M.L. Di Silvestre

A simulation model for electromagnetic transients in lightning protection systems

This paper deals with the evaluation of electromagnetic transients in a lightning protection system (LPS). A field approach is used, based on the numerical solution of a modified version of the thin-wire electric field integral equation in the frequency domain. Time profiles of interesting electromagnetic quantities are computed by using a discrete fast Fourier transform algorithm. The model takes into account coupling effects among aerial parts and ground electrodes in order to correctly estimate the quantities which can determine electromagnetic hazard inside the LPS; transient touch and step voltages can be easily evaluated also taking into account the human body presence on the soil surface. To this purpose, a crucial point is the accurate evaluation of the current distribution among the earthed branches of the LPS and this needs to correctly consider mutual electromagnetic interference among the aerial parts and the earth-termination system of the same LPS. A suitable approach to consider the lossy soil is employed. Validation of the proposed model is performed by comparing the results with those measured and computed available in technical literature. Simulation examples related to realistic LPS structures are presented and discussed to show the flexibility and the accuracy of the model in the range of practical applications inside the volume to be protected.

An advanced numerical model in solving thin-wire integral equations by using semi-orthogonal compactly supported spline wavelets

In this paper, the semi-orthogonal compactly supported spline wavelets are used as basis functions for the efficient solution of the thin-wire electric field integral equation (EFIE) in frequency domain. The method of moments (MoM) is used via the Galerkin procedure. Conventional MoM directly applied to the EFIE, leads to dense matrix which often becomes computationally intractable when large-scale problems are approached. To overcome these difficulties, wavelets can be used as a basis set so obtaining the generation of a sparse matrix; this is due to the local supports and the vanishing moments properties of the wavelets. In the paper, this technique is applied to analyze electromagnetic transients in a lightning protection systems schematized as a thin-wire structure. The study is carried out in frequency domain; a discrete fast Fourier transform algorithm can be used to compute time profiles of the electromagnetic interesting quantities. The unknown longitudinal currents are expressed by using multiscale wavelet expansions. Thus, the thin-wire EFIE is converted into a matrix equation by the Galerkin method. Results for linear spline wavelets along with their comparison with conventional MoM that uses triangular basis functions and the point matching procedure are presented, for two case studies. Good agreement has been reached with a strong reduction of the computational complexity.

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.

Wavelet-based efficient simulation of electromagnetic transients in a lightning protection system

In this paper, a wavelet-based efficient simulation of electromagnetic transients in a lightning protection systems (LPS) is presented. The analysis of electromagnetic transients is carried out by employing the thin-wire electric field integral equation in frequency domain. In order to easily handle the boundary conditions of the integral equation, semiorthogonal compactly supported spline wavelets, constructed for the bounded interval [0,1], have been taken into account in expanding the unknown longitudinal currents. The integral equation is then solved by means of the Galerkin method. As a preprocessing stage, a discrete wavelet transform is used in order to efficiently compress the Fourier spectrum of the waveform, used as the current source that directly strikes the LPS. Time profiles of electromagnetic quantities are then obtained by using an inverse discrete fast Fourier transform algorithm. The model has been validated by comparing the results with computed and measured data found in technical literature. A good agreement has been found with a significant computational reduction.

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.

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.

Influence of LV neutral grounding on global Earthing Systems

International Standards define a Global Earthing System as an earthing net created interconnecting local Earthing Systems (generally through the shield of MV cables and/or bare buried conductors). In Italy, the regulatory authority for electricity and gas requires distributors to guarantee the electrical continuity of LV neutral conductor. This requirement has led to the standard practice of realizing “reinforcement groundings” along the LV neutral conductor path and at users’ delivery cabinet. Moreover, in urban high-load scenarios (prime candidates to be part of a Global Earthing System), it is common that LV distribution scheme creates, through neutral conductors, an effective connection between grounding systems of MV/LV substations, modifying Global Earthing System consistency. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect, in terms of electrical safety, of the aforementioned LV neutral distribution scheme when an MV-side fault to ground occurs. For this purpose, simulations are carried out on a realistic urban test case and suitable evaluation indexes are proposed.

Energy efficient operation in smart grids: Optimal management of shiftable loads and storage systems

In this paper, the authors analyze the impact of the participation of customers to the sustainable implementation of energy rational strategies in microgrids. The management of shiftable loads is compared to the control of real and reactive storage systems in smart grids. An optimization algorithm is used as analysis tool to assess the impact of such control variables in different conditions. The results clearly indicate that if shiftable loads are of suitable size, they have a more promising as tools to both reduce losses and to flatten the peak load through the HV/MV bus. Many tests have been carried out on a real experimental MV system in the area of Rome Italy.