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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 31180

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Matti Lehtonen

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Guest Editor

Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Interests: power and energy systems; demand response; power grids; renewable energy sources; power system economics; electrical load modeling; electric vehicle charging; energy storages; heating system electrification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Amir Safdarian

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Guest Editor

Electrical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 1136511155, Iran
Interests: distribution system operation and planning; smart grid issues; power system optimization; power system reliability and resilience

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy is the prerequisite of industrial activities, a necessity for human communities, and a basic requirement for food production. As the world population grows, the demand of energy also increases. At the same time, climate change is accelerating and raw materials are being depleted. To meet the above challenges, the world is currently undergoing a radical transition towards sustainable energy. In many cases, this means electrification of energy uses in traffic, heating systems, and industrial processes. The increased demand of carbon-free electricity leads to the extensive utilization of weather-dependent variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. This calls for new flexibility in power and energy systems which can be achieved—in addition to energy-storage solutions—by the sector coupling of power and heat, as well as the utilization of the flexibility of power uses in industrial processes, electrified traffic, and power-to-X applications.

Prof. Dr. Matti Lehtonen
Prof. Dr. Amir Safdarian
Guest Editors

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.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 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.

Keywords

Power and energy system optimization
Power and energy system expansion planning
Community energy systems
Multi-energy systems
Sector coupling of power and heat
Power-to-X applications
Heat and power storages
Heating system electrification
Traffic electrification
Industrial processes electrification

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3609 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

An Effective Bi-Stage Method for Renewable Energy Sources Integration into Unbalanced Distribution Systems Considering Uncertainty

by Eman S. Ali, Ragab A. El-Sehiemy, Adel A. Abou El-Ela, Karar Mahmoud, Matti Lehtonen and Mohamed M. F. Darwish

Processes 2021, 9(3), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9030471 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

The output generations of renewable energy sources (RES) depend basically on climatic conditions, which are the main reason for their uncertain nature. As a result, the performance and security of distribution systems can be significantly worsened with high RES penetration. To address these issues, an analytical study was carried out by considering different penetration strategies for RES in the radial distribution system. Moreover, a bi-stage procedure was proposed for optimal planning of RES penetration. The first stage was concerned with calculating the optimal RES locations and sites. This stage aimed to minimize the voltage variations in the distribution system. In turn, the second stage was concerned with obtaining the optimal setting of the voltage control devices to improve the voltage profile. The multi-objective cat swarm optimization (MO-CSO) algorithm was proposed to solve the bi-stages optimization problems for enhancing the distribution system performance. Furthermore, the impact of the RES penetration level and their uncertainty on a distribution system voltage were studied. The proposed method was tested on the IEEE 34-bus unbalanced distribution test system, which was analyzed using backward/forward sweep power flow for unbalanced radial distribution systems. The proposed method provided satisfactory results for increasing the penetration level of RES in unbalanced distribution networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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16 pages, 4757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transient Thermal Performance of Power Cable Ascertained Using Finite Element Analysis

by Sherif Salama Mohamed Ghoneim, Mahrous Ahmed and Nehmdoh Abdelmotaleb Sabiha

Processes 2021, 9(3), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9030438 - 28 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3318

Abstract

This paper presents the computation of the cable ampacity and the temperature distribution through long duration based on the equivalent thermal circuit based on IEC 60287 standard and the Finite element method using COMSOL (Multiphysics environment, version 5.5). This study investigated the cable ampacity and the temperature rise of the cable core and sheath at steady state and emergency conditions. The cable ampacity was investigated at different conditions such as the variation of cable depth, soil properties, and soil temperature. The results confirmed the adaptation between the thermal circuit results and the COMSOL results as well as the effectiveness of using the numerical method to compute the cable ampacity. Using the COMSOL-based thermal properties evaluations, the transient performance of the cable is ascertained. The transient study is performed for different cable loading currents and dry zone sizes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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12 pages, 2482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Transformers’ Insulating Paper State Based on Classification Techniques

by Sherif S. M. Ghoneim

Processes 2021, 9(3), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9030427 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1814

Abstract

The continuity of transformer operation is very necessary for utilities to maintain a continuity of power flow in networks and achieve a desired revenue. Most failures in a transformer are due to the degradation of the insulating system, which consists of insulating oil and paper. The degree of polymerization (DP) is a key detector of insulating paper state. Most research in the literature has computed the DP as a function of furan compounds, especially 2-furfuraldehyde (2-FAL). In this research, a prediction model was constructed based on some of most periodical tests that were conducted on transformer insulating oil, which were used as predictors of the insulating paper state. The tests evaluated carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), breakdown voltage (VBD), interfacial tension (IF), acidity (ACY), moisture (M), oil color (OC), and 2-furfuraldehyde (2-FAL). The DP, which was used as the key indicator for the paper state, was categorized into five classes labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to express the insulating paper normal aging rate, accelerating aging rate, excessive aging danger zone, high risk of failure, and the end of expected life, respectively. The classification techniques were applied to the collected data samples to construct a prediction model for the insulating paper state, and the results revealed that the fine tree was the best classifier of the data samples, with a 96.2% prediction accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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23 pages, 21009 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Sustainable Rural Electrification Through Solar PV DC Microgrids—An Architecture-Based Assessment

by Mashood Nasir, Saqib Iqbal, Hassan A. Khan, Juan C. Vasquez and Josep M. Guerrero

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111417 - 06 Nov 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2846

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) direct current (DC) microgrids have gained significant popularity during the last decade for low cost and sustainable rural electrification. Various system architectures have been practically deployed, however, their assessment concerning system sizing, losses, and operational efficiency is not readily available in the literature. Therefore, in this research work, a mathematical framework for the comparative analysis of various architectures of solar photovoltaic-based DC microgrids for rural applications is presented. The compared architectures mainly include (a) central generation and central storage architecture, (b) central generation and distributed storage architecture, (c) distributed generation and central storage architecture, and (d) distributed generation and distributed storage architecture. Each architecture is evaluated for losses, including distribution losses and power electronic conversion losses, for typical power delivery from source end to the load end in the custom village settings. Newton–Raphson method modified for DC power flow was used for distribution loss analysis, while power electronic converter loss modeling along with the Matlab curve-fitting tool was used for the evaluation of power electronic losses. Based upon the loss analysis, a framework for DC microgrid components (PV and battery) sizing was presented and also applied to the various architectures under consideration. The case study results show that distributed generation and distributed storage architecture with typical usage diversity of 40% is the most feasible architecture from both system sizing and operational cost perspectives and is 13% more efficient from central generation and central storage architecture for a typical village of 40 houses. The presented framework and the analysis results will be useful in selecting an optimal DC microgrid architecture for future rural electrification implementations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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14 pages, 5645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Determination of the Energetic Performance of a Racing Motorcycle Battery-Pack

by Pablo Esparza, Sandra Castano-Solis, David Jiménez-Bermejo, Jesús Fraile Ardanuy and Manuel Merino

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111391 - 31 Oct 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation of the energetic performance of the battery-pack from the motorcycle prototype EME 16E. This racing prototype was developed by a student team from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) to participate in the MotoStudent competition during 2015–2016. This study includes the sizing and assembly of the motorcycle’s battery-pack under strict regulations and a limited budget. The prototype was also tested under different performance conditions, such as laboratory tests and racing circuits. Experimental results show that the proposed battery-pack is capable of supplying the energy and power necessary to drive the motorcycle in all cases analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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15 pages, 3496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Intrusive Monitoring Algorithm for Resident Loads with Similar Electrical Characteristic

by Sheng Wu and Kwok L. Lo

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1385; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111385 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1723

Abstract

Non-intrusive load monitoring is a vital part of an overall load management scheme. One major disadvantage of existing non-intrusive load monitoring methods is the difficulty to accurately identify loads with similar electrical characteristics. To overcome the various switching probability of loads with similar characteristics in a specific time period, a new non-intrusive load monitoring method is proposed in this paper which will modify monitoring results based on load switching probability distribution curve. Firstly, according to the addition theorem of load working currents, the complex current is decomposed into the independently working current of each load. Secondly, based on the load working current, the initial identification of load is achieved with current frequency domain components, and then the load switching times in each hour is counted due to the initial identified results. Thirdly, a back propagation (BP) neural network is trained by the counted results, the switching probability distribution curve of an identified load is fitted with the BP neural network. Finally, the load operation pattern is profiled according to the switching probability distribution curve, the load operation pattern is used to modify identification result. The effectiveness of the method is verified by the measured data. This approach combines the operation pattern of load to modify the identification results, which improves the ability to identify loads with similar electrical characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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32 pages, 5142 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Carbon Emission Reduction Potential in the Finnish Energy System Due to Power and Heat Sector Coupling with Different Renovation Scenarios of Housing Stock

by Ilkka Jokinen, Arslan Ahmad Bashir, Janne Hirvonen, Juha Jokisalo, Risto Kosonen and Matti Lehtonen

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111368 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

In the pursuit of mitigating the effects of climate change the European Union and the government of Finland have set targets for emission reductions for the near future. This study examined the carbon emission reduction potential in the Finnish energy system with power-to-heat (P2H) coupling of the electricity and heat sectors with different housing renovation levels. The measures conducted in the energy system were conducted as follows. Wind power generation was increased in the Finnish power system with 10 increments. For each of these, the operation of hydropower was optimized to maximize the utilization of new wind generation. The excess wind generation was used to replace electricity and heat from combined heat and power production for district heating. The P2H conversion was performed by either 2000 m deep borehole heat exchangers coupled to heat pumps, with possible priming of heat, or with electrode boilers. The housing stock renovated to different levels affected both the electricity and district heating demands. The carbon emission reduction potential of the building renovation measures, and the energy system measures were determined over 25 years. Together with the required investment costs for the different measures, unit costs of emission reductions, €/t-CO₂, were determined. The lowest unit cost solution of different measures was established, for which the unit cost of emission reductions was 241 €/t-CO₂ and the reduced carbon emissions 11.3 Mt-CO₂ annually. Moreover, the energy system measures were found to be less expensive compared to the building renovation measures, in terms of unit costs, and the P2H coupling a cost-efficient manner to increase the emission reductions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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29 pages, 6175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Solar Collector Testing Methods—Theory and Practice

by Paweł Obstawski, Tomasz Bakoń and Dariusz Czekalski

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111340 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2849

Abstract

One of the most important problems of operating solar heating systems involves variable efficiency depending on operating conditions. This problem is more pronounced in hybrid energy systems, where a solar installation cooperates with other segments based on conventional carriers of energy or renewable sources of energy. The operating cost of each segment of a hybrid system depends mainly on the resulting efficiency of solar installation. For over 40 years, the procedures of testing solar collectors have been undergoing development, testing, comparison and verification in order to create a procedure that would allow determining the thermal behavior of a solar collector without performing expensive and complicated experimental tests, usually based on the steady state condition. The proper determination of the static and dynamic properties of a solar collector is of key significance, as they constitute a basis for the design of a solar heating installation, as well as a control system. It is therefore important to conduct simulating and operating tests enabling the performance of a comparative analysis intended to indicate the degree to which the static and dynamic properties of a solar collector depend on the method used for their determination. The paper compares the static and dynamic properties of a flat solar collector determined by means of various methods. Based on the produced results, it has been concluded that the static and dynamic properties of a collector determined using various methods may differ from each other even by 50%. This means that it is possible to increase the efficiency of a solar heating installation via the use of an adaptive control algorithm, enabling real-time calculation of the values of characteristic parameters of solar installation, e.g., the time constant under operating conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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18 pages, 5234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distributed Optimization for Active Distribution Network Considering the Balance of Multi-Stakeholder

by Yang Liu, Sanming Liu and Zhuangzhuang Niu

Processes 2020, 8(8), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080987 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Nowadays, distributed power generation is highly valued and fully developed since the energy crisis is worsening. At the same time, the distribution system operator is becoming a new stakeholder to take part in the dispatch of the active distribution network (ADN) with the power market being further reformed. Some new challenges to the dispatching of the ADN are brought by these distribution system operators (DSO), which break the traditional requirement of the lowest operating cost. In this paper, the relationship between the maximum revenue and the minimum operating cost of the ADN is fully considered, and the model of the bi-level distributed ADN considering the benefits and privacy protection of multi-stakeholder is established precisely. Further, the model is solved by using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) in which the safety and economy of the ADN are fully considered. Finally, the validity of the model and the feasibility of the algorithm are verified by using the adjusted IEEE 33 bus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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21 pages, 1459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Renewable Energy Sources of a Developing Country for Sustainable Development: An Integrated Fuzzy Based-Decision Methodology

by Yasir Ahmed Solangi, Cheng Longsheng, Syed Ahsan Ali Shah, Ahmed Alsanad, Munir Ahmad, Muhammad Azeem Akbar, Abdu Gumaei and Sharafat Ali

Processes 2020, 8(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8070825 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 4367

Abstract

Global human pollutant activities have raised greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which have directly affected the climate. Fossil fuel-based energy has brought a negative impact on the environment and is considered one of the largest sources of GHG emissions. It is envisaged that GHG emissions will increase in the future due to rapid population growth and industrialization. Thus, it is imperative to mitigate climate variability and reduce GHGs by adopting renewable energy (RE) sources for electricity generation. In this regard, the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) process would serve the purpose of framing out energy policy to analyze these environmentally friendly energy sources. This study uses an integrated decision methodology—a combination of Delphi, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), and the fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (FWASPAS)—for the adoption of RE sources for electricity generation in Turkey. Initially, the study identified five main criteria and seventeen sub-criteria using the Delphi method. Then, the FAHP method was used to evaluate and rank the main criteria and sub-criteria. Finally, the FWASPAS method was used to assess and prioritize five major RE sources for electricity generation. The FAHP analysis indicated that political criteria are the most influential, followed by economic and technical criteria. Further, the FWASPAS method revealed that wind energy is the most significant option for electricity generation. This decision-making process can help the energy planners to utilize RE sources for sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power System Expansion Planning)

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