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Single-phase 25 kV traction networks of electrified alternating current (AC) railways create electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with significant levels of intensity. The most intense magnetic fields occur when short circuits exist between the contact wire and rails or ground. Despite the short duration of exposure, they can adversely affect electronic devices and induce significant voltages in adjacent power lines, which is dangerous for operating personnel. Although numerous investigations have focused on modeling the EMF of traction networks and power lines, the challenge of determining the three-dimensional electromagnetic fields near metal supports during the flow of a short-circuit current through them is yet to be resolved. In this case, the field has a complex spatial structure that significantly complicates the calculations of intensities. This study proposes a methodology, algorithms, software, and digital models for determining the EMF in the described emergency scenarios. During the modeling process, the objects being studied were represented by segments of thin wires to analyze the distribution of the electric charge and calculate the intensities of the electric and magnetic fields. This approach was implemented in the Fazonord software, and the modeling results show a substantial increase in EMF levels close to the support, with a noticeable decrease in the levels as the distance from it increases. The procedure implemented in the commercial software Fazonord is universal and can be used to determine electromagnetic fields at any electrical power facility that includes live parts of limited length. Based on the proposed procedure, the EMF near the supports of overhead power lines and traction networks of various designs could be determined, the EMF levels at substations can be calculated, and the influence of metal structures located near traction networks, such as pedestrian crossings at railway stations, can be considered.

Wind farms with type IV wind turbines from various manufacturers are being massively put into operation. These wind turbines comply with the requirements of the grid codes of the countries where they are designed and/or manufactured, but do not factor in the specific features of the distribution networks of other countries to which they are connected. The study at issue involves a comparative analysis of the requirements of grid codes of different countries for the stable operation of wind turbines under standard disturbances. The low voltage ride through (LVRT) characteristic makes it possible to prevent wind turbine shutdowns in case of short-term voltage dips of a given depth and duration. The calculations of transient processes indicate that wind turbines may not meet the requirements of the grid code of a particular country for their stable operation. As a result, standard disturbances will block the reactive current injection and the wind turbine will be switched off. This is often caused by the relay protection devices with a time delay of 1–2 s, which are used in distribution networks and implement the functions of long-range redundancy. Excessive shutdowns of wind turbines lead to emergency rises in the loads for the generating units of conventional power plants, aggravating the post-accident conditions and disconnecting consumers of electricity. This article presents a method for checking the LVRT characteristic settings for compliance with the technical requirements for wind turbines. To prevent wind turbine outages, one should either change the configuration of the LVRT characteristic, upgrade the relay protection devices in the distribution network adjacent to the wind farm, or implement group or individual technical solutions at the wind farm. The performance of the proposed technical solutions is confirmed by the calculations of transient processes.

Frequency control is one of the most important tasks in electric power systems. At the same time, in modern power systems with inertia-free converter-interfaced generation, this task has become more complex. Such an issue is especially relevant for microgrids, which are characterized by a significant increase in the rate of change of frequency and its nadir or zenith. An effective way is through the use of energy storage systems (ESSs) with a grid-forming control in microgrids. For this purpose, this paper proposes a novel structure of the control algorithm based on a current-control virtual synchronous generator (CC-VSG), in which the damping is performed using a feedforward controller. In addition, a simple proportional–integral controller is added to the CC-VSG structure to control the state of charge of the ESS. The performed frequency analysis proves the independence of the different control loop operations within the developed CC-VSG. At the same time, a methodology based on the bandwidth separation of different control loops is proposed for the CC-VSG tuning, which allows for the achievement of the desired quality of frequency regulation in the microgrid, taking into account both the energy recovery and the permissible frequency variation. Finally, the time-domain simulation using PSCAD/EMTDC is performed to confirm the obtained results.

Decarbonization and decentralization are major trends in the transformation of conventional power systems. The increase of the penetration of renewable electricity generation into generation mix contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, one has to ensure that the reliability and operational flexibility as measured by respective metrics meet specified standards. This calls for a solution of a set of engineering, economic, and institutional problems, the list of which depends on the features specific to countries and regions in question. This is due to differences in the requirements established by technical regulations, the rules governing wholesale and retail electricity and capacity markets, the mix of electricity consumption, as well as the principles underpinning the management of capacity expansion and operation of power systems. The purpose of this article is to provide the rationale for the feasibility and efficacy of integrating hybrid community mini-grids into power systems. The balance of community mini-grids in terms of power and capacity allows them to operate both in the grid-connected and islanded modes without disrupting power supply to consumers. The main sources of electricity in hybrid community mini-grids are distributed generation (DG) facilities, including those based on renewables as well as energy storage systems (ESS). Load dispatching of community mini-grids is performed by an intelligent automatic control system (ACS) governed by decentralized algorithms, which provides coordinated operation of emergency control and power flow automatics. Integration of community mini-grids into power systems can be accomplished through several transmission lines that form an interconnection. The controlled flow of power through such an interconnection allows for significant system-wide technical and economic effects. We propose a technique to provide the rationale for the efficacy of creating community mini-grids. The technique is based on calculations of reliability metrics. The integration of hybrid community mini-grids into power systems makes it possible to increase the availability and uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers, as well as the lifetime of power grid equipment.

The article presents the results of research aimed at developing digital models for power flow analysis of railway power supply systems (RPSS) equipped with distributed generation (DG) units based on renewable energy sources. We employed the technique of modeling in the phase reference frame, which has the following features: system-wide consistency, which enables modeling power flows in a way that takes into account the properties and characteristics of a complex RPSS and the feeding power system; versatility, which allows for modeling of traction networks of various designs; comprehensiveness, which consists in the possibility of power flow analysis of normal, emergency, and special states of a RPSS, such as those occurring during de-icing of overhead contact system wires. Three groups of models have been developed. The first one was designed for power flow analysis RPSSs with DG units based on synchronous generators driven by mini-HPP turbines. It is also possible to apply this model in the case of inverter generation that uses photovoltaic panels. The second group of models provided simulation of RPSS power flows with induction generators. The third group enabled power flow analysis in the case where there are three-phase generators connected to a single-phase traction network by means of Steinmetz converters. Active harmonic conditioners and controlled reactive power sources were used to reduce the negative impact of inferior power quality on voltage deviations and harmonic distortion. Simulation results produced by the software package Fazonord showed that the following positive effects can be obtained on the basis of the use of RES-based DG units: reduced costs of power supply; reduced imbalance on the buses of district windings of traction substations, stabilization of voltage levels on bow collectors of electric locomotives.

Deviations of power quality indices (PQI) from standard values in power supply systems of industrial consumers lead to defective products, complete shutdown of production processes, and significant damage. At the same time, the PQI requirements vary depending on the industrial consumer, which is due to different kinds, types, and composition of essential electrical loads. To ensure their reliable operation, it is crucial to introduce automatic PQI control devices, which evaluate the extent of distortion of the sinusoidal voltage waveform of a three-phase system. This allows the power dispatchers of grid companies and industrial enterprises to quickly make decisions on the measures to be taken in external and internal power supply networks to ensure that the PQI values are within the acceptable range. This paper proposes the use of an integrated indicator to assess the extent of distortion of the sinusoidal voltage waveform in a three-phase system. This indicator is based on the use of the magnitude of the ratio of complex amplitudes of the forward and reverse rotation of the space vector. In the study discussed, block diagrams of algorithms and flowcharts of automatic PQI control devices are developed, which implement parametric and nonparametric multiple-hypothesis sequential analysis using an integrated indicator. In this case, Palmer’s algorithm and the nearest neighbor method are used. The calculations demonstrate that the developed algorithms have high speed and high performance in detecting deviations of the electrical power quality.

The need to modernize existing district heating systems is due to increased requirements for their flexibility, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. The technical policy on district heating pursued in different countries centers on the listed goals and takes account of historical, climatic, and regional features of the resource, technology, and economic availability of various thermal energy sources. This study aims to analyze methods designed to improve the flexibility, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness of district heating systems. The focus of the study is district heating system, which provides heating and hot water supply to consumers and consists of various types of thermal energy sources. The work shows the possibility for the heating system to transition from the third generation to the fourth one, which differ in their level of intellectualization. The establishment of an intelligent control system will ensure the interaction of various heat sources, but this is a separate strand of research. In this study, a model and a methodology were developed to optimize the structure of thermal energy sources and their operating conditions when covering the heat load curve of a territory with a predominance of household consumers. Gas-reciprocating and gas-turbine cogeneration plants are considered as the main thermal energy sources, whose efficiency is boosted through their joint operation with electric boilers, thermal energy storage systems, low-grade heat sources, and absorption chillers. The primary emphasis of the study is on the assessment of the environmental benefit to be gained by using cogeneration plants as a factor of enhancing the investment appeal of the district heating systems. The findings suggest that the transition of district heating systems to the next generation is impossible without changing the institutional environment, strengthening the role of active consumers, and introducing intelligent control for district heating systems.

The use of modern methods for determining the fault location (FL) on overhead power lines (OHPLs), which have high accuracy and speed, contributes to the reliable operation of power systems. Various physical principles are used in FL devices for OHPLs, as well as various algorithms for calculating the distance to the FL. Some algorithms for FL on OHPLs use emergency mode parameters (EMP); other algorithms use measurement results based on wave methods. Many random factors that determine the magnitude of the error in calculating the distance to the FL affect the operation of FL devices by EMP. Methods based on deterministic procedures used in well-known FL devices for OHPLs do not take into account the influence of random factors, which significantly increases the time to search for the fault. The authors have developed a method of FL on OHPLs based on a multi-hypothetical sequential analysis using the Armitage algorithm. The task of recognizing a faulted section of an OHPL is formulated as a statistical problem. To do this, the inspection area of the OHPL is divided into many sections, followed by the implementation of the procedure for FL. The developed method makes it possible to adapt the distortions of currents and voltages on the emergency mode oscillograms to the conditions for estimating their parameters. The results of the calculations proved that the implementation of the developed method has practically no effect on the speed of the FL algorithm for the OHPL by EMP. This ensures the uniqueness of determining the faulted section of the OHPL under the influence of random factors, which leads to a significant reduction in the inspection area of the OHPL. The application of the developed method in FL devices for OHPLs will ensure the required reliability of power supply to consumers and reduce losses from power outages by minimizing the time to search for a fault.

The process of building microgrids on top of existing passive distribution networks warrants a multi-criteria analysis. Besides the calculation of the investment outlays needed for the modernization of distribution networks, such an analysis covers an assessment of the technological and economic effects of building microgrids. The resulting effects depend on the topology and configuration of distribution networks, specific microgrid features, the choice of the current type for the entire microgrid or its individual parts, the methods of connecting distributed energy resources (DERs), the availability and maturity of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, and other factors. Comprehensive input data allow for designing an optimal microgrid configuration, but the main technological and economic effects are determined by the algorithms of operation and the parameter settings of the automatic control system (ACS) and the protection system. The known approaches to designing microgrids focus on addressing basic tasks while minimizing the investment required for their implementation. The above is fully justified when constructing new microgrids, but building microgrids on top of existing distribution networks, given the uniqueness of their topology and configuration, does not allow the use of standardized solutions. The development of approaches to the design of microgrids under such constraints, with minimized investment in the modernization of existing distribution networks, is an urgent task. The use of different types of current for individual microgrid segments determines the choice of the particular ACS and protection system, which depends on the availability of information and communications technology infrastructure. This article contributes a review of approaches to designing AC and AC–DC microgrids so as to maximize their technological and economic effects. We review techniques for analyzing the existing distribution networks aimed at choosing the type of current for the entire microgrid or its individual parts, the optimal points for the connection of microgrids to distribution networks, and the mix and capacity of DERs, with such choices informed by the conditions of the switching devices and information and communications technology infrastructure. This article presents the results of the analysis of approaches to choosing the optimal configuration of microgrids, microgrid ACS, and protection system, with an evaluation of the technological and economic effects subject to the minimization of investment in the modernization of the existing distribution networks.

The concept of multi-energy systems (MES) is widely applied in various areas of energy supply. This approach makes it possible to analyze the distribution of energy flows and their mutual influence both for local facilities and for power supply systems. At the same time, currently, promising systems for analysis, forecast, and control of the behavior of energy facilities are those that employ innovative methods, for example, different technologies of mathematical modeling. Their successful application requires a methodological approach to build mathematical models of integrated energy systems relying on simulation modeling. The approach proposed in this paper is based on the concept of an energy hub. It has been tested on a simulation model for two energy supply channels for a fragment of a real-world energy facility. The presented methodological approach to create mathematical models of integrated energy systems is based on simulation. This approach offers broad prospects for expanding the capabilities in the design and operation of integrated multi-energy systems.

The 25 kV traction network creates highly intensive electromagnetic fields. These fields affect the long conductive structures located near railway lines and can induce voltage, posing a danger for maintenance personnel. Typical examples of such structures are pipelines, which are used to transport liquid and gaseous products. In addition to compromising electrical safety, the induced voltage can result in dangerous densities of corrosion currents in pipe insulation defects. Therefore, the determination of the induced voltage and current in the pipes is undoubtedly relevant. An analysis of existing literature on the electromagnetic compatibility of traction networks and pipelines indicates that important aspects regarding the effects of traction networks and high-voltage power lines on extended conductive structures have been addressed. However, these works do not present a unified method to determine the induced voltage on parts of the structures and the current flowing through the pipeline. Such a method could be based on a technology that models the operation of electric power systems in phase coordinates. This paper presents the development of a method and the results of the studies aimed at modeling the voltage induced by complex traction networks. The developed digital models make it possible to adequately determine the induced voltage created by multi-wire traction networks and the current flowing through the pipes. Using these models, one can make an informed decision regarding the appropriate measure to ensure the safety of personnel working on these structures, as well as the development of corrosion prevention methods and measures.

Current microprocessor-based relay protection and automation (RPA) devices supported by IEC 61850 provide access to a large amount of information on the protected or controlled electric power facility in real time. The issue of using such information (Big Data) in order to improve the parameters of technical modification of intelligent electronic devices at digital substations remains unaddressed. Prerequisites arise for designing modern power systems with relay protection devices of a new generation based on new information algorithms. In particular, it is expedient to develop multi-parameter protections using more than one information parameter: modules of current, voltage, derivatives thereof, phase angles, active and reactive resistances, etc. An information approach based on multiple modeling and statistical processing of modeling results is also promising. This article explores the issues of enhanced sensitivity of multi-parameter relay protection using long-range redundancy protection as an example. Transition to “generalized features” is proposed in order to simplify multi-parameter protection and reduction in the computational load on the RPA device. Out of a large number of analyzed indicators (currents, voltages, their derivatives, resistances, increments of currents, angles between current and voltage, etc.), we specify the most informative by using the method of “data compression”. The transition to generalized features simplifies the parameterization of settings, and the process of making a decision by the relay protection device is reduced to obtaining a generalized feature and comparing it with a dimensionless setting in relative terms. For the formation of generalized information features, two mathematical methods are studied: the method of principal components and Fisher’s linear discriminant.

The identification of fault locations (FL) on overhead power lines (OHPLs) in the shortest possible time allows for a reduction in the time to shut down OHPLs in case of damage. This helps to improve the reliability of power systems. FL devices on OHPLs according to the emergency mode parameters (EMPs) are widely used, as they have a lower cost. However, they have a larger error than FL devices that record traveling wave processes. Most well-known algorithms for FL on OHPL by EMP assume a uniform distribution of resistivity along the OHPL. In real conditions, this is not the case. The application of these algorithms in FL devices on OHPLs with inhomogeneities leads to significant errors in calculating the distance to the fault location. The use of search algorithms for unconditional one-dimensional optimization is proposed to increase the speed of the implementation of iterative procedures in FL devices on OHPLs by EMPs. Recommendations have been developed for choosing optimization criteria, as well as options for implementing computational procedures. Using the example of a two-sided FL on OHPL, it is shown that the use of search algorithms can significantly (from tens to hundreds of times) reduce the number of steps of the computational iterative procedure. The implementation of search algorithms is possible in the software of typical relay protection and automation terminals, without upgrading their hardware.

One of the main tasks of the circular economy is the decoupling between economic growth and natural resource consumption at the input and the volume of generated waste at the output. The effectiveness of this process can be assessed by the dynamics of the eco-intensity indicators at the macro-, meso- and micro-levels. The article presents the assessment results of the decoupling and growth color of the mining sector in Russia, which show the dynamics of eco-intensity indicators and may reflect the trend towards a circular economy. For the period 2010–2021, it was revealed that negative expansion decoupling and “Black” growth have been observed in terms of generated waste and atmospheric pollution, strong decoupling and “Green” growth in terms of hydrosphere pollution, weak decoupling and “Brown” growth in terms of electricity consumption, and according to water intake from natural water bodies, expansion coupling and “Black” growth. During the study period, the gross value added (GVA) of the mining industry in Russia in comparable prices increased by 77%, while the industry’s negative impact on the atmosphere increased by 34%; the volume of production and consumption waste generation increased by 131%, and the negative impact on the hydrosphere decreased by 51%. The growth of the environmental and economic efficiency of any system can be achieved by influencing the drivers and barriers to moving towards a circular economy, so it is important to identify the most significant factors of influence for a particular industry, region or country in the current conditions. Using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method, it was revealed that factors reflecting innovative activities of the mining industry have a significant impact on reducing eco-intensity in the field of electricity consumption and water intake from natural water bodies. The significance of these factors’ influence has been confirmed not only at the macro-level, but also at the micro-level.

The development of AC distribution systems provides for the seamless integration of low-voltage microgrids with distributed energy resources (DERs). This poses new challenges for the control of normal, emergency, and post-emergency states of microgrids, calling for the creation and development of information and communications technology infrastructure. Power converters/inverters that are used to integrate renewable DERs lack inertia. Along with them, fossil fuel-fired generation units are also being integrated into microgrids. These include gas generator sets, diesel generator sets, and microturbines, having small (up to 1–2 s) values of mechanical inertia constants—Tj. This leads to an increase in the rate of transients by a factor of 5–10. Under these conditions, the technical requirements for the speed of automatic power flow control systems, as well as the methods they rely on, have to be reconsidered. Microgrids include DC microgrids, AC microgrids, and hybrid (AC-DC) microgrids. In the case of hybrid microgrids, DERs are connected to the DC grid and are integrated into the AC grid through a common inverter. The complexity of the task of microgrid control is due to the need to choose properly the type and extent of control actions so as to prevent the emergence and development of accidents. The employed control methods must ensure the reliable power supply to consumers and the quality of power in microgrids, as well as the reliable operation of the external distribution systems into which they are integrated. The article gives an overview of control methods for low-voltage AC and AC-DC microgrids, which allow one to tackle effectively solve the tasks.

Energy performance contracts are a very promising area for attracting private investment in the renewable energy sector. The concept of energy performance contracting is a well-established mechanism aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of a facility and reducing annual maintenance costs. This paper presents a hierarchical model of a decentralized energy system with renewable energy sources and a battery energy storage system under an energy service agreement. This model reflects the interaction between the client and the performance company. The model includes the main parameters characterizing the energy service contract, such as net present value, contract duration and levelized cost of energy. As an example, a real decentralized power system is considered, which currently only uses diesel generation. In the case of building a photovoltaic system, the optimal equipment composition consists of a 100 kW solar station and storage batteries with a capacity of 240 kW·h. The optimal contract term is 5 years, and diesel fuel savings are 69%.

Asynchronous loads (AL), because of their low negative-sequence resistance, produce the effect of reduced unbalance at their connection points. Therefore, proper modeling of unbalanced load flows in power supply systems requires properly accounting for AL. Adequate models of the induction motor can be realized in the phase frame of reference. The effective use of such models is possible only if accurate data on the parameters of induction motor equivalent circuits for positive and negative sequences are available. Our analysis shows that the techniques used to determine these parameters on the basis of reference data can yield markedly disparate results. It is possible to overcome this difficulty by applying parameter identification methods that use the phase frame of reference. The paper proposes a technique for parameter identification of models of individual induction motors and asynchronous load nodes. The results of computer-aided simulation allow us to conclude that by using parameter identification, we can obtain an equivalent model of an asynchronous load node, and such a model provides high accuracy for both balanced and unbalanced load flow analysis. By varying load flow parameters, we demonstrate that the model proves valid over a wide range of their values. We have proposed a technique for the identification of asynchronous load nodes with such asynchronous loads, including electrical drives equipped with static frequency converters. With the aid of the AL identification models proposed in this paper, it is possible to solve the following practical tasks of management of electric power systems: increasing the accuracy of modeling their operating conditions; making informed decisions when taking measures to reduce unbalance in power grids while accounting for the balancing adjustment effect of AL.

Fault location on overhead power lines achieved with the highest possible accuracy can reduce the time to locate faults. This contributes to ensuring the stability of power systems, as well as the reliability of power supply to consumers. There are a number of known mathematical techniques based on different physical principles that are used in fault location on overhead power lines and whose errors vary. Fault location on overhead power lines uses techniques based on the estimation of emergency state parameters, which are referred to as distance-to-fault techniques and are widely used. They are employed in digital protection relay terminals and power-line fault locators. Factors that have a significant impact on the error of fault location on overhead power lines by emergency state parameters are design, manufacturing, and operation. The aim of this article is to analyze the existing techniques and to present a new analytical technique for estimating errors of fault location on overhead power lines by using emergency state parameters. The technique developed by the authors makes it possible to properly take into account a set of random factors, including various measurement errors of currents and voltages in the emergency state, which have a significant impact on the fault location on overhead power lines error. The technique allows one to determine more accurately the fault location and the size of the inspection area, which is necessary to reduce the time it takes to carry out emergency recovery operations. The proposed technique can be applied in fault locators and digital protection relay terminals that use both single-end, double- and multi-end sensing of currents and voltages in the emergency state.

This paper analyzes the key defining features of modern electric power distribution networks of industrial enterprises. It is shown that the requirements set by industrial enterprises with respect to power quality parameters (PQPs) at the points of their connection to external distribution networks of utilities have been becoming increasingly strict in recent years. This is justified by the high sensitivity of critical electrical loads and distributed generation facilities to distortions of currents and voltages from a pure sine wave. Significant deviations of PQPs lead to significant damage at the consumer end due to the shutdown of electrical equipment by electrical and process protections as a result of overheating and increased wear and tear of individual elements of process lines. This necessitates the implementation of continuous monitoring systems at industrial enterprises, or sampling-based monitoring of PQPs at the boundary bus with an external distribution network. When arranging sampling-based monitoring of PQPs at certain time intervals, only those parameters that are critical for specific electrical loads should be calculated. We provide a rationale for the transition from the monitoring of a set of individual PQPs to a generalized PQP with the arrangement of simultaneous monitoring of several parameters. The joint use of the results of simulation and data from PQP monitoring systems for PQP analysis using the sampling-based procedure produces the desired effect. We present an example of a sequential decision-making process in the analysis of a generalized PQP based on Wald’s sequential analysis procedure. This technique makes it possible to adapt the PQP monitoring procedure to the features of a specific power distribution network of an industrial enterprise. We present the structural diagram of the device developed by the authors, which implements the sampling-based monitoring procedure of the generalized PQP. We put forward an approach for determining the average number of sampling data points required to make a decision about the power quality in the implementation of the sequential analysis procedure.

Most of the operating oil fields are in the late stages of development, in which special attention is paid to the oil production energy efficiency. In accordance with the trend toward the digitalization of technical processes, intelligent control stations for production wells are currently being developed, one of the main tasks of which is to maintain the equipment operation in an optimal mode. This work aims to develop a methodology for selecting an energy-efficient well operation mode by choosing the methods for controlling an electrical submersible pump. To solve this problem, a mathematical apparatus for calculating power consumption is presented, which considers the well pressure curve, while taking into account its degradation when pumping reservoir fluids, the fluids’ properties, the supply of demulsifier, and the equipment’s operating parameters. Based on the simulation results, it is revealed that the optimal method for controlling electrical submersible pump installations is a combination of frequency control and choke control. The reduction in specific power consumption with the combined control relative to the use of separate control types is up to 7.30%, and in the case of additional use of a demulsifier, it is up to 12.01%. The developed algorithms can be implemented based on programmable logic controllers of intelligent control stations.

A great number of factors determining the development of photovoltaics are associated with the assessment of possible volumes of solar energy use in correlation with the technical and economic characteristics of photovoltaic equipment. An appropriate assessment of solar energy potential that applies universally to any subsequent use option still remains a crucial task. This work is devoted to the assessment and analysis of the gross, technical and economic potentials of solar energy for photovoltaics. The smart analysis includes the basic program working in the context of connection to databases and to the programs used for determining required initial data or, as a limited option, in the context of full or partial initial data input by the user. Therefore, optimally, a smart network is formed, which for the purposes of obtaining the values of potentials, uses the most up-to-date values of initial data and other required information. This work sets out the tried and tested assessment program for the potentials of solar energy available in large and medium areas. The proposed approach to the analysis of solar energy potential in a region makes it possible to secure a high degree of assessment reliability which can be used for more detailed calculations, including the potentials analysis for a specific point on the ground or a specific type of PV system.

With the large-scale integration of distributed energy resources (DER) into passive distribution networks with voltages of up to 1 kV, these networks are being converted into microgrids. When the topology and operating conditions change, several challenging issues arise related to the functioning of the protection devices (PD) that are in operation. Most DERs, including renewable generators, are integrated into microgrids by means of inverters. In the event of short circuits (SC) in microgrids, these DERs provide a fault current contribution of no more than 1.2–2.0 Irated at the fault location. This makes it difficult to identify the fault location and to carry out the selective disconnection of the faulty element by means of conventional PDs. This article provides an overview of engineering solutions for improving conventional protection schemes that have been historically used in passive distribution networks, as well as for creating modern protection schemes based on innovative principles and new methods. The use of adaptive protections built on decentralized and centralized principles in most cases ensures the reliable protection of microgrids. Modern intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), where protection functions are implemented, rank higher with respect to their technical perfection in terms of reliability, sensitivity, selectivity, and speed performance. The use of multi-agent systems in the implementation of modern protection schemes requires the availability of broadband communication channels, which hinders their use because of the high cost. The combined use of fault current limiters (FCL) and energy storage systems (ESS) allows for the reliable operation of microgrid protections. The use of modern PDs ensures the reliable operation of DERs and power supply to consumers in microgrids, both in the case of grid-connected and islanded operation modes. Since there is no unified concept of designing protection schemes for microgrids with DERs, the choice of specific approaches to the design of protection schemes should be based on the results of a comparative technical and economic analysis of different options.

The trend towards the decentralization and decarbonization of the energy sector stimulates the adoption of generation facilities based on renewable energy sources (RES) and distributed generation (DG) facilities that utilize secondary energy resources. Operation features of DG facilities, such as a high speed of electromechanical transient processes and significant deviations of power quality indicators from standard values, require improvement and an increase in the speed of automation devices. Modern electroautomatic devices must determine the operating regions (normal and emergency) and adapt the operation algorithms to the conditions of the current mode. The study presented proposes methods developed to use the Wald Sequential Probability Ratio Test (WSPRT) to improve the reliability and efficiency of the power system automation devices. The paper provides examples of using WSPRT in the devices of automatic frequency load shedding, automatic transformer disconnection, and power quality control. The results of mathematical modeling confirm the high performance of WSPRT in power system automation devices owing to an increase in the reliability of operating regions identification and speed of response. For example, in the automatic frequency load shedding (AFLS) algorithm for a network with DG facilities at a sampling rate that meets the requirements of the IEC 61850 (80 samples per period), the acceptance time does not exceed 1 ms. The study substantiates the need to use WSPRT in the logic blocks of automation devices employed in active distribution networks.

The Francis hydro-turbine is a typical nonlinear system with coupled hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical subsystems. It is difficult to understand the reasons for its operational failures, since the main cause of failures is due to the complex interaction of the three subsystems. This paper presents an improved dynamic model of the Francis hydro-turbine. This study involves the development of a nonlinear dynamic model of a hydraulic unit, given start-up and emergency processes, and the consideration of the effect of water hammer during transients. To accomplish the objectives set, existing models used to model hydroelectric units are analyzed and a mathematical model is proposed, which takes into account the dynamics during abrupt changes in the conditions. Based on these mathematical models, a computer model was developed, and numerical simulation was carried out with an assessment of the results obtained. The mathematical model built was verified on an experimental model. As a result, a model of a hydraulic unit was produced, which factors in the main hydraulic processes in the hydro-turbine.

The modeling of battery energy storage systems (BESS) remains poorly researched, especially in the case of taking into account the power loss due to degradation that occurs during operation in the power system with a large penetration of generation from renewables and stochastic load from electric vehicles (EV). Meanwhile, the lifetime varies considerably from the manufacturer’s claim due to different operating conditions, and also depends on the level of renewable energy sources (RES) penetration, cyclic operation, temperature, discharge/charge rate, and depth of discharge. Choosing a simplistic approach to the degradation model can lead to unreliable conclusions in choosing the best management strategy and significant investment and operating costs. Most existing BESS models in stationary applications either assume zero degradation costs for storage or simplify battery life to a linear function of depth of discharge (DOD), which can lead to additional error in estimating the cost of BESS degradation. The complexity of constructing a lifetime model of BESS is due to the presence of nonlinear degradation of BESS at the beginning and at the end of the lifetime, as well as the difficulty in obtaining a large amount of experimental data that are close to the real-world operating conditions for the construction of most models. This article analyzes the features of BESS that are specific to their operation in microgrids in terms of the influence of the main stress factors on the degree of BESS degradation. This study also provides a review of existing models for assessing battery degradation.

The creation of a decentralized low-carbon energy infrastructure is the main trend in the development of the electric power industry in many countries. Distributed generation facilities (DGs) based on gas reciprocating units (GRUs) are often built by industrial entities for the efficient utilization of secondary energy resources in order to minimize the environmental impact. Modern GRUs have some advantages, but they have design features that should be factored in when connecting them to the internal power systems of industrial entities. Incorrect consideration of possible operating conditions of GRU in their design can lead to their damage, excessive shutdowns, and disruptions in power supply to essential power consumers with significant damage and losses from undersupply of their products. Excessive shutdowns of GRUs are often caused by a non-selective choice of settings for relay protection devices or by load surges that exceed the allowable ones. With high availability factors, GRUs are disconnected five to eight times more often compared to large gas turbine and steam turbine power units. The large total power consumed by electric motors, as part of the load of an industrial entity, determines the nature and parameters of electromechanical transient processes during emergency disturbances. The presented analysis of issues facing real DG facilities relies on the acts of investigation into the causes of accidents. Calculations have shown that the action of the “Load Agreement Module” in the GRU excitation controller can provoke the occurrence of a voltage avalanche in the internal power system with a complete shutdown of the load. The paper presents recommendations on the choice of control algorithms and voltage settings for the GRU excitation controller. Technical solutions are given to prevent damage and excessive shutdowns of GRU in various operating conditions of the system, and to help ensure a reliable power supply to power consumers. The change in approaches to the design of DG facilities is substantiated in the light of their significant differences from other electric power facilities.

Gas-fired reciprocating engine plants (GREPs) are widely used in power supply systems of industrial facilities, which allows for ensuring the operation of electrical loads in case of accidents in the power system. Operating experience attests to the fact that during islanded operations, GREPs are shut down by process protections or protective relays in the event of severe disturbances. This leads to complete load shedding, which is accompanied by losses and damage to industrial facilities. Severe disturbances include the following ones: large load surges on GREPs due to one of them being switched off, the group starting of electric motors, and load shedding (more than 50%) during short circuits or disconnection of process lines. Energy storage systems (ESS) have the ability to compensate for instantaneous power imbalances to prevent GREPs from switching off. The authors of this study have developed methods for intelligent control of the ESS that allow one to solve two problems: prevention of GREPs shutdowns under short-term frequency and voltage deviations as well as preservation of the calendar and cycling lifetime of battery storage (BS) of the GREP. The first method does not require performing the calculation of adjustments of control actions for active and reactive power on the ESS online but rather determines them by the value of frequency deviations and the voltage sag configuration, which greatly simplifies the system of automatic control of the ESS. The second method, which consists in dividing the steady-state power/frequency characteristic into sections with different droops that are chosen depending on the current load of the ESS and the battery state of charge, and offsetting it according to a specified pattern, allows for preventing the premature loss of power capacity of the ESS BS.

In the context of energy industry decentralization, electrical networks encounter deviations of power quality indices (PQI), including violations of the sinusoidality of current and voltage signals, which increase errors in the joint digital processing of spatially separated signals in digital devices. This paper addresses specific features of using the concept of spatial coherence in the measurement and digital processing of current and voltage signals. Methods for assessing the coherence of current and voltage signals during synchronized measurements are considered for the case of PQI deviation. The example of a double-ended transmission line fault location (hereafter, DTLFL) demonstrates that the lower the cross-correlation coefficient, the higher the error and the lower the accuracy of calculating the distance to the fault site. The nature of the influence of spatial coherence violations on errors in DTLFL depends on the expression used to calculate the distance to the fault point. The application of a normalized cross-correlation coefficient for finding errors in the digital processing of current and voltage signals, in the case of spatial coherence violation, was substantiated. The influence of interharmonics and noise on errors in DTLFL, in the case of violations of spatial coherence of signals, was investigated. The magnitude of distortions and error in estimating the current and voltage amplitude depends on the ratio between the amplitudes and phases of the fundamental and distorting interharmonics. Filtration of the original and decimated signals based on the discrete Fourier transform eliminates the noise components of the power frequency harmonics.

At present, the entire world is moving towards digitalization, including in the electric power industry. Digitalization is in its heyday and a lot of articles and reports are devoted to this topic. At the same time, the least digitalized of the electrical networks are distribution networks that account for a very large share in electric power systems. The article proposes a methodology for creating a flexible distribution network based on the use of digital technology. Additionally, we elaborate a methodology with the identification and collection of the necessary information to create digital networks, develop ways to adapt the required equipment, and suggest methods of recognition of some short circuits. Furthermore, we address the issue of reliability of the information obtained from digital devices, develop a technique for arranging the devices to cover the entire network as required to improve the power system protection of electrical power distribution networks. The above measures make it possible to ensure the flexibility of the active distribution network, as well as to adjust the parameters of the actuation of power system protection depending on changes in external conditions and in the event of emergencies. We propose a technique for controlling the distribution network, based on the factoring-in of the type of damage during an emergency in real time, as well as a technique for arranging the measuring devices and the creation of an information and communication network. We provide recommendations for the design and operation of electric power distribution networks with digital network control technology.

The energy transition is accompanied by developing a digital decentralized low-carbon energy infrastructure with renewable-based generating plants as its main elements. In 2020, 15 photovoltaic power plants (PVPs) with an installed capacity of 364 MW were commissioned in Russia, which is 21.08% of the total installed PVP capacity of Russia. The findings of an analysis of Russia’s current regulatory and technical documents (RTD) concerning the frequency and active power flow control are presented. They indicate that all PVPs must participate in the general primary frequency control (GPFC). This requirement is due to large frequency deviations of transient processes resulting from an emergency active power shortage, which can shut down frequency-maintaining generating plants by relay or process protection devices and industrial consumers with significant damage to them. The requirements suggest full-scale tests of PVP to confirm their readiness for participation in GPFC. The program and results of checking the algorithm of change in the PVP active power, depending on frequency, are demonstrated with an example of one PVP. The full-scale tests confirmed the compliance of the certified PVP with this requirement. The plans for involving PVPs in the power flow control under various topology and operation conditions are considered.

An algorithm for constructing a dynamic analysis during the formation of a wave field of stand for testing turbines and the effect of the frequency interaction of the stand’s elements on the measurement of its magnitude is described. The research algorithm involves the use of theoretical solutions of nonlinear wave processes using linear oscillations, refined by experiments. The diagnostic model can determine the technical condition of the stand’s elements and also determine the causes of the discrepancies between the calculated and measured turbine power values. To clarify the stiffness coefficients between the stand’s elements, a modal analysis was used to obtain the range of their changes depending on the external dynamic load, which made it possible to assess the impact of changes in the frequency interaction conditions on the turbine power measurement at different test modes. The conditions for amplifying the amplitude of oscillations at their eigenfrequencies are obtained, and the value of the possible deviation of the expected power value at its measurement for specific modes of the turbine is calculated. The algorithm allows to estimate the dynamic state of the stand-in different research modes of turbines and give recommendations for reducing the level of frequency interaction.

Modern gas-turbine units (GTUs) and gas-reciprocating units (GRUs) have found a wide use at power plants, including distributed generation facilities, running on gaseous fuel. The design features of these generating units have a considerable effect on the nature and parameters of transient processes due to emergency disturbances in the adjacent network. The study shows that single-shaft gas-turbine and gas-reciprocating units do not allow even short-term considerable frequency drops. These schemes and operating conditions arise due to emergency active power shortages when the connection between the power plant and the power system weakens due to repair conditions or islanded operation. The paper presents the results of transient process calculations for operating power plants (distributed generation facilities), which make it possible to identify the unfavorable properties of GTUs and GRUs. The results show that two-shaft (three-shaft) GTUs and GRUs can switch to out-of-step conditions even when short-circuits in the adjacent network are cleared with high-speed relay protection devices. The features of out-of-step conditions and the admissibility of their short-term duration for the spontaneous restoration of generators’ synchronization are considered. The findings suggest that considering the fundamental design features of generating units provides informed technical decisions on equipping power plants (distributed generation (DG) facilities) and the adjacent network with efficient emergency control systems.