Optimal generation dispatch model for prosumer smart grids with pumped hydro storage

Abstract: A promising solution to smart grid stability and reliability issues resulting from the influx of renewable sources, like wind and solar, is the incorporation of pumped hydro storage (PHS). Hence, it is important to investigate the benefits of adding PHS to power grids. To this end, a model for the day-ahead economic generation dispatch of a smart grid with prosumers and pumped hydro storage is formulated. The model is tested using modified data for Ontario’s power system. It is specified and solved with the Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modelling System (AIMMS). An economic power output schedule for the gas-fired and PHS units in the grid is obtained. Also, the effect of the ramp rate of gas-fired units on grid operating cost is investigated; it is observed that the operating cost reduces with increase in ramp rate

Epsilon-constraint method for solution to the combined economic and emission dispatch problem

Abstract: System operators are concerned with the economics of power system operation as well as the amount of harmful gases released during power generation. The combined economic and emission dispatch (CEED) determines the power output of each online thermal unit for which the operational cost and emissions are at their minimum. It is a multi-objective optimization problem (MOOP) with equality and inequality constraints. In this paper, the epsilon-constraint method is used to tackle the CEED problem. The General Algebraic Modelling Systems (GAMS), known for its speed and ability to handle large and complex power system optimization problems is used to solve the problem formulation. A six-generator test system is taken as the case study in this paper, to verify the CEED mathematical formulation. In comparison with results in literature, the proposed solution method yields lower operational costs

Development of a small scaled microcontroller-based poultry egg incubation system

Abstract: Owing to an increase in the commercial production of chickens and demand for local consumption as a source of protein in both rural and urban areas in developing countries. This paper proposes a cost-effective incubator for hatching poultry eggs with minimal human involvement. The paper describes the design and implementation of a prototype microcontroller-based electrical incubator system. The developed incubator has optimized temperature and humidity that facilitates higher hatchability rate provided that the egg fertility is high. The prototype incubator was evaluated by loading it with 6 presumed fertile eggs. The percentage of hatchability obtained was 67% (4 out of 6 egg). The remaining two eggs were not hatched as they may not have been fully fertilized

Development of a wireless sensor network based water quality monitoring and notification system

Abstract: In this paper, we present a water quality monitoring and notification system. It is also integrated with a consumer alert system on the safety of the water in accordance with the WHO water quality standard. The consumer alert system is made up of a buzzer for notification, a red-Light Emitting Diode (LED) and green-LED as an indicator for unsafe water and safe water respectively. Five sources of contaminants in water namely, soil, chlorine, vinegar, salt, washing powder and their combination were used in this to validate the performance of the system. Wireless communication between the measuring subsystem and the analysis and notification subsystem was established for mobility using radio frequency modules. The error in measurements and the consumption risk per water parameter were calculated on MS Excel as part of the analysis and presented in this document. This paper also presents an added functionality by using a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) for turbidity measurement and LEDs in the notification subsystem. The notification system accommodates people with disabilities as the buzzer can be heard by those who can’t see, and the LEDs can be seen by those who can’t hear. The developed system was compared for functionality and performance using the quality of the results measured in comparison with the expected results