Influences of wind energy integration into the distribution network

Wind energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources due to its availability and climate-friendly attributes. Large-scale integration of wind energy sources creates potential technical challenges due to the intermittent nature that needs to be investigated and mitigated as part of developing a sustainable power system for the future. Therefore, this study developed simulation models to investigate the potential challenges, in particular voltage fluctuations, zone substation, and distribution transformer loading, power flow characteristics, and harmonic emissions with the integration of wind energy into both the high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) distribution network (DN). From model analysis, it has been clearly indicated that influences of these problems increase with the increased integration of wind energy into both the high voltage and low voltage distribution network, however, the level of adverse impacts is higher in the LV DN compared to the HV DN

Best assessment practices of final year engineering projects in Australia

Purpose:The focus of the paper is to explore the best practices for the delivery of final year engineering project. Students use their own initiatives to accomplish practical design projects in their final year of engineering. Each academia proposes different ways of project approaches that should satisfy engineering accreditation requirements for capstone projects. This paper analyses and compares various undergraduate final year engineering project approaches of different universities in Australia. From this case study analysis, this research will explore the best assessment practice for the delivery of final year project. Design/Methodology: Through desktop analysis methodology, this paper will analyse six universities in Australia who are practicing different approaches in their undergraduate final year engineering project. This analysis will look in to the various types of final year projects undertaken, their learning outcomes, teaching methods and assessment measures. Findings: From these 6 case studies, this paper will provide a report on its implementation and assessment impact on final year projects based on the analysed results of qualitative review of course units in undergraduate programs. Conclusions: This paper shows the desktop analysis data and compared the six case studies of Australian universities. The above-summarized different final year engineering project approaches were extremely successful in identifying and promoting creativity and innovation through final year projects. From the comparison, it is clearly shown that Deakin University practices one of best assessment methods for the delivery of final year engineering project

Integration of renewable energy resources into the distribution network : a review on required power quality

Power quality is the critical element of modern power system network where more and more distributed energy resources (DER) can be found. Distributed generation, generates electricity from many small DER particularly from renewable sources. Distributed generator (DG) within the network from renewable energy resources (RER) like solar and wind, bring significant challenges to maintain acceptable power quality (PQ) at the consumer end. This paper investigates PQ issues associated with RER. It reviews existing PQ standards for distribution network (DN) and also summarized the experiences of several Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) while integrating DGs into the grid. It was found that few PQ parameter ranges varies in different standards due to lack of harmonization and that may hinder to accept bulk renewable energy into the grid

Estimation of energy storage and its feasibility analysis

Storage significantly adds flexibility in Renewable Energy (RE) and improves energy management. This chapter explains the estimation procedures of required storage with grid connected RE to support for a residential load. It was considered that storage integrated RE will support all the steady state load and grid will support transient high loads. This will maximize the use of RE. Proper sized RE resources with proper sized storage is essential for best utilization of RE in a cost effective way. This chapter also explains the feasibility analysis of storage by comparing the economical and environmental indexes

Smart grid for a sustainable future

Advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and information communication technology (ICT) have facilitated the development of integrated electrical power systems for the future. A recent major issue is the need for a healthy and sustainable power transmission and distribution system that is smart, reliable and climate-friendly. Therefore, at the start of the 21st Century, Government, utilities and research communities are working jointly to develop an intelligent grid system, which is now known as a smart grid. Smart grid will provide highly consistent and reliable services, efficient energy management practices, smart metering integration, automation and precision decision support systems and self healing facilities. Smart grid will also bring benefits of seamless integration of renewable energy sources to the power networks. This paper focuses on the benefits and probable deployment issues of smart grid technology for a sustainable future both nationally and internationally. This paper also investigates the ongoing major research programs in Europe, America and Australia for smart grid and the associated enabling technologies. Finally, this study explores the prospects and characteristics of renewable energy sources with possible deployment integration issues to develop a clean energy smart grid technology for an intelligent power system

Significance of storage on solar photovoltaic system : a residential load case study in Australia

Energy storage is an essential part in effective utilization of Renewable Energy (RE). Most RE sources cannot provide constant energy supply and introduce a potential unbalance in generation and demand, especially in off-peak periods when RE generates more energy and in peak period when load demand rises too high. Storage allows intermittent sources like solar Photovoltaic (PV) to address timely load demand and adds flexibility in load management. This paper analyses the significance of storage for residential load considering solar PV as RE generator. The significance of storage was evaluated in off-grid or stand alone and grid connected configurations. Moreover it outlined the significance of storage in terms of environment and economics by comparing the Renewable Fraction (RF), Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission, Cost of Energy (COE) and Net Present Cost (NPC). Investigation showed that storage has positive influences on both (off-grid and grid connected) configurations by improving PV utilization. It was found that in grid connected configuration storage reduced 46.47% of GHG emission, reduced COE, NPC and improved RF compared to the system without storage

Significance of storage on solar photovoltaic system : a residential load case study in Australia

Signing of History book "The Community's College: A History of Johnson County Community College (1969-1999)" by Charles C. Bishop in Carlsen Center on April 3rd, 200

Economic analysis of hybrid renewable model for subtropical climate

Current power systems create environmental impacts due to utilization of fossil fuels, especially coal, as carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. In contrast to fossil fuels, renewable energy offers alternative sources of energy which are in general pollution free, technologically effective and environmentally sustainable. There is an increased interest in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind energy, which provides electricity without giving rise to carbon dioxide emissions. This paper presents economic analysis of a renewable hybrid system for a subtropical climate and also investigated the impact of renewable energy sources to the existing and future smart power system. The daily mean global solar irradiance and three hourly mean wind speed have been collected from the Rockhampton Aero Weather Station, Queensland (RAWS), Australia for this study. Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER), a computer model developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been used to perform comparative analysis of solar and wind energy with diesel and hybrid systems. Initially total net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE) and the renewable fraction (RF) have been measured as performances metrics to compare the performances of different systems. For better optimization, the model has been refined with sensitivity analysis which explores performance variations due to wind speed, solar irradiation and diesel fuel prices. From the simulation, it is shown that there are a number of factors that impact the integration and performance of renewable energy sources to the power systems

Potential challenges : integrating renewable energy with the smart grid

This is the published version

Prospects of solar energy in Australia

Today, more than 80% of energy is produced from fossil fuels that pollute the air and surrounding environments each and every day, creating global warming. Therefore it is time to think about alternative sources of energy to build a climate friendly environment. In contrast to fossil fuels, renewable energy offers alternative sources of energy which are in general pollution free, unlimited, and environmentally sustainable. This paper presents a feasibility study undertaken to investigate the prospects of solar energy for the climate similar to Australia so as to further investigate the impacts of renewable energy sources in existing and future smart power systems. The monthly average global solar radiation has been collected for twenty-one locations in Australia from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Hybrid Optimisation Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER), and Renewable-energy and Energy-efficient Technologies (RETScreen) computer tools were used to perform comparative analysis of solar energy with diesel and hybrid systems. Initially, total net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE) and the renewable fraction (RF) were measured as performances metrics to compare the performances of different systems. For better optimisation, the model has been refined with a sensitivity analysis which explores performance variations due to solar irradiation and electricity prices. Finally, a statistical analysis was conducted to select the best potential places in Australia that produce maximum solar energy