Search Results (5)

This paper aims to present carefully selected scientific papers that have pushed the boundaries in the application of advanced computational intelligence–based methods in power engineering, mainly in optimal power system management. Contemporary development of the Smart Grid and detailed framework for power grid digitalization enabled the real and efficient application of advanced optimization algorithms presented in this paper. Papers that are not directly related to Smart Grid management are also considered, since they solve the partial challenges of planning and development with metaheuristic procedures, and according to the authors, they are highly applicable and represent a fundamental starting point for wider application. This paper covers papers and research whose results are reproducible and can be realized in production-grade software. The emphasis of the paper is on the considerate and impartial way of providing a concise overview of the methods for solving technical challenges within the accepted Smart Grid architecture. The paper is the result of many years of research and commitment to this field and represents the foundation for present research and development. Full article

The evolution of power systems towards the Smart Grid has introduced a significant number of unsolved issues degrading its accelerated deployment. The centralized control of distributed energy resources (DER) by utilizing virtual power plants is one of the essential Smart Grid ideas lacking plug and play capability. International standard IEC 61850 defines an architecture for describing Smart Grid subsystems. One of the main IEC 61850 contributions is a data model semantics describing different subsystems used for power systems production. The potential to utilize data semantics for describing DERs along with middleware technologies such as eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) can significantly decrease the integration timeframe of advanced power systems architectures such as virtual power plants and microgrids. This paper demonstrates the advantages of using the IEC 61850 standard along with the possibility of utilizing XMPP technology and how this affects new control architectures. Additionally, prototype implementation results are shown depending on the different communication infrastructure settings and application types used for DER control. Full article

Visions of energy transition focus on activating end users, meaning that numerous flexible-distribution network-level devices become active participants in power-system operations. This implies a fast, reliable, and secure exchange of data, enabling the distribution-system operators to maintain, or even improve, the quality and delivery of service. With the introduction of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 standard, the path is set for a single communication topology covering all substation levels. The standard has the potential to change the way substations are designed, built, tested, and maintained. This means that the key segment of the substation, its protection system, will go through a transition period with the end goal of having a digitized substation where all information exchange is performed over an Ethernet communication bus. This paper analyzes the performance impact of the IEC 61850-9-2LE on the protection system. To do this, a laboratory hardware-in-the-loop test setup was developed representing traditional-, hybrid-, and digital-substation topology. The setup serves to simulate faults and create transient waveforms in an extended IEEE 123-node test system, which is then used to detect the reaction times of protection relay devices. To verify the results, a significant number of tests was performed clearly showing the benefits of digitalizing the distribution system. Full article

Most electrical substations are remotely monitored and controlled by using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications. Current SCADA systems have been significantly enhanced by utilizing standardized communication protocols and the most prominent is the IEC 61850 international standard. These enhancements enable improvements in different domains of SCADA systems such as communication engineering, data management and visualization of automation process data in SCADA applications. Process data visualization is usually achieved through Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens in substation control centres. However, this visualization method sometimes makes supervision, control and maintenance procedures executed by engineers slow and error-prone because it separates equipment from its automation data. Augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) visualization techniques have matured enough to provide new possibilities of displaying relevant data wherever needed. This paper presents a novel methodology for visualizing process related SCADA data to enhance and facilitate human-centric activities in substations such as regular equipment maintenance. The proposed solution utilizes AR visualization techniques together with standards-based communication protocols used in substations. The developed proof-of-concept AR application that enables displaying SCADA data on the corresponding substation equipment with the help of AR markers demonstrates originality and benefits of the proposed visualization method. Additionally, the application enables displaying widgets and 3D models of substation equipment to make the visualization more user-friendly and intuitive. The visualized SCADA data needs to be refreshed considering soft real-time data delivery restrictions. Therefore, the proposed solution is thoroughly tested to demonstrate the applicability of proposed methodology in real substations. Full article