Artificial neural networks and physical modeling for determination of baseline consumption of CHP plants

An effective modeling technique is proposed for determining baseline energy consumption in the industry. A CHP plant is considered in the study that was subjected to a retrofit, which consisted of the implementation of some energy-saving measures. This study aims to recreate the post-retrofit energy consumption and production of the system in case it would be operating in its past configuration (before retrofit) i.e., the current consumption and production in the event that no energy-saving measures had been implemented. Two different modeling methodologies are applied to the CHP plant: thermodynamic modeling and artificial neural networks (ANN). Satisfactory results are obtained with both modeling techniques. Acceptable accuracy levels of prediction are detected, confirming good capability of the models for predicting plant behavior and their suitability for baseline energy consumption determining purposes. High level of robustness is observed for ANN against uncertainty affecting measured values of variables used as input in the models. The study demonstrates ANN great potential for assessing baseline consumption in energyintensive industry. Application of ANN technique would also help to overcome the limited availability of on-shelf thermodynamic software for modeling all specific typologies of existing industrial processes

District heating and cooling optimization and enhancement – towards integration of renewables, storage and smart grid

District heating and cooling (DHC) systems are attracting increased interest for their low carbon potential. However, most DHC systems are not operating at the expected performance level. Optimization and Enhancement of DHC networks to reduce (a) fossil fuel consumption, CO2 emission, and heat losses across the network, while (b) increasing return on investment, form key challenges faced by decision makers in the fast developing energy landscape. While the academic literature is abundant of research based on field experiments, simulations, optimization strategies and algorithms etc., there is a lack of a comprehensive review that addresses the multi-faceted dimensions of the optimization and enhancement of DHC systems with a view to promote integration of smart grids, energy storage and increased share of renewable energy. The paper focuses on four areas: energy generation, energy distribution, heat substations, and terminal users, identifying state-of-the-art methods and solutions, while paving the way for future research

One approach to temperature distribution control in thermal power plant boilers

Optimization of the combustion control process in a tangentially fired pulverized coal boiler, to achieve uniform temperature distribution, is discussed in the paper. This issue is even more critical in those thermal power plants which are not equipped with modern systems for combustion enhancement, such as low NOx burners. Research has shown that the temperature distribution inside the boiler of such power plant can be controlled by adjusting firing, through coal redistribution among the mills. Furthermore, disturbed flame symmetry (i.e. non-uniform temperature distribution in the boiler) is reflected in a large difference between the output temperatures measured on the left and right sides of the boiler. Given the non-stationary conditions typical of thermal power plant boilers, an adaptive control approach is proposed, based on PI controllers which are very popular in industry and widely accepted. Self-tuning of the PI controllers is based on dynamic model parameters derived applying the weighted recursive least squares (WRLS) method to real data recorded at Nikola Tesla B thermal power plant in Serbia, whose nominal power is 650 MW. The same model was later used to test the proposed control approach

Frequency control studies: A review of power system, conventional and renewable generation unit modeling

Over the last decades, renewable energy sources have increased considerably their generation share in power systems. As a consequence, in terms of frequency deviations, both grid reliability and stability have raised interest. By considering the absence of a consensual set of models for frequency control analysis, both for the different generation units (conventional and renewables) and the power system itself, this paper provides extensive and significant information focused on the models and parameters for studies about frequency control and grid stability. An extensive analysis of supply-side and power system modeling for frequency stability studies over the last decade is presented and reviewed. Parameters commonly used and assumed in the specific literature for such simulations are also given and compared. Modeling of generation units are described as well, including both conventional and renewable power plants.The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper

Advances in Theoretical and Computational Energy Optimization Processes

The paradigm in the design of all human activity that requires energy for its development must change from the past. We must change the processes of product manufacturing and functional services. This is necessary in order to mitigate the ecological footprint of man on the Earth, which cannot be considered as a resource with infinite capacities. To do this, every single process must be analyzed and modified, with the aim of decarbonising each production sector. This collection of articles has been assembled to provide ideas and new broad-spectrum contributions for these purposes

Formation of an intelligent control system in the field of electric power industry based on the technological development of power supply components

The relevance of the paper is determined by the fact that the digital transformation of the country is recognized as one of the priorities for the economic development of the state. It is necessary to remove barriers for the digital transformation in the most promising areas of production and life by stimulating the introduction of digital technologies and attracting investments, overcoming the digital divide, deepening cooperation between states in the digital sphere and developing the country's digital innovation infrastructure. The novelty of the study is determined by the fact that the transition to a new level of digital functioning of electric systems is possible in the context of formation of a smart energy supply system and the introduction of modern information technologies. The authors show that the introduction of new energy meters is the basis for creating an innovative infrastructure of the fuel and energy complex of the national economy. The authors believe that this is the basis for the transition to a new level of energy supply and the introduction of new economic mechanisms for demand management and further development of energy markets. This in turn contributes to the integration of energy systems of different countries. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibilities of stratification of the economic assessment of the energy industry and the formation of a sustainable assessment of the formation of energy supply systems. It is proposed to determine the needs of industry in sustainable energy supply

Wind Farms and Flexible Loads Contribution in Automatic Generation Control: An Extensive Review and Simulation

With the increasing integration of wind energy sources into conventional power systems, the demand for reserve power has risen due to associated forecasting errors. Consequently, developing innovative operating strategies for automatic generation control (AGC) has become crucial. These strategies ensure a real-time balance between load and generation while minimizing the reliance on operating reserves from conventional power plant units. Wind farms exhibit a strong interest in participating in AGC operations, especially when AGC is organized into different regulation areas encompassing various generation units. Further, the integration of flexible loads, such as electric vehicles and thermostatically controlled loads, is considered indispensable in modern power systems, which can have the capability to offer ancillary services to the grid through the AGC systems. This study initially presents the fundamental concepts of wind power plants and flexible load units, highlighting their significant contribution to load frequency control (LFC) as an important aspect of AGC. Subsequently, a real-time dynamic dispatch strategy for the AGC model is proposed, integrating reserve power from wind farms and flexible load units. For simulations, a future Pakistan power system model is developed using Dig SILENT Power Factory software (2020 SP3), and the obtained results are presented. The results demonstrate that wind farms and flexible loads can effectively contribute to power-balancing operations. However, given its cost-effectiveness, wind power should be operated at maximum capacity and only be utilized when there is a need to reduce power generation. Additionally, integrating reserves from these sources ensures power system security, reduces dependence on conventional sources, and enhances economic efficiency

Enhancing Grid Operation with Electric Vehicle Integration in Automatic Generation Control

Wind energy has been recognized as a clean energy source with significant potential for reducing carbon emissions. However, its inherent variability poses substantial challenges for power system operators due to its unpredictable nature. As a result, there is an increased dependence on conventional generation sources to uphold the power system balance, resulting in elevated operational costs and an upsurge in carbon emissions. Hence, an urgent need exists for alternative solutions that can reduce the burden on traditional generating units and optimize the utilization of reserves from non-fossil fuel technologies. Meanwhile, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology integration has emerged as a remedial approach to rectify power capacity shortages during grid operations, enhancing stability and reliability. This research focuses on harnessing electric vehicle (EV) storage capacity to compensate for power deficiencies caused by forecasting errors in large-scale wind energy-based power systems. A real-time dynamic power dispatch strategy is developed for the automatic generation control (AGC) system to integrate EVs and utilize their reserves optimally to reduce reliance on conventional power plants and increase system security. The results obtained from this study emphasize the significant prospects associated with the fusion of EVs and traditional power plants, offering a highly effective solution for mitigating real-time power imbalances in large-scale wind energy-based power systems