Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

This thesis investigates the capacity expansion of distribution substation of each service area considering PV system penetration to achieve the cost effectiveness of substation investment to comply with the service reliability. With the land use planning of Kaohsiung City Government, the load density of each small area for the target year is derived according to the final floor area and development strength of the land base. The load forecasting of each small area is then solved by considering the load growth of each customer class and a Markov model is applied for the forecasting of solar energy, which is then included in the expansion planning of substations. The forecasting of annual peak loadings for each area over the future 20 years is performed by the time series method based on the historical load data and load type of customers served. The forced outage rate ¡]FOR¡^ of main transformers in the substations is used to solve the loss of load expectation¡]LOLE¡^ according to the peak loading of each service area. By this way, the capacity expansion planning of main transformers to meet the service reliability can therefore be derived. To further enhance the distribution system planning, the capacity transfer capability of main transformers and the tie line flow capacity between different areas are considered too. It is found that the expansion planning of main transformers by the proposed methodology can provide better cost effectiveness of transformer investment to satisfy the service reliability as well as the system peak loading.

published_or_final_version / Applied Geosciences / Master / Master of Science

No description available.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003.

A static cone penetrometer was modified to incorporate a small diameter triaxial geophone package. This instrument was evaluated by obtaining downhole shear wave velocity profiles at selected research sites on the Fraser River Delta near Vancouver B.C. for the purpose of determining in-situ dynamic shear moduli. A second geophone package was added to the instrument to assess the accuracy of shear wave velocity measurements, and to determine a practical instrument configuration for routine field use. Shear wave characteristics, downhole velocities, signal repeatability and signal amplitude were studied, to evaluate the energy source and downhole receiver response, and to develop a rational testing procedure. Plank type signal sources were used exclusively and were found to be both satisfactory and convenient. Geophone response and receiver to soil coupling were excellent and identifiable shear waves were obtained to depths of 40 metres. Down rod signal transmission, signal repeatability and problems with high background noise levels were overcome by selective testing procedures and interpretation techniques. The results of this study indicate that a static cone penetrometer containing just a single geophone can provide a rapid and accurate method for carrying out a downhole shear wave velocity survey. The cone testing procedure allows superior shear wave records since it minimizes soil disturbance, provides excellent soil to receiver coupling and controlled receiver orientation. Combined with data from the cone bearing, friction and pore pressure measurement elements, the interpretation of in-situ static and dynamic soil properties, using a single test hole, is greatly enhanced. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

This thesis presents results from an experimental study of the impact of dense solid spheres onto granular beds. The overall aim is to further our understanding of the dynamical response of granular materials to impact. In order to do this, we will study both the initial penetration stages and peak acceleration exerted on the sphere by using high-speed imaging. Another critical part is to measure the penetration depth of the sphere and calculate the corresponding depth-averaged stopping force. Both of these main focal points will be assessed for not only dry, but wet and “contaminated” grains, whereby the granular bed will be comprised of two distinct size ranges of base grains. In doing so, we aim to broadly determine whether contaminated grains or wet grains are more effective at increasing the tensile strength of granular materials.

Homogenous polymer materials, such as bulk polyester or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are not commonly associated with armor materials in their raw, unmodified form due to their poor performance at typical ballistic impact velocities. However, projectile penetrations into homogenous polymeric materials have been shown to correlate strongly to the highly temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties such as elastic storage modulus and loss modulus. Ballistic trials conducted at room temperature showed that these two parameters statistically account for a large percentage of the variation in ballistic performance between different polymers. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation of viscoelastic properties to ballistic resistance when the temperature of the polymer targets is altered above and below room temperature. The ultimate goal is to use these data to determine which materials would perform best against ultra-high velocity impacts, such as the case of micrometeoroid impacts with spacecraft.