The master‘s thesis deals with the issue of weak points of the distribution network in a municipality with high numbers of photovoltaic sources. Photovoltaic power plants are gradually being added to the current state of the electric power distribution network of a specific municipality, while changes in the network are being monitored. Due to the output of the highest possible power from the sources into the distribution system in compliance with the established rules, the thesis also describes network modifications. These established rules of connection and operation of resources in the distribution network and effects of injecting disturbances in the low voltage network are discussed in the theoretical part of the thesis.

This Master's thesis deals with application design and implementation. Application is designed for composition of gears. It is built as a simple computer game. It also contains 3D model renderer, which shows the movement of gears in gearbox. Program is implemented in C language using OpenGL library.

The high cost of grid extension to rural areas, often characterized by scattered communities with low load densities, requires the use of low cost electrification technologies to ensure economic viability. In Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) power distribution networks, the earth itself forms the current return path of the single phase system leading to significant cost savings on conductors, poles and poletop hardware compared to conventional systems. However, challenges exist in SWER with regard to earthing and safety as well as the dependence on earth conductivity to supply consumer loads. This work presents models for the optimal planning of SWER distribution networks. The earth return path is modeled as a conductor based on the Carson line model taking into consideration specific ground properties of the considered location. A load flow algorithm for radial SWER networks is subsequently formulated whereby both overhead line and ground voltages and currents are determined. First, heuristic planning models are developed based on the SWER load flow model. The objective of the heuristic models is to determine the optimum feeder configuration and overhead conductor subject to SWER load flow constraints and load growth over several time periods. Whereas the resulting solutions are good, they may not necessarily be globally optimum. Optimization models are then developed using mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) with the aim of obtaining global solutions to the SWER network planning problem. Since the MINLP formulations are limited to the accurate analysis of limited size networks, considerations and approximations for the analysis of larger networks are presented. The developed models are applied to a case study in Uganda to test their practical application. In addition, comparative studies are done to determine how the proposed optimization models compare with previous distribution planning models. The numerical analysis includes the impact of deterministic distributed generation on the SWER planning problem. Results showed consistent performance of the proposed heuristic and optimization models, which also compared well with conventional models. The optimization models gave more cost-effective solutions to the SWER planning problem than the heuristic models. However, the former models had higher computational cost than the latter. The inclusion of distributed generation allowed for cheaper network solutions to be obtained. The models are applicable to the planning of Single Wire Earth Return networks for isolated mini-grids, grid-extension to previously un-electrified rural areas as well as the upgrade of SWER feeders in existing installations. / <p>QC 20121207</p> / Sustainable Technological Development in the Lake Victoria Region

This dissertation is a systematic study of electric power distribution system reliability evaluation and improvement. Reliability evaluation of electric power systems has traditionally been an integral part of planning and operation. Changes in the electric utility coupled with aging electric apparatus create a need for more realistic techniques for power system reliability modeling. This work presents a reliability evaluation technique that combines set theory and Graph Trace Analysis (GTA). Unlike the traditional Markov approach, this technique provides a fast solution for large system reliability evaluation by managing computer memory efficiently with iterators, assuming a single failure at a time. A reconfiguration for restoration algorithm is also created to enhance the accuracy of the reliability evaluation, considering multiple concurrent failures. As opposed to most restoration simulation methods used in reliability analysis, which convert restoration problems into mathematical models and only can solve radial systems, this new algorithm seeks the reconfiguration solution from topology characteristics of the network itself. As a result the new reconfiguration algorithm can handle systems with loops. In analyzing system reliability, this research takes into account time-varying load patterns, and seeks approaches that are financially justified. An exhaustive search scheme is used to calculate optimal locations for Distributed Generators (DG) from the reliability point of view. A Discrete Ascent Optimal Programming (DAOP) load shifting approach is proposed to provide low cost, reliability improvement solutions. As weather conditions have an important effect on distribution component failure rates, the influence of different types of storms has been incorporated into this study. Storm outage models are created based on ten years' worth of weather and power outage data. An observer is designed to predict the number of outages for an approaching or on going storm. A circuit corridor model is applied to investigate the relationship between power outages and lightning activity. / Ph. D.

Chiplets have become an increasingly popular technology for extending Moore's Law and improving the reliability of integrated circuits. They do this by placing several small, interacting chips on an interposer rather than the traditional, single chip used for a device. Like any other type of integrated circuit, chiplets are in need of a physical layer of security to defend against hardware Trojans, counterfeiting, probing, and other methods of tampering and physical attacks. Power distribution networks are ubiquitous across chiplet and monolithic ICs, and are essential to the function of the device. Thus, we propose a method of fingerprinting transient signals within the PDN to identify individual chiplet systems and physical-layer threats against these devices. In this work, we describe a Python-wrapped HSPICE model we have built to automate testing of our proposed PDN fingerprinting methods. We also document the methods of analysis used- wavelet transforms and time-domain measurements- to identify unique characteristics in the voltage response signals to transient stimuli. We provide the true positive and false positive rates of these methods for a simulated lineup of chips across varying operating conditions to determine uniqueness and reliability of our techniques. Our simulations show that, if characterized at varying supply voltage and temperature conditions in the factory, and the sensors used for identification meet the sample rates and voltage resolutions used in our tests, our protocol provides sufficient uniqueness and reliability to be enrolled. We recommend that experimentation be done to evaluate our methods in hardware and implement sensing techniques to meet the requirements shown in this work.

Power distribution systems have underwent a lot of significant changes in the last two decades. Wide-scale integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have made the distribution grid more resilient to abnormal conditions and severe weather induced outages. These DERs enhance the reliability of the system to bounce back from an abnormal situation rather quickly. However, the conventional notion of a radial system with unidirectional power flow does not hold true due to the addition of these DERs. Bidirectional power flow has challenged the conventional protection schemes in place. The most notable effects on the protection schemes can be seen in the field of islanding or Loss of Mains(LOM) detection and general fault identification and isolation. Adaptive protection schemes are needed to properly resolve these issues. Although, previous works in this field have dealt with this situation, a more comprehensive approach needs to be taken considering multiple topologies for developing adaptive protection schemes. The most common protective devices widely deployed in the distribution system such as overcurrent relays, reverse power relays at Point of Common Coupling(PCC), fuses, reclosers and feeder breakers need to studied in implementing these schemes. The work presented in this dissertation deals with simulation based and analytical approaches to tackle the issues of islanding and adaptive protection schemes. First we propose a multiprinciple passive islanding detection technique which relies on local PCC measurements, thus reducing the need of additional infrastructure and still ensuring limited Non Detection Zone (NDZ). The next step to islanding detection would be to sustain a islanded distribution system in order to reduce the restoration time and still supply power to critical loads. Such an approach to maintain generator load balance upon islanding detection is studied next by appropriate shedding of non-critical and low priority critical loads based upon voltage sensitivity analysis. Thereafter, adaptive protection schemes considering limited communication dependency is studied with properly assigning relay settings in directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which are one of the most widely deployed protective devices in distribution systems by catering to multiple topologies and contingencies. A simulation based technique is discussed first and then an analytical approach to solve the conventional optimal relay coordination problem using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with the usage of multiple setting groups is studied. All these approaches make the distribution more robust and resilient to system faults and ensure proper fault identification and isolation, ensuring overall safety of system. / Doctor of Philosophy / With widespread integration of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) in the distribution grid, the conventional protection and control schemes no longer hold valid. The necessity of an adaptive protection scheme increases as the DER penetration in the system increases. Apart from this, changes in system topology and variability in DER generation, also change the fault current availability in the system in real-time. Hence, the protection schemes should be able to adapt to these variations and modify their settings for proper selectivity and sensitivity towards faults in the system, especially in systems with high penetration of DERs. These protection schemes need to be modified in order to properly identify and isolate faults in the network as well as correctly identify Loss of Mains (LOM) or islanding phenomenon. Special attention is needed to plan the next course of action after the islanding occurrence. Additionally, the protective devices in distribution system should be utilized to their maximum capability to create an adaptive and smart protection system. This document elaborately explains the research work pertaining to these areas.

As the power systems grow, system connections become more complex. Due to cost and environmental concern, more and more parallel lines and series compensated lines may be installed in the system. In order to efficiently use the transmission network, more nonlinear flexible devices such as the phase shifter and the advanced compensation system will be put into use. Once a fault occurs on such a system, a delay in clearing the fault is usually not permissive. This requires a new generation of relays which have high security and dependability and high operating speed. With the advent of high speed microprocessor and fiber optic communication technologies, it is possible to develop high performance relays. In this dissertation, a new generation of pilot relays and non-pilot relays were developed for a transmission line. The pilot relays include the instantaneous percentage current differential (IPD), the phase comparison and the phasor based percentage current differential (PPD) principles. In the pilot protections the synchronized phasor measurement techniques are employed and digital CT saturation detectors are incorporated. All these schemes in primary protections feature charging current (or shunt current ) compensation. The phasor based principles are designed to work within one and a half cycles; while others based on sample by sample comparison are assumed to work in less than a cycle. The non-pilot relays to be investigated in this dissertation include the fault location based and phase angle based directional distance relays. One cycle data window is used in the phasor calculation. Both the distance relays are assumed to make a trip decision in about one and a half cycles. All algorithms were simulated against different fault conditions using EMTP outputs. The simulation results show all the pilot relay algorithms work well for EHV IUHV transmission lines including the series compensated lines. The fault location based distance relay works well in most cases, but it may give a wrong decision for the close-in fault with the fault resistance and may have a singularity problem. The phase angle based distance relay works very well for different fault conditions and is insensitive to fault resistance. The modified phase angle based distance relay was also developed for the series compensated line. It would not lose the direction for faults with or without fault resistance, either for a compensated system in forward direction, or in an adjacent line in reverse direction. The overreach is within 20% of the protected zone. This relay algorithm is also based on the one-cycle data window DFT, and it can give a reliable trip decision in about two cycles. All pilot relays with a fiber optic link and the phase angle based distance relay can constitute a new generation of protection systems for EHV IUHV transmission lines. / Ph. D.

The effects of interphase coupling in a multiphase power system become important in the presence of network imbalances and unbalanced phase loadings. In grounded-wye systems, currents that flow in the earth can have significant effects on the system's behavior. Both these effects must be considered in an accurate multiphase power system model. A new treatment of multiphase power system modeling is presented. The treatment relies upon linear graph theory and produces a system multiport model. Mutual coupling effects, the effects of neutral and static conductors, the finite conductivity of earth, and various component models are considered. A reduction in the order of the multiport model also is presented. Multiphase load flow analysis is introduced. Special considerations that arise in multiphase analyses are discussed. Example solutions are presented. A convenient method of representing multiple slack ports is described which results from an application of the principle of superposition. Circulating power flow in multiphase loops is discussed. A procedure is proposed for conveniently representing common shunt and series faults that occur in power systems. The procedure is constructed for efficient computer modeling of multiple cases of various fault combinations in a particular system. / Doctor of Philosophy

As the load on the power system grows and new transmission facilities become increasingly difficult to build, the utilities must look to ways to make the most of the current transmission system. Adaptive relaying is one way to enhance the ability of the power system. On the Florida - Georgia interface an adaptive out-of-step relay is being installed. This relay determines if swings on the power system will remain stable by performing a better then real-time transient stability study. Because of the computing capacity required for a transient stability study, the study cannot be performed on the full power system. A reduced model must be used. In this thesis, various methods of obtaining reduced models for use in the relay will be explored. The models will be verified with a full system model using Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) Extended Transient-Midterm Stability Package (ETMSP). / Master of Science

[Abstract - Conclusion]: This research study confirms the theory in the literature review on delivery of quality service to customers and premise that there is a statistically significant difference between Eskom service as perceived by rural prepaid household customers and their expectations. This study also highlights the need for Eskom management to take into cognisance the unique rural prepaid customer service needs and how to meet them, perhaps a differentiated service approach rather than a one-strategy-fits-all approach. This is in view of gaps created between expectations and perceptions of service, especially in the reliability dimension that could require a concentrated or changed performance approach to close them.