Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.5
3.2
Journals
Energies
Special Issues
Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks
energies-logo
Submit to Energies Review for Energies Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "F: Electrical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2021) | Viewed by 13540

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alberto Geri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
Interests: grounding systems; network studies; MV distribution networks; smart and micro grids; grid resilience
Prof. Dr. Marco Maccioni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Astronautics, Electric and Energy Engineering, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: power system analysis; grounding systems; grid resilience; smart grids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to inform you that we are planning a Special Issue on grid resilience enhancement.

During the last century, climate change has caused an increase of extreme weather event occurrences: the frequency and severity of power outages caused by extreme weather events have increased, leading to enormous damages to people and economy. The risk of extreme impacts on power systems is likely to increase in the coming years.

Although the study of grid resilience has recently gained popularity, it is still not well established; in addition, due to its multi-disciplinarity (covering power system operation, civil and structural engineering, geography, computer science, probability, meteorology and climatology, etc.), research and development in this area is still being carried out by many institutions (e.g., utility companies, disaster management agencies, national weather services, etc.).

The motivation for this Special Issue lies in the need to collect the most recent and advanced studies of grid resilience, focusing on technical matters from the perspective of power system engineering with respect to extreme weather events.

We invite all interested colleagues to contribute their state-of-the-art review papers or latest studies related to advanced solutions to improve the resilience of medium-voltage distribution networks.

We hope that this initiative will be well-received among colleagues, and we look forward to your contributions.

We remain sincerely yours,

Prof. Dr. Alberto Geri
Prof. Dr. Marco Maccioni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • MV distribution networks
  • extreme weather
  • critical infrastructures
  • reliability
  • grid resilience
  • grid resilience enhancement

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

25 pages, 8061 KiB  
Article
An Application of a Risk-Based Methodology to Anticipate Critical Situations Due to Extreme Weather Events in Transmission and Distribution Grids
by Emanuele Ciapessoni, Andrea Pitto and Diego Cirio
Energies 2021, 14(16), 4742; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14164742 - 04 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1778
Abstract
Nowadays, distribution network operators are urged by regulatory authorities to reduce the load disruptions due to extreme weather events, i.e., to enhance network resilience: in particular, in Italy they are required to present a yearly plan (called “resilience plans”) describing the interventions aimed [...] Read more.
Nowadays, distribution network operators are urged by regulatory authorities to reduce the load disruptions due to extreme weather events, i.e., to enhance network resilience: in particular, in Italy they are required to present a yearly plan (called “resilience plans”) describing the interventions aimed to improve network resilience. To this purpose, they need new methodologies and tools to assess the network resilience and to quantify the benefits of countermeasures. This paper proposes the application of a risk-based framework and tool to assess the impacts of extreme weather events in T&D grids, which anticipate critical network situations in presence of incumbent weather threats. To do this, the forecasting of weather events is combined with the component vulnerability models in order to predict which components are more prone to fail. Based on this set of components, the set of most risky contingencies is identified and their impacts on the distribution network in terms of unsupplied load are quantified. The major advantage of the applied methodology is its generality: in fact, it is applicable to both distribution and transmission systems as well as integrated transmission and distribution (T&D) systems, considering the peculiarities of each type of grid, in terms of operation, maintenance and component vulnerabilities. In particular, the application refers to a distribution network connected to a portion of high voltage transmission system in a mountainous zone, with focus on two major threats in the area, i.e., wet snow and fall of trees induced by combined wind and snow. The methodology also quantifies the benefits brought to the system resilience by countermeasures such as reconductoring, optimal reconfiguration or new right-of-way maintenance procedures. Simulations demonstrate the ability of the methodology to support T&D operators in an operational planning context in case of different incumbent threats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4816 KiB  
Article
Power Flow Management by Active Nodes: A Case Study in Real Operating Conditions
by Stefano Bifaretti, Vincenzo Bonaiuto, Sabino Pipolo, Cristina Terlizzi, Pericle Zanchetta, Francesco Gallinelli and Silvio Alessandroni
Energies 2021, 14(15), 4519; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154519 - 27 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2058
Abstract
The role of distributor system operators is experiencing a gradual but relevant change to include enhanced ancillary and energy dispatch services needed to manage the increased power provided by intermittent distributed generations in medium voltage networks. In this context, the paper proposes the [...] Read more.
The role of distributor system operators is experiencing a gradual but relevant change to include enhanced ancillary and energy dispatch services needed to manage the increased power provided by intermittent distributed generations in medium voltage networks. In this context, the paper proposes the insertion, in strategic points of the network, of specific power electronic systems, denoted as active nodes, which permit the remote controllability of the active and reactive power flow. Such capabilities, as a further benefit, enable the distributor system operators to provide ancillary network services without requiring any procurement with distributed generation systems owners. In particular, the paper highlights the benefits of active nodes, demonstrating their capabilities in reducing the inverse power flow issues from medium to high voltage lines focusing on a network cluster including renewable energy resources. As a further novelty, this study has accounted for a real cluster operated by the Italian distributor system operator Areti. A specific simulation model of the electrical lines has been implemented in DigSilent PowerFactory (DIgSILENT GmbH–Germany) software using real operating data obtained during a 1-year measurement campaign. A detailed cost-benefit analysis has been provided, accounting for different load flow scenarios. The results have demonstrated that the inclusion of active nodes can significantly reduce the drawbacks related to the reverse power flow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3159 KiB  
Article
Resilience Assessment in Distribution Grids: A Complete Simulation Model
by Massimo Cresta, Fabio Massimo Gatta, Alberto Geri, Marco Maccioni and Marco Paulucci
Energies 2021, 14(14), 4303; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144303 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1371
Abstract
For several years, the increase of extreme meteorological events due to climate change, especially in unusual areas, has focused authorities and stakeholders attention on electric power systems’ resilience. In this context, the authors have developed a simulation model for managing the resilience of [...] Read more.
For several years, the increase of extreme meteorological events due to climate change, especially in unusual areas, has focused authorities and stakeholders attention on electric power systems’ resilience. In this context, the authors have developed a simulation model for managing the resilience of electricity distribution grids with respect to the main threats to which these infrastructures may be exposed (i.e., ice sleeves, heat waves, water bombs, floods, tree falls). The simulator identifies the more vulnerable network assets by means of probabilistic indexes, thus suggesting the best corrective actions to be implemented for resilience improvement. The fulfillment of grid constraints, i.e., loading limits for branches and voltage limits for buses, under actual operating conditions, is taken into account. Load scenarios extracted from available measurements are evaluated by means of load flow analyses in order to choose, among the best solutions identified, those compatible with the constraints. The proposed tool can assist Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in drawing up the Action Plan to improve, on one hand, the resilience of the network and, on the other hand, to remove any possible limitation for the adoption of the best solutions to ensure maximum operational continuity during extreme weather events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 9765 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning and GIS Approach for Electrical Load Assessment to Increase Distribution Networks Resilience
by Alessandro Bosisio, Matteo Moncecchi, Andrea Morotti and Marco Merlo
Energies 2021, 14(14), 4133; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144133 - 08 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2909
Abstract
Currently, distribution system operators (DSOs) are asked to operate distribution grids, managing the rise of the distributed generators (DGs), the rise of the load correlated to heat pump and e-mobility, etc. Nevertheless, they are asked to minimize investments in new sensors and telecommunication [...] Read more.
Currently, distribution system operators (DSOs) are asked to operate distribution grids, managing the rise of the distributed generators (DGs), the rise of the load correlated to heat pump and e-mobility, etc. Nevertheless, they are asked to minimize investments in new sensors and telecommunication links and, consequently, several nodes of the grid are still not monitored and tele-controlled. At the same time, DSOs are asked to improve the network’s resilience, looking for a reduction in the frequency and impact of power outages caused by extreme weather events. The paper presents a machine learning GIS-based approach to estimate a secondary substation’s load profiles, even in those cases where monitoring sensors are not deployed. For this purpose, a large amount of data from different sources has been collected and integrated to describe secondary substation load profiles adequately. Based on real measurements of some secondary substations (medium-voltage to low-voltage interface) given by Unareti, the DSO of Milan, and georeferenced data gathered from open-source databases, unknown secondary substations load profiles are estimated. Three types of machine learning algorithms, regression tree, boosting, and random forest, as well as geographic information system (GIS) information, such as secondary substation locations, building area, types of occupants, etc., are considered to find the most effective approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 7170 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Sensor for Cable Joint Monitoring and Partial Discharge Localization
by Luca Barbieri, Andrea Villa, Roberto Malgesini, Daniele Palladini and Christian Laurano
Energies 2021, 14(14), 4095; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144095 - 07 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2069
Abstract
To enhance grid reliability, weak points must be monitored. One of the weaknesses is the cable joints, which are prone to failure and can cause great losses from both a technical and economical point of view. Joints failures are usually caused by impurities [...] Read more.
To enhance grid reliability, weak points must be monitored. One of the weaknesses is the cable joints, which are prone to failure and can cause great losses from both a technical and economical point of view. Joints failures are usually caused by impurities unintentionally added during installation that cause partial discharges (PDs). In time, these discharges erode the insulation and generate treeing up to a destructive discharge between the conductor and the ground shield. For this reason, a method for the early detection of defects in joint installation and their online monitoring is required. A previously developed sensor was improved by adapting it for this purpose. It is based on the measurement of the induced current on a conductor due to a charge variation. It was experimentally tested on an actual joint in which defects were artificially introduced. Results show that the sensor is able to detect partial discharges. Moreover, a method for PD localization was developed. The first results show a coherency between the possible defect location, numerical simulations and historical background. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3857 KiB  
Article
Faulty Feeder Detection Method Based on VMD–FFT and Pearson Correlation Coefficient of Non-Power Frequency Component in Resonant Grounded Systems
by Kewen Wei, Jing Zhang, Yu He, Gang Yao and Yikun Zhang
Energies 2020, 13(18), 4724; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184724 - 10 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
Through analyzing the transient components and transient characteristics in transient zero-sequence current (TZSC), a novel fault feeder detection method based on the transient correlation of non-power frequency components (NPFCs) for the resonant grounded system is proposed. Firstly, using variational mode decomposition combined with [...] Read more.
Through analyzing the transient components and transient characteristics in transient zero-sequence current (TZSC), a novel fault feeder detection method based on the transient correlation of non-power frequency components (NPFCs) for the resonant grounded system is proposed. Firstly, using variational mode decomposition combined with fast Fourier transformation (VMD–FFT) to decompose the TZSC, by removing the power frequency components and noise signals, the transient NPFCs can be obtained. Secondly, to reflect the overall changing trend between faulty and healthy currents, the moving average filter is introduced to smooth the NPFCs; in this way, the fault transient features can be accurately revealed. Finally, the faulty feeder can be detected by comparing the threshold with the maximum difference value of comprehensive correlation coefficient of NPFCs. The detection results show that the proposed fault detection method can accurately select the faulty feeder; it is unaffected by fault resistances, fault phase angles, etc. Moreover, the detection method can resist noise interference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Solutions to Increase Resilience of Medium Voltage Distribution Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop