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Rapid economic development has led to massive fossil energy consumption and emissions of air pollutants such as PM2.5, which have severely impacted human health and the environment. By uncovering the primary regions and pivotal sectors of PM2.5-related human health impacts (PM2.5-HHI) and evaluating the influence of economic structural factors on them, we can facilitate a more targeted strategy for managing PM2.5 pollution sources. This study employs a structural decomposition analysis method based on input–output analysis to evaluate the impact of China's provincial economic structural transformation and changes in final demand on PM2.5-HHI in the years 2012, 2015, and 2017. Results indicated that PM2.5-HHI is primarily concentrated in economically developed provinces (e.g., Shandong and Guangdong), which is compared to Shanghai, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Hebei experienced negative growth in PM2.5-HHI during 2007–2017. The production-based PM2.5-HHI is primarily driven by energy-intensive sectors such as the production and distribution of electric power and heat power. By contrast, the building sector is key to driving consumption-based PM2.5-HHI. An increasing number of regions are reducing PM2.5-HHI by implementing production structure changes. Moreover, the driving effect of production structure changes on PM2.5-HHI growth is strengthening in Beijing and Tianjin. Changes in the final demand structure mainly led to the growth of PM2.5-HHI in areas with higher economic development levels, such as Beijing and Shandong, but this driving effect is weakening. The final demand–driven PM2.5-HHI shows an evolutionary trend of an increasing share driven by fixed capital formation and exports and a decreasing share driven by household consumption. Changes in emission intensity play a key role in decreasing PM2.5-HHI in each region. Alternatively, changes in the structure of emission sources have a relatively minor impact on PM2.5-HHI. To mitigate PM2.5-HHI, regional economic and resource endowment advantages should be used to promote regional coordinated development and strengthen green production-process innovation in energy-intensive industries. Meanwhcile, it is necessary to optimize urban construction planning and improve the energy efficiency of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable performance of the electricity distribution networks is critical to avoid outages and disruptions which may lead to substantial economic losses. Some of the important components of the electricity distribution networks include overhead cables, utility poles, cross-arms, substations, and transformers. These components are subjected to deterioration with aging and pose risks of failure creating safety concerns, specially under extreme weather conditions. Efficient maintenance and the use of accurate condition assessment techniques to monitor the integrity of the aforementioned components are key factors to be considered in managing the electricity distribution assets. This article presents a review of different condition assessment techniques employed for monitoring the electricity distribution infrastructure. The conventional inspection techniques and advancements in non-destructive testing methods are discussed outlining the relative advantages and disadvantages. Other than the normal failures of distribution infrastructure due to component ageing, unexpected and less frequent extreme weather events can have significant impacts on the resilience of the electrical power infrastructure. Thus, the effects of extreme weather conditions on the reliability of the electricity distribution networks and the failure rates of assets are reviewed in this study. Further, the maintenance and decision-making approaches implemented in the power distribution networks are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (LF EMFs) generated by power infrastructure on the nearby environment. Measurements of electric (E) and magnetic (H) field intensities were conducted around high-voltage power lines, transformer stations and facilities related to them. Numerical simulations were also performed to model the distribution of the field values around real buildings in close proximity to power delivery systems. Given the ongoing scientific debate regarding the effects of EMFs on living organisms, the current analysis was based on the existing standards—particularly ICNIRP 2010 guidelines, which set the maximum allowable E and magnetic induction (B) values at 5 kV/m and 200 μT, respectively. Stricter national regulations were also examined, such as Poland's 1 kV/m E limit in residential areas and Belgium's 10 μT limit for B. The results showed that while most cases complied with ICNIRP 2010 standards, certain stricter local regulations were exceeded. Specifically, 9 of 14 cases exceeded Poland's E limits, and 8 failed to meet Belgium's B requirements. Only in one place—a warehouse near 110 kV power lines (in a critical case)—the ICNIRP limit B was exceeded. These findings underscore the variability in regulatory standards and highlight the need for localized assessments of EMF exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Automatisierungstechnik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The transformation of power system networks is slowly taking shape, the advent of interruptive technological platforms dealing with digitalization and real‐time trading of power has gained attention based on incorporation of more renewables into the grid. The stochastic nature of renewables pauses security of supply challenges and other related stability concerns, and for this reason efficient methods are investigated in this review to build an understanding of microgrid energy management system (MG‐EMS) and distribution‐based energy management strategies aimed at transforming the conventional grid network into smart grid network. In essence, propagating a technological shift to microgrids which have proven to be ideal distribution networks for residential and commercial loads, have become indispensable in handling distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar, PV, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and small‐scale microgrids, for example in case of excess supply, energy storage system (ESS) has been formulated as a solution to curb excess supply and can offer ancillary services to the grid network. Within the perspective of electricity generation and distribution, microgrid control methodologies, distribution network (DN) management approaches and incumbent optimization strategies used to coordinate and manage grid‐level uncertainties are investigated. In addition, this study proposes distributionally robust optimization (DRO), to manage and mitigate risks associated to shortage or oversupply of power from RESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript investigates the transformative shift in electricity generation and distribution towards distributed power networks, particularly microgrids, amid escalating energy demand and environmental concerns. Emphasizing a pioneering technoeconomic conservation voltage reduction–based demand response approach, the study integrates conservation voltage reduction as a controllable demand response method within distributed power networks, highlighting the developed droop control method for effective regulation. Conservation voltage reduction, a no‐cost procedure for minimizing loss, is applied to reduce voltage during peak periods to conserve power, decrease active and reactive power losses through precise load modeling, and enhance consumption efficiency. The most significant challenge of this project is the simultaneous use of conservation voltage reduction with the uncertainties of distributed generation sources, resulting to reduce losses and ultimately lower operating costs, a topic not previously studied in existing literature. The contributions include introducing a novel approach based on droop control to manage resources and presenting a detailed control strategy tailored to distributed power networks for improving voltage stability with minimal costs. Importantly, the proposed method demonstrates superior accuracy, achieving up to an 18% improvement over existing methods. This research contributes to comprehensive solutions for optimizing energy consumption, enhancing grid stability, and adapting to the evolving distributed power systems landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated voltage control enables the active management of voltage levels throughout electricity distribution networks by leveraging the voltage support capabilities of existing grid-connected PV inverters. The efficient management of power flows and precise voltage regulation through coordinated voltage control schemes facilitate the increased adoption of rooftop PV systems and enhance the hosting capacity of electricity distribution networks. The research work presented in this paper proposes a coordinated voltage control scheme and evaluates the enhanced hosting capacity utilizing a deep reinforcement learning-based approach. A comparative analysis of the proposed algorithm is presented, and the performance is benchmarked against existing local voltage control schemes. The proposed coordinated voltage control scheme in this paper is evaluated using simulations on a real-world low-voltage electricity distribution network. The evaluation involves quasi-static time series power flow simulations for assessing performance. Furthermore, a discussion is presented that reflects on the strengths and limitations of the proposed scheme based on the results observed from the case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of society and economy, the growth of electricity consumption has become one of the important indicators to measure the level of regional economic development. This paper utilizes NPP-VIIRS nighttime light remote sensing data to model electricity consumption in parts of southern China. Four predictive models were initially selected for evaluation: LR, SVR, MLP, and GBRT. The accuracy of each model was assessed by comparing real power consumption with simulated values. Based on this evaluation, the GBRT model was identified as the most effective and was selected to establish a comprehensive model of electricity consumption. Using the GBRT model, this paper analyzes electricity consumption in the study area across different spatial scales from 2013 to 2022, demonstrating the distribution characteristics of electricity consumption from the pixel level to the city scale and revealing the close relationship between electricity consumption and regional economic development. Additionally, this paper examines trends in electricity consumption across various temporal scales, providing a scientific basis for the optimal allocation of energy and the effective distribution of power resources in the study area. This analysis is of great significance for promoting balanced economic development between regions and enhancing energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the backdrop of electricity access to remote and rural destinations, a model has been developed keeping the existing infrastructure of distribution lines, incorporating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and neglecting the function of boost transformers,. The scheme incorporates the application of series capacitors mainly to find out the maximum distance to which the power can be delivered to the remotest consumer, without compromising on the quality of voltage at the last mile. Further investigation has also revealed the role of series capacitors in reducing system losses which is a malady in the Indian Electricity Distribution Systems. Optimization done using Genetic Algorithm in MATLAB is validated by a real distribution system simulated in PSCAD. The study yields the economic gains from the perspective of the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and also DERs Agencies (DRAs), who may sell power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measure the cost of technical inefficiency for local electricity distribution firms in Sweden using Stochastic Frontier Analysis, and explore how small-scale generation, the number of electric vehicles and the introduction of dynamic pricing schemes affects the transient inefficiency and efficiency scores. Our results show little to no effect of these environmental variables on the cost of technical inefficiency of electricity distribution grids in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, the importance of deregulated power systems has grown significantly, resulting in positive effects on stability, reliability, innovation, and investment in new energy grid technology. The competitive landscape among energy providers and distributors has empowered consumers to not only save money on their energy bills but also incorporate sustainable energy sources into the grid. To efficiently manage electricity distribution, deregulated power systems must include a smart grid and microgrid (MG). Herein, the potential for sustainable expansion of these systems, as well as their economic and environmental implications, are examined. A comprehensive grid system that integrates smart grids and MGs can offer a complete solution, catering to the evolving energy needs of communities and businesses. The advantages of establishing such a system, including improved grid stability, reliability, and increased utilization of renewable energy sources (RES), are highlighted. Furthermore, the integration of MGs and smart grids enhances the management of distributed generation, allowing power companies to optimize system operations for profitability and efficiency. By following these suggestions, businesses and stakeholders in the power sector can enhance the efficiency and responsibility of their systems, resulting in benefits for both the economy and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to design a lean distribution model tailored for the electric power distribution network in Tehran, integrating global best practices and expert insights to address the specific challenges and opportunities within this sector. Methodology: The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify key factors influencing lean distribution. Expert interviews with managers and industry specialists in Tehran's electric power distribution sector provided additional insights. The factors were structured and categorized using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MicMac analysis to establish their interrelationships and influence. Findings: The study identified 16 critical factors influencing lean distribution, with "World-Class Lean Distribution in the Electric Power Industry" emerging as the most influential. Other key factors included "Optimal Distribution of Reactive Power in Power Systems," "Estimation of Load Uncertainty," "Reduction of Loss Levels," and "Use of Fixed and Switchable Capacitors." The findings highlight the importance of infrastructure, ISO 9000 implementation, technological integration, internal capacity, and resilience. Conclusion: The research provides a comprehensive framework for implementing lean distribution practices in the electric power industry, emphasizing the need for global standards, technological advancements, and resilience. The findings suggest that adopting these practices can lead to improved reliability, reduced operational costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction, contributing to sustainable development and energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric distribution sector is facing significant challenges in integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), with most assessment methodologies being primarily tested on standard feeders. However, given the nature of electric distribution systems, each feeder is unique and constantly changing, emphasizing the need for customized and updated feeder models for local quantitative studies. These studies encompass network operation, expansion planning, and DER integration. In response to this context, this paper proposes a methodology for extracting and processing information from public data to model up-to-date electric feeders. As these feeder models represent real operating circuits, they can be utilized by utilities, investors, and consumers. The proposed approach involves processing data from the Brazilian utilities' geographic database (BDGD, in Portuguese) to develop structured simulations of distribution feeders using OpenDSS software. The BDGD standards are established by the Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL). In order to validate the methodology, two case studies are presented evaluating the impacts of distributed generation on real feeders from the Brazilian utilities: Minas Gerais Electric Power Company (CEMIG) and Bahia State Electricity Company (Neoenergia COELBA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electricity sector plays a key role in achieving zero emissions targets. The required transition will lead to substantial changes in the supply, demand, and distribution of electricity, as well as in stakeholder roles. Future market designs may change substantially to accommodate these changes, address challenges, and take advantage of new opportunities. This paper reviews the characteristics of future carbon-neutral electricity systems and electricity market design options. To provide a guiding framework for the literature review, we transfer the complexity of electricity systems into a three-layer structure: Firstly, we analyze papers that rely on techno-economic modeling of the physical electricity system. As a case study, we analyze various studies focusing on a decarbonized European electricity system in 2050. Secondly, we review papers that investigate the economic behavior and effects of self-interest-seeking stakeholders such as producers, network operators, and consumers. Finally, we review papers focusing on policy and market design questions that guide policymakers in achieving a target physical asset combination while considering the behavior of stakeholders. We highlight common trends and disagreements in the literature, review the main drivers of future markets, and finally provide a mapping between those drivers, challenges, and opportunities. The review concludes that the most promising next step toward a fully comprehensive assessment approach is to combine existing approaches across topical and disciplinary boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to comprehensively analyze the cooperation of an electricity storage facility with an operating photovoltaic installation in a manufacturing company regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the device and the economic profitability of the investment. This work aims to check the benefits that can be brought by expanding the PV system with an electricity storage facility. Based on the real energy balance and the characteristics of electricity distribution in the company, profitability calculations were carried out reflecting the expected savings generated by using individual solutions. These methods allowed the authors to calculate the market value of the investment with the assumed boundary criteria and to determine the economic effectiveness of the investment. Additionally, the practical process of selecting an electricity storage facility was presented and key moments in the company's energy report were analyzed, in which the use of a battery could bring results. Calculations showed that supplementing the described PV installation with an energy storage facility will increase the current level of self-consumption of PV energy by over 14%. The benefits translate into the final effect of energy storage operation, which brings additional annual savings for the company of approximately EUR 23,000 in the case of a weaker device and roughly EUR 40,000 in the case of a more powerful energy storage device. The proposed research could improve the planning of new industrial plants for photovoltaic installations, as well as the redesign of existing ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As new-energy electricity increasingly enters the post-subsidy era, traditional fixed feed-in tariffs and guaranteed purchase policies are not conducive to the optimal allocation of large-scale, high-proportion new-energy power due to the high pressure of subsidy funds and the fairness issues of power-generation grid connection. Encouraging new energy to participate in electricity market transactions is considered an effective solution. However, existing studies have presupposed the adverse effects of new energy in proposing market mechanism optimization designs for new-energy participation without quantitative results to support this, which is not conducive to a true assessment of the comprehensive impact of individual instances of new-energy participation in the market. To this end, this study, based on the actual experience and data cases of China's electricity spot market pilot provinces, considers both unit commitment and economic dispatch in the electricity distribution process, and constructs a two-stage optimization model for electricity spot market clearing. According to the differences in grid connection time and the construction costs of new-energy power, differentiated proportions of new-energy participation in the market and bidding strategies are set. By analyzing the quantitative results of new energy participating in spot market transactions under multiple scenarios, using both typical daily data for normal loads and peak loads, the study provides theoretical support and a data basis for the optimized design of market mechanisms. The research results show that there is a non-linear relationship between the scale of new energy entering the market and its bidding strategies and market-clearing electricity prices. In the transition phase of the low-carbon transformation of the power sector, the impacts of thermal power technology with a certain generation capacity and changes in the relationship between power supply and demand on electricity prices are significant. From the perspective of the individual interests of new-energy providers, the analysis of their bidding strategies in the market is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing number of distributed power sources such as photovoltaic power and wind power and electric vehicles connected to the grid, the structure and operation state of the traditional distribution network have undergone great changes. Therefore, through the establishment of a distributed power grid-connected evaluation system, it has become an important research topic to evaluate the access of distributed power and the carrying capacity of electric vehicles in the distribution network of new power systems. Firstly, the situation of distributed power supply and electric vehicles and the impact of grid connection are introduced. Secondly, the traditional distribution network carrying capacity evaluation method is studied and introduced. Then, the distribution network carrying capacity evaluation considering uncertainty is reviewed and investigated. Finally, in view of the lack of existing research, further research is needed, aiming to provide a reference for the realization of distributed power supply and grid-connected EV carrying capacity evaluation and a scientific basis for the future operation planning of distributed power supply and EV integration into the distribution network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty, i.e., inefficient heating and insufficient access to energy services, can turn a shelter into a health hazard. We find that substandard housing and ineffective heating is associated with a higher risk of poor health in an urban context. We surveyed people living in two middle-sized cities in a coal-dependent region of Poland and used objective and subjective indicators of energy poverty and self-assessed health status. We demonstrate that people who live in substandard housing are more likely to exhibit poor musculoskeletal and cardiovascular outcomes, by 10 and 6 pp, respectively than otherwise similar people living in suitable housing conditions. We show that energy-poor people who use coal or a wood stove have a 24 pp higher likelihood of respiratory disease than the energy-poor who live in flats connected to district heating. We also find that a significant amount of the explained variance in the probability of respiratory disease is attributable to energy poverty. To improve the housing conditions and reduce the risk of poor health outcomes, we recommend two policy instruments: 1) a full subsidy for thermal retrofits and connecting multi-family buildings to the district heating network and 2) a targeted energy voucher for clean heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations General Assembly focuses on economic development, poverty cessation, environmental sustainability, and good governance at all levels, including peace and safety. For electric power distribution concessionary companies in Brazil, it is necessary to evaluate their sustainability and performance according to the parameters laid by the National Electric Power Agency (ANEEL). For that purpose, sixty-two indicators were assembled that were directly and indirectly associated with sustainability for 38 companies in the period–2013-2021. This study proposes a new application with a conditional risk matrix and decision rules aimed at the integrated assessment of sustainability and performance of electric power companies using the conditional probability of indicators in the ascent or descent of the companies' classification. A set of "if..., then..." decision rules were inferred by the algorithm VC-DomLEM using concepts from the Rough Sets Theory and the Dominance principle, Dominance-based Rough Set Approach (DRSA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the anticipated increase in loads, the power grid will encounter the issue of system peak loads in the future, which is typically addressed through grid reinforcement. However, implementing a flexibility service option can prevent the need for grid development. As the overall load continues to rise, the distribution transformer becomes overloaded. The presented work focuses on enhancing one of the parameters that define the insulation life of the transformer, known as the Loss-of-Life (LOL). Transactive approach involves the rescheduling of the battery and photovoltaic generation. Dominated Group Search Optimization (DGSO) algorithm is utilized to optimize the objective function of reducing the peak transformer load under the power flow and voltage constraints of the network. Experimental validation of the proposed method is conducted using MATLAB 2018 software. Modified IEEE 34-bus system is used to implement the proposed methodology. Numerical results obtained from various cases elucidate that the proposed model reduces the LOL of the transformer from 0.0103 to 0.0017p.u. Comparative analysis of the proposed method with the already used methods of voltagecontrol and Volt-Var control have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I examine developments in the application of performance-based regulation (PBR) to electricity distribution and transmission in the United States. Applications of comprehensive PBR to electricity distribution had been slow to diffuse in the U.S. prior to roughly 2000. PBR mechanisms are now being applied more frequently to electricity distribution, which reflects the changing structure of the electric power industry and the increasing obligations that are being placed on electric distribution companies. The new obligations are a consequence primarily of aggressive targets for decarbonizing the electricity sector in nearly half the states and the goal of using "clean" electricity to electrify transportation, buildings, and other sectors. PBR should be viewed as a set of "building blocks" that can be adopted in various combinations and should recognize that PBR and traditional cost-of-service regulation (COSR) are properly viewed as complements rather than substitutes. Recent reforms in the regulation of distribution companies in Great Britain—"RIIO"—have been influential in the U.S. The main reforms contained in RIIO are discussed. There has been essentially no application of PBR by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to owners of transmission assets or to independent transmission operators. FERC has applied targeted incentives to encourage investment in transmission facilities and membership in independent system operator organizations. However, the regulation of transmission rates relies primarily on COSR in the form of formula rates and has poor incentive properties. Regulation of independent system operators is a challenge because they are non-profit organizations with no equity to put at risk. Reforms here are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of meteorological conditions represented by ambient temperature, ambient humidity, wind speed, and daily precipitation sum on the reliability of low-voltage cable lines. Cable line reliability is crucial to the stability and safety of power systems. Failure of cable lines can lead to power outages. This can cause serious economic and social consequences, as well as threaten human safety, especially in the public sector and critical infrastructure. In addition, any interruption of cable lines generates costs related to repairs, operational losses, and possible contractual penalties. This is why it is so important to investigate the causes of power equipment failures. Many power system failures are caused by weather factors. The main purpose of this article is to quantify the actual impact of weather conditions on the performance and reliability of power equipment in distribution networks. Reliability indicators (failure rate, failure duration, restoration rate, and failure coefficient) for low-voltage cable lines were calculated as a function of weather conditions. Empirical values of the indicators were determined based on many years of observations of power lines operating in the Polish power system. An analysis of the conformity of their empirical distribution with the assumed theoretical model was also conducted. By quantifying the impact of specific weather factors on the operation of power equipment, it becomes possible to identify the ranges in which failures are most likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated vegetation management (VM) strategies under electricity distribution lines (EDLs) through ecosystem service (ES) criteria. Deforestation, worsened by insufficient VM practices, poses a threat to ecosystem stability. Using a hybrid FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) approach, ten VM strategies were assessed based on 15 ES criteria. The FAHP results identified biodiversity, timber resources, and erosion control as the most crucial criteria due to their significant weights. The TOPSIS analysis determined that VM6 (creation and restoration of scrub edges) was the most effective strategy, achieving a value of 0.744 for reducing deforestation and enhancing energy security. VM6 helps preserve forest cover and protect infrastructure by creating a "V"-shaped structures within the EDLs corridor. This study underscores the importance of ES-oriented VM strategies for sustainable vegetation management and deforestation mitigation. It also highlights the need for incorporating scientific, ES-based decision support mechanisms into VM strategy development. Future research should expand stakeholder perspectives and conduct a comprehensive assessment of ESs to ensure that VM strategies align with ecological and socio-economic sustainability. This study provides a framework for improving VM practices and offers directions for future sustainable energy management research. This study focuses exclusively on ecological criteria for evaluating VM strategies, neglecting other dimensions. Future research should use methods like ANP and fuzzy cognitive maps to explore inter-dimension relationships and their strengths. Additionally, employing SWARA, PIPRECIA, ELECTRE, and PROMETHEE for ranking VM strategies is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an impedance-based approach for locating short-circuit faults in active distribution networks (DNs). This topic is a crucial task for operators, especially in grids with inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs). Various methods have been proposed in this research area, including traveling waves, impedance-based methods, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Among them, the impedance-based scheme offers a straightforward and efficient feature suitable for integration with AI-based techniques. This paper introduces an enhanced fault localization method based on impedance estimation, consisting of two main components: (i) fault distance determination and (ii) faulty section identification. This method accounts for the modeling of inverter-based resources under both symmetrical and asymmetrical faults, incorporating the impact and behavior of such sources. Unlike conventional impedance-based methods, our approach does not require network information such as structure, lines, load data, or voltage and current measurements along the feeder at multiple points. It can serve as a feature in AIbased techniques, significantly enhancing accuracy and reducing the complexity of such techniques. To validate the efficacy of the proposed approach, we conducted a series of time-domain case studies and provided mathematical proofs. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our scheme in accurately locating faults with varying resistances at different positions in the presence of IBDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the robust scheduling of the distribution network is presented considering electric vehicles, distributed generation, and energy storage, in which the energy management of the mentioned elements is considered, and also only one scenario is needed. The proposed deterministic problem is an optimization problem whose objective function is equal to minimizing energy cost. Also, the limitations of the problem are equal to the power flow equations of the network, the limitations of the technical indicators of the network such as the voltage of the buses and the passing power of the lines, the operation equations of electric vehicles, energy storages, and distributed generation. It is worth mentioning that the mentioned problem is non-linear. In the following, to achieve the global optimal point with a high solution speed, the linear model of the mentioned problem is presented with a very low calculation error. In this research, the uncertainty parameters of the problem are equal to active and reactive loads, energy prices, parameters of electric vehicles, and renewable productions. Finally, to simplify the decision-making of the distribution network operator, a robust model of the mentioned problem was presented. Finally, the proposed problem is applied to the IEEE standard 33-bus radial distribution network using GAMS optimization software, and then the capabilities of the proposed design are evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, with the growth of the population and increasing trend in the use of electrical energy, the importance of the reliability and stability of the power grid has increased. The ever-increasing development of the power grid and subsequent blackouts of the power grid can lead to serious problems in the daily life and economy of a country. In addition to economic damages, power losses in the power network can lead to dissatisfaction and decreased consumer confidence in the power grid. This research has been carried out to check the application of the genetic algorithm to calculate reliability indices including SAIFI, SAIDI, etc., and its impact on enhancing the reliability of the standard IEEE 33 and 69 bus distribution networks. Additionally, this study explores the GA effectiveness in minimizing both active and reactive power losses. The simulation results in MATLAB, show the constructive effect of applying the GA, shedding light on its potential to optimize the distribution network reliability and minimize power losses, offering valuable insights for power system optimization and reliability improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern power systems present opportunities and challenges when integrating distributed generation and electric vehicle charging stations into unbalanced distribution networks. The performance and efficiency of both Distributed Generation (DG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure are significantly affected by global temperature variation characteristics, which are taken into consideration in this study as it investigates the effects of these integrations. This scenario is further complicated by the unbalanced structure of distribution networks, which introduces inequalities that can enhance complexity and adverse effects. This paper analyzes the manner in which temperature changes influence the network operational voltage profile, power quality, energy losses, greenhouse harmful emissions, cost factor, and active and reactive power losses using analytical and heuristic techniques in the IEEE 69 bus network in both three-phase balance and modified unbalanced load conditions. In order to maximize adaptability and efficiency while minimizing the adverse impacts on the unbalanced distribution system, the findings demonstrate significant variables to take into account while locating the optimal location and size of DG and EV charging stations. To figure out the objective, three-phase distribution load flow is utilized by the particle swarm optimization technique. Greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 61.4%, 64.5%, and 60.98% in each of the three temperature case circumstances, while in the modified unbalanced condition, they dropped by 57.55%, 60.39%, and 62.79%. In balanced conditions, energy loss costs are reduced by 95.96%, 96.01%, and 96.05%, but in unbalanced conditions, they are reduced by 91.79%, 92.06%, and 92.46%. The outcomes provide valuable facts that electricity companies, decision-makers, along with other energy sector stakeholders may utilize to formulate strategies that adapt to the fluctuating patterns of electricity distribution during fluctuations in global temperature under balanced and unbalanced conditions of network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As there is a great need for high-quality electricity on the distribution side, distribution side generation (DSG) has become increasingly important. The increased weight of EVs on the distribution side is the cause of this. There are numerous power quality mitigation techniques employed to address this type of issue, but many of the solutions suggest the usage of a separate device, such as an active power filter. But while construction the DSG the solution to this problem may be addressed using the proposed solution in this paper. Power quality (PQ) problems are being caused by the grid's integration of Photo-Voltaic (PV) and its application to all connected loads. With the aid of Direct Quardrature (DQ) controller and Multicarrier Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technology, the overall power quality disturbance is decreased. A Simulink model for the PV-EV-Grid system was built to measure voltage and current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) percentages under linear, non-linear, and Plug in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) load situations. The model shows that the THD values are well within the IEEE 519. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies on strategies for improving restoration times in electrical distribution systems are extensive. They have theoretically explored the application of mathematical models, the implementation of remotely controlled systems, and the use of digital simulators. This research aims to connect conceptual studies and the implementation of improvements and impact assessment in electrical distribution systems in developing countries, where distribution technologies vary widely, by employing a comprehensive methodology. The proposed research examines the restoration times for faults in substations within general distribution networks in the central–western region of Mexico. The study comprises these stages: (a) diagnosing the electrical supply, demand, and infrastructure; (b) analyzing the electrical restoration time and the restoration index of the substations; and (c) providing recommendations and implementing pilot tests for improvements in the identified critical substations. The results revealed 12 analysis zones, including 120 distribution substations, 150 power transformers, and 751 medium voltage circuits. Among the substations, 73% have ring connections, 15% have TAP connections, and 12% have radial connections. Additionally, 27% of the substations rely on only a single distribution line. The study identified areas with significant challenges in restoring electricity supply, particularly focusing on power transformers: 32 transformers with permanent power line failures requiring load transfer via medium voltage; 67 transformers requiring optimized restoration maneuvers due to specific characteristics; and 4 areas with opportunities to enhance the reliability of the power supply through remote-controlled link systems. The analysis resulted in the installation of 145 remote link systems, which improved restoration rates by over 40%. This approach is expected to be replicated throughout Mexico to identify improvements needed in the national distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an orbital monitoring system designed to quantify non-technical losses (NTLs) within electricity distribution networks. Leveraging Sentinel-2 satellite imagery alongside advanced techniques in computer vision and machine learning, this system focuses on accurately segmenting urban areas, facilitating the removal of clouds, and utilizing OpenStreetMap masks for pre-annotation. Through testing on two datasets, the method attained a Jaccard index (IoU) of 0.9210 on the training set, derived from the region of France, and 0.88 on the test set, obtained from the region of Brazil, underscoring its efficacy and resilience. The precise segmentation of urban zones enables the identification of areas beyond the electric distribution company's coverage, thereby highlighting potential irregularities with heightened reliability. This approach holds promise for mitigating NTL, particularly through its ability to pinpoint potential irregular areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused fluctuations in electricity demand, altering people's lifestyles and electricity usage patterns, thereby affecting the accuracy of demand predictions. However, existing studies on electricity forecasting have not adequately considered the incorporation of COVID-19-related features and the analysis of electricity usage characteristics across different regions of the UK. Therefore, this paper, based on data of the UK's national electricity demand, conducts an analysis around the scenario of a large-scale health emergency in society. We explore the changing patterns and regional characteristics of electricity consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing the forecast results before and during the pandemic to illustrate its impact on the UK's electricity demand. By introducing COVID-19-related features into the models, we compare the forecast results before and after their inclusion. The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a certain impact on the electricity prediction in the UK, leading to a 22.8% decrease in prediction accuracy. However, the models' correlation improved with the inclusion of COVID-19-related features, resulting in a 13.2% enhancement in prediction accuracy compared to the previous models. Additionally, the study summarizes other factors influencing electricity demand, such as power imports/exports and clean energy usage, as considerations for electricity distribution planning. This contributes to improving the accuracy of predicting the UK's electricity demand during COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the government to adjust power dispatching plans reasonably based on relevant factors, achieving rational distribution and efficient scheduling of power resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new stochastic multiobjective technoeconomic model for integrating photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy resources in electricity price (EP)‐driven distribution systems. The primary goal of this paper is to determine the optimal location and capacity for renewable energy‐based distributed generation, specifically PV and wind resources, while considering weather and system uncertainties. These uncertainties include stochastic variations in PV illumination intensity, wind speed, EP, and load fluctuations. To address these uncertainties, the paper employs scenario modeling techniques named as Latin hypercube sampling with Cholesky decomposition. This technique generates multiple correlated scenarios that represent uncertain variables. Subsequently, a scenario reduction technique is applied to identify the scenario with the highest probability. Later, a mathematical model is developed to minimize an objective function that encompasses various factors like system losses, node voltage deviations, the cost of purchasing power from the grid; and simultaneously maximize the total annual energy savings. The objective is to find optimal solutions that strike a balance between different objectives. To obtain an efficient optimum solution, this paper employs an effective meta‐heuristic technique named as JAYA algorithm. The results obtained by the JAYA algorithm are juxtaposed with those obtained using particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm techniques. The proposed method is evaluated using Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 33‐node and IEEE 69‐node test feeders to validate its feasibility and effectiveness. However, the effectiveness of the proposed method is not limited to any size of test systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new comprehensive load restoration (LR) method for electrical distribution networks. Since two main technologies of switching equipment are there in the modern distribution networks, namely manual switches (MSs) and remote‐controlled switches (RCSs), this article has benefited from this concept effectively. A two‐stage algorithm that provides the system operators with the ability to recover part of the loads in the shortest possible time by RCSs is proposed. After this step, the remaining loads will be restored by a combination of MSs and RCSs. The other strength of this algorithm is to provide accurate and practical solutions so that the sequence of switching actions is clearly defined. Also, using an innovative index called expected weighted energy not supplied as the objective function of the main problem will ensure the operators recover the maximum amount of load in the shortest time possible. This novel method was applied on a sample standard IEEE distribution test network. The simulation results proved the effectiveness of this proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To calculate the losses of distribution feeders, this paper uses an iterative method that is limited to restricted measurements. The approach presented in this paper uses bill data in addition to output information from a very small number of real-time measurements located on the secondary side of distribution transformers. This method attempts to estimate the load of distribution transformers injected into LV feeders. Energy losses for LV feeders are evaluated by first estimating the power and periodic energy injected to each of the LV feeders and then subtracting the total consumption bills from these estimated values. By using this method, the amount of energy loss is estimated. In this article, a new method called iterative power factor adjustment method is considered as a potential method for estimating losses. The power factor can be increased by repeatedly using evolutionary algorithms and including capacitors in the system. In order to reduce system losses and increase network effectiveness. In this paper, a new method for examining and evaluating Non-Technical Losses (NTL) is proposed. This method considers load estimation and limited measurement to place high priority feeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The cost reflectivity of electricity distribution network tariffs has been debated in several countries, and various ways to enhance it have been investigated in recent years. However, the recent academic literature regarding the approach based on cost causation has a clear gap because no case studies show how distribution network tariffs can be determined in practice for large customer groups. This article offers a calculation methodology to determine distribution network tariffs based on cost causation along with a case study where unit prices are determined for the tariff structures still widely used today using the data for two separate network areas being operated by two Finnish distribution system operators (DSOs) in an unbundled electricity market environment. The results of the case study show that the total differences between the target and the realized turnovers in both investigated networks are smaller than 1%, which means almost a full cost recovery. In addition to traditional tariff structures, the proposed calculation methodology can also be modified to design and determine other pricing schemes. The need for systematic calculation processes is growing to improve the cost reflectivity of present tariffs and adapt to the needs of the evolving operating environment, novel tariff structures, and new emerging customer groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ongoing development of new power systems, the integration of new energy sources is facing increasingly daunting challenges. The collaborative operation of shared energy storage systems with distribution networks and microgrids can effectively leverage the complementary nature of various energy sources and loads, enhancing energy absorption capacity. To address this, a shared energy storage capacity allocation method based on a Stackelberg game is proposed, considering the integration of wind and solar energy into distribution networks and microgrids. In this approach, a third-party shared energy storage investor acts as the leader, while distribution networks and microgrids serve as followers. The shared energy storage operator aims to maximize annual revenue, plan shared energy storage capacity, and set unit capacity leasing fees. Upon receiving pricing, distribution networks and microgrids aim to minimize annual operating costs, determine leased energy storage capacity, and develop operational plans based on typical daily scenarios. Distribution networks and microgrids report leasing capacity, and shared energy storage adjusts leasing prices, accordingly, forming a Stackelberg game. In the case study results, the annual cost of MGs decreased by 29.63%, the annual operating cost of the ADN decreased by 11.25%, the cost of abandoned light decreased by 60.77%, and the cost of abandoned wind decreased by 27.79% to achieve the collaborative optimization of operations. It is proven that this strategy can improve the economic benefits of all parties and has a positive impact on the integration of new energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decarbonisation of electricity generation requires real-time monitoring and control of grid components to efficiently and timely dispatch demand. This highly automated system, known as the Smart Grid, relies on smart or sensor-equipped distribution network components to optimise energy flow and minimise losses. However, energy theft, a major obstacle to efficient resource utilisation, poses a significant challenge to achieving this goal. This study proposes and evaluates a real-time telemetry and control system designed to mitigate energy theft in agricultural irrigation applications. The system increases energy efficiency by tracking the energy use in agricultural irrigation. The key challenge is to identify the source of illegal electricity consumption, classify it, and localise it. To address these difficulties, two distinct classification problems are addressed through the utilisation of machine learning methodologies. The initial classification task concerns the categorisation of loads that consume illegal electricity in agricultural irrigation. The subsequent classification problem pertains to the categorisation of feeder branches where such loads are activated. Therefore, a pilot distribution grid feeder has been simulated, and irrigation motors have been used as illegal loads which are activated at different points along the distribution feeder. The data collected from these simulations are used to create a data set where three-phase current data are collected from the transformer substation. The generated data set is employed to train machine learning models for the classification of illegal loads and feeder branches. The performance results of machine learning methods is obtained using the following metrics: accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results of the classification of loads stealing electricity in agricultural irrigation demonstrate that the bagged trees (BAT) algorithm achieves 99.64% in each criterion. In branch classification, the algorithm achieves the best results, with 97.64%, 97.40%, 96.22%, and 96.81%, respectively. Both classification performance results indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective for solving both classification problems. This research demonstrates the efficacy of ML-powered real-time monitoring and control in combating energy theft and promoting efficient resource utilisation within agricultural irrigation networks. It is a pioneering study in the field of determining and classifying illegal loads in agricultural irrigation. Further research will investigate the potential for expanding the system’s capabilities to include different load types and exploring alternative ML techniques for broader applicability within the context of low voltage distribution network monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the multi-regional input-output model, the key industrial chains of energy-food coupling in 10 provinces in the Yangtze River basin are identified through an integrated nexus strength metric, linkage analysis, and net flow analysis. The results show that: (1) In terms of energy consumption, most sectors in the Yangtze River Basin play the role of consumers in energy consumption, and their energy consumption is mainly used to satisfy their own production and development needs. (2) In terms of food consumption, the 01 Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry, and Fishery, the 04 Textile Industry, the 09 Manufacture of Chemical Products, the 11 Smelting and Processing of Metals, and the 20 Production and Distribution of Electric Power and Heat Power mainly play the role of suppliers in the Yangtze River Basin, and the remaining sectors whose food consumption is used to meet their own production and development needs are the main consumers of food in the basin. (3) The Manufacture of Chemical Products in Jiangsu, the Construction in Sichuan, the Food and Tobacco Processing in Jiangxi, Hunan, and Sichuan, and the Production and Distribution of Electric Power and Heat Power in each region constitute the key industrial chain of energy-food coupling in the Yangtze River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity consumption pattern recognition is the foundation of intelligent electricity distribution data analysis. However, as the scale of electricity consumption data increases, traditional clustering analysis methods encounter bottlenecks such as low computation speed and processing efficiency. To meet the efficient mining needs of massive electricity consumption data, in this paper a parallel processing method of the density-based k-means clustering is presented. First, an initial cluster center selection method based on data sample density is proposed to avoid inaccurate initial cluster center point selection, leading to clustering falling into local optima. The dispersion degree of the data samples within the cluster is also used as an important reference for determining the number of clusters. Subsequently, parallelization of density calculation and clustering for data samples were achieved based on the MapReduce model. Through experiments conducted on Hadoop clusters, it has been shown that the proposed parallel processing method is efficient and feasible, and can provide favorable support for intelligent power allocation decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission lines, the core part of the transmission and distribution system in the smart grid, require effective, efficient, and reliable protective measures against faults to avoid severe damage to physical infrastructure and financial losses. Due to their growing popularity, machine learning models are used in fault detection and classification, whose performances can be severely affected by cyber‐attacks due to their data dependency, posing a critical concern. Hence, this paper introduces false data injection attacks to address the vulnerability of machine learning‐based fault detectors and classifiers. A comparative study of 9 detection models and 6 classification models under normal conditions and during a combination of two models of false data injection attacks is presented to evaluate the severity of cyber‐attacks. Experimental results show that highly accurate models in normal conditions are more susceptible to cyber‐attacks, with up to 69% and 28% degradations in accuracy for fault detectors and classifiers, respectively. Furthermore, the detection models are found to be more vulnerable to cyber‐attacks than the classification models. With no robust detectors and classifiers being found, this work addresses the importance of developing attack‐resilient fault detection and classification schemes considering their academic and industrial significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous supply of electricity is necessary to maintain an acceptable standard of life, and the power distribution system's overhead line components play a crucial role in this matter. In Pakistan, identifying defective parts often necessitates human involvement. An unmanned aerial vehicle was used to gather a collection of 10,343 photos to automate this procedure. Using supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods, a number of automated anomaly detection systems were created. Support vector machine, random forest, VGG16, and ResNet50 were used as supervised machine learning models, and a convolutional auto‐encoder was used as the unsupervised machine learning model. VGG16 achieved the best accuracy of 99.00% while random forest achieved the worst accuracy of 72.49%. The convolutional auto‐encoder was successful in distinguishing between normal and abnormal components. The aforementioned machine learning models can be put on unmanned aerial vehicles to immediately identify defective parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy sector is currently undergoing a significant transformation to address sustainability, energy efficiency, and grid resilience. Smart grids, leveraging advanced technologies like the power internet of things (PIoT), play a crucial role in this transformation. This research focuses on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity distribution through IoT technologies. It envisions a system where interconnected devices, sensors, and data analytics optimize energy consumption, monitor grid conditions, and manage demand response scenarios. Central to this effort is the integration of PIoT into the smart grid infrastructure, particularly in implementing dynamic pricing strategies for demand response. Leveraging power line communication (PLC) techniques, this innovative approach facilitates real-time communication between grid components and consumers. The results demonstrate improved grid stability through dynamic load management, effectively responding to demand fluctuations, and minimizing disruptions. The deployment of dynamic pricing methods using PLC-driven schemes empowers customers by offering access to real-time energy use data. This access incentivizes energy-efficient behavior. leading to a 30% increase in the adoption of energy-saving techniques among consumers. A utility company pilot study claimed a 12% drop in peak demand after adopting time-of-use charges, with an accuracy rate of 98.87% in total. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the limited availability of fossil fuels and environmental apprehensions regarding greenhouse gas emissions are directly influencing the transition from traditional combustion vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The expanding adoption of EVs in conjunction with the power grid is anticipated to be significantly influenced by the increasing network of charging stations. However, the substantial increase in electric load penetration has introduced several challenges, such as a disparity between generation and demand, an increase in active power loss within the network, with low voltage profile issues, and a reduction in voltage stability margin. It is imperative to ensure that Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) are strategically installed to address these issues effectively. Integration of Distributed Generator (DG) sources into EV charging infrastructure aims to mitigate the load demand caused by EV charging. The major objective of this article is to provide an overview of the findings of the research with an extensive and current examination of the control structures employed in EVCS and DGs. Additionally, it aims to explore the goals of EV management within power systems and the various optimization methodologies utilized for managing the charging and discharging of EVs within energy systems. It also provides the research and advancements pertaining to the EV charging station infrastructure. It focuses on critically reviewing the existing literature, highlighting the associated challenges, and examining the ongoing efforts towards standardization. The objective is to provide valuable insights to researchers, enabling them to effectively tackle the identified issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]