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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "F1: Electrical Power System".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2022) | Viewed by 18564

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Prof. Dr. Tomasz Popławski

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Department of Electrical Engineering, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: energy; power system analysis; electrical power engineering; power system simulation; photovoltaics; power system modelling; power engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editor is inviting submissions for a Special Issue of Energies entitled “Improvement of the Electricity Power System”. The increasingly dynamically developing energy sector adopts new mechanisms and solutions that allow for its effective functioning in a more flexible way. Even a dozen years ago, combining the operation of dozens of power plants using RES with energy consumers seemed too difficult a task, if only because the goals of the producer and consumer groups are different.

With the dynamic development of technology and global trends, the existence of virtual power plants seems to be an increasingly economic solution. It guarantees, among other things, stability of the energy supply from renewable sources, while maintaining the ownership of production facilities. The goal of the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is the joint marketing of electricity and the flexibility of the entire group of connected units of energy-producing equipment. Any decentralized entity producing, storing or consuming electricity can become part of a VPP.

The main topics of interest of this Special Issue include:

Operation of various generation sources in a common VPP energy infrastructure;
Collective intelligence—collective action of decentralized units;
Virtual Power Plants and flexibility on the electricity market;
Energy storage as an element of VPP;
Software and IT dedicated to VPP;
Data processing methods in VPP;
Smart-Grid and Smart-Metering as an indispensable element of VPP;
Microgrid work (AC or DC) in the VPP infrastructure;
Prosumers and electricity consumers in VPP;
Ancillary services

Prof. Dr. Tomasz Popławski
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 6399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Studies of Energy Recovery in a BLDC Motor-Based Kinetic Energy Storage

by Patryk Gałuszkiewicz, Zbigniew Gałuszkiewicz and Janusz Baran

Energies 2022, 15(20), 7494; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207494 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

This paper presents research conducted on the development of an innovative system to increase the amount of energy recovered from a high-speed kinetic energy storage based on a three-phase permanent magnet brushless (PM BLDC) motor/generator (mogen) with a flywheel-shaped rotor, compared to the efficiency obtained for standard solutions with power electronics systems. This kinetic energy storage is currently under development. In the system presented in the paper, the regulated DC output voltage of the 6T thyristor bridge is controlled with a tolerance within ±10% of the reference voltage for a variable power load. The input voltage of the rectifier is a three-phase trapezoidal-shaped voltage from the rotating mogen, whose amplitude can vary from 0 to 650 V and frequency from 0 to 250 Hz voltage. The article presents example results of simulation tests of the mogen-based kinetic energy storage model with the thyristors’ firing angle control system. As part of the research, a prototype of the rectifier was built on a laboratory scale, to confirm the validity of the assumptions regarding the synchronization and control method of the bridge using a new design of the thyristor gate drivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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14 pages, 3791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Control of Road Luminaires—A Case Study on an Example of a Selected City in Poland

by Marek Kurkowski, Tomasz Popławski, Maciej Zajkowski, Bartosz Kurkowski and Michał Szota

Energies 2022, 15(15), 5378; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155378 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

According to various estimates, street lighting in Poland consumes between 1.500 and 2.500 GWh per year and is responsible for some greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation. Also on the basis of estimates, it is estimated that approximately 3.3 million road and street luminaires are used in Poland. The increase in electricity costs, on the one hand, and the technical possibilities in the field of lighting, on the other, force the search for new solutions aimed at saving during the operation of electrical devices and installations, including road lighting installations. One of the methods of saving electricity is to replace the luminaires with energy-saving ones with LED sources, but also with new sodium and metal halide sources. The latter solution is cheaper and allows us to keep existing poles, electrical installation and luminaire heads if their technical parameters have not been degraded. The new and already used luminaires with discharge sources can be used in road lighting, provided that they meet the requirements of Polish law and the EU regulations. Like luminaires with LED sources, they can have an adjustable value of the emitted luminous flux, which allows us to save electricity. One of the methods of saving electricity in road installations is their effective lighting control. Such control can take place at very different levels, from the manual setting of the required light intensity using dimmers to full automation taking into account other factors influencing the operation of the road lighting system, e.g., time of day, intensity of external light, presence of road users, weather conditions and others. The article describes both of the above-mentioned methods, describing their advantages and disadvantages on the basis of actual measurements of working road installations, and analyzes the annual operation of a modernized road lighting installation with automatic lighting control in one of the selected cities in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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20 pages, 8062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of a BESS Unit for Black Start and Seamless Islanding Operation

by Seyedmahdi Izadkhast, Rafael Cossent, Pablo Frías, Pablo García-González and Andrea Rodríguez-Calvo

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051736 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the overall performance of a battery energy storage system (BESS) during (I) grid-connected, (II) black start, and (III) islanded operating modes. To do so, firstly, a novel three-mode controller is proposed and developed. The proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is implemented, including the following three components: (1) inertia emulation, (2) frequency-active power and voltage-reactive power droops, and (3) secondary frequency and voltage controllers. Secondly, to effectively evaluate the proposed controller performance under various grid operating conditions during both black start and seamless transition to islanded operation, a set of comprehensive dynamic simulations using Matlab/Simulink is carried out. To this end, the sensitivity analyses on numerous grid operating parameters, such as pre-disturbance grid power, total installed BESS capacity, battery state of charge, unbalanced three-phase load flows, implemented power-frequency controller parameters, and distribution network types with various shares of dynamic and static loads, are performed. Thirdly, to practically improve the seamless transition performance enabling the demand response participation, a fast-controlled thermostatic load scheme is implemented. Simulation results show that the BESS unit using the proposed three-mode controller has great potential to successfully control the frequency and voltage within allowable limits during both islanding and black start modes over a wide range of grid operating conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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25 pages, 5553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passivity-Based Control of Water Pumping System Using BLDC Motor Drive Fed by Solar PV Array with Battery Storage System

by Ihor Shchur, Marek Lis and Yurii Biletskyi

Energies 2021, 14(23), 8184; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14238184 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

In remote locations, it is advisable to combine solar water pumping with electric energy storage and power supply for other forms of consumption. In such complex systems, individual subsystems feature their own local control, and the general automatic control of the system in different modes of its operation is carried out in accordance with an energy management strategy (EMS). In this paper, the functions of local and general control of the solar water pumping system with battery storage and external power supply are combined in the system of passivity-based control (PBC). The EMS is constructed in such a way that for all modes, only two PBC systems are developed, which are switched depending on the battery’s state of charge and the current levels of the two main disturbances—solar irradiation and electrical consumption. For each system, two control influence former (CIF) structures were synthesized and their operation was investigated by computer simulation. Despite the simplicity of CIFs’ implementation, due to the introduced interconnection and damping coefficients, such control allows the provision of the required voltage regulation with a static error up to 1%, sufficient quality of transients during disturbances and switching of the system structure, as well as system asymptotic stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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24 pages, 7360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) as a Data Acquisition Tool for PV Energy Forecasting

by Tomasz Popławski, Sebastian Dudzik, Piotr Szeląg and Janusz Baran

Energies 2021, 14(19), 6200; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196200 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2449

Abstract

This article describes problems related to the operation of a virtual micro power plant at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEE), Czestochowa University of Technology (CUT). In the era of dynamic development of renewable energy sources, it is necessary to create alternative electricity management systems for existing power systems, including power transmission and distribution systems. Virtual power plants (VPPs) are such an alternative. So far, there has been no unified standard for a VPP operation. The article presents components that make up the VPP at the FEE and describes their physical and logical structure. The presented solution is a combination of several units operating in the internal power grid of the FEE, i.e., wind turbines, energy storage (ES), photovoltaic panels (PV) and car charging stations. Their operation is coordinated by a common control system. One of the research goals described in the article is to optimize the operation of these components to minimize consumption of the electric energy from the external supply network. An analysis of data from the VPP management system was carried out to create mathematical models for prediction of the consumed power and the power produced by the PVs. These models allowed us to achieve the assumed objective. The article also presents the VPP data processing results in terms of detecting outliers and missing values. In addition to the issues discussed above, the authors also proposed to apply the Prophet model for short-term forecasting of the PV farm electricity production. It is a statistical model that has so far been used for social and business research. The authors implemented it effectively for technical analysis purposes. It was shown that the results of the PV energy production forecasting using the Prophet model are acceptable despite occurrences of missing data in the investigated time series. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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12 pages, 1527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Metering Infrastructure—Towards a Reliable Network

by Mirosław Kornatka and Tomasz Popławski

Energies 2021, 14(18), 5986; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185986 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

In order to ensure continuous energy supply, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) have to monitor and analyze the condition of the power grid, especially checking for random events, such as breakdowns or other disturbances. Still, relatively little information is available on the operation of the Low Voltage (LV) grid. This can be improved thanks to digital tools, offering online processing of data, which ultimately increases effectiveness of the power grid. Among those tools, the use of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is especially conducive for improving reliability. AMI is one of the elements of the system Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) for the LV grid. Exact knowledge of the reliability conditions of a power grid is also indispensable for optimizing investment. AMI is also key in providing operational capacity for carrying out energy balance in virtual power plants (VPPs). This paper deals with methodology of identification and location of faults in the AMI-supervised LV grid and with calculating the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) on the basis of the recorded events. The results presented in the paper are based on data obtained from seven MV/LV transformer stations that supply over 2000 customers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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11 pages, 2823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Problems of Remote Temperature Measurement of Small Objects of Electricity Power Systems—On the Example of Lashing Clamps of Bridge Connections on High Voltage Poles

by Waldemar Minkina

Energies 2021, 14(16), 5041; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165041 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1434

Abstract

The article presents problems occurring during remote temperature measurement of lashing clamps of bridge connections on high voltage poles using thermal imaging cameras. The basic metrological parameters of thermal imaging cameras are described. On this basis, typical errors made during the inspection of high voltage lines supplying power substations are presented using infrared cameras. Researching the possible solutions for the problems of remote temperature measurement of small objects of electricity power systems—on the example of lashing clamps of bridge connections on high voltage poles in the proposed paper and showing the basic metrological aspects and parameters of thermal imaging cameras are important because, in this way, it is observed to eliminate costly interruptions in the supply of electricity associated with the breaking of power lines. Small objects are quite difficult to be controlled and monitored on large grids and on large powerline poles; thus, it is very challenging to interpret the data offered by thermograms. The problem of remote temperature measurement of small objects in electrical power engineering is very important from the point of view of the quality and reliability of electricity supply. Obtaining early warning information about the occurrence of overheating, e.g., on lashing clamps of bridge connections, is very important, as it eliminates costly interruptions in the supply of electricity associated with the breaking of power lines supplying high voltage switchgears or substations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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19 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Significance and Directions of Energy Development in African Countries

by Piotr F. Borowski

Energies 2021, 14(15), 4479; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154479 - 24 Jul 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

The development of energy networks and electrification is a major challenge in many African countries, which can contribute to reducing social inequalities. Energy, and above all electricity, is a decisive factor influencing the functioning of national governments. The power of governments in individual countries depends on the energy sector. Therefore, it is worth noting that during the presidential elections, candidates make many promises related to the improvement of the energy supply. The article shows, using the examples of Guinea, Ethiopia and Egypt, how politicians in the pre-election period use slogans related to the energy and development of the country. The innovative side of this article looks at how politicians keep their promises by using the energy sector and how they secure victory in the next election. The article linked the objective needs for the development of the energy sector resulting from the growing demand for energy with the motives of the decisions makers who want to maintain power through the implementation of new investments in the energy sector. The paper presents the results of research on the development of the energy sector and the motives for this development, explains how energy investments are realized, and discusses the environmental and social problems that arise when building huge hydropower stations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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14 pages, 833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practical and Economical Effects of the Use of Screen Meshes for Steel Nitriding Processes with Glow Plasma

by Jerzy Pisarek, Tadeusz Frączek, Tomasz Popławski and Michał Szota

Energies 2021, 14(13), 3808; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133808 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1323

Abstract

The dynamically developing energy sector forces technologists to create new materials that meet the increasingly higher mechanical, chemical, and electrical requirements. The paper relates to the method of reducing the energy consumption of the plasma nitriding process of austenitic steels. The method proposed by the authors involves the modification of nitriding technology in glow plasma. It consists of introducing perforated screens between the anode and nitrided surface made of a material with a composition similar to the processed material and the use of an HF power supply with controlled mean current generating negative voltage peaks of about 1000 V. Nitriding is carried out in a nitrogen-hydrogen atmosphere. The processed material has a negative potential in relation to the surrounding plasma and strongly negative in relation to the vacuum chamber jacket. The actual treatment is preceded by ionic cleaning of the surface of the detail and heating it to the temperature that activates the diffusion processes. The authors analyse the dynamic distribution of electric fields generated at the surface of the nitrided material with different configurations of the cathode-sample-screen system, trying to find the correlation of treatment parameters with the parameters of the nitrided layer. A significant influence of the screening meshes on the depth of the obtained diffusion layers containing nitrogen was found. The oscilloscopic measurements of the plasma in the boundary layer allowed for the observation of voltage peaks, probably leading to an increase in the peak kinetic energy of nitrogen ions and their easier penetration into the material. The work is of a cognitive nature and is probably one of the first to look for relationships between the dynamic electrical parameters of plasma and the efficiency of nitriding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System)

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