq…

La terra deviata

Feed-in Tariffs for Grid-connected PV Systems: The Situation in the European Community

Distributed generation demonstrates to be able to significantly influence the electric power system bringing considerable benefits to the quality of service and improving the energetic efficiency of the distribution network. In particular, in the last few years, distributed generation from renewable sources is considerably increased thanks to the many support policies promoted worldwide with the aim of facing the environmental issue and the problem of the permanent rise of prices of the fossil energy. In this contest the paper presents a study of the "feed-in tariffs" financing measure carried out, at present, in many European countries and responsible of the increase in these last years of…

Optimal Sizing and Siting of Distributed Energy Resources Considering Public and Private Incentive Policies

The present work presents the formulation and solution approach for the problem of optimal sizing and siting of distributed energy resources based on Photovoltaic, PV, technology. The considered system is an isolated grid (small island) and the parts involved are the utility and the customers. As it happens in islands, the same utility generates and delivers energy to customers, for this reason, the installation of dispersed generation units is beneficial for reducing power losses, regularizing the voltage profile, but also for increasing the profit. The problem is solved by means of the Non dominated sorting Genetic Algorithm II, NSGA-II, identifying the optimal size and location of PV sys…

An efficient diagnostic technique for distribution systems based on under fault voltages and currents

Service continuity is one of the major aspects in the definition of the quality of the electrical energy, for this reason the research in the field of faults diagnostic for distribution systems is spreading ever more. Moreover the increasing interest around modern distribution systems automation for management purposes gives faults diagnostics more tools to detect outages precisely and in short times. In this paper, the applicability of an efficient fault location and characterization methodology within a centralized monitoring system is discussed. The methodology, appropriate for any kind of fault, is based on the use of the analytical model of the network lines and uses the fundamental co…

Multiobjective Optimal Reconfiguration of MV Networks with Different Earthing Systems

The paper deals with the traditional problem of multiobjective optimal reconfiguration applied to power distribution systems considering the safety issue in the formulation. The applications are devoted to the solution of the posed problem in networks in which coexist energy sources with unearthed neutral point and resonant earthed neutral point. After a brief review of the most recent papers on optimal reconfiguration, the paper outlines the safety problem and provides a solution to the multiobjective problem using the Non dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II aiming at: minimal power losses operation, safety check at distribution substations and load balancing among the HV/MV transformer…

A new methodology for distribution systems faults identification, location and characterization

PurposeIdentify a new methodology for fault characterization, identification and location in electrical distribution systems, based on the use of matrix algebra.Design/methodology/approachThe developed diagnostic methodology is based on a high precision analytical model of the network using a distributed parameters representation.FindingsTest results have proved the approach to be efficient and precise, while providing a generalized quadripolar model of a line affected by the most common kinds of fault.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralization to a greater number of fault cases, experimental tests.Practical implicationsUtilities are quite interested in such items, since the new requir…

An Improved Approach to the Simulation of Single-Line-to-Ground Faults in Transmission Networks

These paper presents a mathematical model for studying the Single-Line-to-Ground fault in transmission networks, giving a personal contribution for a methodical and accurate analysis of complex systems, by providing an evolution of the “circuital method” able to solve the case of a system in which more than one line supply the fault.

Faults identification, location and characterization in electrical systems using an analytical model-based approach

The start of the electrical energy market has encouraged distributors to make new investments at distribution level so as to attain higher quality levels. The service continuity is one of the aspects of greater importance in the definition of the quality of the electrical energy. For this reason, the research in the field of fault diagnostic for distribution systems is spreading ever more. This paper presents a novel methodology to identify, locate and characterize the faulty events in the electrical distribution systems. The methodology can be extended to all types of faulty events and is applicable to reconfigurable systems. After having described the guidelines of the methodology, the Au…

Reliability Analysis of a Stand-Alone PV System for the Supply of a Remote Electric Load

The work presents a reliability analysis of a stand-alone photovoltaic system for the supply of electric loads located in remote areas not easily reachable by the low voltage distribution network. The analysis is performed by characterizing the electric load behavior by means of a Montecarlo approach for taking into account the stochastic variability of the electrical energy demand. A Montecarlo approach is used also for evaluating the electricity production of the stand alone photovoltaic system as a function of the hourly solar irradiation of the installation site. The variability both of the load and of the energy production are correlated and the probability that the load can remain uns…