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Announces the winners of the 2003 Outstanding Paper Award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Society. Overview of the winning paper; Career background of the winners; Comments of award committee members on the winning paper.

Time-domain near-field scanning is gaining more and more interest within EMC engineering to analyze electromagnetic near-fields of, e.g., quasi-stationar devices. When using a digital oscilloscope to scan the near-fields of an electronic device, the oscilloscope measures time-domain signals that comprise in most cases a large number of frequency components. For many of these components, noncoherent sampling occurs, resulting in spectral leakage when calculating the frequency spectrum of the time-domain signals with the discrete Fourier transform. This paper proposes an improved method to detect the presence of such noncoherently sampled signals as well as an iterative algorithm to obtain accurate approximations of all the frequency components with their accompanying amplitudes and phase angles. The algorithm excels over existing algorithms in obtaining these values especially in situations where several sinusoidal components are close to each other in the spectrum. This is achieved, thanks to an iterative process of removing the influence of the multiple sinusoidal components on each other. This paper contains the mathematical description of the algorithm and a numerical example evaluating the accuracy of the algorithm. The algorithm has a higher accuracy than the existing approaches, e.g., multipoint Interpolated Discrete Fourier Transform (IpDFTs), with only a slight increase of the computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some new methods, based on characterization of the dielectric response of transformer insulation in time and frequency domains, have been pointed out by CIGRE as suitable to assess moisture content in pressboard and paper. Measuring devices available today on the market are quite robust in field conditions; however there is a risk that undesired internal and external factors might influence the measurements. These influences can lead to mistaken interpretation of insulation wetness. Operators should therefore be aware of the risks appearing at different measuring conditions and of the precautions that can be taken to minimize their effects. This work presents a systematic investigation on the influence of some factors on the results of dielectric response measurements in field conditions. The errors that can be committed during the measurements if certain precautions are not taken, with different equipment connected in parallel, are evaluated. The influence of rain and electromagnetic disturbances are also analyzed proposing solutions to attenuate their effects. Finally, a discussion on the influence of temperature distribution follows. The work is concentrated on frequency response measurements, although some results from the use of polarization and depolarization current technique are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This index covers all technical items - papers, correspondence, reviews, etc. - that appeared in this periodical during the year, and items from previous years that were commented upon or corrected in this year. Departments and other items may also be covered if they have been judged to have archival value. The Author Index contains the primary entry for each item, listed under the first author's name. The primary entry includes the co-authors' names, the title of the paper or other item, and its location, specified by the publication abbreviation, year, month, and inclusive pagination. The Subject Index contains entries describing the item under all appropriate subject headings, plus the first author's name, the publication abbreviation, month, and year, and inclusive pages. Note that the item title is found only under the primary entry in the Author Index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate computation of electromagnetic transients for underground cables and overhead transmission lines requires the frequency domain characterization of two matrix functions: propagation and characteristic admittance. The propagation function constitutes a high order Wideband system with inherent time delays. In this paper a weighted fitting technique is presented and advocated for the identification of the propagation function as a rational transfer function. The paper also contributes to theoretical clarifications on vector fitting and orthonormal vector fitting. The application of orthonormal vector fitting is demonstrated together with weighted vector fitting. Although the presentation is also applicable to transmission lines, the numerical examples are focused on underground cables where the frequency dependency problems are more complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical approach to the analysis of the interaction between induction motors (IMs) and voltage sags. The presented methodology enables quick assessment of the influence of IM on sag characteristics and avoids time-consuming transient simulations. The accuracy of the derived analytical formulae is verified through classical transient simulations using the PSCADIEMTDC package. This paper further proposes a simple, yet efficient transformation of resulting nonrectangular voltage sags, based on the loss of voltage index, into equivalent rectangular sags suitable for conventional voltage sag performance benchmarking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a linearized small-signal model for a six-pulse HVDC system is presented. In this paper, the effects of on and off states resistances, forward voltage drop, and snubber circuits of the thyristors and filter circuits are taken into account. RL series circuits are used for modeling of the converter transformer and ac system. To validate the model developed in this paper, a comparison is made with the PSCADIEMTDC time-domain simulation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second part of this paper presents a practical implementation and application of the methodology for the stochastic assessment of the annual financial losses due to interruptions and voltage sags discussed in the first part of this paper. The costs of interruptions and voltage sags are determined separately and then combined in order to estimate the total financial losses in the network. The methodology is illustrated on a generic realistic distribution network with all relevant network components modeled appropriately. Finally, different network topologies are compared taking into account total financial losses in the network. It is shown that the inclusion of the financial losses due to voltage sags that may account for up to about 20% of the interruption costs may alter the network topology ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and other gate turnoff switches have allowed to analyze, in a previous paper, four new circuits for onload-tap-changing ac stabilizers that typically permit to make up to 7 or 45 (depending on the particular circuit solution) changes per half cycle of the mains voltage. This second and last paper considers the synthesis aspects of these sub- cyclic stabilizers giving design rules, and a synthesis calculus sheet actualized in a 100-kVA numeric example. A comparative table for the four circuit solutions, involving both technical and economical figures, is given as the final step of the iterative analysis and synthesis cost comparative method performed along the research. Preliminary experimental results are obtained from a 1-kVA prototype and a first evaluation of the possibilities of reducing voltage distortions is demonstrated in the fields of voltage low harmonics and flicker by means of a high-accuracy graphic simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes four basic ground methods for personal protection during maintained distribution transformers considering reverse energy from end users. The test in this paper considers that no loads are connected at both the primary and secondary of the distribution transformer. The results are summarized to determine the effective grounding method of protecting distribution line workers on de-energized lines during accidental-line energization from the end users. The secondary voltage at the transformer was recorded with various configurations of temporary grounds, and the primary voltage is then computed by using the transformer turn ratio. As a result, the case of installing no temporary ground is considered lethal. Moreover, the cases of installing temporary ground with a short circuit at either the primary or secondary of the transformer are considered to be the effective means of protecting distribution line workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformers are essential elements, which facilitate the transmission of electric power at high voltages over long distances and transformer energization is a common occurrence. The energization can lead to excessive transient inrush current, especially when the transformer core has remnant flux that adds to the flux build-up after switching. Inrush current sags the system voltage, thereby affecting the power quality of the network in proximity of the transformer. The extent to which power quality is degraded depends on short circuit MVA at the source bus, and the magnitude and decay time constant of the transient current. Present day thyristor-controlled machinery used in mining, pulp and paper industries and semiconductor manufacturing require high quality power. Some of these industries even pay a premium price for high quality power. It is, therefore, necessary to first assess the impact of energizing a large transformer on power quality and then develop a technique to limit this impact. This paper presents results from field tests and simulations using Electromagnetic Transients Program a 138 kV 315 MVA transformer energization in the BC Hydro system. The transformer is situated close to a pulp and paper mill with voltage sensitive loads. Methods to assess and to limit the voltage sags during energization are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the three-phase transverse-electro- magnetic (TEM) line based on the Park approach represents, under the theoretical and the applicative point of view, an important analytical tool. For these reasons, this paper presents the analysis of lossy (quasi-TEM) three-phase transmission lines in terms of three-phase vectors, based on the Park transformation. The three-phase transmission-line transient analysis presented in this paper emphasizes the conceptual contents specific to the Park approach. Furthermore, applied to some examples, it gives very important results for the practical analysis of a lossy three-phase transmission line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few problems in the present calculation methods in the aspects of insulation flashover criteria, influence of operating voltages, induced overvoltage component, and shielding failure in China are briefly analyzed and discussed. Lightning performance of 500-ky double-circuit line schemes (nine tower types and thirteen schemes of insulation disposition) for the Three-Gorge Project is computed and compared with the existing operation experience of double-circuit lines. Different schemes are compared with each other. The cause of the remarkable increase of the total lightning outage rate of the usual unbalanced double-circuit lines, with one circuit insulation reduced, in the operation is analyzed. Different from the usual unbalanced insulation lines, a one-circuit insulation enhanced scheme is proposed in this paper. It is emphasized in the paper that the key of the lightning protection of double-circuit transmission lines is to reduce the double-circuit simultaneous trip-out rate and to keep a reasonable total trip-out rate at the same time. It can be achieved by choosing the proper insulation disposition scheme referring to the order of the weighted trip-out rate values. The viewpoints and methods in the paper would be useful to others working in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed model for simulation of a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system. SMES technology has the potential to bring real power storage characteristic to the utility transmission and distribution systems. The principle of SMES system operation is reviewed in this paper. To understand transient and dynamic performance of a SMES system, a detailed SMES system benchmark model is given with extensive simulation results. This system is demonstrated using an electromagnetic transient program—PSCAD/EMTDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-magnetic circuit breakers are widely used for short-circuit protection in dc electric railways or industrial plants. The well-known drawbacks of these breakers are mainly a slow breaking action, a short lifetime, and high maintenance costs due to the destructive effects of the arc. The use of power semi-conductors in a full-static circuit breaker configuration allows the elimination of these disadvantages but is limited by excessive conduction losses. The paper will present the study of a so-called hybrid breaker, drawing its name from the combination of a high-speed mechanical switch and a bi-directional integrated gate-controlled thyristor assembly connected in parallel. The paper also includes experimental results from a prototype real scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concepts of reactive power that originate from Buchholz's theory and are present in the IEEE Standard 1459 are important in compensation theory. It is shown in this paper that some misconceptions are present in the technical literature, in particular regarding the relationship between reactive power and power oscillation. In this paper, a number of examples are given to illustrate these misconceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A frequency domain analysis of the influence of non- linear distortions on linear frequency response function measurements performed using multisine test signals is presented in this paper. The aim is to provide a closer insight into the mechanisms at work when multisine signals are subjected to static power-series nonlinearities. Emphasis is given to the behavior of a class of nonlinear distortions, termed hype II contributions, when different types of multisine signals are applied to a cubic, fifth-, seventh-, and ninth-order static nonlinear element The original results presented in this paper are a development of work conducted by the current authors as well as other authors in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an efficient method of teaching impulse voltage testing of power transformers to undergraduate students of power system groups in electrical engineering departments, as a part of a high-voltage course for senior undergraduate students. The paper shows how to simulate the power transformer and impulse generator to teach students the basics of impulse voltage testing of power transformers and to practice analyzing the test results. In the first part of the paper, the effect of wave shaping of the voltage waveform is simulated to teach the behavior of the impulse generator, and in the second part, impulse voltage testing of a transformer is simulated. Evaluation of the simulation over several semesters with more than 80 students is very positive in terms of their developing confidence in an understanding of this test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) and distributed-generation (DG) integration are popular strategies implemented by utilities to improve energy efficiency. This paper investigates the interactions between CVR and DG placement to minimize load consumption in distribution networks, while keeping the lowest voltage level within the predefined range. The optimal placement of DG units is formulated as a stochastic optimization problem considering the uncertainty of DG outputs and load consumptions. A sample average approximation algorithm-based technique is developed to solve the formulated problem effectively. A multiple replications procedure is developed to test the stability of the solution and calculate the confidence interval of the gap between the candidate solution and optimal solution. The proposed method has been applied to the IEEE 37-bus distribution test system with different scenarios. The numerical results indicate that the implementations of CVR and DG, if combined, can achieve significant energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel time-domain fault location algorithm on HVDC transmission lines. The Bergeron line model is adopted to construct a time-domain fault location equation, considering unsynchronized two-end measurement and uncertain line parameters. The zero time reference point is set to the sample point of arrival at each end for the traveling wave-head. Time-tags of all sample points change with the zero time reference. So the time difference of two-end measurements has changed also, and equals the time difference between arrivals at two ends for the traveling wave-head. That makes it possible to mix the traveling wave theory with the Bergeron time-domain fault location method. Besides, the ratio coefficient of wave velocities between different frequencies and digital band-pass filter are presented for better performance of the proposed method. Simulations and tests demonstrate that the proposed method can locate faults accurately on the HVDC lines even in the case of loss of signals from GPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses an all-encompassing approach to increase the number of students in engineering through innovative outreach, recruiting, and retention programs. Prior to adopting these programs, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman, experienced a reduction in engineering enrollment similar to the trend that has occurred across the U.S. over the last few years. As a result, the school investigated the key factors that influence selection of engineering as a career path and initiated a corrective program to reverse this trend. The program involves focusing on the present through retention, on the immediate future through recruiting, and on the distant future through outreach. The focus of all of these programs is to mobilize the OU-ECE faculty and student body to present advanced engineering technologies, innovative demonstrations, and hands-on activities at a level that the individual student can understand and appreciate. Student surveys and interviews are used to assess the program qualitatively, and OU-ECE enrollment numbers are used as a quantitative assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports on a multifaceted approach in electrical engineering outreach focused on the area of semiconductor technology. The activities developed can be used in combination for a very wide range of audiences in both age and stage of education, as has been demonstrated with great success. Moreover, the project has developed cross-disciplinary activities designed to engage nonscientific audiences and has used entirely nonscientific venues, such as art galleries. The suite of activities, given the umbrella title Chips for Everyone, includes: Chips for Everyone: drop-in activities for fairs, shows, shopping centers; Chips with Relish: interactive workshops for groups of school pupils; Chips with Flair: an arts-science collaboration in music, art, video, and engineering to present a new perspective on semiconductor technology. To achieve this diverse mix of outreach activities, the Chips for Everyone team represents a very broad spectrum of skills, its members being engineering academics, musicians, artists, education academics, public engagement specialists, and student teachers in technology. The development process is quite generic and could be applied in other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. The subject focus of the project is semiconductor technology, a technology that influences the daily lives of everyone and yet is largely invisible. The activities seek to engage, engender interest, and promote informed discussion about this technology and engineering in general. From modest beginnings as a filler during the setting up of another outreach program, Chips for Everyone has developed into a major program reaching over 25 000 young people and families in school workshops, shopping centers, and art exhibitions in Scotland and across the U.K. The development method for the activities is innovative and creative, using the complimentary skills of research academics and students in both electronic engineering and technology initial teacher education (ITE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an equivalent-circuit model of an asymmetric disc-type ultrasonic motor and discusses its applications in the evaluation of the motor's characteristics. The modeling process is based on the mechanical vibrations of the piezoelectric ceramic disk in both the radial (tangential) and coupling directions, the rigid body assumption of the rotor, and the assumption of a single contact point between the stator and the rotor with the most significant lateral elliptic motion effect. The overall model is composed of three admittance-type equivalent circuit models of the metal back plate, the stator, and the rotor. The advantages of the model are exemplified by comparing the numerical and experimental results, thereby showing that the model may be useful and pragmatic for electrical engineers in designing, simulating, and characterizing such motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a concept overview of an automatic operator of electrical networks (AOEN) for real-time alleviation of component overloads and increase of system static load-ability, based on state-estimator data only. The control used for this purpose is real-power generation rescheduling, although any other control input could fit the new framework. The key performance metrics are the vulnerability index of a generation unit (VIGS) and its sensitivity (SVIGS), accurately computed using a realistic ac power flow incorporating the AGC model (AGC-PF). Transmission overloads, vulnerability indices and their sensitivities with respect to generation control are translated into fuzzy-set notations to formulate, transparently, the relationships between incremental line flows and the active power output of each controllable generator. A fuzzy-rule-based system is formed to select the best controllers, their movement and step-size, so as to minimize the overall vulnerability of the generating system while eliminating overflows. The controller performance is illustrated on the IEEE 39-bus (New England) network and the three-area IEEE-RTS96 network subjected to severe line outage contingencies. A key result is that min- imizing the proposed vulnerability metric in real-time results in increased substantial loadability (prevention) in addition to overload elimination (correction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International standard bodies have specified an instrument capable of detecting and assessing the severity of lighting flicker, which is called a flickermeter. However, a deficiency with regard to flicker caused by high-frequency interharmonics has been reported in the recent literature. In this paper, another deficiency of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) flickermeter with regard to low-frequency interharmonics, whose frequencies are below the difference between the fundamental frequency and the cutoff frequency of a bandpass filter of the IEC standard flickermeter, will be discussed and illustrated based on analysis and numerical experiments. A new approach based on down-up sampling in the discrete-time sample domain is also proposed to address the flicker-detection problem associated with interharmonics. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method by a comparison with the current flickermeter standard in the presence of interharmonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a new design approach for a power amplifier (PA) of the highly efficient hybrid envelope elimination and restoration (H-EER) transmitter. Since the PA operates mostly at the average power region of the modulation signal, power-added efficiency (PAE) of the PA at the average drain voltage is very important for the overall transmitter PAE. Accordingly, the PA is designed to have a maximum PAE in that region. The performances of the proposed PA and a conventional PA under H-EER operation are evaluated via ADS and MATLAB simulations using a behavioral large-signal model of a silicon LDMOSFET, which verifies that the proposed PA has significant advantages for the H-EER transmitter in both PAE and output power. A saturated amplifier, inverse class F, has been implemented using a 5-W peak envelope power LDMOSFET for 3GPP forward-link single-carrier wideband code-division multiple-access at 1 GHz with a peak-to-average power ratio of 9.8 dB. An envelope amplifier is built that has an efficiency of above 68% and peak output voltage of 31 V for an interlock experiment. The overall PAE of the transmitter with a conventional PA is 35.5% at an output power of 29.2 dBm. On the other hand, the transmitter with the proposed PA delivers significantly improved performances: PAE increased by 4% and output power by 2.5 dB. The H-EER transmitter has been linearized by the digital feedback predistortion technique. The measured error vector magnitude is reduced to 1.47% from .6.4%. These results clearly show that the proposed architecture is a good candidate for efficient linear transmitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the power quality improvement in a conventional electronic load controller (ELC) used for isolated pico-hydropower generation based on an asynchronous generator (AG). The conventional ELC is based on a six-pulse uncontrolled diode bridge rectifier with a chopper and an auxiliary load. It causes harmonic currents injection resulting distortion in the current and terminal voltage of the generator. The proposed ELC employs a 24-pulse rectifier with 14 diodes and a chopper. A polygon wound autotransformer with reduced kilovolts ampere rating for 24-pulse ac-dc converter is designed and developed for harmonic current reduction to meet the power quality requirements as prescribed by IEEE standard-519. The comparative study of two topologies, conventional ELC (six-pulse bridge-rectifier-based ELC) and proposed ELC (24-pulse bridge-rectifier-based ELC) is carried out in MATLAB using SIMULINK and Power System Blockset toolboxes. Experimental validation is carried out for both ELCs for regulating the voltage and frequency of an isolated AG driven by uncontrolled pico-hydroturbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerial LiDAR survey is receiving wide application in transmission-line modeling due to its efficiency. The technique is particularly useful for modeling of existing lines for the purpose of thermal rating, upgrading, or vegetation management. An accurate modeling of an existing line depends largely on proper determination of the base conductor temperature, i.e. the conductor temperature at the time of the aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) survey. In this paper, an acceptable accuracy for the base conductor temperature is first established. Extensive parametric studies are then conducted to reveal the effects of all the potentially major factors: ambient air temperature, electrical load, solar radiation, wind, and conductor size on the base conductor temperature. As a result, recommendations are made on the proper practice of performing an aerial LiDAR survey and determining the base conductor temperature so that the resulting transmission line modeling is within an acceptable accuracy. It is demonstrated that a wide error can easily be introduced without following a proper procedure for the LiDAR survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of wind power systems worldwide will likely see the integration of large wind farms with electrical networks that are series compensated for ensuring stable transmission of bulk power. This may potentially lead to subsynchronous-resonance (SSR) issues. Although SSR is a well-understood phenomenon that can be mitigated with flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices, scant information is available on the SSR problem in a series-compensated wind farm. This paper reports the potential occurrence and mitigation of SSR caused by an induction-generator (IG) effect as well as torsional interactions, in a series-compensated wind farm. SSR suppression is achieved as an additional advantage of FACTS controllers which may already be installed in the power system for achieving other objectives. In this study, a wind farm employing a self-excited induction generator is connected to the grid through a series-compensated line. A static var compensator (SVC) with a simple voltage regulator is first employed at the IG terminal in addition to the fixed shunt capacitor for dynamic reactive power support. The same SVC is shown to effectively damp SSR when equipped with an SSR damping controller. Also, a thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC) that is actually installed to increase the power transfer capability of the transmission line is also shown to damp subsynchronous oscillations when provided with closed-loop current control. While both FACTS controllers--the SVC and TCSC--can effectively mitigate SSR, the performance of TCSC is shown to be superior. Extensive simulations have been carried out using EMTDC/PSCAD to validate the performance of SVC and TCSC in damping SSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a computational approach for an offline measurement-based design of an optimal damping controller using adaptive critics for a new type of flexible ac transmission system device--the gate-controlled series capacitor (GCSC). Remote measurements are provided to the controller to damp out system modes. The optimal controller is developed based on the heuristic dynamic programming (HDP) approach. Three multilayer-perceptron neural networks are used in the design--the identifier/model network to identify the dynamics of the power system, the critic network to evaluate the performance of the damping controller, and the controller network to provide optimal damping. This measurement-based technique provides an alternative to the classical linear model-based optimal control design. The eigenvalue analysis of the closed-loop system is performed with time-domain responses using the Prony method. An analysis of the simulation results shows potential of the HDP-based optimal damping controller on a GCSC for enhancing the stability of the power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates issues related to practical implementation of the one-quarter of cycle-based estimation method [here called delayed signal cancellation (DSC)] for online detection of positive and negative sequence components of three-phase quantities. The detection error due to non-ideal sampling frequency is calculated. Furthermore, the effect of the DSC method on estimation when harmonic components are present in the input signal is analyzed. It is shown how harmonics transfer through the DSC and how a non-ideal sampling frequency affects the estimation of the harmonics. Experimental verification of the analytical results is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because traditional electric power distribution systems have been designed assuming the primary substation is the sole source of power and short-circuit capacity, DR interconnection results in operating situations that do not occur in a conventional system. This paper discusses several system issues which may be encountered as DR penetrates into distribution systems. The voltage issues covered are the DR impact on system voltage, interaction of DR and capacitor operations, and interaction of DR and voltage regulator and LTC operations. Protection issues include fuse coordination, feeding faults after utility protection opens, impact of DR on interrupting rating of devices, faults on adjacent feeders, fault detection, ground source impacts, single phase interruption on three phase line, recloser coordination and conductor burndown. Loss of power grid is also discussed, including vulnerability and overvoltages due to islanding and coordination with reclosing. Also covered separately are system restoration and network issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a method for placement of distributed generation (DG) units in distribution networks has been presented. This method is based on the analysis of power flow continuation and determination of most sensitive buses to voltage collapse. This method is executed on a typical 34-bus test system and yields efficiency in improvement of voltage profile and reduction of power losses; it also may permit an increase in power transfer capacity, maximum loading, and voltage stability margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, distributed generation, with its various technologies, has increased its presence in the energy mix presenting distribution networks with challenges in terms of evaluating the technical impacts that require a wide range of network operational effects to be qualified and quantified. The inherent time-varying behavior of demand and distributed generation (particularly when renewable sources are used), need to be taken into account since considering critical scenarios of loading and generation may mask the impacts. One means of dealing with such complexity is through the use of indices that indicate the benefit or otherwise of connections at a given location and for a given horizon. This paper presents a multiobjective performance index for distribution networks with time-varying distributed generation which consider a number of technical issues. The approach has been applied to a medium voltage distribution network considering hourly demand and wind speeds. Results show that this proposal has a better response to the natural behavior of loads and generation than solely considering a single operation scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates voltage and reactive power control in distribution systems and how the presence of synchronous machine-based distributed generation (DG) affects the control. A proper coordination among the onload tap changer (OLTC), substation switched capacitors and feeder-switched capacitors in order to obtain optimum voltage and reactive power control is proposed. It is assumed that there is no communication link between the OLTC and the capacitors, a normal case in distribution system operation these days. The results indicate that the proposed method decreases the number of OLTC operations, losses, and voltage fluctuations in distribution systems, with and without DG present. The power-flow reversal due to the lJG is shown not to interfere with the effectiveness of the OLTC operation. Further, it is also shown that as long as the available capacitors are enough to compensate the reactive power demand, the DG operation mode does not give a significant effect to the distribution system losses. However, DG operating at a constant voltage is beneficial for a significant reduction of OLTC operation and voltage fluctuation in the distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the influence of induction motors (IMs) on voltage sag characteristics at low-voltage (LV) buses. This influence is particularly pronounced in case of low magnitude and long duration voltage sags. Even though the conventional magnitude duration representation of voltage sags in the presence of IMs is not completely accurate, it is very convenient as it can be directly linked to a standard way of recording/reporting voltage sags. The equivalent rectangular sags developed in this study take into account the effect of IMs and establish voltage sag performance more accurately at LV buses in the distribution network. The methodology developed is not limited to simulation-based voltage sag studies. It can be equally well applied as a "postprocessor" to finely tune the results of monitoring distribution systems as its inputs are "classical" voltage sag magnitude duration tables. The automated procedure for counting and characterization of voltage sags at LV distribution buses is illustrated on a 295-bus generic distribution network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel control strategy for subsynchronous resonance (SSR) mitigation using a static synchronous series compensator will be presented. SSR mitigation is obtained by increasing the network damping only at those frequencies that are critical for the turbine-generator shaft. This is achieved by controlling the subsynchronous component of the grid current to zero. Using the IEEE First Benchmark Model, the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm when mitigating SSR due to torsional interaction and torque amplification effect will be shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear compressors with a free piston driven by a linear motor have attracted wide attention in cooling apparatuses such as refrigerators due to their high efficiency. The method of using triacs as a linear motor drive is not satisfactory for improving the efficiency of linear compressors. In this paper, the performance of linear compressors using a pulsewidth modulation inverter is investigated, with emphasis on the efficiency and power factor along with variations of both mechanical and electrical resonant frequencies. The strategy for improving the efficiency of the linear compressor is suggested by controlling the average value of the product of the piston stroke and motor current to 0. The performance of both the stroke and efficiency controls of the linear compressor is verified through experiments under various gas pressure conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the stability of self-consistent Monte Carlo (MC) device simulations is revised by developing a model that extends the existing ones by accounting for the effect of a carrier diffusion. Both the linear and the nonlinear Poisson schemes have been considered. The analysis of the linear Poisson scheme reveals that, consistently with (lie available model, the time step between two Poisson solutions must be short compared to a factor proportional to the scattering rate. On the other hand, it has been found that, contrary to the available stability models, the nonlinear Poisson scheme requires long lime steps in order to provide stable simulations. For this reason, the nonlinear scheme is advantageous when considering steady-state simulations. The model predictions have been verified by comparison with MC simulations implementing both schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a harmonic analysis model for the Korean high-speed railway. Since the harmonic current flows through the catenary system, the catenary system must be modeled exactly to analyze harmonic current amplifications and the total harmonic distortion. In the present work, the line constants of five conductors in the catenary system were calculated by the reduction method, and each subsystem, which consisted of the Korean high- speed railway system, was modeled by the eight-port representation. Simulation results using the proposed model were compared to field test data of the Korean high-speed railway system, and the accuracy of the harmonic analysis model was verified. Also, the harmonic characteristics of the Korean high-speed railway system are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the behavior of a high-voltage direct current link based on voltage-source converters, which feeds a weak ac network with power produced from an offshore wind farm (WF) of induction generators. Its control system, which is based on adaptive fuzzy controllers, manages to offer very satisfactory performance, without the need for a detailed mathematical model, but just prior knowledge of the behavior of the electrical system. Using the simulation program PSCADIEMTDC, the study was performed under both steady-state and transient conditions. The results show that the link supplies the variable power of the WF to a weak grid, keeping the ac voltage fluctuations in the point of common coupling at an acceptable level. Moreover, due to the ability of the control system to adjust the stator frequency of the induction generators in relation to the wind velocity, maximum wind power acquisition is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "318 Blackout Incident" at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Station on March 18, 2001, is considered to be the most serious event over the 24-year history of nuclear power generation in Taiwan. This paper simulates a special overvoltage phenomenon that occurred 4 h before the blackout event, which could have caused the incident. The simulation results almost coincide closely with the actual conditions recorded. We found two major low-frequency and ferroresonant overvoltages caused by the motors which acted as generators when they lost power supply, interacting with power-line capacitance and power transformers. Since overvoltages were present for a short period, the breaker insulation did not break down immediately but the defects were accumulated. A blackout eventually occurred 4 h later, when the power supplied to the 4.16-kV essential bus A changed over from the 161-kV system to the 345-kV system, due to damage in the incoming breaker insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multiobjective approach for the design of electrical distribution networks. The objectives are defined as a monetary cost index (including installation cost and energy losses cost) and a system failure index. The true Pareto-optimal solutions are found with a multiobjective genetic algorithm that employs an efficient variable encoding scheme and some problem-specific mutation and crossover operators. Results based on 21- and 100-bus systems are presented. The information gained from the Pareto-optimal solution set is shown to be useful for the decision-making stage of distribution network evolution planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System reliability performance is usually based on average customer interruption information. These average values are valuable information, but provide only a single customer risk dimension without underlying probability distributions. The average annual indices give no insight on how reliability may vary from year to year as a result of the random behavior of bulk electric systems (BES). A significant advantage when utilizing sequential Monte Carlo simulation in bulk electric system reliability analysis is the ability to provide reliability index probability distributions in addition to the expected values of their indices. Parameter distribution analysis and its potential utilization are relatively new concepts in composite power system reliability analysis and decision making. This paper presents a technique to predict future reliability performance indices of the BES using a sequential simulation approach. The results obtained using the sequential software show that the system performance index probability distributions have unique characteristics that are basically dependent on the system topology and the operating philosophy. Operating policies involving load shedding procedures have a considerable impact on the system performance indices and their associated distributions. Two test systems are used to illustrate the concepts associated with the determination of system performance indices and their associated probability distributions. The results obtained using two different load shedding policies are presented and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a generalized leader inception model is proposed. It is based on an iterative geometrical analysis of the background potential distribution of an earthed structure to simulate the first meters of propagation of an upward connecting leader. By assuming a static field approach, the leader stabilization fields and the striking distances were computed for a lightning rod and for a building. The obtained results were compared with the existing leader inception criteria. Furthermore, in order to validate the model, the leader inception condition was computed for a triggered lightning experiment. Excellent agreement with the experimental results was obtained. The present model has several advantages in comparison with the existing leader inception criteria. One of them is related to the fact that the proposed model can be used to analyze the effect of the space charge on the upward leader inception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on losses in cables and transformers considering nonsinusoidal conditions in commercial facilities. A mathematical development based on classical definitions available in the literature supports the proposal of a factor that is suitable to indicate where losses are significant and must be compensated. A case study is also presented and meticulously analyzed in order to validate the theoretical assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the extension of harmonic domain modeling to flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices which contain series voltage injection elements. The proposed iterative technique is capable of modeling generic combinations of series and shunt converters; representing these elements as harmonic current and voltage sources, respectively. The harmonic performance of these converter combinations is characterized in terms of dc current mismatches, which are combined with fundamental frequency power-flow mismatches in an iterative Newton solution. This combination maintains modularity, allowing multiple converter FACTS devices, such as the unified power-flow controller (UPFC), and/or systems containing multiple FACTS devices to be studied. The proposed technique has been successfully validated against time-domain simulation for the UPFC and then used to highlight converter interactions within a UPFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a generalized methodology for stochastic/probabilistic assessment of the annual financial losses due to interruptions and voltage sags. The costs of interruptions and voltage sags are treated separately and then combined in order to estimate the total financial losses in the network per annum. The methodology proposed is applicable to both assessment of individual customer losses and assessment of total network losses. It takes into account in a probabilistic manner all the uncertainties associated with the voltage sag calculation, sensitivity of customers' equipment to voltage sags, the interconnection of the equipment within an industrial process, and customer types and the location of the process in the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "static" analysis (relevant to fixed load conditions) of current phase-shift effects on the magnetic field from ac double-circuit overhead transmission lines (Part I of this paper) becomes "dynamic" here by considering time-varying load conditions of an existing line, derived from a database recorded from 1994 to 2001, thereby showing that current phase shift plays a major role also when load changes. Indeed, often extreme field values over a time period are not associated with extreme current values, but with current phase shifts that, for given line geometry and conductor arrangement, yield the most effective field enhancement/reduction. An estimate of the mean/median phase-shift angle over a reference period is proposed that provides a good approximation, via one single static calculation, of the mean/median magnetic-field profiles calculated over that period (e.g., one year). It is confirmed that current phase shifts are fundamental for understanding the behavior of magnetic fields from ac double-circuit overhead transmission lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a novel power-quality (PQ) event detection and classification method using higher order cumulants as the feature parameter, and quadratic classifiers as the classification method. We have observed that local higher order statistical parameters that are estimated from short segments of 50-Hz notch-filtered voltage waveform data carry discriminative features for PQ events analyzed herein. A vector with six parameters consisting of local minimas and maximas of higher order central cumulants starting from the second (variance) up to the fourth cumulant is used as the feature vector. Local vector magnitudes and simple thresholding provide an immediate event detection criterion. After the detection of a PQ event, local maxima and minima of the cumulants around the event instant are used for the event-type classification. We have observed that the minima and maxima for each statistical order produces clusters in the feature Space. These clusters were observed to exhibit noncircular topology; hence, quadratic-type classifiers that require the Mahalanobis distance metric are proposed. The events investigated and presented are line-to-ground arcing faults and voltage sags due to the induction motor starting. Detection and classification results obtained from an experimentally staged PQ event data set are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]