Performance comparison of various probability gate assisted binary lightning search algorithm

Recently, many new nature-inspired optimization algorithms have been introduced to further enhance the computational intelligence optimization algorithms. Among them, lightning search algorithm (LSA) is a recent heuristic optimization method for resolving continuous problems. It mimics the natural phenomenon of lightning to find out the global optimal solution around the search space. In this paper, a suitable technique to formulate binary version of lightning search algorithm (BLSA) is presented. Three common probability transfer functions, namely, logistic sigmoid, tangent hyperbolic sigmoid and quantum bit rotating gate are investigated to be utilized in the original LSA. The performances of three transfer functions based BLSA is evaluated using various standard functions with different features and the results are compared with other four famous heuristic optimization techniques. The comparative study clearly reveals that tangent hyperbolic transfer function is the most suitable function that can be utilized in the binary version of LSA

Optimal location and sizing of fast charging stations for electric vehicles by incorporating traffic and power networks

Widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) relies on a dependable public charging station (CS) network. CS locations should assure that vehicle users can reach the CS within the EV driving area. This study introduces a technique for optimal location and sizing of fast CSs (FCSs) that considers transportation loss, grid power loss and build-up costs. Google Maps API, battery state of charge, road traffic density and grid power losses are considered in the suggested method. A recently introduced binary lightning search algorithm is also implemented as an optimisation technique for FCS planning. The capability of the suggested method was tested in an urban area. Results reveal that the suggested technique can obtain the optimal location and sizing of FCS that can aid EV drivers, FCS builders and the utility grid. Furthermore, the suggested method obtained more realistic results compared with the traditional methods

Evaluation of nature-inspired algorithms for battery parameter estimation in renewable energy generation systems

Batteries in renewable energy systems suffer problems that affect their service life and quality of performance. There fore, battery ma nagement systems (BMS) are employed in battery-integrated systems to maintain optimal operating conditions by various dynamic i mpedance based battery models. These models require an accurate model parameter for BMS to work effectively. In this paper, two recently developed metaheuristic optimization, namely bird mating optimizer (BMO) and lightning search algorithm (LSA) is used effectively to determine the required parameters of well -known Randle's battery model. Initially, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test for an EnerSys Cyclon lead-acid cell with a rated capacity of 2.5Ah is conducted using EZSTAT-pro Galvanostat/Potentiostat device from Nuvant systems Inc. Next, the Randle's battery model parameters are obtained by BMO and LSA and its performances are evaluated. The results show that BMO and LSA can accurately find the model parameters. LSA obtains slightly more accurate results than BMO and converges much faster. However, for the same number of iterations, BMO takes less computation time than LSA. The optimized model can be used in BMS for fault finding and condition monitoring

A low cost method to convert automotive alternator for wind electricity generation

Wind energy has been widely harvested compared to the other renewable energy resources. Unfortunately, the cost of wind electricity generation is expensive for small-scale utilization. The objective of this work is to develop a low power and low-cost wind electricity generator by using an automotive alternator that can be utilized for small-scale generation. The original alternator performance was first analysed to investigate its electrical characteristic. Then a round permanent magnet is added at the rotor circuit to transform alternator rotor excitation. The performance was then analysed and compared with the original alternator characteristics. The result indicates that with the appropriate modification, automotive alternator has the potential to be used as a low cost wind turbine generator

Improved smart power socket for monitoring and controlling electrical home appliances

The recent increase in electricity tariff and the introduction of feed-in tariff from renewable resources have increased the interest of energy consumers, such as those in commercial and residential buildings, in reducing their energy usage. This paper proposes a smart power socket and central control system that utilizes the Zigbee communication protocol to control energy usage. The system is designed such that smart sockets wirelessly provide the necessary data to a central controller. Then, the system analyzes the data to generate control commands to turn the devices attached to the smart socket on or off. Experimental results show that the proposed smart socket can correctly read the power consumption of wirelessly connected devices from up to 18 m away without loss of data. The central controller can effectively control multiple sockets on the basis of a scheduled user program code. A 24-min implementation of the proposed energy management algorithm shows a reduction of 0.811 kWmin (0.0134 kWh) in energy usage after the use of the smart sockets as load controllers. Thus, the proposed smart socket system can be fully utilized in a home energy management system with a proper scheduling algorithm

Review of application of optimization techniques in smart grids

The smart grids can optimize the use of various generation sources and reduce cost. With new developments in renewable energy, distributed generation, the traditional power grids are being converted to smart grids. This paper provides a survey of the literature that focuses on the use of optimization techniques in SG, prominently in generation, transmission and distribution systems. It is anticipated that this paper will help in finding future research scopes and strategies efforts for improving the SG

Review of piezoelectric energy harvesting system and application of optimization techniques to enhance the performance of the harvesting system

The energy harvesting (EH) from unused natural waste energy sources is common nowadays because of rising power demand. The sources have the potential of producing micro to milliwatts power depending on the ambient conditions. Many researchers have been concentrating on micro-level energy harvesting to provide power to the micro-devices in a remote area. The concept leads to a drastic reduction in cost. Once the structure is established, it can generate electricity with minimal cost or effort like renewable sources. This paper reviews the two key areas of the piezoelectric energy harvesting system (PEHS), namely, mechanical and electronic approaches, developed by several researchers. From the thorough review, it is realized that the existing technologies more or less can capable to EH by using the piezoelectric elements; however, the consistency and stability of the systems are not up to the mark yet. In this study, vibration-based PEHS has been considered for the application of the optimization technique to enhance its performance. This review has been focused on numerous challenges and recommendations for next-generation EH by utilizing vibration-based piezoelectric elements