Energies

25 pages, 5614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Investigation of the Aerodynamic Characteristics and Attitude Stability of a Bio-Inspired Corrugated Airfoil for MAV or UAV Applications

by Hui Tang, Yulong Lei, Xingzhong Li and Yao Fu

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4021; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204021 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4765

Abstract

In this study, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical calculations were conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics, especially the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics and attitude stability of a bio-inspired corrugated airfoil compared with a smooth-surfaced airfoil (NACA2408 airfoil) at the chord Reynolds number of [...] Read more.

In this study, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical calculations were conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics, especially the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics and attitude stability of a bio-inspired corrugated airfoil compared with a smooth-surfaced airfoil (NACA2408 airfoil) at the chord Reynolds number of 4000 to explore the potential applications of non-traditional, corrugated dragonfly airfoils for micro air vehicles (MAVs) or micro-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designs. Two problem settings were applied to our numerical calculations. First, the airfoil was fixed at a constant angle of attack to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics and the hydrodynamic moment. Second, the angle of attack of airfoils was passively changed by the fluid force to analyze the attitude stability. The current numerical solver for the flow field around an unsteady rotating airfoil was validated against the published numerical data. It was confirmed that the corrugated airfoil performs (in terms of the lift-to-drag ratio) much better than the profiled NACA2408 airfoil at low Reynolds number

R e = 4000

in low angle of attack range of

0^{\circ}

–

6^{\circ}

, and performs as well at the angle of attack of

6^{\circ}

or more. At these low angles of attack, the corrugated airfoil experiences an increase in the pressure drag and decrease in shear drag due to recirculation zones inside the cavities formed by the pleats. Furthermore, the increase in the lift for the corrugated airfoil is due to the negative pressure produced at the valleys. It was found that the lift and drag in the 2D numerical calculation are strong fluctuating at a high angle of attacks. However, in 3D simulation, especially for a 3D corrugated airfoil with unevenness in the spanwise direction, smaller fluctuations and the smaller average value in the lift and drag were obtained than the results in 2D calculations. It was found that a 3D wing with irregularities in the spanwise direction could promote three-dimensional flow and can suppress lift fluctuations even at high angles of attack. For the attitude stability, the corrugated airfoil is statically more unstable near the angle of attack of

0^{\circ}

, has a narrower static stable range of the angle of attack, and has a larger amplitude of fluctuations of the angle of attack compared with the profiled NACA2408 airfoil. Based on the Routh–Hurwitz stability criterion, it was confirmed that the control systems of the angle of attack passively changed by the fluid force for both two airfoils are unstable systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics)

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27 pages, 6801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Process for Defining Prototype Building Models: Courthouse Case Study for U.S. Commercial Energy

by Mini Malhotra, Piljae Im and Joshua New

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4020; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204020 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5509

Abstract

Buildings currently consume 36% of the world’s energy and contribute nearly 40% of CO₂ emissions. Many countries desire to generate virtual models of their nation’s buildings in order to coordinate research activities and inform market opportunities for a more sustainable built environment. [...] Read more.

Buildings currently consume 36% of the world’s energy and contribute nearly 40% of CO₂ emissions. Many countries desire to generate virtual models of their nation’s buildings in order to coordinate research activities and inform market opportunities for a more sustainable built environment. The United States Department of Energy uses a suite of Commercial Prototype Building Models, which currently includes 16 building types and covers 80% of US commercial floorspace. Efforts are underway to expand this suite by developing prototype models for additional building types. In this paper, we outline a systematic approach to defining the building, collecting relevant information and creating a flexible model while doing so in the pragmatic context of a courthouse building. Informed by building design guides, databases, documented projects and inputs from courthouse design experts, we define a small, 69,324 ft² (6440 m²), four-courtroom, low-rise courthouse as the prototype to represent an average-size courthouse in the US. We present building characteristics relevant for energy model development and provide the rationale for their selection. These details combined with climate- and construction-vintage-specific requirements for the building envelope and systems from building standards will be used for developing the courthouse model for the Commercial Prototype Building Models suite. The comprehensive information presented will also guide model modification to capture the dynamics of smaller or larger courthouses more accurately for building or system size-specific research. Full article

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40 pages, 13345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Interface for Assessing Wellbore Stability at Critical Mud Pressures and Various Failure Criteria: Including Stress Trajectories and Deviatoric Stress Distributions

by Jihoon Wang and Ruud Weijermars

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4019; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204019 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3553

Abstract

This study presents a new interface for wellbore stability analysis, which visualizes and quantifies the stress condition around a wellbore at shear and tensile failure. In the first part of this study, the Mohr–Coulomb, Mogi–Coulomb, modified Lade and Drucker–Prager shear failure criteria, and [...] Read more.

This study presents a new interface for wellbore stability analysis, which visualizes and quantifies the stress condition around a wellbore at shear and tensile failure. In the first part of this study, the Mohr–Coulomb, Mogi–Coulomb, modified Lade and Drucker–Prager shear failure criteria, and a tensile failure criterion, are applied to compare the differences in the critical wellbore pressure for three basin types with Andersonian stress states. Using traditional wellbore stability window plots, the Mohr–Coulomb criterion consistently gives the narrowest safe mud weight window, while the Drucker–Prager criterion yields the widest window. In the second part of this study, a new type of plot is introduced where the safe drilling window specifies the local magnitude and trajectories of the principal deviatoric stresses for the shear and tensile wellbore failure bounds, as determined by dimensionless variables, the Frac number (

F

) and the Bi-axial Stress scalar (

χ

), in combination with failure criteria. The influence of both stress and fracture cages increases with the magnitude of the

F

values, but reduces with depth. The extensional basin case is more prone to potential wellbore instability induced by circumferential fracture propagation, because fracture cages persists at greater depths than for the compressional and strike-slip basin cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petroleum Geomechanics)

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28 pages, 5203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy-Saving Strategies and their Energy Analysis and Exergy Analysis for In Situ Thermal Remediation System of Polluted-Soil

by Tian-Tian Li, Yun-Ze Li, Zhuang-Zhuang Zhai, En-Hui Li and Tong Li

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4018; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204018 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3312

Abstract

The environmental safety of soil has become a severe problem in China with the boost of industrialization. Polluted-soil thermal remediation is a kind of suitable remediation technology for large-scale heavily contaminated industrial soil, with the advantages of being usable in off-grid areas and [...] Read more.

The environmental safety of soil has become a severe problem in China with the boost of industrialization. Polluted-soil thermal remediation is a kind of suitable remediation technology for large-scale heavily contaminated industrial soil, with the advantages of being usable in off-grid areas and with a high fuel to energy conversion rate. Research on energy-saving strategies is beneficial for resource utilization. Focused on energy saving and efficiency promotion of polluted-soil in situ thermal remediation system, this paper presents three energy-saving strategies: Variable-condition mode (VCM), heat-returning mode (HRM) and air-preheating mode (APM). The energy analysis based on the first law of thermodynamics and exergy analysis based on the second law of thermodynamics are completed. By comparing the results, the most effective part of the energy-saving strategy for variable-condition mode is that high savings in the amount of natural gas (NG) used can be achieved, from 0.1124 to 0.0299 kg·s⁻¹ in the first stage. Energy-saving strategies for heat-returning mode and air-preheating mode have higher utilization ratios than the basic method (BM) for the reason they make full use of waste heat. As a whole, a combination of energy-saving strategies can improve the fuel savings and energy efficiency at the same time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancement of Industrial Energy Efficiency and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 4139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Fault Diagnosis Method for Power Transformer Based on Dissolved Gas Analysis Using Hypersphere Multiclass Support Vector Machine and Improved D–S Evidence Theory

by Haikun Shang, Junyan Xu, Zitao Zheng, Bing Qi and Liwei Zhang

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4017; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204017 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3622

Abstract

Power transformers are important equipment in power systems and their reliability directly concerns the safety of power networks. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) has shown great potential for detecting the incipient fault of oil-filled power transformers. In order to solve the misdiagnosis problems of [...] Read more.

Power transformers are important equipment in power systems and their reliability directly concerns the safety of power networks. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) has shown great potential for detecting the incipient fault of oil-filled power transformers. In order to solve the misdiagnosis problems of traditional fault diagnosis approaches, a novel fault diagnosis method based on hypersphere multiclass support vector machine (HMSVM) and Dempster–Shafer (D–S) Evidence Theory (DET) is proposed. Firstly, proper gas dissolved in oil is selected as the fault characteristic of power transformers. Secondly, HMSVM is employed to diagnose transformer fault with selected characteristics. Then, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized for parameter optimization. Finally, DET is introduced to fuse three different fault diagnosis methods together, including HMSVM, hybrid immune algorithm (HIA), and kernel extreme learning machine (KELM). To avoid the high conflict between different evidences, in this paper, a weight coefficient is introduced for the correction of fusion results. Results indicate that the fault diagnosis based on HMSVM has the highest probability to identify transformer faults among three artificial intelligent approaches. In addition, the improved D–S evidence theory (IDET) combines the advantages of each diagnosis method and promotes fault diagnosis accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Transformer Condition Assessment)

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25 pages, 4698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cluster Analysis of Distribution Grids in Baden-Württemberg

by Tobias Rösch and Peter Treffinger

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4016; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204016 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

With the growing share of renewable energies in the electricity supply, transmission and distribution grids have to be adapted. A profound understanding of the structural characteristics of distribution grids is essential to define suitable strategies for grid expansion. Many countries have a large [...] Read more.

With the growing share of renewable energies in the electricity supply, transmission and distribution grids have to be adapted. A profound understanding of the structural characteristics of distribution grids is essential to define suitable strategies for grid expansion. Many countries have a large number of distribution system operators (DSOs) whose standards vary widely, which contributes to coordination problems during peak load hours. This study contributes to targeted distribution grid development by classifying DSOs according to their remuneration requirement. To examine the amendment potential, structural and grid development data from 109 distribution grids in South-Western Germany, are collected, referring to publications of the respective DSOs. The resulting data base is assessed statistically to identify clusters of DSOs according to the fit of demographic requirements and grid-construction status and thus identify development needs to enable a broader use of regenerative energy resources. Three alternative algorithms are explored to manage this task. The study finds the novel Gauss-Newton algorithm optimal to analyse the fit of grid conditions to regional requirements and successfully identifies grids with remuneration needs. It is superior to the so far used K-Means algorithm. The method developed here is transferable to other areas for grid analysis and targeted, cost-efficient development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)

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32 pages, 10681 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dynamic Modeling and Preliminary Performance Analysis of a New Solar Thermal Reverse Osmosis Desalination Process

by Clément Lacroix, Maxime Perier-Muzet and Driss Stitou

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4015; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204015 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3691

Abstract

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a desalination technique that is commonly preferred because of its low energy consumption. In this paper, an innovative, thermally powered RO desalination process is presented. This new thermo-hydraulic process uses solar thermal energy in order to realize the pressurization [...] Read more.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a desalination technique that is commonly preferred because of its low energy consumption. In this paper, an innovative, thermally powered RO desalination process is presented. This new thermo-hydraulic process uses solar thermal energy in order to realize the pressurization of the saltwater beyond its osmotic pressure to allow its desalination. This pressurization is enabled thanks to a piston or a membrane set in motion in a reservoir by a working fluid that follows a thermodynamic cycle similar to an Organic Rankine Cycle. In this cycle, the evaporator is heated by low-grade heat, such as the one delivered by flat-plate solar collectors, while the condenser is cooled by the saltwater to be treated. Such an installation, designed for small-scale (1 to 10 m³·day⁻¹) brackish water desalination, should enable an average daily production of 500 L of drinkable water per m² of solar collectors with a specific thermal energy consumption of about 6 kWh_th·m⁻³. A dynamic modeling of the whole process has been developed in order to study its dynamic cyclic operating behavior under variable solar thermal power, to optimize its design, and to maximize its performances. This paper presents the preliminary performance results of such a solar-driven desalination process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)

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11 pages, 3724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Aspect Ratio of a Rectangular Thermosyphon on Its Thermal Performance

by Chia-Wang Yu, C. S. Huang, C. T. Tzeng and Chi-Ming Lai

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4014; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204014 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

The natural convection behaviors of rectangular thermosyphons with different aspect ratios were experimentally analyzed in this study. The experimental model consisted of a loop body, a heating section, a cooling section, and adiabatic sections. The heating and cooling sections were located in the [...] Read more.

The natural convection behaviors of rectangular thermosyphons with different aspect ratios were experimentally analyzed in this study. The experimental model consisted of a loop body, a heating section, a cooling section, and adiabatic sections. The heating and cooling sections were located in the vertical portions of the rectangular loop. The length of the vertical cooling section and the lengths of the upper and lower adiabatic sections were fixed at 300 mm and 200 mm, respectively. The inner diameter of the loop was fixed at 11 mm, and the cooling end temperature was 30 °C. The relevant parameters and their ranges were as follows: The aspect ratios were 6, 4.5, and 3.5 (with potential differences of 41, 27, and 18, respectively, between the cold and hot ends), and the input thermal power ranged from 30 to 60 W (with a heat flux of 600 to 3800 W/m²). The results show that it is feasible to obtain solar heat gain by installing a rectangular thermosyphon inside the metal curtain wall and that increasing the height of the opaque part of the metal curtain wall can increase the aspect ratio of the rectangular thermosyphon installed inside the wall and thus improve the heat transfer efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Thermal Envelope)

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Figure 1
Scenario and test cell illustration. Full article ">Figure 2
Experimental test cell and geometric parameters. Full article ">Figure 3
Steady-state temperature distribution of the wall of the loop with different heating powers. Full article ">Figure 4
Distribution of the maximum wall temperature. Full article ">Figure 5
Relationship between the Reynolds number (Re) and the modified Rayleigh number (Ra*). Full article ">Figure 6
Relationship between the average Nusselt number (Nu) and the modified Rayleigh number (Ra*) of the heating section. Full article ">Figure 7
Relationship between the thermal resistance of the working fluid flow (<math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>R</mi> <mrow> <mi>f</mi> <mi>l</mi> <mi>o</mi> <mi>w</mi> </mrow> </msub> </mrow> </semantics></math>) and Ra*. Full article ">

20 pages, 5254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CO₂ Adsorption–Desorption Kinetics from the Plane Sheet of Hard Coal and Associated Shrinkage of the Material

by Norbert Skoczylas, Anna Pajdak and Mariusz Młynarczuk

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4013; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204013 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

The paper presents the results of studies on sorption and CO₂ desorptions from coals from two Polish mines that differed in petrographic and structural properties. The tests were carried out on spherical and plane sheet samples. On the basis of the sorption [...] Read more.

The paper presents the results of studies on sorption and CO₂ desorptions from coals from two Polish mines that differed in petrographic and structural properties. The tests were carried out on spherical and plane sheet samples. On the basis of the sorption tests, the effective diffusion coefficient was calculated on the plane sheet samples based on a proper model. Similar tests were performed on the spherical samples. Mathematical model results for plane sheet samples were compared with the most frequently chosen model for spherical samples. The kinetics of CO₂ desorption from plane sheet samples were compared with the kinetics of sample shrinkage. In both samples, the shrinkage was about 0.35%. The size change kinetics and CO₂ desorption kinetics significantly differed between the samples. In both samples, the determined shrinkage kinetics was clearly faster than CO₂ kinetics. Full article

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19 pages, 8814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Method of Determination of the Angle of Attack on Rotating Wind Turbine Blades

by Wei Zhong, Wen Zhong Shen, Tong Guang Wang and Wei Jun Zhu

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4012; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204012 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3091

Abstract

The angle of attack (AoA) is the key parameter when extracting the aerodynamic polar from the rotating blade sections of a wind turbine. However, the determination of AoA is not straightforward using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or measurement. Since the incoming streamlines are [...] Read more.

The angle of attack (AoA) is the key parameter when extracting the aerodynamic polar from the rotating blade sections of a wind turbine. However, the determination of AoA is not straightforward using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or measurement. Since the incoming streamlines are bent because of the complex inductions of the rotor, discrepancies exist between various existing determination methods, especially in the tip region. In the present study, flow characteristics in the region near wind turbine blades are analyzed in detail using CFD results of flows past the NREL UAE Phase VI rotor. It is found that the local flow determining AOA changes rapidly in the vicinity of the blade. Based on this finding, the concepts of effective AoA as well as nominal AoA are introduced, leading to a new method of AOA determination. The new method has 5 steps: (1) Find the distributed vortices on the blade surface; (2) select two monitoring points per cross-section close to the aerodynamic center on both pressure and suction sides with an equal distance from the rotor plane; (3) subtract the blade self-induction from the velocity at each monitoring point; (4) average the velocity of the two monitoring points obtained in Step 3; (5) determine the AoA using the velocity obtained in Step 4. Since the monitoring points for the first time can be set very close to the aerodynamic center, leading to an excellent estimation of AoA. The aerodynamic polar extracted through determination of the effective AoA exhibits a consistent regularity for both the mid-board and tip sections, which has never been obtained by the existing determination methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy)

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21 pages, 6578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Electro-Pneumatic Force Tracking System using Fuzzy Logic Based Volume Flow Control

by Zhonglin Lin, Qingyan Wei, Runmin Ji, Xianghua Huang, Yuan Yuan and Zhiwen Zhao

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4011; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204011 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3588

Abstract

In this paper, a fuzzy logic based volume flow control method is proposed to precisely control the force of a pneumatic actuator in an electro-pneumatic system including four on-off valves. The volume flow feature, which is the relationship between the duty cycle of [...] Read more.

In this paper, a fuzzy logic based volume flow control method is proposed to precisely control the force of a pneumatic actuator in an electro-pneumatic system including four on-off valves. The volume flow feature, which is the relationship between the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation (PWM) period, pressure difference, and volume flow of an on-off valve, is based on the experimental data measured by a high-precision volume flow meter. Through experimental data analysis, the maximum and minimum duty cycles are acquired. A new volume flow control method is introduced for the pneumatic system. In this method, the raw measured data are innovatively processed by a segmented, polynomial fitting method, and a newly designed procedure for calculating the duty cycle is adopted. This procedure makes it possible to combine the original data with fuzzy logic control (FLC). Additionally, the method allows us to accurately control the minimum and maximum opening pulse width of the valve. Several experiments are performed based on the experimental data, instead of the traditional theoretical models. Only 0.141 N (1.41%) overshoot and 0.03 N (0.03%) steady-state error are observed in the step response experiment, and 0.123 N average error is found while tracking the sine wave reference. Full article

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10 pages, 4407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of Dual-Circuit System for Additional Power Supply Based on Photovoltaic Converters for Electric Vehicles

by Alexey Kolbasov, Rinat Kurmaev and Kirill Karpukhin

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4010; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204010 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3074

Abstract

The article presents a process of designing the photovoltaic (PHV) converters system for an electric vehicle, shows the scheme of photovoltaic converters usage, the results of electric vehicle motion modeling with photovoltaic converters, and the results of road tests of an electric vehicle [...] Read more.

The article presents a process of designing the photovoltaic (PHV) converters system for an electric vehicle, shows the scheme of photovoltaic converters usage, the results of electric vehicle motion modeling with photovoltaic converters, and the results of road tests of an electric vehicle with an additional power source based on photovoltaic converters. The photovoltaic converters system and low-voltage system of an electric vehicle have a shared low-voltage battery, which allows the implementation of two schemes of electric vehicle power supply. Initially, the aggregate base was selected, then, taking into account the efficiency of each device included in the design of the new electric vehicle, mathematical modeling was carried out and showed good efficiency results of the photovoltaic converters system. Then, the prototype was manufactured and tested. The aggregate base included the battery of photovoltaic converters assembled in a certain way on the vehicle roof, the MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controller, the buffer storage device in the form of a 12 V battery, and the DC (direct current) converter that allows transmitting electricity from the buffer battery to the high-voltage system. Modeling of the electric vehicle motion considered typical operating modes, including energy costs for the operation of assistant systems of the electric vehicle, as well as including the consumption of low-voltage components. The tests were carried out according to the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). As a result, implementation of photovoltaic converters with 21% efficiency allowed for the power reserve of the electric vehicle to be increased by up to 9%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected papers from the British Council Researcher Links UK-Russia Workshop "Scientific and Technical Grounds of Future Low-Carbon Propulsion")

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21 pages, 2430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control Strategy of Intergrated Photovoltaic-UPQC System for DC-Bus Voltage Stability and Voltage Sags Compensation

by Dongsheng Yang, Zhanchao Ma, Xiaoting Gao, Zhuang Ma and Enchang Cui

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4009; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204009 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3195

Abstract

Power quality problem, because of its various forms and occurrence frequency, has become one of the most critical challenges confronted by a power system. Meanwhile, the development of renewable energy has led to more demands for an integrated system that combines both merits [...] Read more.

Power quality problem, because of its various forms and occurrence frequency, has become one of the most critical challenges confronted by a power system. Meanwhile, the development of renewable energy has led to more demands for an integrated system that combines both merits of sustainable energy generation and power quality improvement. In this context, this paper discusses an integrated photovoltaic-unified power quality conditioner (PV-UPQC) and its control strategy. The system is composed of a series compensator, shunt compensator, dc-bus, and photovoltaic array, which conducts an integration of photovoltaic generation and power quality mitigation. The fuzzy adaptive PI controller and the improved Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique are proposed to enhance the stability of dc-bus voltage, which is aimed at the power balance and steady operation of the whole system. Additionally, the coordinate control strategy is studied in order to ensure the normal operation and compensation performance of the system under severe voltage sag condition. In comparison to the existing PV-UPQC system, the proposed control method could improve the performance of dc-bus stability and the compensation ability. The dynamic behavior of the integrated system were verified by simulation in MATLAB and PLECS. Selected results are reported to show that the dc-bus voltage was stable and increased under severe situations, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed integrated PV-UPQC system and its control strategy. Full article

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16 pages, 2932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Mixed Uncertainty Power Flow Algorithm-Based Centralized Photovoltaic (PV) Cluster

by Hao Wu, Lin Zhou, Yihao Wan, Qiang Liu and Siyu Zhou

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204008 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2787

Abstract

With the large-scale centralized PV clusters connected to grid, the grid power flow has certain randomness. Considering the fluctuation of PV output, an improved Krawczyk-Moore algorithm in a mixed coordinate system is proposed to solve the uncertain power flow problem. Firstly, aiming at [...] Read more.

With the large-scale centralized PV clusters connected to grid, the grid power flow has certain randomness. Considering the fluctuation of PV output, an improved Krawczyk-Moore algorithm in a mixed coordinate system is proposed to solve the uncertain power flow problem. Firstly, aiming at the special structure of a centralized PV cluster with only load node and no generator node, this paper proposes a power flow calculation in the mixed power flow coordinate, and then the Krawczyk-Moore operator is used to combine interval and affine arithmetic to overcome the shortcoming of over-conservative interval algorithm. Finally, the voltage operating condition under different volatility and different partial shading conditions is studied through the simulation of a practical example, and the out-of-limit voltage problem inside the centralized PV cluster is analyzed. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)

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16 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Real-Time Distributed Economic Dispatch Strategy for Microgrids

by Jian Le, Qian Zhou, Liangang Zhao and Yang Wang

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4007; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204007 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

A microgrid (MG) is one of the most efficient ways to cope with the grid-connection of a large number of small-sized distributed energy resources. This paper presents a consensus-based fully distributed economic dispatch (ED) strategy for MGs, with the aim of tackling the [...] Read more.

A microgrid (MG) is one of the most efficient ways to cope with the grid-connection of a large number of small-sized distributed energy resources. This paper presents a consensus-based fully distributed economic dispatch (ED) strategy for MGs, with the aim of tackling the difficulties of existing algorithms in modeling network power loss and providing global information. The external power grid to which the MG connects is treated as a special power source called a virtual generator, and participates in the economic dispatch process. Taking the incremental cost of a power generator as the consensus variable, a distributed ED model was formulated based on consensus protocol and a sub-gradient-based optimization method for solving this model has been proposed. The convergence of the distributed ED system was investigated by utilizing matrix spectrum radius analysis theory. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy was verified by carrying out simulation under normal operation of the MG, both with and without the consideration of network power loss. Moreover, simulation results under several scenarios, including exchanged power order variation and distributed generation plug and play, are provided to demonstrate the robustness of the distributed ED strategy. Full article

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12 pages, 2964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost Uncertainties in Energy System Optimization Models: A Quadratic Programming Approach for Avoiding Penny Switching Effects

by Peter Lopion, Peter Markewitz, Detlef Stolten and Martin Robinius

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4006; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204006 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3494

Abstract

Designing the future energy supply in accordance with ambitious climate change mitigation goals is a challenging issue. Common tools for planning and calculating future investments in renewable and sustainable technologies are often linear energy system models based on cost optimization. However, input data [...] Read more.

Designing the future energy supply in accordance with ambitious climate change mitigation goals is a challenging issue. Common tools for planning and calculating future investments in renewable and sustainable technologies are often linear energy system models based on cost optimization. However, input data and the underlying assumptions of future developments are subject to uncertainties that negatively affect the robustness of results. This paper introduces a quadratic programming approach to modifying linear, bottom-up energy system optimization models to take cost uncertainties into account. This is accomplished by implementing specific investment costs as a function of the installed capacity of each technology. In contrast to established approaches such as stochastic programming or Monte Carlo simulation, the computation time of the quadratic programming approach is only slightly higher than that of linear programming. The model’s outcomes were found to show a wider range as well as a more robust allocation of the considered technologies than the linear model equivalent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Coupling and Energy Systems)

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17 pages, 10038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control Strategy of Three-Phase Inverter with Isolation Transformer

by Jie Chen, Jun Li, Ruichang Qiu and Zhigang Liu

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4005; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204005 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3802

Abstract

In order to improve the control performance of a train auxiliary inverter and satisfy the requirements of power quality, harmonics, and unbalanced factor, this paper proposed a design method of a double closed-loop control system based on a complex state variable structure. The [...] Read more.

In order to improve the control performance of a train auxiliary inverter and satisfy the requirements of power quality, harmonics, and unbalanced factor, this paper proposed a design method of a double closed-loop control system based on a complex state variable structure. The method simplifies the design process and takes full account of the effects of coupling and discretization. In the current closed-loop process, this paper analyzed the limitations of the proportional integral (PI) controller and simplified to P controller. In the voltage closed-loop, the paper employed the PI controller plus the resonant controller, designed the parameters of the PI controller. and analyzed the optimal discretization method of the resonant controller under dq axis coupling. Finally, experiments and simulations were conducted to show that the proposed method can achieve the above improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)

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14 pages, 2329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on Game-Theoretic Optimum Sizing and Economical Analysis of a Networked Microgrid

by Liaqat Ali, S. M. Muyeen, Hamed Bizhani and Arindam Ghosh

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4004; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204004 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3220

Abstract

In this paper, two techniques of game theory are considered for sizing and comparative analysis of a grid-connected networked microgrid, based on a multi-objective imperialistic competition algorithm (ICA) for system optimization. The selected networked microgrid, which consists of two different grid-connected microgrids with [...] Read more.

In this paper, two techniques of game theory are considered for sizing and comparative analysis of a grid-connected networked microgrid, based on a multi-objective imperialistic competition algorithm (ICA) for system optimization. The selected networked microgrid, which consists of two different grid-connected microgrids with common electrical load and main grid, might have different combinations of generation resources including wind turbine, photovoltaic panels, and batteries. The game theory technique of Nash equilibrium is developed to perform the effective sizing of the networked microgrid in which capacities of the generation resources and batteries are considered as players and annual profit as payoff. In order to meet the equilibrium point and the optimum sizes of generation resources, all possible coalitions between the players are considered; ICA, which is frequently used in optimization applications, is implemented using MATLAB software. Both techniques of game theory, Shapley values and Nash equilibrium, are used to find the annual profit of each microgrid, and results are compared based on optimum sizing, and maximum values of annual profit are identified. Finally, in order to validate the results of the networked microgrid, the sensitivity analysis is studied to examine the impact of electricity price and discount rates on maximum values of profit for both game theory techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Power & Internet Energy Systems)

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17 pages, 4918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Voltage Balance Switching Scheme for Series-Connected SiC MOSFET LLC Resonant Converter

by Hwa-Rang Cha and Rae-Young Kim

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4003; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204003 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4207

Abstract

To achieve high efficiency and power density, silicon carbide (SiC)-based Inductor-Inductor-Capacitor (LLC) resonant converters are applied to the DC/DC converter stage of a solid-state transformer (SST). However, because the input voltage of an SST is higher than the rated voltage of a commercial [...] Read more.

To achieve high efficiency and power density, silicon carbide (SiC)-based Inductor-Inductor-Capacitor (LLC) resonant converters are applied to the DC/DC converter stage of a solid-state transformer (SST). However, because the input voltage of an SST is higher than the rated voltage of a commercial SiC device, it is essential to connect SiC devices in series. This structure is advantageous in terms of voltage rating, but a parasitic capacitance tolerance between series-connected SiC devices causes voltage imbalance. Such imbalance greatly reduces system stability as it causes overvoltage breakdown of SiC device. Therefore, this paper proposes a switching scheme to solve the voltage imbalance between SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). The proposed scheme sequentially turns off series-connected SiC MOSFETs to compensate for the turn-off delays caused by parasitic capacitor tolerances. In addition, dead-time selection methods to achieve voltage balance and zero voltage switching simultaneously are provided in detail. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, experiments were conducted on a 2 kW series-connected SiC MOSFET LLC resonant converter prototype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Resonant Converter and Dual Active Bridge Converter)

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15 pages, 4161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Access Mode of the Flexible DC Power Distribution System into AC System

by Yao Liu, Jianfu Chen, Lu Qu, Zhanqing Yu, Zipan Nie and Rong Zeng

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4002; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204002 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2635

Abstract

The connection mode of the direct current (DC) power distribution system and the alternating current (AC) system is the foundation of system design, and it is also one of key technologies of the DC power distribution network. Based on the topology structure, grounding [...] Read more.

The connection mode of the direct current (DC) power distribution system and the alternating current (AC) system is the foundation of system design, and it is also one of key technologies of the DC power distribution network. Based on the topology structure, grounding method, main equipment parameters, load parameters and system control protection strategy of the DC power distribution system, this paper establishes the system simulation model in the case of configuring the connection transformer and not configuring the connection transformer. Simulation results show that, when no connecting transformer is installed, the interaction between AC and DC systems will be great when faults occur, and the cost of converter valves and DC reactors will be increased. When connecting transformers are installed, the interaction between AC and DC systems can be effectively isolated, and the operation reliability of the system will be greatly improved while the cost is saved. Therefore, it is recommended to configure an independent connection transformer in the DC distribution system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)

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18 pages, 2617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multivariate Analysis to Relate CTOD Values with Material Properties in Steel Welded Joints for the Offshore Wind Power Industry

by Álvaro Presno Vélez, Antonio Bernardo Sánchez, Marta Menéndez Fernández and Zulima Fernández Muñiz

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4001; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204001 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3542

Abstract

The increasingly mechanical requirements of offshore structures have established the relevance of fracture mechanics-based quality control in welded joints. For this purpose, crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) at a given distance from the crack tip has been considered one of the most suited [...] Read more.

The increasingly mechanical requirements of offshore structures have established the relevance of fracture mechanics-based quality control in welded joints. For this purpose, crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) at a given distance from the crack tip has been considered one of the most suited parameters for modeling and control of crack growth, and it is broadly used at the industrial level. We have modeled, through multivariate analysis techniques, the relationships among CTOD values and other material properties (such as hardness, chemical composition, toughness, and microstructural morphology) in high-thickness offshore steel welded joints. In order to create this model, hundreds of tests were done on 72 real samples, which were welded with a wide range of real industrial parameters. The obtained results were processed and evaluated with different multivariate techniques, and we established the significance of all the chosen explanatory variables and the good predictive capability of the CTOD tests within the limits of the experimental variation. By establishing the use of this model, significant savings can be achieved in the manufacturing of wind generators, as CTOD tests are more expensive and complex than the proposed alternatives. Additionally, this model allows for some technical conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predicting the Future—Big Data and Machine Learning)

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Full article ">Figure 1
Sampling position. Color zones mark targeted areas for microstructural, hardness, and chemical analysis (red, green and blue). Full article ">Figure 2
Correlation, kernel density estimation (KDE), and scatterplots (the trendline that best fit linear relation is represented in blue) among the different variables. Full article ">Figure 3
Quantiles of input sample versus standard normal quantiles. Full article ">Figure 4
Normal distribution of the residuals without variables. (a) Normal probability plot of residuals (b) Plot of residuals vs. fitted values. Full article ">Figure 5
(a) Multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model plot for two of the explanatory variables together with its knot locations (up) and (b) the analysis of variance (ANOVA) function for the pairs CTOD-M. Strength (left) and (c) CTOD-microstructure (right) (using ARESLab toolbox: Jekabsons G., ARESLab: Adaptive Regression Splines Toolbox for Matlab/Octave, 2016, available at <a href="http://www.cs.rtu.lv/jekabsons/" target="_blank">http://www.cs.rtu.lv/jekabsons/</a>). Full article ">Figure 5 Cont.
(a) Multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model plot for two of the explanatory variables together with its knot locations (up) and (b) the analysis of variance (ANOVA) function for the pairs CTOD-M. Strength (left) and (c) CTOD-microstructure (right) (using ARESLab toolbox: Jekabsons G., ARESLab: Adaptive Regression Splines Toolbox for Matlab/Octave, 2016, available at <a href="http://www.cs.rtu.lv/jekabsons/" target="_blank">http://www.cs.rtu.lv/jekabsons/</a>). Full article ">

25 pages, 3823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermodynamic Assessment and Multi-Objective Optimization of Performance of Irreversible Dual-Miller Cycle

by Shahriyar Abedinnezhad, Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi, Seyed Mohsen Pourkiaei, Fathollah Pourfayaz, Amir Mosavi, Michel Feidt and Shahaboddin Shamshirband

Energies 2019, 12(20), 4000; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12204000 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2936

Abstract

In this study, a new series of assessments and evaluations of the Dual-Miller cycle is performed. Furthermore, the specified output power and the thermal performance associated with the engine are determined. Besides, multi-objective optimization of thermal efficiency, ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) and [...] Read more.

In this study, a new series of assessments and evaluations of the Dual-Miller cycle is performed. Furthermore, the specified output power and the thermal performance associated with the engine are determined. Besides, multi-objective optimization of thermal efficiency, ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) and ecological function (

E_{u n}

) by means of NSGA-II technique and thermodynamic analysis are presented. The Pareto optimal frontier obtaining the best optimum solution is identified by fuzzy Bellman-Zadeh, Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) decision-making techniques. Based on the results, performances of dual-Miller cycles and their optimization are improved. For the results of the condition that (n < k) the best point has been LINMAP answer. The thermal efficiency for this point has been 0.5388. In addition, ECOP and

E_{u n}

have been 1.6899 and 279.221, respectively. For the results of the condition that (n > k) the best point has been LINMAP and TOPSIS answer. The thermal efficiency for this point has been 0.5385. Also, ECOP and

E_{u n}

have been 1.6875 and 279.7315, respectively. Furthermore, the errors are examined through comparison of the average and maximum errors of the two scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section J: Thermal Management)

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18 pages, 8663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of an Electromagnetic Variable Valve Train with a Magnetorheological Buffer

by He Guo, Liang Liu, Xiangbin Zhu, Siqin Chang and Zhaoping Xu

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3999; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203999 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3481

Abstract

In this paper, an electromagnetic variable valve train with a magnetorheological buffer (EMVT with MR buffer) is proposed. This system is mainly composed of an electromagnetic linear actuator (EMLA) and a magnetorheological buffer (MR buffer). The valves of an internal combustion engine are [...] Read more.

In this paper, an electromagnetic variable valve train with a magnetorheological buffer (EMVT with MR buffer) is proposed. This system is mainly composed of an electromagnetic linear actuator (EMLA) and a magnetorheological buffer (MR buffer). The valves of an internal combustion engine are driven by the EMLA directly to open and close, which can adjust the valve lift and phase angle of the engine. At the same time, MR buffer can reduce the seat velocity of the valve and realize the seat buffer of the electromagnetic variable valve. In this paper, the overall design scheme of the system is proposed and the structure design, finite element simulation of the EMLA, and the MR buffer are carried out. The electromagnetic force characteristics of the EMLA and buffer force of the MR buffer are measured, and the seat buffering performance is verified as well. Experiments and simulation results show that the electromagnetic force of the EMLA can reach 320.3 N when the maximum coil current is 40 A. When the current of the buffer coil is 2.5 A and the piston’s motion frequency is 5 Hz, the buffering force can reach 35 N. At the same time, a soft landing can be realized when the valve is seated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Combustion Engines Improving Performance, Fuel Economy and Emissions)

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15 pages, 7182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Analysis of the Performance of a Vertical Axis Turbine in a Water Pipe

by Honggu Yeo, Woochan Seok, Soyong Shin, Young Cheol Huh, Byung Chang Jung, Cheol-Soo Myung and Shin Hyung Rhee

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3998; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203998 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

In this study, a computational analysis was performed for a vertical-axis turbine which was installed in a water pipe to collect unused energy from the flow inside the pipe. The optimized operating conditions of the turbine were identified by comparing the energy-collecting performance [...] Read more.

In this study, a computational analysis was performed for a vertical-axis turbine which was installed in a water pipe to collect unused energy from the flow inside the pipe. The optimized operating conditions of the turbine were identified by comparing the energy-collecting performance obtained at different tip-speed ratios (TSRs). The turbine achieved the maximum efficiency of 22% at a TSR of 2.4 and collected 33 kW. Additional analyses were conducted to verify the effects of tip clearance, which is the distance between the turbine blades and the pipe wall, which showed that a higher efficiency was obtained with a smaller tip clearance. We also verified the effects of the turbine’s operating conditions and tip clearance on the flow field around the blades and wake of the turbine. Full article

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16 pages, 2878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of the Influence of Natural Gas Constituents on CO Emission from Chinese Gas Cooker

by Pengfei Duan, Chaokui Qin and Zhiguang Chen

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3997; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203997 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3153

Abstract

In China, it has become a more common practice to introduce natural gases from different sources into the same distribution system to improve supply security and reliability. Variable gas constituents may cause a negative impact on the performance of domestic gas appliances. This [...] Read more.

In China, it has become a more common practice to introduce natural gases from different sources into the same distribution system to improve supply security and reliability. Variable gas constituents may cause a negative impact on the performance of domestic gas appliances. This paper aims to study the CO emission of a Chinese gas cooker under different constituents of natural gas. A typical Chinese gas cooker with two burners, each of which has a nominal heat input of 3.8 kW, was selected. One of the burners was modified to a forced-mixed mode to replace primary air injection. Within operational ranges corresponding to the permissible Wobbe index—namely, primary air coefficients and heat inputs—the equivalence between original gas and the CH₄/C₃H₈/N₂ three-component mixture in terms of CO emission was experimentally validated. Then, different three-component mixtures were input into the other unmodified burner, which operates under injected primary air, to investigate how the CO emission changed with different gas constituents. It was found that the CO emission of a natural gas and a CH₄/C₃H₈/N₂ three-component mixture, in terms of CO emission, were equivalent. The combination of the two indexes, W and PN, can describe the CO emission from a gas cooker accurately. By means of a three-component mixture, the empirical formula, which can correlate CO and the gas property parameters, was proposed. A set of equal-CO lines was revealed for a given initial primary air adjustment. Finally, a feasible approach to manage gas quality management in China was put forward, and the conclusion can help control the CO emission of gas cookers and improve indoor air quality. Full article

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14 pages, 1026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harvesting Scenedesmus obliquus via Flocculation of Moringa oleifera Seed Extract from Urban Wastewater: Proposal for the Integrated Use of Oil and Flocculant

by Alejandro Ruiz-Marin, Yunuen Canedo-Lopez, Asteria Narvaez-Garcia, José del Carmen Zavala-Loría, Luis Alonso Dzul-López, María Luisa Sámano-Celorio, Jorge Crespo-Álvarez, Eduardo García-Villena and Pablo Agudo-Toyos

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3996; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203996 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2931

Abstract

The objectives this study were to examine the integrated use of oil–coagulant for the direct extraction of coagulant from Moringa oleifera (MO) with 5% and 10% (NH₄)₂SO₄ extractor solution to harvest Scenedesmus obliquus cultivated in urban wastewater and [...] Read more.

The objectives this study were to examine the integrated use of oil–coagulant for the direct extraction of coagulant from Moringa oleifera (MO) with 5% and 10% (NH₄)₂SO₄ extractor solution to harvest Scenedesmus obliquus cultivated in urban wastewater and to analyze the oil extracted from MO and S. obliquus. An average content of 0.47 g of coagulant and 0.5 g of oil per gram of MO was obtained. Highly efficient algal harvest, 80.33% and 72.13%, was achieved at a dose of 0.38 g L⁻¹ and pH 8–9 for 5% and 10% extractor solutions, respectively. For values above pH 9, the harvest efficiency decreases, producing a whitish water with 10% (NH₄)₂SO₄ solution. The oil profile (MO and S. obliquus) showed contents of SFA of 36.24–36.54%, monounsaturated fatty acids of 32.78–36.13%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids of 27.63–30.67%. The biodiesel obtained by S. obliquus and MO has poor cold flow properties, indicating possible applications limited to warm climates. For both biodiesels, good fuel ignition was observed according to the high cetane number and positive correlation with SFA and negative correlation with the degree of saturation. This supports the use of MO as a potentially harmless bioflocculant for microalgal harvest in wastewater, contributing to its treatment, and a possible source of low-cost biodiesel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)

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21 pages, 3342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Operation for Economic and Exergetic Objectives of a Multiple Energy Carrier System Considering Demand Response Program

by Yu Huang, Shuqin Li, Peng Ding, Yan Zhang, Kai Yang and Weiting Zhang

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3995; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203995 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2693

Abstract

An MECS (multiple energy carrier system) could meet diverse energy needs owing to the integration of different energy carriers, while the distinction of quality of different energy resources should be taken into account during the operation stage, in addition the economic principle. Hence, [...] Read more.

An MECS (multiple energy carrier system) could meet diverse energy needs owing to the integration of different energy carriers, while the distinction of quality of different energy resources should be taken into account during the operation stage, in addition the economic principle. Hence, in this paper, the concept of exergy is adopted to evaluate each energy carrier, and an economic–exergetic optimal scheduling model is formulated into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem with the implementation of a real-time pricing (RTP)-based demand response (DR) program. Moreover, a multi-objective (MO) operation strategy is applied to this scheduling model, which is divided into two parts. First, the ε-constraint method is employed to cope with the MILP problem to obtain the Pareto front by using the state-of-the-art CPLEX solver under the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) environment. Then, a preferred solution selection strategy is introduced to make a trade-off between the economic and exergetic objectives. A test system is investigated on a typical summer day, and the optimal dispatch results are compared to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and MO operation strategy with and without DR. It is concluded that the MECS operator could more rationally allocate different energy carriers and decrease energy cost and exergy input simultaneously with the consideration of the DR scheme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids)

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26 pages, 9946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fault Ride-Through Enhancement of Grid Supporting Inverter-Based Microgrid Using Delayed Signal Cancellation Algorithm Secondary Control

by Elutunji Buraimoh, Innocent E. Davidson and Fernando Martinez-Rodrigo

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3994; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203994 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4950

Abstract

The growing level of grid-connected renewable energy sources in the form of microgrids has made it highly imperative for grid-connected microgrids to contribute to the overall system stability. Consequently, secondary services which include the fault ride-through (FRT) capability are expected to be possessed [...] Read more.

The growing level of grid-connected renewable energy sources in the form of microgrids has made it highly imperative for grid-connected microgrids to contribute to the overall system stability. Consequently, secondary services which include the fault ride-through (FRT) capability are expected to be possessed characteristics by inverter-based microgrids. This enhances the stable operation of the main grid and sustained microgrid grid interconnection during grid faults in conformity with the emerging national grid codes. This paper proposes an effective FRT secondary control strategy to coordinate power injection during balanced and unbalanced fault conditions. This complements the primary control to form a two-layer hierarchical control structure in the microgrids. The primary level is comprised of voltage/power and current inner loops fed by a droop control. The droop control coordinates grid power-sharing amongst the voltage source inverters. When a fault occurs, the participating inverters operate to support the grid voltage, by injecting supplementary reactive power based on their droop gains. Similarly, under unbalanced voltage condition due to asymmetrical faults in the grid, the proposed secondary control ensures the positive sequence component compensation and negative and zero sequence components clearance using a delayed signal cancellation (DSC) algorithm and power electronic switched series impedance placed in-between the point of common coupling (PCC) and the main grid. While ensuring that FRT ancillary service is rendered to the main utility, the strategy proposed ensures relatively interrupted quality power is supplied to the microgrid load. Consequently, this strategy ensures the microgrid ride-through the voltage sag and supports the grid utility voltage during the period of the main utility grid fault. Results of the study are presented and discussed. Full article

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19 pages, 2834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study of Nacelle Wind Speed Characteristics of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine under Time-Varying Flow

by Xiaodong Wang, Yunong Liu, Luyao Wang, Lin Ding and Hui Hu

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3993; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203993 - 20 Oct 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3219

Abstract

Nacelle wind speed transfer function (NTF) is usually used for power prediction and operational control of a horizontal axis wind turbine. Nacelle wind speed exhibits high instability as it is influenced by both incoming flow and near wake of a wind turbine rotor. [...] Read more.

Nacelle wind speed transfer function (NTF) is usually used for power prediction and operational control of a horizontal axis wind turbine. Nacelle wind speed exhibits high instability as it is influenced by both incoming flow and near wake of a wind turbine rotor. Enhanced understanding of the nacelle wind speed characteristics is critical for improving the accuracy of NTF. This paper presents Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulation results obtained for a multi-megawatt wind turbine under both stable and dynamic incoming flows. The dynamic inlet wind speed varies in the form of simplified sinusoidal and superposed sinusoidal functions. The simulation results are analyzed in time and frequency domains. For a stable inlet flow, the variation of nacelle wind speed is mainly influenced by the blade rotation. The influence of wake flow shows high frequency characteristics. The results with stable inlet flow show that the reduction of the nacelle wind speed with respect to the inlet wind speed is overestimated for low wind speed condition, and underestimated for high wind speed condition. Under time-varing inflow conditions, for the time scale and fluctuation amplitude subject to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard, the nacelle wind speed is mainly influenced by the dynamic inflow. The variation of inflow can be recovered by choosing a suitable low pass filter. The work in this paper demonstrates the potential for building accurate NTF based on Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations and signal analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy)

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18 pages, 7240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation into Sub-Critical Choke Flow Performance in High Rate Gas Condensate Wells

by Hamid Reza Nasriani, Khalid Khan, Tony Graham, Shephard Ndlovu, Mehrdad Nasriani, Jianqiang Mai and Mohammad Rafie Rafiee

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3992; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203992 - 20 Oct 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3211

Abstract

There have been some correlations in the literature to predict the gas and liquid flow rate through wellhead chokes under subcritical flow conditions. The majority of these empirical correlations have been developed based on limited production data sets that were collected from a [...] Read more.

There have been some correlations in the literature to predict the gas and liquid flow rate through wellhead chokes under subcritical flow conditions. The majority of these empirical correlations have been developed based on limited production data sets that were collected from a small number of fields. Therefore, these correlations are valid within the parameter variation ranges of those fields. If such correlations are used elsewhere for the prediction of the subcritical choke flow performance of the other fields, significant errors will occur. Additionally, there are only a few empirical correlations for sub-critical choke flow performance in high rate gas condensate wells. These led the authors to develop a new empirical correlation based on a wider production data set from different gas condensate fields in the world; 234 production data points were collected from a large number of production wells in twenty different gas condensate fields with diverse reservoir conditions and different production histories. A non-linear regression analysis method was applied to their production. The new correlation was validated with a new set of data points from some other production wells to confirm the accuracy of the established correlation. The results show that the new correlation had minimal errors and predicted the gas flow rate more accurately than the other three existing models over a wider range of parameter variation ranges. Full article

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Energies, Volume 12, Issue 20 (October-2 2019) – 217 articles

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