Search Results (332)

Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) are critical interfaces between urban mobility and distribution grids and are increasingly exposed to false data that can mislead operations and degrade voltage quality. This study proposes a defense-planning framework that models how cyber manipulation propagates to physical impacts in a coupled transport–power system. The interaction is modeled as a tri-level defender–attacker–operator problem in which a defender hardens a subset of charging stations, an attacker forges measurements and demand, and an operator redispatches resources to keep the system secure. We solve this problem with a method that embeds corrective operation into the evaluation and uses improved implicit enumeration (IIE) with pruning to identify a small set of high-value stations to protect with far fewer trials than an exhaustive search. On a benchmark feeder coupled to a road network, protecting a few traffic-critical stations restores compliance with voltage limits under tested attack levels while requiring roughly an order of magnitude fewer evaluations than complete enumeration. Sensitivity analysis shows that the loss of reactive power from PV inverters (PV VARs) harms voltage profiles more than an equivalent reduction in distributed storage, indicating that maintaining local reactive capability reduces the number of stations that must be hardened to meet a given voltage target. These results guide utilities and city planners to prioritize protection at traffic-critical EVCSs and co-plan local Volt/VAR capability, achieving code-compliant voltage quality under adversarial conditions with markedly lower planning effort. Full article

The design of battery modules for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and stationary Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy technologies. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the critical considerations in battery module design, including system requirements, cell selection, mechanical integration, thermal management, and safety components such as the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) and Battery Management System (BMS). We discuss the distinct demands of EV and ESS applications, highlighting trade-offs in cell chemistry, form factor, and architectural configurations to optimize performance, safety, and cost. Integrating advanced cooling strategies and robust electrical connections ensures thermal stability and operational reliability. Additionally, the paper describes a prototype battery module, a BDU, and the hardware and software architectures of a prototype BMS designed for a Hardware/Model-in-the-Loop framework for the real-time monitoring, protection, and control of battery packs. This work aims to provide a detailed framework and practical insights to support the development of high-performance, safe, and scalable battery systems essential for transportation electrification and grid energy storage. Full article

The increasing global demand for electricity has heightened the need for stable and reliable power distribution systems. Disruptions in power distribution can cause substantial economic losses and societal impact, underscoring the importance of accurate, timely, and scalable monitoring. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into smart grids offers promising capabilities for real-time data collection and intelligent control. However, the application of IoT has created new challenges such as high communication overhead and insufficient user privacy protection due to the continuous exchange of sensitive data. In this paper, we propose a method for power distribution analytics in smart grids based on IoT called PSDA. PSDA collects real-time power usage data from IoT sensor nodes distributed across different grid regions. The collected data is spatially organized using Hilbert curves to preserve locality and enable efficient encoding for subsequent processing. Meanwhile, we adopt a dual-server architecture and distributed point functions (DPF) to ensure efficient data transmission and privacy protection for power usage data. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is capable of accurately analyzing power distribution, thereby facilitating prompt responses within smart grid management systems. Compared with traditional methods, our scheme offers significant advantages in privacy protection and real-time processing, providing an innovative IoT-integrated solution for the secure and efficient operation of smart grids. Full article

The neutral point of a 10 kV distribution network often adopts an arc suppression coil or high resistance grounding mode to ensure the reliability of the power supply. The single-phase grounding fault current is below 10 A, and the distribution network can continue to operate with the fault for up to 2 h. However, long-time arc faults may ignite cables and cause electrical fires, causing further damage to adjacent cables and seriously affecting the safety of the power grid. To study the combustion characteristics of a single-phase grounding fault of a distribution network cable under the action of a long-term small current arc, the cable fault ignition test was carried out by using the arc ignition method of welding tin wire fuses. Then, the temperature distribution of the cable channel in an electrical fire was simulated, based on an FDS simulation, and the damage of adjacent cables under typical layout was further analyzed. The results show that the 10 kV cable was quickly ignited by the high temperature arc within 0.04 s after the breakdown and damage of the cable. Flammable XLPE insulation melted or even dripped off at a high temperature in fire. Thus, the fire spread to both ends when burning. Under the condition of 4–10 A, the maximum flame temperatures above the arc fault point reached 725 °C, 792 °C, 812 °C and 907 °C, respectively. According to the network structure, some protection, such as fireproof tape, needs to be applied directly above the faulty cable when the fault current exceeds 6 A. Full article

Smart devices and emerging technologies are highly popular devices and technologies that considerably improve our daily living by reducing or replacing human workforces, treating disease, monitoring healthcare, enhancing service performance, improving quality, and protecting the natural environment, and promoting non-gas emissions, sustainable working, green technologies, and renewable energy. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have recently emerged as a type of advanced energy harvesting technology that is simple, green, renewable, flexible, and endurable as an energy resource. High-performance TENGs, denoted as advanced TENGs, have potential for use in many practical applications such as in self-powered sensors and sources, portable electric devices, power grid penetration, monitoring manufacturing processes for quality control, and in medical and healthcare applications that meet the criteria for smart devices and emerging technologies. Advanced TENGs are used as highly efficient energy harvesters that can convert many types of wasted mechanical energy into the electric energy used in a range of practical applications in our daily lives. This article reviews recently advanced TENGs and their potential for use with smart devices and emerging technology applications. The work encourages and strengthens motivation to develop new smart devices and emerging technologies to serve us in many fields of our daily living. When TENGs are introduced into smart devices and emerging technologies, they can be applied in a variety of practical applications such as the food processing industry, information and communication technology, agriculture, construction, transportation, marine technology, the energy sector, mechanical processing, manufacturing, self-powered sensors, Industry 4.0, drug safety, and robotics due to their sustainable and renewable energy, light weight, cost effectiveness, flexibility, and self-powered portable energy sources. Their advantages, disadvantages, and solutions are also discussed for further research. Full article

A multi-port conversion system that connects photovoltaic (PV) arrays, battery energy storage (BES), and an electric vehicle (EV) to a single-phase grid offers a flexible solution for smart homes. By integrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technologies, the system supports bidirectional energy flow, optimizing usage, improving grid stability, and supplying backup power. The proposed four-port converter consists of an interleaved bidirectional DC-DC converter for high-voltage BES, a bidirectional buck–boost DC-DC converter for EV charging and discharging, a DC-DC boost converter with MPPT for PV, and a grid-tied inverter. Its non-isolated structure ensures high efficiency, compact design, and fewer switches, making it suitable for residential applications. A state-of-charge (SoC)-based power management strategy coordinates operation among PV, BES, and EV in both on-grid and off-grid modes. It reduces reliance on EV energy when supporting V2G and V2H, while SoC balancing between BES and EV extends lifetime and lowers current stress. A 7.5 kVA system was simulated in MATLAB/Simulink to validate feasibility. Two scenarios were studied: PV, BES, and EV with V2G supporting the grid and PV, BES, and EV with V2H providing backup power in off-grid mode. Tests under PV fluctuations and load variations confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed design. The system exhibited a fast transient response of 0.05 s during grid-support operation and maintained stable voltage and frequency in off-grid mode despite PV and load fluctuations. Its protection scheme disconnected overloads within 0.01 s, while harmonic distortions in both cases remained modest and complied with EN50610 standards. Full article

The proliferation of renewable energy sources and distributed generation systems interfaced to the grid by power electronics systems is forcing us to better understand the issues arising due to the quality of electrical signals generated through these devices. Understanding and monitoring these harmonics is crucial to ensure the smooth and seamless operation of these networks, as well as to protect and manage the renewable energy sources-based power system. In this paper, we propose an advanced method of dynamic modal decomposition, called Higher-Order Dynamic Mode Decomposition (HODMD), one of the recently proposed data-driven methods used to estimate the frequency/amplitude and phase with high resolution, to identify the harmonic spectrum in power systems dominated by renewable energy generation. In the proposed method, several time-shifted copies of the measured signals are integrated to create the initial data matrices. A hard thresholding technique based on singular value decomposition is applied to eliminate ambiguities in the measured signal. The proposed method is validated and compared to Synchrosqueezing Transform based on Short-Time Fourier Transform (SST-STFT) and the Concentration of Frequency and Time via Short-Time Fourier Transform (ConceFT-STFT) using synthetic signals and real measurements, demonstrating its practical effectiveness in identifying harmonics in emerging power networks. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methodology is analyzed on the energy storage-based laboratory-scale microgrid setup using an Opal-RT-based real-time simulator. Full article

This paper presents a systematic approach to the development and validation of a monitoring and protection system based on the IEC 61850 standard, evaluated through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. The study utilized an already existing model of a modern power grid consisting of the IEEE 9-bus power system integrated with a large-scale wind power plant (LSWPP). The SEL-487B Relay was configured to protect the PCC using a low-impedance busbar differential monitoring and protection system equipped with adaptive setting group logic that automatically transitions between Group 1 and Group 2 based on system loading conditions. Significant steps were followed for selecting and configuring instrument transformers and implementing relay logic in compliance with IEEE and IEC standards. Real-time digital simulation using Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) hardware and its software, Real-time Simulation Computer-Aided Design (RSCAD), was used to assess the performance of the overall monitoring and protection system, focusing on the monitoring and publishing of the selected electrical and mechanical measurements from a selected wind turbine generator unit (WTGU) on the LSWPP side through the IEC 61850 standard network, and on the behavior of the monitoring and protection system under initial and increased load conditions through monitoring of differential and restraint currents. The overall monitoring and protection system was tested under both initial and increased load conditions, confirming its capability to reliably publish analog values from WTGU13 for availability on the IEC 61850 standard network while maintaining secure protection operation. Quantitatively, the measured differential (operate) and restraint currents were 0.32 PU and 4.38 PU under initial loading, and 1.96 PU and 6.20 PU under increased loading, while total fault clearance times were 606.667 ms and 706.667 ms for faults under initial load and increased load demand conditions, respectively. These results confirm that the developed framework provides accurate real-time monitoring and reliable operation for faults, while demonstrating a practical and replicable solution for monitoring and protection at transmission-level PCCs within renewable-integrated networks. Full article

Remote First Nations communities in Australia experience ongoing energy insecurity due to geographic isolation, reliance on diesel, and uneven consumer protections relative to grid-connected households. This paper analyses evidence on electricity access, infrastructure and practical experience along with initiatives for improving existing infrastructure; highlights government policies, funding frameworks and regulation; demonstrates the benefits of community-led projects; provides geographic and demographic insights; and relevels key challenges along with pathways for effective solutions. Drawing on existing program experience, case studies and recent reforms (including First Nations–focused strategies and off-grid consumer-protection initiatives), this paper demonstrates that community energy systems featuring solar-battery systems can significantly improve reliability and affordability by reducing reliance on diesel generators and delivering tangible household benefits. The analyses reveal that there is an ongoing gap in protecting off-grid consumers. Hence, this work proposes a practical agenda to improve electricity supply systems for First Nations community energy systems through advanced community microgrids (including long-duration storage), intelligent energy management and monitoring systems, rights-aligned consumer mechanisms for customers with prepaid metering systems, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative blended finance (e.g., Energy-as-a-Service and impact investment) and on-country workforce development. Overall, this paper contributes to a perspective for an integrated framework that couples technical performance with equity, cultural authority and energy sovereignty, offering a replicable pathway for reliable, affordable and clean electricity for remote First Nations communities. Full article

This research evaluates the vulnerability of public infrastructure in San Luis parish, Riobamba canton, Ecuador, to the flood risk posed by the Chibunga River under return period scenarios of 10, 50, 100, and 500 years. The main objective was to identify the most exposed systems—such as drinking water, sewerage, power grid, and utility poles—in order to prioritize mitigation measures. The methodology combined hydrometeorological analysis, hydraulic modeling using HEC-HMS and Iber, and the estimation of economic losses through the DaLA methodology. The results reveal that the low vulnerability of the drinking water system, as less than 0.08% of the network’s length, is at risk in the high-to-very-high range, even in a scenario with a 500-year return period. On the other hand, there is evidence of high exposure of the sewerage network in extreme scenarios, considering that 49.15% is at high-to-very-high risk in the worst-case scenario. Furthermore, as the return period increases, there is a growing impact on the electrical network, where the proportion of assets at high-to-very-high risk increases from 0.60% to 6.88% for high voltage, 0.00% to 18.03% for low voltage, and 0.00% to 1.18% for streetlights for a return period of 10 to 500 years. It should be noted that the estimated direct economic losses amount to USD 84,162.86 when taking into account the worst-case scenario. In this regard, the novelty of this study lies in the integration of technical, hydraulic, and economic analyses for a scarcely studied rural Andean area, providing crucial data for preventive risk management. It concludes that investment in prevention is more cost-effective than post-disaster reconstruction, recommending the strengthening of the sewerage system’s hydraulic capacity and the optimization of electrical infrastructure protection. Full article

Compared to the traditional unidirectional power supply system, the bidirectional traction power supply system in an electrified railway offers advantages like improved traction voltage and reduced energy losses, making it more suitable for steep gradient routes. However, its increased electrical complexity necessitates advanced catenary-rail short-circuit fault calculations and relay protection calibration. This paper proposes a fault calibration approach based on deriving electrical quantities with fault distance in the railway bidirectional traction grid system. A multi-loop circuit modeling method is used to accurately model the traction grid system and impedance parameters, incorporating real loop circuits formed by the grid transmission and return conductors for the first time. The approach is validated through real-life experiments on a Chinese railway line. A case study of a direct power supply system with a return cable is used to derive electrical quantities. Faults are categorized into two sections: between the substation and the parallel station (PS), and between the PS and the section post (SP). For each section, electrical quantities are derived under unidirectional substation excitation, and the results are superimposed to obtain fault distance variation curves for currents and voltages of substation, PS, SP, and Thévenin impedance. Finally, a calibration strategy for relay protection is presented. Full article

The European energy transition, marked by the increasing share of renewable sources in the production mix, brings to the fore the issue of maintaining power quality under conditions of high variability. This study proposes an adaptive monitoring model based on a zonal classification of electrical networks according to the volatility of net renewable production (wind and photovoltaic). The approach relies on a proprietary Renewable Variability Index (RVI), developed using publicly available European datasets, to assess the mismatch between electricity consumption and renewable generation in six representative countries: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. Based on this index, the model defines three zonal risk levels and recommends differentiated power quality monitoring strategies: continuous high-resolution observation in critical areas, adaptive monitoring in medium-risk zones, and conditional event-based activation in stable regions. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in data acquisition requirements, without compromising the capacity to detect disruptive events. By incorporating adaptability, risk sensitivity, and selective allocation of monitoring resources, the proposed framework enhances operational efficiency in smart grid environments. It aligns with current trends in smart grid digitalization, enabling scalable, context-aware control and protection mechanisms that support Europe’s sustainability and energy security objectives while contributing to the broader goals of sustainable energy transition and long-term grid resilience. Full article

With the widespread adoption of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in smart substations, the real-time data transmission and interoperability features of the IEC 61850 communication standard play a crucial role in ensuring seamless automation system integration. This paper presents a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform experiment analysis based on a simulated IED and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, leveraging built-in IEC 61850 protocol software to replicate an existing substation communication architecture in cyber physical systems. This study investigates the framework performance and protocol robustness of this approach. First, the physical network infrastructure of smart grids is analyzed in detail, followed by the development of an HIL testing platform tailored for discrete communication network scenarios. Next, virtual models of intelligent electrical equipment and MITM attacks are created, along with their corresponding communication layer architectures, enabling comprehensive simulation analysis. Finally, in the 24-h stability operation test and the test of three typical fault scenarios, the simulated IED can achieve 100% of the protocol consistency passing rate, which is completely consistent with the protection action decision of the physical IED, the end-to-end delay is less than 4 ms, and the measurement accuracy matches the accuracy level of the physical IED, which verifies that the proposed test platform can effectively guide the commissioning of smart substations. Full article

The reliability of power supply systems is of utmost importance for telecommunications. In our daily lives, we are used to having constant access to the power grid with negligible risks. Standards and practices established over the years guarantee minimal problems for the household consumer and accidents in their electrical appliances. Often, the biggest inconvenience of a power failure for the average person is having to set the clock on the stove or use the flashlight on their phone. However, we rarely realize how fragile the balance on which all this is based is, but telecom companies are fully aware of this fact. Regardless of whether the problem comes from natural phenomena, accidental or intentional damage, or defects in the equipment, the equipment used in telecommunications technologies is extremely sensitive, and it is necessary to take protective measures. Full article

Digital substation technology adhering to the IEC 61850 standard has provided several opportunities and flexibility for the rapid growth and complexity of the present and future electrical grid. The communication infrastructure allows complete interoperability between legacy and modern devices. The emergence of 5G wireless communication and its utilization in substation operation presents significant advantages in terms of cost and scalability, while also introducing challenges. This paper identifies research gaps in the literature and offers valuable insights for future analysis by providing a simulation study using an empirical latency dataset of a 5G network to illustrate three aspects of substation operational challenges: coordination of protection schemes, sequential reception of packet data streams, and time synchronization processes. The findings show a mean latency of 8.5 ms for the 5G network, which is significantly higher than that of a wired Ethernet network. The results also indicate that the high latency and jitter compromise the selectivity of protection schemes. The variability in latency disrupts the sequence of arriving data packets such that the packet buffering and processing delay increases from around 1.5 ms to 11.0 ms and the buffer size would need to increase by 6 to 10 times to handle out-of-sequence packets. Additionally, a time synchronization success rate of 14.3% within a 0.1 ms accuracy range found in this study indicates that the IEEE 1588 protocol is severely affected by the latency fluctuations. Full article