Multi-phase state estimation featuring industrial-grade distribution network models

This paper proposes a novel implementation of a multi-phase distribution network state estimator which employs industrial-grade modeling of power components and measurements. Unlike the classical voltage-based and current-based state estimators, this paper presents the implementation details of a constrained weighted least squares state calculation method that includes standard three-phase state estimation capabilities in addition to practical modeling requirements from the industry; these requirements comprise multi-phase line configurations, unsymmetrical and incomplete transformer connections, power measurements on 4-connected loads, cumulative-type power measurements, line-to-line voltage magnitude measurements, and reversible line drop compensators. The enhanced modeling equips the estimator with capabilities that make it superior to a recently presented state-of-the-art distribution network load estimator that is currently used in real-life distribution management systems; comparative performance results demonstrate the advantage of the proposed estimator under practical measurement schemes

Distribution voltage control considering the impact of PV generation on tap changers and autonomous regulators

The uptake of variable megawatts from photovoltaics (PV) challenges distribution system operation. The primary problem is significant voltage rise in the feeder that forces existing voltage control devices such as on-load tap-changers and line voltage regulators to operate continuously. The consequence is the deterioration of the operating life of the voltage control mechanism. Also, conventional non-coordinated reactive power control can result in the operation of the line regulator at its control limit (runaway condition). This paper proposes an optimal reactive power coordination strategy based on the load and irradiance forecast. The objective is to minimize the number of tap operations so as not to reduce the operating life of the tap control mechanism and avoid runaway. The proposed objective is achieved by coordinating various reactive power control options in the distribution network while satisfying constraints such as maximum power point tracking of PV and voltage limits of the feeder. The option of voltage support from PV plant is also considered. The problem is formulated as constrained optimization and solved through the interior point technique. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated in a realistic distribution network model

Statistical Representation of Distribution System Loads Using Gaussian Mixture Model

Published versio

Compensation in complex variables for microgrid power flow

The solution of the distribution network power flow in practical applications is based either on the forward-backward sweep method for radial networks, or the current injection method for meshed networks. While the power flow in microgrids that operate in grid-connected mode could be resolved using the above approaches, their operation in island mode would require simulating local generation droop controllers for sharing the complex power load and network loss amongst the generators. This letter proposes a complex power compensation approach, which is based on Wirtinger calculus, for extending the applicability of practical distribution power flow methods to microgrids operating in island mode. Supporting numerical results are reported on microgrids with up to 3139 nodes

Selection of longitudinal modes in a terahertz quantum cascade laser via narrow-band injection seeding

A terahertz quantum cascade laser is injection seeded with narrow-band seed pulses generated from a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal. The spectral emission of the quantum cascade laser is controlled by the seed spectra

Narrow-band injection seeding of a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser: Selection and suppression of longitudinal modes

A periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal with multiple poling periods is used to generate tunable narrow-bandwidth THz pulses for injection seeding a quantum cascade laser (QCL). We demonstrate that longitudinal modes of the quantum cascade laser close to the gain maximum can be selected or suppressed according to the seed spectrum. The QCL emission spectra obtained by electro-optic sampling from the quantum cascade laser, in the most favorable case, shows high selectivity and amplification of the longitudinal modes that overlap the frequency of the narrow-band seed. Proper selection of the narrow-band THz seed from the PPLN crystal discretely tunes the longitudinal mode emission of the quantum cascade laser. Moreover, the THz wave build-up within the laser cavity is studied as a function of the round-trip time. When the seed frequency is outside the maximum of the gain spectrum the laser emission shifts to the preferential longitudinal mode

Investigation of time-resolved gain dynamics in an injection seeded terahertz quantum cascade laser

The evolution of the gain of terahertz quantum cascade laser during injection seeding is probed as a function of time. Oscillations of the gain are commensurate with the variations of the field envelope

Observation of Time-resolved Gain Dynamics in a Terahertz Quantum Cascade Laser

The dynamic response of a terahertz quantum cascade laser is probed as a function of time. The gain of the THz QCL is saturated by injection seeding the laser with an initial THz seed pulse. The time-resolved gain of the injection seeded laser is then probed with a second THz pulse