3 research outputs found
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Energy savings and volt/var optimization using intelligent control
A major part of the smart grid development is focused on the distribution system. In order to utilize the smart grid to its fullest potential, many improvements to the existing system are necessary. In order to demonstrate the smart grid concepts and to quantify the benefits, the Unites States Department of Energy invested extensively in the numerous Smart Grid Demonstration projects. In the Pullman Smart Grid Demonstration project, one of the research activities relates to volt/VAr control. As part of this project, the smart switches installed on the Pullman distribution feeders are analyzed and modeled into SynerGEE software tool for power flow computation with higher accuracy. In addition to expanding the distribution model to reflect the smart devices installed, comparative analysis for two volt/VAr control methods based on the power factor rule and 60-40 rule are studied. Even though these volt/VAr control methods achieve their respective goals and also contribute to energy savings, these methods do not consider savings a primary goal. In this thesis, an intelligent control algorithm to maximize system energy savings is presented. The developed algorithm uses particle swarm optimization v to determine the optimal capacitor states and voltage regulator tap settings to achieve volt/VAr control and maximal energy savings. The developed method is validated against an enumerative search strategy. Both of these control algorithms are implemented and tested on the IEEE 13 bus distribution system
Voltage and Reactive Power Control to Maximize the Energy Savings in Power Distribution System With Wind Energy
A critical view on microplastic quantification in aquatic organisms
Microplastics, plastic particles and fragments smaller than 5mm, are ubiquitous in the marine environment. Ingestion and accumulation of microplastics have previously been demonstrated for diverse marine species ranging from zooplankton to bivalves and fish, implying the potential for microplastics to accumulate in the marine food web. In this way, microplastics can potentially impact food safety and human health. Although a few methods to quantify microplastics in biota have been described, no comparison and/or intercalibration of these techniques have been performed. Here we conducted a literature review on all available extraction and quantification methods. Two of these methods, involving wet acid destruction, were used to evaluate the presence of microplastics in field-collected mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from three different "hotspot" locations in Europe (Po estuary, Italy; Tagus estuary, Portugal; Ebro estuary, Spain). An average of 0.18±0.14 total microplastics g-1 w.w. for the Acid mix Method and 0.12±0.04 total microplastics g-1 w.w. for the Nitric acid Method was established. Additionally, in a pilot study an average load of 0.13±0.14 total microplastics g-1 w.w. was recorded in commercial mussels (Mytilus edulis and M. galloprovincialis) from five European countries (France, Italy, Denmark, Spain and The Netherlands). A detailed analysis and comparison of methods indicated the need for further research to develop a standardised operating protocol for microplastic quantification and monitoring.</p