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Electric power substations, as critical components of modern power grids, are increasingly becoming targets for intentional physical attacks, including vandalism, theft, and sabotage. These threats, coupled with the potential for cyber-attacks and the weaponization of technologies, necessitate robust security measures and comprehensive auditing practices. Despite utilities providers' focus on understanding grid vulnerability and implementing physical security upgrades, there is a recognized gap in evaluating the effectiveness and long-term usability of these measures. This paper addresses the need for regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure the overall resilience of substations against evolving threats. The rationale behind this study is to propose a conventional auditing method that includes an auditing framework, checklists, inspections, and post-inspection suggestions. Through the systematic identification and addressing of vulnerabilities via security auditing, the framework aims to significantly enhance the resilience of substations against physical threats. This paper provides a comprehensive guideline for the physical security auditing procedure, which is essential for the reliable operation of the power grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-of-use pricing of electric energy, as an important part of the national policy of energy conservation and emission reduction, requires accurate electric energy data as support. However, due to various reasons, the electric energy data are often missing. To address this thorny problem, this paper constructs a CNN and GRU-based recovery model (RCNN-BiGRU) for electric energy data by taking the missing data as the output and the historical data of the neighboring moments as the input. Firstly, a convolutional network with a residual structure is used to capture the local dependence and periodic patterns of the input data, and then a bidirectional GRU network utilizes the extracted potential features to model the temporal relationships of the data. Aiming at the difficult selection of network structure parameters and training process parameters, an accelerated adaptive differential evolution (AADE) algorithm is proposed to optimize the electrical energy data recovery model. The algorithm designs an accelerated mutation operator and at the same time adopts an adaptive strategy to set the two key parameters. A large amount of real grid data are selected as samples to train the network, and the comparison results verify that the proposed combined model outperforms the related CNN and GRU networks. The comparison experimental results with other optimization algorithms also show that the AADE algorithm proposed in this paper has better data recovery performance on the training set and significantly better performance on the test set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the microgrid system is characterized by a diversification of power factors and a complex network structure. Existing studies on microgrid fault diagnosis and troubleshooting mostly focus on the fault detection and operation optimization of a single power device. However, for increasingly complex microgrid systems, it becomes increasingly challenging to effectively contain faults within a specific spatiotemporal range. This can lead to the spread of power faults, posing great harm to the safety of the microgrid. The topology optimization of the microgrid based on deep reinforcement learning proposed in this paper starts from the overall power grid and aims to minimize the overall failure rate of the microgrid by optimizing the topology of the power grid. This approach can limit internal faults within a small range, greatly improving the safety and reliability of microgrid operation. The method proposed in this paper can optimize the network topology for the single node fault and multi-node fault, reducing the influence range of the node fault by 21% and 58%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batteries have been integral components in modern vehicles, initially powering starter motors and ensuring stable electrical conditions in various vehicle systems and later in energy sources of drive electric motors. Over time, their significance has grown exponentially with the advent of features such as "Start & Stop" systems, micro hybridization, and kinetic energy regeneration. This trend culminated in the emergence of hybrid and electric vehicles, where batteries are the energy source of the electric traction motors. The evolution of storage for vehicles has been driven by the need for larger autonomy, a higher number of cycles, lower self-discharge rates, enhanced performance in extreme temperatures, and greater electrical power extraction capacity. As these technologies have advanced, so have they the methods for their disposal, recovery, and recycling. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is the potential for battery reuse once they reach the end of their useful life. For each battery technology, specific regeneration methods have been developed, aiming to restore the battery to its initial performance state or something very close to it. This focus on regeneration holds significant economic implications, particularly for vehicles where batteries represent a substantial share of the overall cost, such as hybrid and electric vehicles. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of battery technologies employed in vehicles from their inception to the present day. Special attention is given to identifying common failures within these technologies. Additionally, the scientific literature and existing patents addressing regeneration methods are explored, shedding light on the promising avenues for extending the life and performance of automotive batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the not-too-distant future, humans will return to the Moon and step foot for the first time on Mars. Eventually, humanity will colonize these celestial bodies, where living and working will be commonplace. Energy is fundamental to all life. The energy that people use to sustain themselves on Earth, and in particular on these other worlds, is the integrated, safe production of electrical power, day and night. This paper proposes a radically new solution to this problem: Solar Tracking by day and a Solar Rechargeable Calcium Oxide Chemical Thermoelectric Reactor by night. Called the "Robotic End Effector for Lunar and Martian Geological Exploration of Space" (REEGES) Day/Night Power Generator Station, this form of thermoelectric power generation is mathematically modeled, simulation is performed, and a concept model design is demonstrated in this paper. The results of the presented simulation show the maximum total system output capability is 9.89 V, 6.66 A, and 65.9 W, with an operating time of up to 12 h, through a scalable design. This research provides instructions to the Space Research Community on a complete and novel development methodology for creating fully customized, configurable, safe, and reliable solar/thermoelectric day/night power generators, specifically meant for use on the Moon and Mars, using the Proportional-Integral-Derivative++ (PID++) Humanoid Motion Control Algorithm for its operation on a computationally lightweight microcontroller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the electric tricycle is to bring increased mobility to impaired persons. Presently, hand-powered tricycles are used by numerous members of the impaired community, but some current users of hand-powered tricycles do not have the physical strength or collaboration to propel themselves on the tricycle with their arms and hands. The aim of the proposed paper is to add electric power to the current hand-powered tricycle to provide tricycle users with improved mobility, providing them with more freedom and making a donation to the community. This paper develops an inclusive and cost-effective electric tricycle designed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges. The proposed tricycle is equipped with a 350-watt motor and has a cargo capacity of over 100 kg. Using IoT technology, the proposed system includes features similar to real-time position shadowing, on/off announcements through mobile and dispatch, and clear on/off suggestions. This innovative result addresses the unique requirements of hindered individuals, promoting availability, autonomy, and enhanced mobility in a socially conscious manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses recent advances and challenges in emerging power systems, specifically focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources with conventional power networks. The development of renewable energy solutions has been driven by concerns about diminishing fossil fuels, increasing energy demand, pollution, and global warming. The integration of renewable energy sources presents challenges in terms of operation, control, and protection practices. The document highlights 16 research papers that cover various topics related to power systems and the challenges faced by emerging power systems. These papers explore concepts such as floating wind farms, coordinated control of fast charging stations and distributed energy resources, AI tools for voltage analysis, open power meters, fault location methods, load forecasting, inductive compensation, blockchain-based energy markets, vibration suppression in smart structures, and more. The document concludes by inviting further papers for a second volume on recent advances and challenges in emerging power systems. [Extracted from the article]

Full- and reduced-order observers have been used in many engineering applications, particularly for energy systems. Applications of observers to energy systems are twofold: (1) the use of observed variables of dynamic systems for the purpose of feedback control and (2) the use of observers in their own right to observe (estimate) state variables of particular energy processes and systems. In addition to the classical Luenberger-type observers, we will review some papers on functional, fractional, and disturbance observers, as well as sliding-mode observers used for energy systems. Observers have been applied to energy systems in both continuous and discrete time domains and in both deterministic and stochastic problem formulations to observe (estimate) state variables over either finite or infinite time (steady-state) intervals. This overview paper will provide a detailed overview of observers used for linear and linearized mathematical models of energy systems and review the most important and most recent papers on the use of observers for nonlinear lumped (concentrated)-parameter systems. The emphasis will be on applications of observers to renewable energy systems, such as fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, and wind turbines. In addition, we will present recent research results on the use of observers for distributed-parameter systems and comment on their actual and potential applications in energy processes and systems. Due to the large number of papers that have been published on this topic, we will concentrate our attention mostly on papers published in high-quality journals in recent years, mostly in the past decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduction in greenhouse gases has become an inescapable requirement. An effective scenario for achieving carbon neutrality is to develop a hydrogen economy. Its success, however, requires strict control of the different processes involved in planned hydrogen chains. The energy chain considered in this paper is a stationary application which involves the production of hydrogen by electrolysis (a power-to gas process) and its combustion in gas turbine combined cycles to generate electricity (a gas-to-power process). In such applications, the need is twofold: (i) to control the risk of explosive atmospheres by performing safe gas detection in the presence of hydrogen and (ii) to secure the reliability of all chain processes using hydrogen-rich gases by achieving reliable analyses of these gases. This paper is dedicated to the development of hydrogen energy to decarbonize the thermal production of electricity. We will first describe the hydrogen chain that would best suit the power generation sector. Then, we will highlight the properties of hydrogen that are critical for its reliable operation. Finally, we will review the sensing technologies suitable for hydrogen-containing fuels. This review paper was published as part of a Joint Industrial Project (JIP) aimed at enabling the safe and reliable deployment of hydrogen energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a renewable energy technology that utilizes the oxidative decomposition processes of anaerobic microorganisms to convert the chemical energy in organic matter, such as wastewater, sediments, or other biomass, into electrical power. This technology is not only applicable to wastewater treatment but can also be used for resource recovery from various organic wastes. The MFC usually requires an external controller that allows it to operate under controlled conditions to obtain a stable output voltage. Therefore, the application of a PID controller to the MFC is proposed in this paper. The design phase for this controller involves the identification of three parameters. Although the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is an advanced optimization algorithm based on swarm intelligence, it suffers from issues such as unreasonable population initialization and slow convergence speed. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved particle swarm algorithm based on the Golden Sine Strategy (GSCPSO). Using Circle chaotic mapping to make the distribution of the initial population more uniform, and then using the Golden Sine Strategy to improve the position update formula, not only improves the convergence speed of the population but also enhances convergence precision. The GSCPSO algorithm is applied to execute the described design process. The results of the simulation show that the designed control method exhibits smaller steady-state error, overshoot, and chattering compared with sliding-mode control (SMC), backstepping control, fuzzy SMC (FSMC), PSO-PID, and CPSO-PID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy, as a zero-carbon emission type of energy, is playing a significant role in the development of future electricity power systems. Coordinated operation of hydrogen and electricity will change the direction and shape of energy utilization in the power grid. To address the evolving power system and promote sustainable hydrogen energy development, this paper initially examines hydrogen preparation and storage techniques, summarizes current research and development challenges, and introduces several key technologies for hydrogen energy application in power systems. These include hydrogen electrification technology, hydrogen-based medium- and long-term energy storage, and hydrogen auxiliary services. This paper also analyzes several typical modes of hydrogen–electricity coupling. Finally, the future development direction of hydrogen energy in power systems is discussed, focusing on key issues such as cost, storage, and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of statistics, uncertain regression analysis occupies an important position. It can thoroughly analyze data sets contained in complex uncertainties, aiming to quantify and reveal the intricate relationships between variables. It is worth noting that the traditional least squares method only takes into account the reduction in the deviations between predictions and observations, and fails to fully consider the inherent characteristics of the correlation uncertainty distributions under the uncertain regression framework. In light of this, this paper constructs a statistical invariant with symmetric uncertainty distribution based on the observations and the disturbance term. It also proposes the least squares estimation of unknown parameters and disturbance term in the uncertain regression model based on the least squares principle and, combined with the mathematical properties of the normal uncertainty distribution, gives a numerical algorithm for solving specific estimates. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the least squares estimation method proposed in this paper, we also design two numerical examples and an empirical study of forecasting of electrical power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of static converters for controlling electrical machines and the concern for electrical power quality in industrial environments provide an opportunity for utilizing these devices to enhance the power quality. In this context, this work presents a back-to-back converter model for driving induction machines. The converter is designed to correct the power factor of the point common coupling (PCC), compensate for harmonic currents (acting as an active filter), and withstand voltage sags. The necessary control system models were developed, and an alternative implementation for these functions in the converter was proposed. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of this solution, as the converter operated within its nominal limits by compensating for harmonics and reactive power. Moreover, the equipment showed resilience to severe voltage sags. The contribution of this paper focuses on the multifunctionality of the frequency converter for driving induction machines. It emphasizes the advantage of the inverter in improving power quality in industrial environments through reactive power compensation and harmonic current compensation, thus functioning as an active power filter. Additionally, it is worth highlighting its ability to handle voltage dips. In this regard, this paper contributes by providing an operational strategy for driving the induction machine during such transients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses rare issue in cable ampacity calculations, namely the presence of discontinuities along the routes. One which occurs in almost all cable installations is the presence of joints. In a standard cable rating analysis, the joints are ignored, mostly because of difficulties in building analytical models that represent the heat transfer phenomena within them. However, they can be a limiting part of the cable rating and, therefore, there is a need to model them correctly. This paper introduces an analytical algorithm for cable rating calculations in the presence of discontinuities with an emphasis on cable joints. New developments are illustrated by several numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-Active-Bridge (DAB) DC–DC converters are becoming increasingly favored for their efficiency in transferring electrical power across varying voltage levels. They are crucial in enhancing safety and reliability in various fields, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and the power supplies of electronic devices. This paper introduces a new control strategy for bidirectional isolated DAB DC–DC converters, implementing a Double Integral Super Twisting Sliding Mode Control (DI-STSMC) to accurately regulate the output voltage and current. The approach starts with a state-space representation to mathematically model the DAB converter. In light of model uncertainties and external disturbances, a robust DI-STSMC controller has been formulated to optimize the DAB converter's output performance. This method achieves zero steady-state error without chattering and provides a quick response to fluctuations in load and reference changes. The validity of the proposed technique is demonstrated through simulation results and a control hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) experimental setup, using Typhoon HIL 606 and Imperix B-Box RCP 3.0 on a 230 W DAB converter. Furthermore, the paper offers a comparative analysis of the DI-STSMC with other control strategies, such as the proportional-integral (PI) controller, standard sliding mode control (SMC), and integral sliding mode control (ISMC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This paper proposes a method of monitoring the condition of three-phase asynchronous induction motors running with no load based on computer analysis of the instantaneous active electrical power. This paper experimentally reveals some of the resources offered by the instantaneous active electric power in describing the state of three-phase AC induction asynchronous electric motors (with a squirrel-cage rotor) operating under no-load conditions. A mechanical power is required to rotate the rotor with no load, and this mechanical power is satisfactorily reflected in the constant and variable part of instantaneous active electric power. The variable part of this electrical power should necessarily have a periodic component with the same period as the period of rotation of the rotor. This paper proposes a procedure for extracting this periodic component description (as a pattern by means of a selective averaging of instantaneous active electrical power) and analysis. The time origin of this pattern is defined by the time of a selected first passage through the origin of an angular marker placed on the rotor, detectable by a proximity sensor (e.g., a laser sensor). The usefulness of the pattern in describing the state of the motor rotor has been demonstrated by several simple experiments, which show that a slight change in the no-load running conditions of the motor (e.g., by placing a dynamically unbalanced mass on the rotor) has clear effects in changing the shape of the pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the automotive industry is associated with the rapid advancement of onboard systems. In addition, intensive development in the electronics and control systems industry has resulted in a change in the approach to the issue of assistance systems in vehicles. Classic hydraulic systems have been almost completely replaced by modern electric power steering (EPS) systems, especially in citizen vehicles. This paper focuses on fault detection algorithms for EPS, along with the available tools to aid development and verification. The article discusses in detail the current state of knowledge in this area. The principle of operation of the EPS system and the influence of the structure of the mechanical system on its operation, in particular the characteristics of the ground–tire contact, are presented. Various error identification methods are presented, including those based mainly on a combination of tests of real objects as well as those combined with modern hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) equipment and virtual vehicle environment software, enabling the development of new diagnostic methods, enhancing the security, reliability, and energy control in the vehicle. A review of the literature indicates that although many algorithms which enable fault detection at an early stage are described, their potential for use in a vehicle is highly limited. The reason lies in simplifications, including models and the operating EPS temperature range. The most frequently used simplification of the model is its linearization, which significantly reduces the calculation time; however, this significantly reduces the accuracy of the model, especially in cases with a large range of system operation. The need for methods to detect incipient faults is important for the safety and reliability of the entire car, not only during regular use but also especially during life-saving evasive maneuvers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the development of the Power Industry Internet of Things, the security of data interaction has always been an important challenge. In the power-based blockchain Industrial Internet of Things, node data interaction involves a large amount of sensitive data. In the current anti-leakage strategy for power business data interaction, regular expressions are used to identify sensitive data for matching. This approach is only suitable for simple structured data. For the processing of unstructured data, there is a lack of practical matching strategies. Therefore, this paper proposes a deep learning-based anti-leakage method for power business data interaction, aiming to ensure the security of power business data interaction between the State Grid business platform and third-party platforms. This method combines named entity recognition technologies and comprehensively uses regular expressions and the DeBERTa (Decoding-enhanced BERT with disentangled attention)-BiLSTM (Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory)-CRF (Conditional Random Field) model. This method is based on the DeBERTa (Decoding-enhanced BERT with disentangled attention) model for pre-training feature extraction. It extracts sequence context semantic features through the BiLSTM, and finally obtains the global optimal through the CRF layer tag sequence. Sensitive data matching is performed on interactive structured and unstructured data to identify privacy-sensitive information in the power business. The experimental results show that the F1 score of the proposed method in this paper for identifying sensitive data entities using the CLUENER 2020 dataset reaches 81.26%, which can effectively prevent the risk of power business data leakage and provide innovative solutions for the power industry to ensure data security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling between modern electric power physical and cyber systems is deepening. An increasing number of users are gradually participating in power operation and control, engaging in bidirectional interactions with the grid. The evolving new power system is transforming into a highly intelligent socio–cyber–physical system, featuring increasingly intricate and expansive architectures. Demands for stable system operation are becoming more specific and rigorous. The new power system confronts significant challenges in areas like planning, dispatching, and operational maintenance. Hence, this paper aims to comprehensively explore potential synergies among various power system components from multiple viewpoints. It analyzes numerous core elements and key technologies to fully unlock the efficiency of this coupling. Our objective is to establish a solid theoretical foundation and practical strategies for the precise implementation of integrated planning and operation dispatching of source–grid–load–storage systems. Based on this, the paper first delves into the theoretical concepts of source, grid, load, and storage, comprehensively exploring new developments and emerging changes in each domain within the new power system context. Secondly, it summarizes pivotal technologies such as data acquisition, collaborative planning, and security measures, while presenting reasonable prospects for their future advancement. Finally, the paper extensively discusses the immense value and potential applications of the integrated planning and operation dispatching concept in source–grid–load–storage systems. This includes its assistance in regards to large-scale engineering projects such as extreme disaster management, facilitating green energy development in desertification regions, and promoting the construction of zero-carbon parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel hybrid filter topology that combines passive and active components to enhance harmonic filtering and resonance damping in electrical power systems. The design integrates a three-phase two-level voltage-source converter with a double-tuned passive filter in parallel, significantly reducing the power rating and operational costs while maintaining good harmonic filtering performance and reactive current compensation. Double-tuned passive filters, compared to single-tuned ones, offer improved harmonic attenuation at multiple frequencies, enhancing overall system efficiency. Moreover, when used with the proposed hybrid filter topology, the double-tuned version allows for even lower dimensions of the active part, thereby further reducing system cost. A state-feedback controller is designed to enhance the performance of the hybrid filter, proving particularly effective in environments with complex impedance conditions. This paper also examines the impact of variations in passive component parameters, demonstrating the design's robustness against potential deviations expected over the operational lifespan. The results indicate that the hybrid filter effectively mitigates harmonics and maintains operational stability under various transient conditions, as confirmed by analytical and simulation studies on a real industrial network model. These findings underline the hybrid filter's potential to significantly improve power quality in modern electrical networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being a vital component of electrical power systems, transformers significantly influence the system stability and reliability of power supplies. Damage to transformers may lead to significant economic losses. The efficient identification of transformer faults holds paramount importance for the stability and security of power grids. The existing methods for identifying transformer faults include oil chromatography analysis, temperature assessment, frequency response analysis, vibration characteristic examination, and leakage magnetic field analysis. These methods suffer from limitations such as limited sensitivity, complexity in operation, and a high demand for specialized skills. In this paper, we propose a method to identify external short-circuit faults of power transformers based on fault recording data on short-circuit currents. It involves analyzing the current signals of various windings during faults, extracting appropriate features, and utilizing a classification algorithm based on a support vector machine (SVM) to determine fault types and locations. The influence of different kernel functions on the classification accuracy of SVM is discussed. The results indicate that this method can proficiently identify the type and location of external short-circuit faults in transformers, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing use of gas-fired power generators and electricity-driven gas compressors and storage has increased the interdependence between electric power infrastructure and natural gas infrastructure. However, the increasing interdependence may spread the failures from one system to the other, causing subsequent failures in an integrated power and gas system (IPGS). This paper investigates the structural vulnerability of a realistic IPGS based on complex network theory. Different from the existing works with a focus on the static vulnerability analysis for an IPGS, this paper considers both static and dynamic vulnerability analysis. The former focuses on vulnerability analysis under random and selective failures without flow redistribution, while the latter concentrates on vulnerability analysis under cascading failures caused by flow redistribution. Also, different from the existing works with a focus on the IPGS as a whole, we not only analyze the vulnerability of the IPGS but also analyze the vulnerability of the power subsystem (PS) and gas subsystem (GS), in order to understand how the vulnerability of the IPGS is affected by its PS and GS. The analysis results show that (1) if the PS and GS are more susceptible to cascading failures than selective and random failures, the IPGS as a whole is also more vulnerable to cascading failures. (2) There are different dominant factors affecting the IPGS vulnerability under cascading failures and selective failures. Under cascading failures, the GS has a more significant impact on the IPGS vulnerability; under selective failures, the PS has a more important impact on the IPGS vulnerability. (3) The IPGS is more vulnerable to failures on the critical nodes, which are identified from the IPGS as a whole rather than from the individual PS or GS. The results provide insights into the design and planning of IPGSs to improve their overall reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulators are an important part of transmission lines in active distribution networks, and their performance has an impact on the power system's normal operation, security, and dependability. Traditional insulator detection methods, on the other hand, necessitate a significant amount of labor and material resources, necessitating the development of a new detection method to substitute manpower. This paper investigates the abnormal condition detection of insulators based on UAV vision sensors using artificial intelligence algorithms from small samples. Firstly, artificial intelligence for the image data volume requirements was large, i.e., the insulator image samples taken by the UAV vision sensor inspection were not enough, or there was a missing image problem, so the data enhancement method was used to expand the small sample data. Then, the YOLOV5 algorithm was used to compare detection results before and after the extended dataset's optimization to demonstrate the expanded dataset's dependability and universality, and the results revealed that the expanded dataset improved detection accuracy and precision. The insulator abnormal condition detection method based on small sample image data acquired by the visual sensors studied in this paper has certain theoretical guiding significance and engineering application prospects for the safe operation of active distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides an overview of innovations in thermoelectric technology, with a focus on materials and applications. It discusses thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which convert thermal energy into electrical energy, and their versatility in various settings such as space, medical applications, and vehicles. The document also highlights advancements in thermoelectric materials, such as Cu2−xSe and PbTe0.7S0.3, which improve the efficiency of TEGs. The included research papers cover topics such as TEG design, durability under different conditions, and the development of nanostructured materials. The findings emphasize the need for further research and collaboration to enhance the efficiency and practicality of thermoelectric systems. [Extracted from the article]

This paper is dedicated to optimizing the functionality of Microgrid-Integrated Charging Stations (MICCS) through the implementation of a new control strategy, specifically the fractional-order proportional-integral (FPI) controller, aided by a hybrid optimization algorithm. The primary goal is to elevate the efficiency and stability of the MICCS-integrated inverter, ensuring its seamless integration into modern energy ecosystems. The MICCS system considered here comprises a PV array as the primary electrical power source, complemented by a proton exchange membrane fuel cell as a supporting power resource. Additionally, it includes a battery system and an electric vehicle charging station. The optimization model is formulated with the objective of minimizing the integral of square errors in both the DC-link voltage and grid current while also reducing total harmonic distortion. To enhance the precision of control parameter estimation, a hybrid of the one-to-one optimizer and sine cosine algorithm (HOOBSCA) is introduced. This hybrid approach improves the exploitation and exploration characteristics of individual algorithms. Different meta-heuristic algorithms are tested against HOOBSCA in different case studies to see how well it tunes FPI settings. Findings demonstrate that the suggested method improves the integrated inverters' transient and steady-state performance, confirming its improved performance in generating high-quality solutions. The best fitness value achieved by the proposed optimizer was 3.9109, outperforming the other algorithms investigated in this paper. The HOOBSCA-based FPI successfully improved the response of the DC-link voltage, with a maximum overshooting not exceeding 8.5% compared to the other algorithms employed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern electrical power systems are characterized by a high rate of transient processes, the use of digital monitoring and control systems, and the accumulation of a large amount of technological information. The active integration of renewable energy sources contributes to reducing the inertia of power systems and changing the nature of transient processes. As a result, the effectiveness of emergency control systems decreases. Traditional emergency control systems operate based on the numerical analysis of power system dynamic models. This allows for finding the optimal set of preventive commands (solutions) in the form of disconnections of generating units, consumers, transmission lines, and other primary grid equipment. Thus, the steady-state or transient stability of a power system is provided. After the active integration of renewable sources into power systems, traditional emergency control algorithms became ineffective due to the time delay in finding the optimal set of control actions. Currently, machine learning algorithms are being developed that provide high performance and adaptability. This paper contains a meta-analysis of modern emergency control algorithms for power systems based on machine learning and synchronized phasor measurement data. It describes algorithms for determining disturbances in the power system, selecting control actions to maintain transient and steady-state stability, stability in voltage level, and limiting frequency. This study examines 53 studies piled on the development of a methodology for analyzing the stability of power systems based on ML algorithms. The analysis of the research is carried out in terms of accuracy, computational latency, and data used in training and testing. The most frequently used textual mathematical models of power systems are determined, and the most suitable ML algorithms for use in the operational control circuit of power systems in real time are determined. This paper also provides an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of existing algorithms, as well as identifies areas for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relentlessly depleting fossil-fuel-based energy resources worldwide have forbidden an imminent energy crisis that could severely impact the general population. This dire situation calls for the immediate exploitation of renewable energy resources to redress the balance between power consumption and generation. This manuscript confers about energy management tactics to optimize the methods of power production and consumption. Furthermore, this paper also discusses the solutions to enhance the reliability of the electrical power system. In order to elucidate the enhanced reliability of the electrical system, microgrids consisting of different energy resources, load types, and optimization techniques are comprehensively analyzed to explore the significance of energy management systems (EMSs) and demand response strategies. Subsequently, this paper discusses the role of EMS for the proper consumption of electrical power considering the advent of electric vehicles (EVs) in the energy market. The main reason to integrate EVs is the growing hazards of climate change due to carbon emissions. Moreover, this paper sheds light on the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the technological realm and its incorporation into electrical systems with the notion of strengthening existing smart grid technologies and to handle the uncertainties in load management. This paper also delineates the different methodologies to effectively mitigate the probability of facing cyber-attacks and to make the smart grids invulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of investigations into modeling the DC and dynamic characteristics of an alkaline electrolyzer. A model of the device under consideration is proposed in the form of analytical relationships in which the coefficients depend on the concentration of the potassium hydroxide solution contained in the electrolyzer under consideration. The correctness of the proposed model is verified by comparing the calculated and measured current–voltage characteristics and the dependence of the module of the impedance of the electrolyzer on the frequency obtained at different values of the electrolyte concentration. The dependence of the time needed to produce a given portion of hydrogen on the supply current and the electrolyte concentration is also presented. Good compliance with the calculation and measurement results is obtained over a wide range of voltage and current, frequency, and concentration of the electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric power is crucial for economic growth and the overall development of any country. The efficient planning of distribution system is necessary because all the consumers mainly rely on the distribution network to access the power. This paper focuses on addressing distribution system challenges and meeting consumers' fundamental needs, such as achieving an improved voltage profile and minimizing costs within an environmentally sustainable framework. This work addressed the gap in the existing research by analysing the performance of both balanced and unbalanced systems within the same framework, specifically using the IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 118-bus test systems. Unlike prior studies that focused solely on either balanced or unbalanced systems, this work redistributed balanced loads into three-phase unequal unbalanced loads to create a more challenging unbalanced distribution network. The primary objective is to compare the effects of balanced and unbalanced loads on system the performances and to identify strategies for mitigating unbalanced load issues in each phase. Six optimization methods (PSO, TLBO, JAYA, SCA, RAO, and HBO) were employed to minimize losses, voltage variations, and other multi-objective function factors. Additionally, the study compared the cost of energy loss (CEL), emission factors, costs associated with distributed clean energy resources (DCER), and active and reactive power losses. Phase angle distortions due to unbalanced loads were also analysed. The results showed that among the optimization techniques tested (PSO, TLBO, JAYA, SCA, RAO, and HBO), the HBO method proved to be the most effective for the optimal allocation of distributed clean energy resources, yielding the lowest PFMO values and favourable outcomes across the technical, economic, and environmental parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inter-Turn Short Circuit (ITSC) faults do not necessarily produce high temperatures but exhibit distinct heat distribution and characteristics. This paper proposes a novel fault diagnosis and identification scheme utilizing an improved You Look Only Once Vision 8 (YOLOv8) algorithm, enhanced with an infrared image slicing-aided hyper-inference (SAHI) technique, to automatically detect ITSC fault trajectories in dry-type transformers. The infrared image acquisition system gathers data on ITSC fault trajectories and captures images with varying contrast to enhance the robustness of the recognition model. Given that the fault trajectory constitutes a small portion of the overall infrared image and is subject to significant background interference, traditional recognition algorithms often misjudge or omit faults. To address this, a YOLOv8-based visual detection method incorporating Dynamic Snake Convolution (DSConv) and the Slicing-Aided Hyper-Inference algorithm is proposed. This method aims to improve recognition precision and accuracy for small targets in complex backgrounds, facilitating accurate detection of ITSC faults in dry-type transformers. Comparative tests with the YOLOv8 model, Fast Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks (Fast-RCNNs), and Residual Neural Networks (Retina-Nets) demonstrate that the enhancements significantly improve model convergence speed and fault trajectory detection accuracy. The approach offers valuable insights for advancing infrared image diagnostic technology in electrical power equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the use of an electric drive as an acoustic actuator for active noise cancellation (ANC). In the presented application, the idea is to improve the noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) characteristics of passenger cars without using additional active or passive damper systems. Many of the already existing electric drives in cars are equipped with the required hardware components to generate noise and vibration, which can be used as compensation signals in an ANC application. To demonstrate the applicability of the idea, the electrical power steering (EPS) motor is stimulated with a control signal, generated by an adaptive feedforward controller, to reduce harmonic disturbances at the driver's ears. As it turns out, the EPS system generates higher harmonics of the harmonic compensation signal due to nonlinearities in the acoustic transfer path using a harmonic excitation signal. The higher harmonics impair an improvement in the subjective hearing experience, although the airborne noise level of the harmonic disturbance signal can be clearly reduced at the driver's ears. Therefore, two methods are presented to reduce the amplitude of the higher harmonics. The first method is to limit the filter weights of the algorithm to reduce the amplitude of the harmonic compensation signal. The filter amplitude limitation also leads to a lower amplitude of the higher harmonics, generated by the permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The second method uses a parallel structure of adaptive filters to actively reduce the amplitude of the higher harmonics. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed ANC system is demonstrated in two real driving situations, where in one case a synthetic noise/vibration induced by a shaker on the front axle carrier is considered to be the disturbance, and in the other case, the disturbance is a harmonic vibration generated by the combustion engine. In both cases, the subjective hearing experience of the driver could be clearly improved using the EPS motor as ANC actuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy harvesting is a clean technique for obtaining electrical energy from environmental energy. Mechanical vibrations are an energy source that can be used to produce electricity using piezoelectric energy harvesters. Vibrations and wind in bridges have the potential to produce clean energy that can be employed to supply energy to electronic devices with low consumption. The purpose of this paper was to validate the functioning of an energy harvester and test the electrical power generation potential of a system based on the oscillation of a rod with a tip mass to stimulate piezoelectric transducers by impact. The obtained results showed the electric energy productions for different test conditions. Experimentally, the proposed structure produced 0.337 µJ of energy after 14 s of testing. In addition, after one hour of operation, an estimated production of 10.4 mJ was obtained, considering four stacks of 25 piezoelectric disks each when periodic impacts of 50 N at 5.7 Hz stimulated the transducers. In future work, we will focus on taking advantage of the vibrations produced in the proposed structure induced by the mechanical vibration of bridges and vortex-induced vibration (VIV) through interaction with wind to produce clean energy that is useful for low-power applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed electric drive units promise improved power density and, theoretically, driving range of battery electric vehicles. An essential step of the development process is extensive testing of the drive unit on a test rig. In particular, at a high rotational speed level, experimental testing can be challenging. This paper describes a test rig for investigating the overall function of a high-speed drive unit and the transmission's efficiency and dynamics. The high-speed drive unit developed in the Speed4E research project was the reference drive unit. The test rig is based on the concept of electrical power circulation. Thus, the test rig can be used universally for different drive unit designs and operating modes. A reaction torque measurement unit was developed to enable measurements at high rotational speeds. Simultaneously, this unit allows robust measurements at low costs. The expected measurement uncertainties of torque, rotational speed, transmission efficiency, and power losses were calculated using the Monte Carlo method. The results demonstrate that the developed torque measurement unit combines precise torque measurement with a robust design and low costs, making it competitive with state-of-the-art solutions for torque measurement at high speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic technology has become one of the major renewable ways to generate electric power. However, the mismatch between the incident solar spectrum and photo-electric response efficiency of solar cells severely constrains their performance. Hence, spectral modification technologies, e.g., up-conversion (UC), down-conversion (DC), and luminescent down-shifting (LDS) technologies have been applied widely in the photovoltaic field to reform the incident spectrum to match the best response band possible. In this paper, we review the latest developments of the three technologies above in terms of material selection, optical characteristics, and photovoltaic performance. It is found that the three most popular materials for conversion are NaYF4: Er3+, Yb3+, and Yb3+. The excitation bands for the three technologies are 800–1550 nm, 250–488 nm, and 250–488 nm, respectively, while the emission bands are 523–669 nm, 520–1031 nm, and 490–1010 nm, respectively. Furthermore, issues hindering the development of spectral modification technologies are pointed out, e.g., low absorption efficiency, poor quantum conversion efficiency, and hurdles in commercialization. Finally, suggestions and solutions to address the above-mentioned issues are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes the utilization of Peltier modules to convert electrical energy from thermal energy to show its potential as a renewable energy source for residential and commercial application. The study, whose results are presented in this manuscript, was conducted in the city of Monterrey, located in the northeast of Mexico. The energy source was tested and analyzed utilizing a set of statistical metrics and further comparison against experimental test results. The Distrito Tec area in Monterrey city is an academic complex and it was chosen for this study, which consisted of the indirect measurement of the average annual heat energy stored within the buildings' cement structure. The aim was to obtain the annual accumulated electrical power in Wh per year that Peltier modules could provide in Distrito Tec, which is located in a city with solar irradiation levels above the world average. The proposal in this paper could encourage further investigation regarding this energy that is currently waste heat. More specifically, the results of this research highlight the importance of thermoelectric modules and seek to motivate research to improve their properties and make them more efficient and more viable as well. Thermoelectric modules have the potential to be part of the solution to sustainable development as presented in the United Nations SDG-7—ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to protect control, regulation and data storage units used in automated robotic manufacturing from the consequences of harmful electrical grid harmonics. In this paper, the effectiveness of active/passive harmonic filters built into LED lamps, test benches, and industrial robots was investigated (in the latter two cases, light and heavy load states were applied). Based on network analysis, it was found that the built-in passive harmonic filters of the luminaries were ineffective because the THD of the current was approximately two or three times the permissible value according to the IEEE 519-2022 standard. It was proved that the built-in active harmonic filter of the test bench at a heavy load worked properly, but at a light load it was not effective, while the magnitude of harmonic distortion of the industrial robot exceeded the allowed level (three times the limit at a light load, seven times the limit at a heavy load). Further measurements were also performed at three locations: an engineering room, a gearbox house machine tool, and an office room (where there were no built-in filters). The results proved that in each case, there was a significant exceedance of the limit value. Therefore, protection against harmonics needs to be installed, and then the measurements must be repeated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new linear-based closed-loop control method for a Solid-State Transformer (SST) has been proposed. In this new control method, individual current and voltage loops for each of the power conversion stages (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC) are implemented. The feedback between the input and output control signals for each loop is achieved through the voltage on the DC link capacitors and the current transferred between the converters. This enables the SST to be controlled easily in a linear-based closed-loop manner without the need for complex computations. In order to evaluate the performance analysis of the proposed control system, a simulation of an SST with approximately 10 kVA apparent power was performed. Based on the obtained simulation results, the response time of the proposed control method for dynamic load variations was proved to be in the range of 40 milliseconds, and it has been observed that this method allows electrical power to be transferred from the load to the grid. The power factor value of SST under inductive load is measured to be approximately 99%, and the overall system efficiency is 96% and above, indicating that this proposed new control method has very high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A grid-forming voltage source converter with an integrated step-down transformer could be a promising solution for supplying low-voltage alternating current loads from a medium-voltage direct current supply. However, it may require a control system that gathers feedback signals from both the primary and secondary sides of the transformer, which in turn complicates the derivation of a standard form linear model. The absence of such a model complicates control tuning, as well as the assessment of dynamics and stability of the converter system. The objective of this paper is to address this gap in knowledge. For the case study, a conventional H-bridge converter with a step-down transformer and an α β -frame dual-loop grid-forming controller is considered. Initially, comprehensive guidelines on deriving a standard form linear model for this converter system are presented. Then, the impact of controlling the VSC in a d q frame and the changes in the transformer vector group on the small-signal model of the VSC are analyzed. The aspects of control tuning are also discussed in detail, and the model's accuracy and efficacy are validated both theoretically and through control hardware-in-the-loop (C-HIL) tests using a Typhoon HIL setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active power losses are dependent on the flowing electric power value through overhead and cable lines. The current flow through the conductor causes negative phenomena to occur, such as released heat. The source of the current harmonics is the non-linear loads. Hence, the skin effect occurs, and the current carrying capacity of cables is reduced. This results in the increase in and uneven distribution of the temperature inside the conductor. This paper presents a comparison of the temperature distribution inside a power cable for an ideal 50 Hz sine wave and highly distorted current (T H D I = 41 %) . The calculated active power losses for the IEC 60287-1-1:2006+A1:2014 standard and the method described in the literature were used as a basis for further calculations. The obtained results revealed the problem of the uneven distribution of the conductor temperature. Considering the skin effect, increasing the temperature in the outer layers leads to severe damage and faster insulation aging. The abovementioned phenomenon is a decrease in the permissible load capacity of the conductor. The table given in the IEC 60364-5-52 standard summarizes the percentage contribution of the third harmonic to the current waveform. For percentages between 15% and 33%, the current carrying capacity is reduced by up to 86% of the full-load current rating. In addition, consideration of thermal conditions forces the use of cables with larger cross-sections. This leads to their non-optimal use and makes the investment more expensive from an economic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of nonconventional energy sources such as solar, wind, and fuel cells into electrical power networks introduces significant challenges in maintaining frequency stability and consistent tie-line power flows. These fluctuations can adversely affect the quality and reliability of power supplied to consumers. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) controller optimized through a hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization–Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (PSO-AHA) approach. The PID controller is tuned using the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) as a fitness function to enhance control performance. The PSO-AHA-PID controller's effectiveness is evaluated in two networks: a two-area thermal tie-line interconnected power system (IPS) and a one-area multi-source power network incorporating thermal, solar, wind, and fuel cell sources. Comparative analyses under various operational conditions, including parameter variations and load changes, demonstrate the superior performance of the PSO-AHA-PID controller over the conventional PSO-PID controller. Statistical results indicate that in the one-area multi-source network, the PSO-AHA-PID controller achieves a 76.6% reduction in overshoot, an 88.9% reduction in undershoot, and a 97.5% reduction in settling time compared to the PSO-PID controller. In the dual-area system, the PSO-AHA-PID controller reduces the overshoot by 75.2%, reduces the undershoot by 85.7%, and improves the fall time by 71.6%. These improvements provide a robust and reliable solution for enhancing the stability of interconnected power systems in the presence of diverse and variable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides summaries of several research papers related to wave energy converters (WECs). The papers cover various topics, including modeling methods, control strategies, wave directionality, and robust optimization. The research emphasizes the importance of accurate modeling, real-time dynamics, and hardware integration in validating WEC concepts. It also highlights the need to consider wave directionality and mooring dynamics in control synthesis and performance evaluation. The papers compare different control techniques and demonstrate the potential of reinforcement learning in enhancing WEC efficiency. Additionally, the research addresses the challenge of ensuring robustness in WEC design and suggests incorporating stochastic methods to account for uncertainties. [Extracted from the article]

An electrical motors, together with its appropriate drive system, is one of the most important elements of electromobility. In recent years, there has been a particular interest by academic researchers and engineers in permanent-magnet motors (PMSMs) in various applications, such as electric vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), elevator systems, etc., as the main source of drive transmission. Nowadays, the elevator industry, with the evolution of magnetic materials, has turned to gearless PMSMs over geared induction motors (IMs). One of the most important elements that is given special emphasis in these applications is proper motor design in consideration of the weight and speed of the chamber to be served during operation. This paper presents a design of a high-efficiency PMSM, in which finite elements analysis (FEA) and the study of the lift operating cycle provided useful conclusions on the magnetic field of the machine in different operating states. In addition, a simulated model was compared with experimental results of test operations. Furthermore, the drive system also required the use of appropriate electrical power and controls to drive the PMSM. Especially in elevator applications, the control of the motor speed by the variable voltage variable frequency technique (VVVF) is the most common technology used to avoid endangering the safety of the passengers. Thus, suitable speed and current controllers were used for this purpose. In our research, we focused on studying different control techniques using a suitable inverter to compare the system operation in each case studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design of a digital twin for a 6U CubeSat electrical power system, including the solar arrays, solar array regulators, battery, power distribution unit, and load subsystems. The digital twin is validated by comparing its real-time outputs with those of the physical system. Experimental tests confirm its feasibility, showing that the digital twin's real-time outputs closely match those of the physical system. Additionally, the digital twin can be used for control-hardware-in-the-loop and power-hardware-in-the-loop tests, allowing the real-time integration of simulated subsystems with hardware. This capability facilitates testing of new subsystems and optimization during the project's development phases. Additionally, to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of this model, the digital twin is used to simulate the CubeSat electrical power system behavior in real time throughout a complete orbital cycle in low Earth orbit conditions. This simulation provides valuable insights into the CubeSat operation by capturing the transient and steady-state responses of the EPS components under real orbital conditions. The results obtained indicate that the digital twin significantly enhances the testing and optimization process of new subsystems during the development phases of the project. Moreover, the capabilities of the digital twin can be further augmented by incorporating real-time telemetry data from the CubeSat, resulting in a highly accurate replication of the satellite's in-orbit behavior. This approach is crucial for identifying and diagnosing failures or malfunctions in the electrical power system, ensuring the robust and reliable operation of the CubeSat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During photovoltaic (PV) conversion in solar panels, a part of the solar radiation is not converted to electricity by the cells, producing heat that could increase their temperature. This increase in temperature deteriorates the performance of the PV panel. In this paper, a hybrid PV/thermal (PV/T) water system is proposed to mitigate this problem. This system combines a PV panel and a thermal collector. In this paper, we focused on the modeling and control of this hybrid system in the linear parameter varying (LPV) framework. An optimal linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is proposed to control the PV cell temperature around an optimal value that maximises electricity generation. Since the system model is nonlinear, an optimal LQR gain-scheduling state-feedback control approach based on an LPV representation of the nonlinear model is designed using the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) method. The goal is to obtain the maximum electrical power for each solar panel. Since a reduced number of sensors is available, an LPV Kalman filter is also proposed to estimate the system states required by the state-feedback controller. The obtained results in a laboratory setup in simulation are used to assess the proposed approach, showing promise in terms of control performance of the PV/T system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new power receiving unit (PRU) is proposed in this paper for resonant wireless power transfer (WPT), which is characterized by the capability of attracting high power from the power transmitting unit (PTU). The resonant WPT is designed for delivering the electrical power to the PRU attached on an electrical vehicle (EV) chassis 50 cm away from a PTU installed on the ground. The proposed PRU uses only the passive elements such as inductors, diodes, and capacitors, which need no initial power from the EV. It is then applicable for charging a battery to several hundred volts for even a first-time charging battery. For a resonant WPT at a switching frequency of 4 MHz, the proposed PRU behaves as a negative impedance converter (NIC) itself in the subharmonics of 4 MHz. The NIC effect plus the subharmonic oscillation causes an instability current charging the battery connected to the PRU. In this paper, we simulated the PRU and performed the experiment. The experiment demonstrated a battery charging of 150 W from 50 cm away using three D-mode GaN HEMT transistors via the instability current ramp. The power transfer efficiency (PTE) improved as the power delivered to the load (PDL) increased. The peak PTE was 65% in the present findings. The simulation analysis showed that the circuit allowed itself be used to much higher power transfer when it is implemented with more GaN HEMT transistors connected in parallel. The theoretical derivation of the PRU circuit is also used to support both the experimental and simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanization increases, streetlights have become significant consumers of electrical power, making it imperative to develop effective control methods for sustainability. This paper offers a comprehensive review on control methods of smart streetlight systems, setting itself apart by introducing a novel light scheme framework that provides a structured classification of various light control patterns, thus filling an existing gap in the literature. Unlike previous studies, this work dives into the technical specifics of individual research papers and methodologies, ranging from basic to advanced control methods like computer vision and deep learning, while also assessing the energy consumption associated with each approach. Additionally, the paper expands the discussion to explore alternative functionalities for streetlights, such as serving as communication networks, environmental monitors, and electric vehicle charging stations. This multidisciplinary research aims to be a pivotal resource for both academics and industry professionals, laying the groundwork for future innovation and sustainable solutions in urban lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an extensive review of the most effective and modern monitoring methods for electrical power lines, with particular attention to high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) systems. From a general point of view, the main objective of these techniques is to prevent catastrophic failures by detecting the partial damage or deterioration of components and allowing maintenance operations to be organized. In fact, the protection devices commonly used in transmission and distribution networks guarantee the location of faults, such as short-circuits, putting the non-functioning branch of the network out of service. Nowadays, alongside these devices, it is possible to introduce new intelligent algorithms capable of avoiding the total loss of functionality, thus improving the reliability of the entire network. This is one of the main challenges in modern smart grids, which are characterized by the massive integration of renewable energy sources and a high level of complexity. Therefore, in the first part of this paper, a general overview of the most common protection devices is proposed, followed by an analysis of the most modern prevention algorithms. In the first case, the coordination of the relays plays a fundamental role in obtaining the fault location with a high level of selectivity, while in the field of preventive analysis, it is necessary to address the implementation of artificial intelligence methods. The techniques presented in this paper provide a comprehensive description of the different monitoring approaches currently used in distribution and transmission lines, highlighting the coordination of protection relays, the computational algorithms capable of preventing failures, and the influence of the distributed generation in their management. Therefore, this paper offers an overview of the main diagnostic techniques and protection devices, highlights the critical issues that can be overcome through the introduction of artificial intelligence, and describes the main prognostic methods, focusing on their invasive level and the possibility of operating directly online. This work also highlights the main guidelines for the classification and choice between the different approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A terminal for remote control of charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) powered by renewable energy has been presented in this paper. This terminal enables remote control of EV chargers, smart batteries, smart electricity meters, fiscal cash registers (FCR), as well as remote control of renewable energy sources and other devices within the station. This terminal also makes charging stations more accessible to electric vehicles users, to electricity distribution companies, to electricity suppliers, to tax administrations, and finally to users and owners of charging stations. Therefore, communication and control with all these devices and systems is integrated in one device. Realization of hardware and software of such a terminal has also been described in this paper. The net result of development and commercialization of terminals would encourage an increase in the use of electric vehicles powered by energy from renewable sources, which would cause a decrease in the level of air pollution and all negative effects it causes in the future. Different categories of this device are considered. Moreover, although it is a device with embedded software, a very advanced method was used, that is, a model-driven development method, which enables fast and more efficient development and maintenance of the device. The results of the application of this method to the terminal for remote control of fiscal cash registers are provided. They were compared with the results of the development of the terminal for remote control of smart meters without applying this method. A simulation of the development of the terminal for remote control of the station is also provided. The presented method can be used in the future for faster and better-quality development of embedded software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a model for determining fuzzy evaluations of partial indicators of the availability of continuous systems at coal open pits using a neuro-fuzzy inference system. The system itself is a combination of fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks. The system availability is divided into partial indicators. By combining the fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks, a model is obtained that has the ability to learn and uses expert judgment for that learning. This paper deals with the ECC system (bucket wheel excavator-conveyor-crushing plant) of the open pit Drmno-Kostolac, which operates within the Electric Power Company of Serbia. The advantage of a model of this type is that it does not rely on the historical experiences of experts and usual predicted values for the fuzzy evaluation of partial indicators, which are based on the assumption that similar systems affect availability in a similar way. The fuzzy evaluation of partial indicators is based on historical data for the specific system for which the model was created. As such, it can more accurately predict continuous systems availability on the basis of expert evaluations in the appropriate time period. Another advantage of this model is that the availability is estimated on a quarterly basis, which gives a more accurate view because it uses a smaller time period with more similar characteristics and, thus, includes certain external influences which are related to the quarterly meteorological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]