Design, analysis and remote monitoring of a solar powered orphan oil well pumping system in Nigeria

This thesis explores the issue of orphaned wells, which are abandoned oil and gas wells left uncapped, leading to the release of greenhouse gases, including methane and hydrogen sulphide gas H₂S, which is lethal to humans into the atmosphere. These wells contribute significantly to global warming, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a high heat-trapping capability, unfortunately due to it cost an average of 100,000CAD per well for oil well plugging, most oil industry abandon these wells. The research identifies cost-effective strategies to mitigate the impact of abandoned wells using renewable technology, specifically focusing on a comprehensive system sizing approach for Olobiri oil well 17. To address the problem, the study recommends the use of solar-powered pumps to remove the remnants of oil from the wells. PVsyst software is employed to determine the appropriate pump size if the system ran continuously or solar peak hours of the location. The results demonstrate that a 5-hour running time yields higher system efficiency compared to continuous running time. Based on HOMERpro optimization result, a 50kW PV unit and 54.9kW batteries are recommended for the system setup, resulting in improved efficiency and cost-effective option during the 5-hour operation with an overall efficiency of 11.4% and pump efficiency was 37.9% compared to a continuous flow system efficiency of 5%, and the pump efficiency of 11%. For monitoring and data logging purposes, the addition of PLX DAQ aids in real-time monitoring system for the design characteristics such as PV voltage and current, inverter AC output, oil level and temperature. This low-cost data logging system allows for easy maintenance and provides valuable data for further analysis since the PLX DAQ is a Microsoft Excel’s add-on. Also, due to the site location and the specification describing the location, Lora Technology is implemented for real time monitoring, which is independent on the internet network. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of addressing orphaned wells' environmental impact and proposes a viable solution for capping using renewable technology, particularly solar-powered pumps, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and the potential hazards posed by abandoned wells

Ensemble-based network edge processing

Estimating energy costs for an industrial process can be computationally intensive and time consuming, especially as it can involve data collection from different (distributed) monitoring sensors. Industrial processes have an implicit complexity involving the use of multiple appliances (devices/ sub-systems) attached to operation schedules, electrical capacity and optimisation setpoints which need to be determined for achieving operational cost objectives. Addressing the complexity associated with an industrial workflow (i.e. range and type of tasks) leads to increased requirements on the computing infrastructure. Such requirements can include achieving execution performance targets per processing unit within a particular size of infrastructure i.e. processing & data storage nodes to complete a computational analysis task within a specific deadline. The use of ensemblebased edge processing is identifed to meet these Quality of Service targets, whereby edge nodes can be used to distribute the computational load across a distributed infrastructure. Rather than relying on a single edge node, we propose the combined use of an ensemble of such nodes to overcome processing, data privacy/ security and reliability constraints. We propose an ensemble-based network processing model to facilitate distributed execution of energy simulations tasks within an industrial process. A scenario based on energy profiling within a fisheries plant is used to illustrate the use of an edge ensemble. The suggested approach is however general in scope and can be used in other similar application domains

High renewable energy penetration hybrid power system for rural and desert areas

This thesis proposes innovative ways of designing and controlling a small to medium size islanded or utility grid connected power system consisting of diesel generators, renewable energy sources and battery energy storages such that both fossil fuel usage and size of expensive battery bank can be minimized and the level of penetration of renewable energy can be raised to unprecedented levels. Computer software simulations and experimental results verify the proposed design and control strategies

Lunar Wireless Power Transfer Feasibility Study

This study examines the feasibility of a multi-kilowatt wireless radio frequency (RF) power system to transfer power between lunar base facilities. Initial analyses, show that wireless power transfer (WPT) systems can be more efficient and less expensive than traditional wired approaches for certain lunar and terrestrial applications. The study includes evaluations of the fundamental limitations of lunar WPT systems, the interrelationships of possible operational parameters, and a baseline design approach for a notionial system that could be used in the near future to power remote facilities at a lunar base. Our notional system includes state-of-the-art photovoltaics (PVs), high-efficiency microwave transmitters, low-mass large-aperture high-power transmit antennas, high-efficiency large-area rectenna receiving arrays, and reconfigurable DC combining circuitry

Multi-function power electronic interface for hybrid mini-grid systems

In the past five years, global interest regarding the development of renewable energy technologies has significantly increased. The conventional electric power generation methods sourced from fossil fuels is now problematic, from both the supply and emission points of view. Fossil fuels are non-renewable limited resources that have taken millions of years to form; eventually they will be exhausted and the current cost of automotive fuel is evidence of them becoming diminished. The carbon dioxide emissions created through the energy conversion process are causing an increase in the overall atmospheric concentrations, which through global warming may have serious consequences for humanity.Natural sources of energy production can be derived from the Sun through the use of solar and wind generation methods. Converting these sources to electricity requires the technology of power electronics, the central area of research for this dissertation. Solar energy can most easily be harnessed through the photo-electric effect which creates DC electricity. However, the majority of electric loads and transmission require AC electricity. The inverter is the electronic device required for this power conversion. Wind turbines usually create variable voltage and frequency AC that is rectified to DC and then converted to grid type AC through an inverter.Voltage source inverters, their topologies and control are investigated within this dissertation. Voltage control methods are adopted for both stand-alone and grid connected techniques where control of active and reactive power is required. Current control techniques in the form of PI and hysteresis are applied to allow novel interfaces between generation sources to be achieved. Accurate control of the power electronics allows an enhancement in the power production from the renewable energy source. The power electronic device of the DC-DC converter, either buck or boost is controlled to allow the renewable resource to operate at its optimum power point. The control aspects and algorithms of these converters are central to this research. The solar algorithms of perturb and observe, and incremental conductance are developed with the latter being more favourable to changing levels of irradiation. The author draws a parallel between rapidly changing solar conditions with normally changing wind states. This analogy with an understanding of the mechanics of PMSG allows a novel wind MPPT algorithm to be developed which is simulated in PSIM. Methods to analyse the usefulness of the algorithm are developed and general conclusions are drawn.Another aim central to the research is the efficient combination of renewable energy sources into a single reliable power system. This forms the multi-function aspect of the research. The interconnection of the sources on the AC or DC sides is investigated for both stand-alone and grid connected topologies. A requirement of the stand-alone system is to provide power when no renewable resources are available causing some form of energy storage to be utilised. Conventional batteries are used, causing the VC-VSI to become bi-directional allowing charging. This is simulated in PSIM and demonstrated as part of the Denmark and Eco Beach projects. Many differing topologies of stand alone, grid connected and edge of grid systems are developed, simulated and some are demonstrated.While investigating the currently used topologies the author invents the novel complimentary hybrid system concept. This idea allows a single inverter to be used to feed energy from either the wind or solar resource. With careful engineering of the PV array and wind turbine characteristics only a small loss of energy is caused, deemed the crossover loss. This original concept is mathematically modelled, simulated and demonstrated with results presented from the Denmark project. The strength of this idea is from the quite complimentary nature of wind and solar resources, for only a small proportion of the year are high solar and strong wind conditions occurring simultaneously.Compared to a solar resource, the wind resource is much more complicated to model. An analysis of readily available wind source data is presented with a statistical analysis of the scaling methods; a novel box and whiskers plot is used to convey this information. New software is presented to allow a more accurate and digital model of a power curve to be recreated, allowing a more precise annual energy generation calculation. For various wind turbines a capacity factor analysis is presented with its disadvantages explained. To overcome these issues the concepts of economic efficiency and conversion efficiency are explained. These prevent some of the typical methods to enhance the standard capacity factor expression. The combination of these three methods allows selection of the most suitable wind turbine for a site.The concept of a mini-grid is an isolated power generation and distribution system, which can have its renewable energy sources, centralised or decentralised. The methods used to coalesce conventional generation with renewable energy technology forms another key piece of this research. A design methodology for the development of a hybrid power system is created with examples used from projects attributed to the author. The harmonising of the renewable energy sources with the conventional generation while providing a stable and robust grid is explained in detail with respect to the generator loading and control. The careful control of the renewable resource output is shown to allow a greater overall penetration of renewable energy into the network while continuing network stability. The concept of frequency shift control is presented, simulated and demonstrated with reference to the Eco Beach project. This project epitomises much of the research that has been presented in this dissertation. It combines centralised and decentralised inverters, with battery storage and the control of diesel generators. An overall controller dictates the optimum times to charge or draw from the battery based upon the local environmental and time of day variables. Finally, the monitoring aspects of this project are representative of a future smart grid where loads may be shed on demand through under frequency or direct control

The use of direct current distribution systems in delivering scalable charging infrastructure for battery electric vehicles

The use of low voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution is becoming recognised as a technology enabler that can be used to efficiently network native DC generators with DC loads, offer improved power sharing capabilities, reduce power system material resource requirements and enhance the performance of variable speed machinery. Practical deployment opportunities for LVDC range from small-scale microgrids in the context of energy for development to sophisticated, modern building-level power distribution systems for commercial office spaces, manufacturing applications and industrial processes. However, the incumbent AC distribution system benefits from existing technical product and safety standards, which makes the early adoption of LVDC systems challenging from a risk and cost perspective. Concurrently, the demand for native DC loads such as Battery Electric Transportation Systems is growing. This is especially significant in the area of private electric vehicles (EVs), taxis and buses, but the prospect of electric trucks, ferries and shortrange aircraft are also tangible opportunities. The success of this electric transport revolution depends on several factors, one of which is the availability of battery charging infrastructure that can cost effectively integrate with the existing electrical network, deliver adequate energy transfer rates and adapt to the rapid technical development of this industry. This thesis explores the application of two, novel LVDC distribution systems for the development of scalable EV charging networks; where charging infrastructure has the ability to scale with increasing EV adoption and has a lower risk of becoming a stranded asset in the future. The modelling is supported by real, rapid DC charger utilisation data from the national charging network in Scotland, comprising over 192 chargers and 400,000 charging events. During the work of this thesis, it was found that a combined heat and power (CHP) system can economically support short duration charging scenarios by providing additional power capacity in a congested electrical grid. In this case the highest system efficiency and Net Present Value (NPV) is achieved with a fuel cell directly connected to the DC charging network, compared to other gas reciprocating CHP options. Furthermore, the proposition of a reconfigurable LVDC charging network, interfaced to the public AC distribution network, reduces the capital outlay, offers a higher NPV and improved scalability compared to other charging solutions. For charging system designers and operators, it was found that rapid DC chargers can be classified by specific locations, each possessing a distinct Gaussian arrival pattern and Gamma distribution for charging energy delivered.The use of low voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution is becoming recognised as a technology enabler that can be used to efficiently network native DC generators with DC loads, offer improved power sharing capabilities, reduce power system material resource requirements and enhance the performance of variable speed machinery. Practical deployment opportunities for LVDC range from small-scale microgrids in the context of energy for development to sophisticated, modern building-level power distribution systems for commercial office spaces, manufacturing applications and industrial processes. However, the incumbent AC distribution system benefits from existing technical product and safety standards, which makes the early adoption of LVDC systems challenging from a risk and cost perspective. Concurrently, the demand for native DC loads such as Battery Electric Transportation Systems is growing. This is especially significant in the area of private electric vehicles (EVs), taxis and buses, but the prospect of electric trucks, ferries and shortrange aircraft are also tangible opportunities. The success of this electric transport revolution depends on several factors, one of which is the availability of battery charging infrastructure that can cost effectively integrate with the existing electrical network, deliver adequate energy transfer rates and adapt to the rapid technical development of this industry. This thesis explores the application of two, novel LVDC distribution systems for the development of scalable EV charging networks; where charging infrastructure has the ability to scale with increasing EV adoption and has a lower risk of becoming a stranded asset in the future. The modelling is supported by real, rapid DC charger utilisation data from the national charging network in Scotland, comprising over 192 chargers and 400,000 charging events. During the work of this thesis, it was found that a combined heat and power (CHP) system can economically support short duration charging scenarios by providing additional power capacity in a congested electrical grid. In this case the highest system efficiency and Net Present Value (NPV) is achieved with a fuel cell directly connected to the DC charging network, compared to other gas reciprocating CHP options. Furthermore, the proposition of a reconfigurable LVDC charging network, interfaced to the public AC distribution network, reduces the capital outlay, offers a higher NPV and improved scalability compared to other charging solutions. For charging system designers and operators, it was found that rapid DC chargers can be classified by specific locations, each possessing a distinct Gaussian arrival pattern and Gamma distribution for charging energy delivered

Wide-Area Time-Synchronized Closed-Loop Control of Power Systems And Decentralized Active Distribution Networks

The rapidly expanding power system grid infrastructure and the need to reduce the occurrence of major blackouts and prevention or hardening of systems against cyber-attacks, have led to increased interest in the improved resilience of the electrical grid. Distributed and decentralized control have been widely applied to computer science research. However, for power system applications, the real-time application of decentralized and distributed control algorithms introduce several challenges. In this dissertation, new algorithms and methods for decentralized control, protection and energy management of Wide Area Monitoring, Protection and Control (WAMPAC) and the Active Distribution Network (ADN) are developed to improve the resiliency of the power system. To evaluate the findings of this dissertation, a laboratory-scale integrated Wide WAMPAC and ADN control platform was designed and implemented. The developed platform consists of phasor measurement units (PMU), intelligent electronic devices (IED) and programmable logic controllers (PLC). On top of the designed hardware control platform, a multi-agent cyber-physical interoperability viii framework was developed for real-time verification of the developed decentralized and distributed algorithms using local wireless and Internet-based cloud communication. A novel real-time multiagent system interoperability testbed was developed to enable utility independent private microgrids standardized interoperability framework and define behavioral models for expandability and plug-and-play operation. The state-of-theart power system multiagent framework is improved by providing specific attributes and a deliberative behavior modeling capability. The proposed multi-agent framework is validated in a laboratory based testbed involving developed intelligent electronic device prototypes and actual microgrid setups. Experimental results are demonstrated for both decentralized and distributed control approaches. A new adaptive real-time protection and remedial action scheme (RAS) method using agent-based distributed communication was developed for autonomous hybrid AC/DC microgrids to increase resiliency and continuous operability after fault conditions. Unlike the conventional consecutive time delay-based overcurrent protection schemes, the developed technique defines a selectivity mechanism considering the RAS of the microgrid after fault instant based on feeder characteristics and the location of the IEDs. The experimental results showed a significant improvement in terms of resiliency of microgrids through protection using agent-based distributed communication

Installation of the first Distributed Energy Storage System (DESS) at American Electric Power (AEP).

AEP studied the direct and indirect benefits, strengths, and weaknesses of distributed energy storage systems (DESS) and chose to transform its entire utility grid into a system that achieves optimal integration of both central and distributed energy assets. To that end, AEP installed the first NAS battery-based, energy storage system in North America. After one year of operation and testing, AEP has concluded that, although the initial costs of DESS are greater than conventional power solutions, the net benefits justify the AEP decision to create a grid of DESS with intelligent monitoring, communications, and control, in order to enable the utility grid of the future. This report details the site selection, construction, benefits and lessons learned of the first installation, at Chemical Station in North Charleston, WV

Proactive Monitoring, Anomaly Detection, and Forecasting of Solar Photovoltaic Systems Using Artificial Neural Networks

The world of energy sustainability landscape is witnessing high proliferation of smartgrids and microgrids, it has become significant to use intelligent tools to design, operate and maintain such crucial systems in our lives. Solar energy is an intermittent source and purely Photovoltaic (PV) based, or PV and storage based smartgrids require characterization and modelling of PV resources for an effective planning and effective operations. This dissertation familiarizes briefly the existing tools for design, monitoring, forecasting and operation of a solar system in smart electric grids infrastructure and proposes a unique application-based infrastructure to monitor, operate, forecast and troubleshoot a working PV of a smartgrid. A resilient smartgrid communication is proposed which enables monitoring and control of different elements in any PV system. This communication architecture is used to facilitate a feedback-oriented monitoring of different elements in a microgrid ecosystem and investigated thoroughly. This integrated architecture which is a combination of sensors, network elements, database and computation elements is designed specifically for solar photovoltaic (PV) powered grids on modular basis. Apart from this, the network resilience and redundancy for smooth and loss less communication is another characteristic factor in this research work. Subsequently, a deep neural network algorithm is developed to diagnose the underperformance in the generation of a PV system connected to a smartgrid. As PV generation is predominantly dependent on climatic parameters, it is necessary to have a mechanism for understanding and diagnosing performance of the system at any given instance. To address this challenge, this deep neural network architecture is presented for instantaneous performance diagnosis. The proposed architecture enabled modeling and diagnose of soiling and partial shade conditions prevalent with an accuracy of 90+%. Features of monitoring and regulating the generation and demand side of the grid were integrated through network along with feedback-based measures for effective performance in the PV system of a smartgrid or microgrid using the same network. The novelty in this work lies in real-time calculation of ideal performance and comparison for diagnosing critical performance issues of solar power generation like soiling and partial shading. Furthermore, long-short term memory (LSTM), which is a recurrent neural network model, is created for forecasting the PV solar resources, in which can assist in quantifying PV generation in various time intervals (hourly, daily, weekly). PV based smartgrids often experience expensive or inaccurate resources planning due to the lack of accurate forecasting tools where the projected methodology would eliminate such losses. This research work in its whole provides a different proposition of vertical integration which can transform into a new concept called Internet of Microgrid (IoMG). Planning, monitoring and operation form the core of smartgrids administration and if intelligent tools intertwined with network are being used as integral part in each of these aspects, then it forms a holistic view of smartgrids