Modified Taguchi-Based Approach for Optimal Distributed Generation Mix in Distribution Networks

In this paper, a new two-stage optimization framework is proposed to determine the optimal-mix integration of dispatchable Distributed Generation (DG), in power distribution networks, in order to maximize various techno-economic and social benefits simultaneously. The proposed framework incorporates some of the newly introduced regulatory policies to facilitate low carbon networks. A modified Taguchi Method (TM), in combination with a node priority list, is proposed to solve the problem in a minimum number of experiments. Nevertheless, the standard TM is computationally fast but has some inherent tendencies of local trapping and usually converges to suboptimal solutions. Therefore, two modifications are suggested. A roulette wheel selection criterion is applied on priority list to select the most promising DG nodes and then modified TM determines the optimal DG sizes at these nodes. The proposed approach is implemented on two standard test distribution systems of 33 and 118 buses. To validate the suggested improvements, various algorithm performance parameters such as convergence characteristic, best and worst fitness values, and standard deviation are compared with existing variants of TM, and improved genetic algorithm. The comparison shows that the suggested corrections significantly improve the robustness and global searching ability of TM, even compared to meta-heuristic methods

Optimal integration and management of solar generation and battery storage system in distribution systems under uncertain environment

The simultaneous placement of solar photovoltaics (SPVs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in distribution systems is a highly complex combinatorial optimization problem. It not only involves siting and sizing but is also embedded with charging and discharging dispatches of BESSs under dynamically varying system states with intermittency of SPVs and operational constraints. This makes the simultaneous allocation a nested problem, where the operational part acts as a constraint for the planning part and adds complexity to the problem. This paper presents a bi-layer optimization strategy to optimally place SPVs and BESSs in the distribution system. A simple and effective operating BESS strategy model is developed to mitigate reverse power flow, enhance load deviation index and absorb variability of load and power generation which are essential features for the faithful exploitation of available renewable energy sources (RESs). In the proposed optimization strategy, the inner layer optimizes the energy management of BESSs for the sizing and siting as suggested by the outer layer. Since the inner layer optimizes each system state separately, the problem search space of GA is significantly reduced. The application results on a benchmark 33-bus test distribution system highlight the importance of the proposed method

Mobile Power Infrastructure Planning and Operational Management for Smart City Applications

The paper presents new strategies and algorithms for future mobile power infrastructure planning and operational management in smart cities. The efforts have been made to develop a resilient Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure for smart city applications. The goal of this work is to maximize the profit of utility and EV owners participating in real-time smart city energy market subjected to numerous techno-economic constraints of the EVs and power distribution system. For effective real-time applications, the knowledge of artificial intelligence and internet of things (IoT) are used in the proposed model. In order to validate the proposed model for smart city applications, IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network is adopted as a small city power network. The simulation results of proposed model are found to be encouraging when it is compared with the case in which conventional strategies are used

HYPOGLYCAEMIC ACTIVITY OF CENTRATHERUM ANTHELMINTICU IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

The Effect of Ethanolic extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum on Diabetic rats Assessment of the antihyperglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats: The animals will be divided into nine groups and each group consisted of six rats. Group 1 as normal control. Group 2 as the diabetic control. Groups 3, 4 and 5 are normally treated with 0.25 g, 0.50 g and 0.75 g/kg BW of CAEt, respectively. Groups 6, 7 and 8 are diabetic rats treated with 0.25 g, 0.50 g, and 0.75 g/kg BW of CAEt, respectively. Group 9 are diabetic rats which received glibenclamide (0.02 g/kg BW) an oral hypoglycemic agent dissolved in distilled water. Normal control and the diabetic control rats are fed distilled water alone. After an overnight fast, the plant extract suspended in distilled water will feed to the rats by gastric intubation using a force feeding needle. Blood samples are collected for the measurement of blood glucose from the tail vein at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after the administration of plant extract and blood glucose levels are determined by Glucose oxidase – peroxidase method. The phytochemical analysis will be carried out in the ethanolic extract by different methods of phytochemical analysis. Keywords: Hypoglycaemia, Diabetes mellitus, Centratherum anthelminticumThe effect of Ethanolic extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum on Diabetic rats Assessment of antihyperglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats: The animals will be divided in to nine groups and each group consisted of six rats. Group 1 as normal control. Group 2 as the diabetic control. Groups 3, 4 and 5 are normal treated with 0.25 g, 0.50 g and 0.75 g/kg bw of CAEt, respectively. Groups 6, 7 and 8 are diabetic rats treated with 0.25 g, 0.50 g and 0.75 g/kg bw of CAEt, respectively. Group 9 are diabetic rats which received glibenclamide (0.02 g/kg bw) an oral hypoglycemic agent dissolved in distilled water. Normal control and the diabetic control rats are fed distilled water alone. After an overnight fast, the plant extract suspended in distilled water will fed to the rats by gastric intubation using a force feeding needle. Blood samples are collected for the measurement of blood glucose from the tail vein at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after the administration of plant extract and blood glucose levels are determined by Glucose oxidase – peroxidase method.Phytochemical analysis will carried out in the ethanolic extract by different methods of phytochemical analysis. Keywords: Hypoglycaemia, Diabetes mellitus, Centratherum anthelminticu

Reliability and Network Performance Enhancement by Reconfiguring Underground Distribution Systems

Contemporary distributions are now going to underground their overhead distribution lines due to techno-social reasons. Reliability and loss reduction are the two prime objectives for distribution system operation. Since failure rates of ungrounded cables are the function of Joules heating besides their physical lengths, the reliability evaluation of undergrounded distribution systems needs to be reviewed. This paper suggested a suitable modification in existing reliability indices in order to make them more appropriate for underground distribution systems. A multi-objective network reconfiguration problem is formulated to enhance the reliability and performance of distribution systems while duly addressing the variability and uncertainty in load demand and power generation from renewables. The application results on a standard test bench shift the paradigm of the well-known conflicting nature of reliability and network performance indices defined for overhead distribution systems

Optimal planning of hybrid energy conversion systems for annual energy cost minimization in Indian residential buildings

The increasing interest in renewables has encouraged power system planners to include the concept of hybrid energy systems in modern power industry. Besides, the modern power consumers are becoming more concerned about their energy bills which has led to the concept of hybrid energy management systems (HEMSs) for buildings to monitor, control and optimally manage energy consumptions without any waste. In this study, an optimal planning framework is proposed to determine optimal capacities and sharing of hybrid energy conversion systems (HECS) such as wind turbine, solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage and the utility grid. The objective is to maximize the net present value of the project/system which includes the cost of annual investment, operation and maintenance costs of HEMS expected to have incurred in the planning period. All the costs and parameters are considered in the Indian context, and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is adopted to solve this proposed planning framework. The simulation results obtained are compared with same obtained for conventional houses in India. The comparison shows that the proposed framework effectively reduces the electricity bills while improving its reliability

An application of a rule-based system towards resolving exception events of business processes within a small Virtual Organization

The motivation behind this research work is explained first within the context of a European Union funded project called “SYNERGY”. A business scenario of a small virtual organization is presented to discuss what happens if exception events occur within the life cycle of a business scenario, and how they could be resolved to enable the business to operate successfully. To investigate these aspects, the paper briefly explores the role of events within the context of “Collaboration Moderator Services” which aim to increase awareness between collaborative partners during the workflow of a business scenario and then suggests a possible remedy through the use of a rule-based system. A description of a methodology adopted for creation and capture of knowledge needed to resolve the exception events, transform the captured knowledge into rule-sets and implement them in a commercial rule-based system – “XpertRule” is given. Screen shots of this implementation are provided in the paper. Based on this implementation, the paper then concludes with a discussion

DNA hypomethylation ameliorates erosive inflammatory arthritis by modulating interferon regulatory factor-8

Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory arthritis. DNA hypomethylating agents, such as decitabine (DAC), have been shown to dampen inflammation and restore immune homeostasis. In the present study, we demonstrate that DAC elicits potent anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates disease symptoms in several animal models of arthritis. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling show that DAC-mediated hypomethylation regulates a wide range of cell types in arthritis, altering the differentiation trajectories of anti-inflammatory macrophage populations, regulatory T cells, and tissue-protective synovial fibroblasts (SFs). Mechanistically, DAC-mediated demethylation of intragenic 5\u27-Cytosine phosphate Guanine-3\u27 (CpG) islands of the transcription factor Irf8 (interferon regulatory factor 8) induced its re-expression and promoted its repressor activity. As a result, DAC restored joint homeostasis by resetting the transcriptomic signature of negative regulators of inflammation in synovial macrophages (MerTK, Trem2, and Cx3cr1),

Multi-objective optimal DG allocation in distribution networks using bat algorithm

Paper presented to the 3rd Southern African Solar Energy Conference, South Africa, 11-13 May, 2015.The Distributed Generations (DGs) storage may store energy during solar energy peak and use it during peak demand. Proper allocation of DG storage is essential to extract maximum possible benefits. This paper introduces a Bat Algorithm (BA) for optimal allocation of DGs in radial distribution networks. The problem is formulated to maximize annual energy loss reduction and to maintain a better node voltage profile under a piece-wise linear variable load pattern using a penalty factor approach. The proposed method is applied on the benchmark IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus system available in literature and the results obtained are promising.dc201

Laparoscopic versus open colorectal surgery in the acute setting (LaCeS trial): a multicentre randomized feasibility trial

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 30,000 people per annum undergo major, emergency abdominal, gastrointestinal surgery, of which 36% (~10,800) are carried out for emergency colorectal pathology. Approximately 14% of all patients requiring emergency surgery undergo laparoscopic surgery. AimsThe aims of the LaCeS feasibility trial (Laparoscopic versus Open Colorectal Surgery in the Acute Setting) were to assess the feasibility, safety and acceptability of performing a large-scale definitive phase III randomised controlled trial with a comparison of emergency laparoscopic with open surgery for acute colorectal pathology. MethodsLaCeS was designed as a prospective, multicentre, single blind, parallel group, pragmatic, randomised controlled feasibility trial with an integrated qualitative study. Randomisation was performed centrally with patients being randomised on a 1:1 basis between laparoscopic or open surgery. ResultsA total of 64 patients were recruited across 5 centres. The overall average steady state recruitment rate was 1.2 patients/month. Baseline compliance for clinical and HrQoL data was 99.8% and 93.8% respectively. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery was 39.4% (95% CI 22.9% – 57.9%). The 30 day post-operative complication rate was 27.3% (95% CI 13.3- 45.5) in the laparoscopic arm and 41.9% (95% CI 24.6 – 60.9) in the open arm. DiscussionThe LaCeS feasibility trial has demonstrated that it is possible to evaluate laparoscopic surgery in the emergency colorectal setting within the context of a randomised controlled trial. LaCeS has demonstrated that it is possible to recruit to a surgical trial in the emergency setting, with good compliance to trial procedures and processes, and overall acceptability by patients and clinicians. The safety data obtained for laparoscopic emergency colorectal surgery indicate an acceptable safety profile, particularly when considering it to that observed in the open arm.Trial Registration ISRCTN15681041 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15681041.Funding body: National Institute of Health Research – Research for Patient Benefi