Search results for "Distribution networks"
showing 10 items of 62 documents
On the use of narrow band power line as communication technology for medium and low voltage smart grids
2012
The aim of this work is to perform a feasibility study on the power line communication for the development of a new generation of interface devices (IDs) for smart grid applications. More in detail, this paper deals with one of the most important issues on this topic which is the communication system. Among the existing communication technologies, the study is focused on power line communications (PLCs). After a analysis of the state of the art in the field, the main aspects are analyzed, concerning the open issues on the use of PLCs, especially for medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) systems. In this work the use of PLC in MV-LV networks is investigated, by means of simulations and ex…
Water losses dynamic modelling in water distribution networks
2015
In the last decades, one of the main concerns of the water system managers have been the minimisation of water losses, that frequently reach values of 30% or even 70% of the volume supplying the water distribution network. The economic and social costs associated with water losses in modern water supply systems are rapidly rising to unacceptably high levels. Furthermore, the problem of the water losses assumes more and more importance mainly when periods of water scarcity occur or when not sufficient water supply takes part in areas with fast growth. In the present analysis, a dynamic model was used for estimating real and apparent losses of a real case study. A specific nodal demand model …
Multi-objective strategies for management and design of distributed electric storage systems in a Mediterranean island
2013
The paper proposes an analytical study about the design and operation of distributed Electrical Storage Systems(ESS) in an active distribution network supplying a Mediterranean island, according to different criteria. The approach is based on the application of a multi-objective optimization algorithm (NSGA-II) that outputs a set of optimized schedules of the ESS in different configurations when operated according to different criteria (minimum energy losses in the grid, total generation cost, greenhouse gas emissions, limiting the fluctuations of the generation from fossil fuel plants). Moreover the variability of the voltage profile has been investigated also by a comparison with a refere…
Impact of integrating photovoltaic based DG on distribution network harmonics
2017
The process of integrating various distributed generation (DG) technologies in power system networks is increasing rapidly in the recent years. One major concern about the integration of DGs is their impact on network harmonics. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects caused by the integration of photovoltaic DG in distribution networks on system harmonics. The penetration level, number of DG units, and their location are used as parameters in order to verify the effects of DG on system harmonics. Moreover, a study of single and double tuned filters is conducted as harmonics mitigation techniques. Detailed simulations using Matlab/Simulink are inserted in order to explain and ve…
Hybrid passive and communications-based methods for islanding detection in medium and low voltage smart grids
2013
Islanding condition takes place when a distributed generator (DG) continues to power a part of the grid even if power from electric utility is no longer present. Adverse effects of islanding are power quality deterioration, grid-protection interference, equipment damage, and personnel safety hazards. For these reasons, DG systems must detect an islanding condition and immediately disconnect from the grid (anti-islanding protection). This paper proposes an hybrid solution, for both low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) applications, which makes use of passive and communication-based methods for islanding detection. Among the existing communication technologies, the study is focused on pow…
Flexible power converters for the fault tolerant operation of Micro-Grids
2010
The progressive penetration level of Distributed Generation (DG) is destined to cause deep changes in the existing distribution networks no longer considered as passive terminations of the whole electrical system. A possible solution is the realization of small networks, namely the Micro-Grids, reproducing in themselves the structure of the main production and distribution of the electrical energy system. In order to gain an adequate reliability level of the microgrids the individuation and the management of the faults with the goal of maintaining the micro-grid operation (fault tolerant operation) is quite important. In the present paper flexible power converters and a companion control al…
Optimal positioning of water quality sensors in water distribution networks: Comparison of numerical and experimental results
2017
In the water distribution networks, a deliberate or accidental contamination causes loss of water quality; the implementation of a real-time sensor network is essential to promptly detect the event of contamination. To achieve the optimum positioning of the probes, to reduce the cost of the instrumentation and maintenance, and obtaining, at the same time, a reliable monitoring of the system, optimization techniques are widely applied. In the present study, a numerical optimisation approach was compared with the results of an experimental campaign. The optimization problem is formulated in accordance with literature stateof- the-art, using the genetic algorithm NSGA-II coupled with a hydraul…
Integration Issues of Distributed Generators Considering Faults in Electrical Distribution Networks
2014
In the recent years there is a great interest in integration of distributed generation (DG) units at distribution level; this integration leads to planning as well as operational challenges. Some possibilities to handle grid planning issues are addressed in this paper. Effects on grid protection, fault current level, and voltage profile are investigated and described for different types of DG units; the classification of DG units is based on their terminal characteristics in terms of real and reactive power delivering capability. Different scenarios for mis-coordination problems caused by DG interconnection are discussed. The effect of the DG on the voltage profile of a distribution network…
Who uses intermediaries in international trade? Evidence from firm-level survey data
2011
The present paper uses data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey conducted in Turkey in 2005 to shed light on the firms which use intermediaries in international trade. It lends robust empirical support to recent theories which suggest that indirect exporters are mostly small firms which are not profitable enough to cover the high fixed costs of building their own distribution network abroad. Manufacturers which introduce entirely new products to foreign markets are more likely to use trade intermediaries, as are firms which produce low quality goods. In contrast, neither foreign ownership nor credit constraints are correlated with the choice of export mode. Moreover, firms which rely on t…
Distributed estimation and control of water distribution networks by logical consensus
2014
In this study we present a methodology for backflow detec- tion through the interpretation of results from a network of Automatic Meter Reading. The approach is based on the so– called logical consensus theory and consists of a distributed failure detection and system reconfiguration. The effective- ness of the proposed method is showed through simulation within a prototypical water distribution network.