Accuracy Type Test for Rogowski Coils Subjected to Distorted Signals, Temperature, Humidity, and Position Variations

Low-Power Instrument Transformers (LPITs) are becoming the first choice for distributed measurement systems for medium voltage networks. However, there are still a lot of challenges related to their operation. Such challenges include their accuracy variation when several influence quantities are acting on them. Among the most significant influence quantities are temperature, electromagnetic field, humidity, etc. Another aspect that increases the importance of studying the LPITs’ accuracy behavior is that, once installed, they cannot be calibrated for several years; hence, one cannot compensate for in-field conditions. Hence, this work aims at introducing a simple type test for a specific LPIT, the Rogowski coil. First, an experimental setup to assess the effect of temperature, humidity, and positioning on the power quality accuracy performance of the Rogowski coil is described. Second, from the results and the experience of the authors it has been possible to design a specific type test. The test has the aim of finding the limits of the accuracy variations of a single Rogowski coil. Afterwards, such limits can be used to compensate for the in-field measurements, obtaining an overall higher accuracy. The results of this work may contribute to the alwaysevolving standardization work on LPITs

An interface protection system based on an embedded metrology system platform

The aim of this work is to present an interface protection system (IPS) for Distributed Generators (DG) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The new prototype of IPS guarantees standard protection requirements, in terms of both voltage and frequency measurement accuracies and trip times. Moreover, it has the additional functionalities of implementing a communication link between the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the DG and ESS Inverter. The new IPS is based on a smart meter platform with an integrated power line communication modem. Moreover, it has also an integrated metrology section. Experimental tests will show how this last feature allows a significant reduction of the measurement data access time allowing an improvement of trip time accuracy

Three-Phase State Estimation for Distribution-Grid Analytics

Power-distribution grids consist of assets such as transformers, cables, and switches, of which the proper utilization is essential for the provision of a secure and reliable power supply to end customers. Distribution-system operators (DSOs) are responsible for the operation and maintenance of these assets. Due to the increased use of renewable sources such as wind and solar, grid assets are prone to operation conditions outside safe boundaries, such as overloading, large voltage unbalance, and a rise in voltage. At present, distribution grids are poorly monitored by DSOs, and the above-mentioned problems may thereby go unnoticed until the failure of a critical asset occurs. The deployment of smart meters in distribution grids has enabled measurements of grid variables such as power, current, and voltage. However, their measurements are used only for billing purposes, and not for monitoring and improving the operating condition of distribution grids. In this paper, a state-estimation algorithm is proposed that utilizes smart-meter data for offline analysis, and estimates the loading of grid assets and power losses. Single- and three-phase state-estimation algorithms are compared through simulation studies on a real-life low-voltage distribution grid using measured smart-meter data. The three-phase state-estimation algorithm based on the nonlinear weighted least-squares method was found to be more accurate in estimating cable loading and line power losses. The proposed method is useful for DSOs to analyze power flows in their distribution grids and take necessary actions such as grid upgrades or the rerouting of power flows

Modeling Stray Capacitances of High-Voltage Capacitive Dividers for Conventional Measurement Setups

Stray capacitances (SCs) are a serious issue in high-voltage (HV) applications. Their presence can alter the circuit or the operation of a device, resulting in wrong or even disastrous consequences. To this purpose, in this work, we describe the modeling of SCs in HV capacitive dividers. Such modeling does not rely on finite element analysis or complicated geometries; instead, it starts from an equivalent circuit of a conventional measurement setup described by the standard IEC 61869-11. Once the equivalent model including the SCs is found, closed expressions of the SCs are derived starting from the ratio error definition. Afterwards, they are validated in a simulation environment by implementing various circuit configurations. The results demonstrate the expressions applicability and effectiveness; hence, thanks to their simplicity, they can be implemented by system operators, researchers, and manufacturers avoiding the use of complicated methods and technologies

Investigation of inertia response and rate of change of frequency in low rotational inertial scenario of synchronous dominated system

The shift to a sustainable energy future is becoming more reliant on large-scale deployment of renewable and distributed energy resources raising concerns about frequency stability. Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) is necessary as a system inertia metric in order for network operators to perform control steps to preserve system operation. This paper presents in a straightforward and illustrative way several relevant aspects of the inertia response and RoCoF calculation that could help to understand and explain the implementation and results of inertial response controllers on power converter-based technologies. Qualitative explanations based on illustrative numerical experiments are used to cover the effects on the system frequency response of reduced rotational inertia in synchronous dominated power systems. One main contribution of this paper is making evident the importance of the governor action to avoid the synchronous machine taking active power from the system during the recovering period of kinetic energy in an under frequency event

On the importance of characterizing virtual pmus for hardware‐in‐the‐loop and digital twin applications

open5noThis research was funded by EdgeFLEX, grant number 883710. This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.In recent years, the introduction of real‐time simulators (RTS) has changed the way of researching the power network. In particular, researchers and system operators (SOs) are now ca-pable of simulating the complete network and of making it interact with the real world thanks to the hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) and digital twin (DT) concepts. Such tools create infinite scenarios in which the network can be tested and virtually monitored to, for example, predict and avoid faults or energy shortages. Furthermore, the real‐time monitoring of the network allows estimating the status of the electrical assets and consequently undertake their predictive maintenance. The success of the HIL and DT application relies on the fact that the simulated network elements (cables, gener-ation, accessories, converters, etc.) are correctly modeled and characterized. This is particularly true if the RTS acquisition capabilities are used to enable the HIL and the DT. To this purpose, this work aims at emphasizing the role of a preliminary characterization of the virtual elements inside the RTS system, experimentally verifying how the overall performance is significantly affected by them. To this purpose, a virtual phasor measurement unit (PMU) is tested and characterized to understand its uncertainty contribution. To achieve that, firstly, the characterization of a virtual PMU calibrator is described. Afterward, the virtual PMU calibration is performed, and the results clearly highlight its key role in the overall uncertainty. It is then possible to conclude that the characterization of the virtual elements, or models, inside RTS systems (omitted most of the time) is fundamental to avoid wrong results. The same concepts can be extended to all those fields that exploit HIL and DT capa-bilities.openMingotti A.; Costa F.; Cavaliere D.; Peretto L.; Tinarelli R.Mingotti A.; Costa F.; Cavaliere D.; Peretto L.; Tinarelli R

Smart characterization of rogowski coils by using a synthetized signal

With the spread of new Low-Power Instrument Transformers (LPITs), it is fundamental to provide models and characterization procedures to estimate and even predict the LPITs\u2019 behavior. In fact, distribution system operators and designers of network models are looking for all forms of information which may help the management and the control of power networks. For this purpose, the paper wants to contribute to the scientific community presenting a smart characterization procedure which easily provides sufficient information to predict the output signal of a Low-Power Current Transformer (LPCT), the Rogowski coil. The presented procedure is based on a synthetized signal applied to the Rogowski coil. Afterwards, the validity of the procedure is assessed within the Matlab environment and then by applying it on three off-the-shelf Rogowski coils. Simulations and experimental tests and results involving a variety of distorted signals in the power quality frequency range and by adopting a quite simple measurement setup demonstrated the effectiveness and the capability of the procedure to correctly estimate the output of the tested device

Statistical Dataset and Data Acquisition System for Monitoring the Voltage and Frequency of the Electrical Network in an Environment Based on Python and Grafana

This article presents a unique dataset, from a public building, of voltage data, acquired using a hybrid measurement solution that combines Python (TM) for acquisition and Grafana (TM) for results representation. This study aims to benefit communities, by demonstrating how to achieve more efficient energy management. The study outlines how to obtain a more realistic vision of the quality of the supply, that is oriented to the monitoring of the state of the network; this should allow for better understanding, which should in turn enable the optimization of the operation and maintenance of power systems. Our work focused on frequency and higher order statistical estimators which, combined with exploratory data analysis techniques, improved the characterization of the shape of the stress signal. These techniques and data, together with the acquisition and monitoring system, present a unique combination of low-cost measurement solutions, which have the underlying benefit of contributing to industrial benchmarking. Our study proposes an effective and versatile system, which can do acquisition, statistical analysis, database management and results representation in less than a second. The system offers a wide variety of graphs to present the results of the analysis, so that the user can observe them and identify, with relative ease, any anomalies in the supply which could damage the sensitive equipment of the correspondent installation. It is a system, therefore, that not only provides information about the power quality, but also significantly contributes to the safety and maintenance of the installation. This system can be practically realized, subject to the availability of internet access

FPGA-based real time compensation method for medium voltage transducers

open5noSince the increase of the distributed power connected to the medium voltage networks, a capillary monitoring of the power quality becomes essential. This entails the spread of transducers with suitable frequency bandwidths, as required by the relevant standards. The paper describes a real time compensation method for the extension of the frequency bandwidth of medium voltage dividers whose performances do not allow to perform measurements over a wide frequency range. This approach will contribute to keep the costs of this innovation lowopenCrotti, Gabriella; Gallo, Daniele; Giordano, Domenico; Landi, Carmine; Inrim, Mario Luiso2 1Crotti, Gabriella; Gallo, Daniele; Giordano, Domenico; Landi, Carmine; Inrim, Mario Luiso2