Probabilistic game approaches for network cost allocation

In a restructured power market, the network cost is to be allocated between multiple players utilizing the system in varying capacities. Cooperative game approaches based on Shapley value and Nucleolus provide stable models for embedded cost allocation of power networks. Varying network usage necessitates the introduction of probabilistic approaches to cooperative games. This paper proposes a variety of probabilistic cooperative game approaches. These have variably been modeled based upon the probability of existence of players, the probability of existence of coalitions, and the probability of players joining a particular coalition along with their joining in a particular sequence. Application of these approaches to power networks reflects the system usage in a more justified way. Consistent and stable results qualify the application of probabilistic cooperative game approaches for cost allocation of power networks.Cooperative games, embedded cost allocation, probabilistic games, transmission pricing

Total lipid accumulation and fatty acid profiles of microalga Spirulina under different nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations

Nutrient limitation in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus increased lipid accumulation under depleted growth in Spirulina strains. Nitrogen limitation was found more effective than phosphorus in accumulating lipid. The fatty acid profile was variable: palmitic (48%), linolenic (21%) and linoleic acids (15%) were the most prevalent types. It was interesting that nitrogen limitation was more effective in increasing total lipid content, whereas phosphorus limitation had more effect on the fatty acid profile. Fatty acid ratios were different under the two conditions of nutrient limitation, with γ -linolenic acid being accumulated in higher quantities under nitrogen than phosphorus limitation

The Connection between Self concept (Actual self Congruence & Ideal Self congruence) on Brand Preferences

Self concept has been a very important concept in consumer behavior and it gives the central idea to the Marketing people in the market place, Academician and business student to understand the bases to evaluate the self concept. The extensive previous research work gave very important conceptual answer to implement new marketing strategy. A different class of  customer can be shot in the marketplace. These are the customers who buy product while evaluating the product self-image, product/brand image and their congruity and then they set their minds to buy the products in the market. The purpose of the research is to explore the self concept dimensions to examine the self congruity relationship with brand preference. Relationships between constructs (actual self congruity, ideal self congruity and brand preference) were hypothesized and data were collected through survey Method. The perceptions of 400 respondents about their self congruity with brand preference were obtained for two types of product usage (‘Mobile phone’ as conspicuous and ‘Bathing soaps’ as inconspicuous) with Seven brands in each type. The moderating role of ‘type of product usage (Conspicuous and inconspicuous)’ was examined in the relationship between actual/ideal self congruity and brand preference

Evaluation of hydraulics characteristics and management strategies of subsurface drainage system in Indira Gandhi Canal Command

The present study revealed the performance of subsurface drainage systems for long-term sustainability of irrigated agriculture.  The performance of subsurface drainage systems was evaluated on the basis of drain spacing equations for disposal of effluent and hydraulic characteristics of envelop materials, like entrance resistance created by envelop and hydraulic conductivity.  Three important synthetic envelopes, HG 22, SAPP 240 and CAN 2 were tested in laboratory using sand tank model and permeability apparatus to compare their performances in terms of entrance resistance and hydraulic conductivity of soil envelope system.  The hydraulic conductivity for SAPP 240 filter was found the highest and entrance resistance the lowest. Performance of four unsteady state drain spacing equations viz.  Glover-Dumm, Van Schilfgaarde, Integrated Hooghoudt and Modified Glover equations were also tested to evaluate disposal efficiency of excess water.  The percentage deviation between predicted drain spacing and actual spacing was -33.31% to -31.55%, 9.40% to 17.07%, 11.84% to 20.83% and 6.10% to 14.62% for Glover-Dumm, Van Schilfgaarde, Integrated Hooghoudt and Modified Glover equations, respectively.  Modified Glover equation showed minimum deviation from actual drain spacing due to its versatile applicability.  Therefore, the Modified Glover equation with SAPP 240 filter was recommended for subsurface drainage system in sandy soil texture areas.Keywords: subsurface drainage, unsteady drain spacing equations, evaluation hydraulic characteristics, management strategie

A novel hierarchical contribution factor based model for distribution use-of-system charges

Due to the limited visibility at low voltage (LV) networks, existing Distribution Use-of-System (DUoS) charging methodologies assume that all the network users use the network in proportion to their peak flows. This naive supposition fails to reflect the contribution of network users to network peak flows, which actually is the driver for network reinforcement. This can send an inadvertent signal to customers, leading to aggravated network pressure. This paper for the first time, brings the new dimension into the design of DUoS charging methodology by considering the true contribution of customer class's load on network peak flows. It proposes a novel Hierarchical Contribution Factor based Model (HCM), recognizing the contributions of differing customer classes to the network reinforcement of upstream asset. Such contribution will be further propagated to network assets at higher voltage level, forming a Hierarchical CF model and reflecting the true individual class contribution to the whole-system reinforcement. Benefit of the proposed model on investment deferral is assessed by determining annuitized present value (PV) of future investments, and consequences are assessed on a 22-bus practical Indian reference network. The approach helps customers as a class to reduce their network usage charges by minimizing their energy usage contribution during distribution network peaks, eventually reducing distribution network investment and energy transfer costs.</p

IGDT based Genco's trading decision making in multimarket environment

Fossil fuel gencos are subject to influence of multiple uncertain but interactive energy and emission markets. It procures production resources from fuel and emission market and sells its generation through multiple contracts in electricity market. With increasing volatility and unpredictability in energy markets, a genco needs to make prudent decision to manage its trading in all involved markets, to guarantee minimum profit. Considering the existing market uncertainties and associated information gap, this paper proposes a robust decision making approach for gencos trading portfolio selection in all three involved markets, based on Information Gap Decision Theory (IGDT). Results from a realistic case study provides a range of decisions for a risk averse genco, appropriate to its nature, and based on the trade-off existing between robustness and targeted profit.</p

Integrated risk management model for portfolio selection in multiple markets

Risk management is a serious challenge for generating companies (gencos), because of price uncertainty in production resource procurement and selling generation outcome. Managing risk of either trading side without considering other may lead to inefficient risk management. Considering interrelated nature of market uncertainties this paper proposes integrated risk management framework for strategic trading decision making in all involved markets, in order to maximize overall expected profits. Spot and contract markets have been considered as available trading options in involved markets. Mean variance portfolio theory has been applied to solve the problem. The results from a realistic case study illustrates that decisions based on proposed approach provide better trade-off in terms of profit and risk. Revenue and cost side correlation give a new insight for diversification in portfolio selection in different trading side markets.</p