E. Riva Sanseverino

Reconfiguration Techniques of Partial Shaded PV Systems for the Maximization of Electrical Energy Production

In this paper, the research of the optimal layout of photovoltaic (PV) modules in a PV array giving the maximum output power under different shaded working conditions is carried out. The particular condition of non uniform solar exposition of the modules is analyzed. The study of the different configurations has been carried out starting from a circuital model used for the design of PV cells and for the simulation of the working behavior of PV arrays. The attained results appear to be interesting although the complexity of the problem in mathematical terms is huge when the number of panels is high. Moreover, the results confirm that this approach often allows to attain a higher electrical energy production compared to that attainable with PV arrays with a static layout.

Multiobjective service restoration in distribution networks using an evolutionary approach and fuzzy sets

Abstract In this article, the service restoration (SR) problem in electrical distribution networks is dealt with using an evolutionary strategy (ES) with a fuzzy definition of the conflicting objectives. The normal operation status allows the remote control of tie-switches, of capacitor banks and load connection. When a permanent fault occurs, the same remote control actions can be performed with the aim of restoring the service in the concerned areas. The status of these remotely controllable elements is the boolean optimisation variables for the SR problem. Besides this, here the SR problem is dealt with in a multiple objectives (MO) formulation. Indeed, the power losses’ term is considered as a further objective to be minimised, together with the primary objective of maximising the number of supplied loads. Generally, the MO formulation of an optimisation problem requires a unique expression for the global objective function. In this particular case, the used ES approach necessarily requires the definition of a ‘global performance’ index, which is derived on the basis of the fuzzy sets theory, outperforming the weighed sum formulation of the same problem. After a brief discussion on the SR problem and a short review of the state-of-art on the topic, the proposed ES and the fuzzy MO formulation of the SR problem is presented in detail. Results obtained using this procedure applied to a test system are presented and discussed.

Service restoration in compensated distribution networks using a hybrid genetic algorithm

In this paper a genetic algorithm (GA) based approach to the service restoration (SR) problem in automated distribution networks is presented. Normal operation within the network comprises both automatic reconfiguration and compensation so as to reduce power losses, allow load balancing and improve the voltage profile. In the restorative state, the reconfiguration is performed together with compensation, taking mainly into account the load supply requirement and secondarily, the losses reduction requirement. After a general discussion on the restoration problem together with a short review of recent papers on the topic, a solution strategy is proposed. Then, a short account about classical GA searching mechanism is reported in order to emphasize the difficulties arising from the application of a classical GA to the restoration problem. Therefore, the hybridization strategy of the GA is presented in depth, with particular regard to the description of some new operators, of the objective function and of the constraints expression. Finally, test results and concluding remarks are reported.

Adaptive and Dynamic Ant Colony Search Algorithm for Optimal Distribution Systems Reinforcement Strategy

The metaheuristic technique of Ant Colony Search has been revised here in order to deal with dynamic search optimization problems having a large search space and mixed integer variables. The problem to which it has been applied is an electrical distribution systems management problem. This kind of issues is indeed getting increasingly complicated due to the introduction of new energy trading strategies, new environmental constraints and new technologies. In particular, in this paper, the problem of finding the optimal reinforcement strategy to provide reliable and economic service to customers in a given time frame is investigated. Utilities indeed need efficient software tools to take decisions in this new complex scenario. In past times, utilities project the load growth for several years and then estimate when the capacity limit will be exceeded. Designers then consider some feasible alternatives and select the optimal one in terms of performance and costs. In this paper, the Distributed Generation, DG, technology considered in compound solutions with the installation of feeder and substations is viewed as a new option for solving distribution systems capacity problems, along several years. The objective to be minimized is therefore the overall cost of distribution systems reinforcement strategy in a given timeframe. An application on a medium size network is carried out using the proposed technique that allows the identification of optimal paths in extremely large or non-finite spaces. The proposed algorithm uses an adaptive parameter in order to push exploration or exploitation as the search procedure stops in a local minimum. The algorithm allows the easy investigation of these kinds of complex problems, and allows to make useful comparisons as the intervention strategy and type of DG sources vary.

Robust multi-objective optimal dispatch of distributed energy resources in micro-grids

Modern distribution systems are implemented through micro grids: small power networks where generation is close to consumption and ICT supports the coordinated management of the different energy resources. In such systems, the central control unit manages energy dispatch from the different sources according to different criteria (technical, economical and environmental) and takes care of tertiary regulation. Such optimization for the tertiary regulation is performed with a time interval that typically is of 24 hours. This is due to the fact that it is necessary to take into account the charge and discharge cycles of storage systems. On the other hand, such long time leads to large errors in the prediction of energy generation and consumption. In this paper an algorithmic approach allows to overcome this problem. It is indeed possible to integrate uncertainty within the problem formulation attaining a dispatch plan for all the energy sources that will not lead to constraints violations even if the objective functions variables and parameters are affected by uncertainty. The results on a medium size system show the ease and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

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.

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

Purpose – Identify a new methodology for fault characterization, identification and location in electrical distribution systems, based on the use of matrix algebra.Design/methodology/approach – The developed diagnostic methodology is based on a high precision analytical model of the network using a distributed parameters representation.Findings – Test 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/implications – Generalization to a greater number of fault cases, experimental tests.Practical implications – Utilities are quite interested in such items, since the new required quality standards put severe constraints on faults management and clearance. On the other hand, the system requires a rather complete measurement equipment of secondary substations.Originality/value – The paper presents a new diagnostic technique for faults identification, location and characterization...

Current and voltage behaviour during a fault in a HV/MV system: Methods and measurements

When a single line to ground fault happens on the MV side of a HV/MV system, only a small portion of the fault current is injected into the ground by the ground-grid of the faulty substation. In fact the fault current is distributed between grounding electrodes and MV cables sheaths. In systems with isolated neutral or with resonant earthing this may be sufficient to provide safety from electric shock. Experimental measurements were performed on a real MV distribution network: a real single line to ground fault was made and fault currents were measured in the faulty substation and in four neighbouring substations. In this paper the problem of fault current distribution is introduced, the test system is described and the measurements results are presented.

Optimal set points regulation of distributed generation units in micro-grids under islanded operation

The present work studies the problem of optimizing the power production levels of dispersed generation units in islanded microgrids. The problem is intrinsically multi-objective with non linear objectives and constraints, thus the solution approach is based on evolutionary optimization and uses the Non dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II. The objectives are calculated based on the solution of the load flow problem. The latter problem is more complicated when in the considered system a physical node with a sufficiently large production capability is not available, because all the generation node of the systems have similar and limited generation capability. In this paper, the issue has been solved including into the optimization string also the slack bus identifier. This idea, together with the use of a suitable multiobjective technique, allows to reach interesting results and to optimally dispatch the power from the different generating units.

A practical method to test the safety of HV/MV substation Grounding Systems

The adequacy of a Grounding System (GS) to the safety conditions has to be periodically tested by measurements. The test methods and techniques used to verify the electrical characteristics of the GS include the measurements of step and touch voltages. The goal of the test is to verify that touch voltage and step voltage remain below a safe value in all the zones of the installation. The measurements can present some operational difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to present the procedure, step-by-step, of a practical method of measuring touch/step voltages in grounding systems located in urban or industrial areas with reduced accessibility. The suggested method uses auxiliary current electrodes located at short distances. This paper demonstrates by test measurements done in a real case that the method provides conservative results.