A nearly zero-energy microgrid testbed laboratory: Centralized control strategy based on SCADA system

Currently, despite the use of renewable energy sources (RESs), distribution networks are facing problems, such as complexity and low productivity. Emerging microgrids (MGs) with RESs based on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) are an effective solution to control, manage, and finally deal with these challenges. The development and success of MGs is highly dependent on the use of power electronic interfaces. The use of these interfaces is directly related to the progress of SCADA systems and communication infrastructures. The use of SCADA systems for the control and operation of MGs and active distribution networks promotes productivity and efficiency. This paper presents a real MG case study called the LAMBDA MG testbed laboratory, which has been implemented in the electrical department of the Sapienza University of Rome with a centralized energy management system (CEMS). The real-time results of the SCADA system show that a CEMS can create proper energy balance in a LAMBDA MG testbed and, consequently, minimize the exchange power of the LAMBDA MG and main grid

Remote Laboratory for E-Learning of Systems on Chip and Their Applications to Nuclear and Scientific Instrumentation

Configuring and setting up a remote access laboratory for an advanced online school on fully programmable System-on-Chip (SoC) proved to be an outstanding challenge. The school, jointly organized by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), focused on SoC and its applications to nuclear and scientific instrumentation and was mainly addressed to physicists, computer scientists and engineers from developing countries. The use of e-learning tools, which some of them adopted and others developed, allowed the school participants to directly access both integrated development environment software and programmable SoC platforms. This facilitated the follow-up of all proposed exercises and the final project. During the four weeks of the training activity, we faced and overcame different technology and communication challenges, whose solutions we describe in detail together with dedicated tools and design methodology. We finally present a summary of the gained experience and an assessment of the results we achieved, addressed to those who foresee to organize similar initiatives using e-learning for advanced training with remote access to SoC platforms

Development and implementation of a LabVIEW based SCADA system for a meshed multi-terminal VSC-HVDC grid scaled platform

This project is oriented to the development of a Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software to control and supervise electrical variables from a scaled platform that represents a meshed HVDC grid employing National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW logic environment. The objective is to obtain real time visualization of DC and AC electrical variables and a lossless data stream acquisition. The acquisition system hardware elements have been configured, tested and installed on the grid platform. The system is composed of three chassis, each inside of a VSC terminal cabinet, with integrated Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), one of them connected via PCI bus to a local processor and the rest too via Ethernet through a switch. Analogical acquisition modules were A/D conversion takes place are inserted into the chassis. A personal computer is used as host, screen terminal and storing space. There are two main access modes to the FPGAs through the real time system. It has been implemented a Scan mode VI to monitor all the grid DC signals and a faster FPGA access mode VI to monitor one converter AC and DC values. The FPGA application consists of two tasks running at different rates and a FIFO has been implemented to communicate between them without data loss. Multiple structures have been tested on the grid platform and evaluated, ensuring the compliance of previously established specifications, such as sampling and scanning rate, screen refreshment or possible data loss. Additionally a turbine emulator was implemented and tested in Labview for further testing

A low-cost system for remote access and control of automation equipment

The shift towards remote access and control of equipment has become more prominent, especially due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Access to physical/real equipment for practical learning remains important for engineering studies. Thus, this paper presents an approach for remotely accessing and controlling automation equipment for engineering practical activities. Specifically, it addresses the issue of accessing and controlling machines for programmable logic controller (PLC) programming tasks. The combination of a scheduler, remote desktop access, graphical user interface, and a micro-controller allows students to work remotely on practical equipment. The lab computer can be accessed via a remote computer to select one of multiple equipment for practical activities. A prototype system was constructed as proof of concept. The prototype system functions as required

Advanced sensors technology survey

This project assesses the state-of-the-art in advanced or 'smart' sensors technology for NASA Life Sciences research applications with an emphasis on those sensors with potential applications on the space station freedom (SSF). The objectives are: (1) to conduct literature reviews on relevant advanced sensor technology; (2) to interview various scientists and engineers in industry, academia, and government who are knowledgeable on this topic; (3) to provide viewpoints and opinions regarding the potential applications of this technology on the SSF; and (4) to provide summary charts of relevant technologies and centers where these technologies are being developed

Data Acquisition and Linearization of Sensors: Greenhouse Case Study

This work presents an overview of data acquisition, data logging and supervisory control of different parameters in a greenhouse. Raw measurement data from various parameters (surrounding temperature, pH of liquid, CO2 gas concentration) are acquired using DAQ and logged in a database for further analysis and supervisory control. For sensing the physical parameters, LM 35, pH probe, CO2 gas sensors are used. These sensors and DAQ needs uninterrupted power supply. For this purpose renewable energy is used to generate clean energy. Solar radiation can be used to generate electricity using PV (photo voltaic) cell and power conditioning circuit. This thesis is used to study the electrical characteristics of PV cell, which can be used to generate electricity from solar radiation for greenhouse purpose. Simulation studies have been carried out to know the electrical characteristics of PV cell for various irradiation levels. The sensors, which are mentioned above are mostly linear sensors. To use a nonlinear sensor suitably for data acquisition purpose, first of all the sensor linearization is done. In this work a thermistor is considered and its nonlinear characteristics are linearized using two methods (curve fitting method, Steinhart-Hart equation)

An Investigation into the testing and commissioning requirements of IEC 61850 Station Bus Substations

The emergence of the new IEC 61850 standard generates a potential to deliver a safe, reliable and effective cost reduction in the way substations are designed and constructed. The IEC 61850 Station Bus systems architecture for a substation protection and automation system is based on a horizontal communication concept replicating what conventional copper wiring performed between Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED’s). The protection and control signals that are traditionally sent and received across a network of copper cables within the substation are now communicated over Ethernet based Local Area Networks (LAN) utilising Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) messages. Implementing a station bus system generates a substantial change to existing design and construction practices. With this significant change, it is critical to develop a methodology for testing and commissioning of protection systems using GOOSE messaging. Analysing current design standards and philosophies established a connection between current conventional practices and future practices using GOOSE messaging at a station bus level. A potential design of the GOOSE messaging protection functions was implemented using the new technology hardware and software. Identification of potential deviations from the design intent, examination of their possible causes and assessment of their consequences was achieved using a Hazard and Operability study (HAZOP). This assessment identified the parts of the intended design that required validating or verifying through the testing and commissioning process. The introduction of a test coverage matrix was developed to identify and optimise the relevant elements, settings, parameters, functions, systems and characteristics that will require validating or verifying through inspection, testing, measurement or simulations during the testing and commissioning process. Research conducted identified hardware and software that would be utilised to validate or verify the IEC 61850 system through inspection, testing, measurement or simulations. The Hazard and Operability study (HAZOP) has been identified as an effective, structured and systematic analysing process that will help identify what hardware, configurations, and functions that require testing and commissioning prior to placing a substation using IEC 61850 Station bus GOOSE messaging into service. This process enables power utilities to understand new challenges and develop testing and commissioning philosophies and quality assurance processes, while providing confidence that the IEC 61850 system will operate in a reliable, effective and secure manner

A Novel Design of Vitual and Mixed Reality Scenarios for Automation Training

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Business and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Andrés Salinas-Hernández on April 23, 2021