Tomislav Bujanovic

An integrated dynamic scene algorithm for segmentation and motion estimation

Segmentation and motion estimation are two problems that require accurate estimation for many applications in computer vision and image analysis. This work presents a solution to these two problems simultaneously. Both the segmentation and motion fields are integrated and estimated in parallel to reduce computation time. The presented algorithm is based on producing motion estimates and restored pixel intensity values through an optimization process that uses deterministic mean-field annealing (MFA) framework. The MFA results at different temperature values are used to run a segmentation process using the concept of region-growing-based algorithm. The segmentation process starts at high temperatures and continues in parallel to the annealing process to refine the segmentation process at lower temperatures. The algorithm results are good and dependent on the annealing parameters. Several experimental results from synthetic and real-world sequences are presented.

Adaptive algorithm for microprocessor based distance relays in smart grid

Power grid reconfiguration requires appropriate intelligent optimization strategy, particularly during power system restoration. The complexity increases to develop strategy for implementing protection scheme taking into consideration the grid reconfiguration. It therefore needs innovative approach to help future power engineers to learn about protection relays in the ever growing complex power grid. In the graduate course “power system protection” at Syracuse University the students study implementation of modern microprocessor based protection relays in accordance to the surrounding system reconfiguration. Students run simulations under different fault conditions to visualize the impact of nature and location of the fault on the external measurements. Using an example of a single phase to ground fault in a transmission line between the two subsystems, students analyze, through simulations, the line impedance detected by the distance relay and develop the requirements for the distance relay parameter settings. In the next step the students study possible reconfiguration scenarios and analyze necessary distance relay parameter adjustments. We note how students perform numerical analysis and develop the requirements for the necessary adaptive changes in the relay algorithm to meet the application specifications, for example, in Zone 1 and Zone 2 transmission line protection when a loss of neutral grounding on one terminal of the transmission line occurs. Through these exercise, students get opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering in performing complex analysis for accurate data interpretation collected with a level of measurement uncertainty. In this article we will present some students works and discuss the effects of the strides we have made to improve the pedagogical aspect of teaching in response to changes in the power industry.

Status and opportunity for distributed energy resources and microgrids in meeting the New York State energy vision

The Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) program of the New York State (NYS) outlines a strategy to reach the goal of having 50% of the electric power by renewable energy resources by the year 2030. Now realising that this date is not that far away, it seemed appropriate that an interim evaluation of the progress that has been made should be done based on the available information. The review provides a clear picture of the advancement of inverter-based PV generation in the state of New York, how the state might use inverter-based solar to power residences, and the interconnection of microgrids. In this paper we present a summary of the findings that include lists of possible challenges in areas of the program. Our review indicates that a number of distributed generation resources is growing. But a lot more work needs to be done to include new technologies to reach the goal of non-carbon-based electric power system that would be able to meet the future electrical energy needs of the New York State safely and efficiently.

Evolving the electric utility distribution substation into a microgrid

There is a lot of conversation about microgrids and how they are the future. This seems to be a truth based upon the ever-increasing deployment of DER worldwide. And when the microgrids are described they are typically shown as a self-healing network with a topography that creates a loop of some kind. This might be a great design for new feeder installations, but it would probably mean a lot of additional construction for the existing infrastructure of substations and feeders. In this paper, we review the concept of a microgrid and examine how the existing operational feeders should be completed based upon actual load measurement data. This includes an investigation on how photovoltaic-specific resources would support the feeder for eventual transformation of the feeder into a sustainable microgrid. The simulations show how appropriate deployment of distributed energy resources (DER) will actually harden feeders and substations. However, it should be noticed that the current DER policies of many US States reduce the microgrid potentials to become fully exploited. The result of this paper offers additional directions how to deploy DER on existing infrastructure in a thoughtful and practical manner.

Developing sensor and measurement T-shaped professional power engineering course

To meet the need of modern workplace, course and curriculum should be redesigned to provide students with the necessary depth of knowledge in a specific subject matter while helping them to acquire the breath in additional areas such as ability to communicate the technical knowledge and be able to work with others with different background. This type of course structure will help students to acquire the qualities and skills required of T-shaped professionals. We have developed a course on Sensor and Measurements course to promote the development of T-shaped professional power engineers. The course structure consists of class room lectures followed by laboratory experiments and demonstrations to reinforce principles discussed in class. Test exams, home-works, and survey results show a trend towards increased student understanding of sensors used in power engineering as well as measurements of power parameters and interpretation of measured data. Students show better understanding of the economic, social and environmental impacts of available data quality for power system observability. Hands-on experience during laboratory experiments and demonstrations as well as the design project related to power system helped promote T-shaped professional development of the students. In this presentation we will discuss course structure followed by students work to demonstrate the effect of the approach towards promoting T-shaped professional power engineers.

A comparison of NYS utilities' approaches to integrate distributed energy resources and the penetration over time

The Reforming the Energy Vision, is an ambitious project initiated by NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2015 to, in part, integrate Distributed Energy Resources, in an effort to transform New York States electric transmission and distribution system for the 21st Century. One aspect of the program has placed the integration of Solar & Wind power generation projects on to the Operating Companies Networks into high gear. Even with NYS statutes on how the Utilities are to accept all qualified electric generators into their systems, there still remains some discretion in how the individual Utilities may accomplish this effort. Consequently, each Operating Company may have a set of rules and regulations as to how the connection shall be made. This leads to more questions than answers. To gain knowledge about different aspects of the project we started to learn more detail about the project and various potential approaches to get to the goal. We are also studying variations in the imperative system parameters before and after distributed integration. In this presentation we will present our initial study on some approaches and critical parameters that we think are important for the system design based upon the regulations from the NYS Department of Public Service. Discussion will also include technologies, design approaches and challenges to determine the practicality and feasibility of distributed integration in a power system from an economic as well as operational point of view.

Segmentation via annealed motion estimates

A segmentation and motion estimation are two problems that require accurate estimation for many applications in computer vision and image analysis. In this paper, an algorithm that is based on motion information and restored spatial information to segment the scene is presented. This algorithm has minimum dependency on noisy data and the motion vectors are estimated using a deterministic mean field annealing (MFA) framework. The algorithms results are very good using synthetic and real world sequences.