abstract: This thesis addresses the issue of making an economic case for bulk energy storage in the Arizona bulk power system. Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) is used in this study. Bulk energy storage has often been suggested for large scale electric power systems in order to levelize load (store energy when it is inexpensive [energy demand is low] and discharge energy when it is expensive [energy demand is high]). It also has the potential to provide opportunities to avoid transmission and generation expansion, and provide for generation reserve margins. As the level of renewable energy resources increases, the uncertainty and variability of wind and solar resources may be improved by bulk energy storage technologies. For this study, the MATLab software platform is used, a mathematical based modeling language, optimization solvers (specifically Gurobi), and a power flow solver (PowerWorld) are used to simulate an economic dispatch problem that includes energy storage and transmission losses. A program is created which utilizes quadratic programming to analyze various cases using a 2010 summer peak load from the Arizona portion of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system. Actual data from industry are used in this test bed. In this thesis, the full capabilities of Gurobi are not utilized (e.g., integer variables, binary variables). However, the formulation shown here does create a platform such that future, more sophisticated modeling may readily be incorporated. The developed software is used to assess the Arizona test bed with a low level of energy storage to study how the storage power limit effects several optimization outputs such as the system wide operating costs. Large levels of energy storage are then added to see how high level energy storage affects peak shaving, load factor, and other system applications. Finally, various constraint relaxations are made to analyze why the applications tested eventually approach a constant value. This research illustrates the use of energy storage which helps minimize the system wide generator operating cost by "shaving" energy off of the peak demand. The thesis builds on the work of another recent researcher with the objectives of strengthening the assumptions used, checking the solutions obtained, utilizing higher level simulation languages to affirm results, and expanding the results and conclusions. One important point not fully discussed in the present thesis is the impact of efficiency in the pumped hydro cycle. The efficiency of the cycle for modern units is estimated at higher than 90%. Inclusion of pumped hydro losses is relegated to future work. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Electrical Engineering 2014

This thesis is focused on data communication utilizing low-voltage power distribution lines (PLC). It describes interference in narrowband systems commonly used for remote data collecting, for example. Preamble deals with basic priciples of PLC (signal injecting) and describes the measuring workplace, its wiring and used tools. Following sections define different types and possible sources of interference, operation of the equipment in terms of EMC and other characteristics of the transmission path. The text also analyzes practical interference tests, identifies main parameters affecting data transmision and compares teoretical and practical conclusions.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(エネルギー科学) / 甲第21385号 / エネ博第373号 / 新制||エネ||73(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院エネルギー科学研究科エネルギー社会・環境科学専攻 / (主査)教授 手塚 哲央, 教授 下田 宏, 准教授 MCLELLAN,Benjamin / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Energy Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

A step towards renewable energy is the smart grid, i.e. a power grid that is capable of smart distribution and load managing. This requires the participating components, nodes, to be able to communicate in a reliable fashion. The work of this project was to take on a mathematical approach by using the study of network science, which resulted in the design of a communication network topology for the power grid. The main focus of this undertaking was to quantify how a node in the power grid reacts to change in power flow, which was denoted as its sensitivity. By using Matpower, a tool programmed in Matlab, and our developed method, a communication network was able to be designed using a threshold algorithm. This method worked for the small scale power grids considered in this project, but a different approach might be needed for larger grids.

To hasten the transition to reliance on renewable energy sources, energy communities could be part of the solution. An energy community, in this report, is defined as several residential houses that come together and share a virtual fuse for a bigger tariff subscription to the energy grid. The project aims to investigate the economical benefits of an energy community and what the power grid companies want in return to create a win-win situation for both. The first part of the results is produced through calculations on tariff costs based on the measured energy consumption for over 200 houses in different power grid areas in Sweden. The other builds on interviews with different power grid companies. The results show that the energy community saves around 60% of tariff costs. Benefits for the grid companies could be postponed expansion, behavioral changes, effectively utilized local production and storage, and increased knowledge. This project shows that it’s economically beneficial for members of an energy community with today’s tariffs at the expense of the grid companies. If the community invest in PV systems and battery storage as well as behavioral change of energy consumption, it may create a win-win situation. / Sveriges energibehov förutspås öka och för att dessutom påskynda omställningen till förnybara energikällor försöker EU få medborgare att engagera sig i större utsträckning. Energigemenskaper skulle kunna spela en roll i energiomställningen. En energigemenskap definieras inom projektet som flera bostadshus som går samman och delar en virtuell säkring för ett större elnätsabonnemang. Syftet är att undersöka de ekonomiska fördelarna med den här sortens energigemenskap samt vad elnätsbolag skulle vilja ha i gengäld för att skapa en win-win situation för både en energigemenskap och ett elnätsbolag.  Den första delen av projektets resultat tas fram genom beräkningar på tariffkostnader baserade på den uppmätta energiförbrukningen över tre år för över 200 hus som placeras i olika elnätsområden i Sverige. En jämförelse har gjorts, som enskilda hushåll och en energigemenskap, med olika parametervärden. Den andra bygger på intervjuer med olika elnätsföretag kring vad de kan se för nytta med en energigemenskap. Resultaten visar att energigemenskapen sparar runt 60 % av tariffkostnaderna. Fördelar för elnätsbolagen är till exempel att expansionen av elnätet kan skjutas upp. Detta genom beteendeförändringar av energianvändning, effektivt utnyttjande av lokal produktion och lagring, ökad kunskap om elnätet och hur energianvändning påverkar.  Slutsatserna av projektet är att det är ekonomiskt fördelaktigt för medlemmarna i en energigemenskap med dagens tariffstrukturer på elnätbolagens bekostnad. Om energigemenskapen investerar i solceller och batterilagring samt beteendeförändring av energiförbrukning skulle det kunna skapa en win-win situation för kunder och elnätsbolag.

Electric power system (EPS) is an integral part of infrastructure systems. Ensuring its resiliency to extreme weather events and natural hazards is crucial to protect the safety, economy and public health. Recorded and projected data show an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and natural hazards attributed to a changing climate. It is critical to ensure the integrity of the aging infrastructure systems and to promote environmental justice by shrinking the energy-equity gap to lower power outages in disadvantaged communities. An important aspect is the resiliency interdependency of EPS to other critical infrastructure systems, an aspect that has been escalating due to rapid urbanization and technological developments. The main objective of this research is to quantitatively evaluate the resilience of levee-protected power grid to flooding in a changing climate and adapting a strategy to enhance the resilience of power grid. Thus, this study first establishes a methodological and multi-disciplinary framework by integrating climate science, hydrology, and EPS analysis to study (I) how climate change affects recurrence intervals of flooding, (II) how the integrity of levees will be affected by changes in flooding patterns, (III) how these changes affect the resilience of an EPS located in levee-protected areas, and (IV) how to improve the resilience of the EPS while reducing the energy-equity gap. The proposed framework is applied to some IEEE standard test systems overlaid on a levee-protected area in Northern California. First, a link-based resiliency analysis is performed using the direct current optimal power flow (dc-OPF) method applied to the IEEE-24 standard test system. Then, a node-based resiliency analysis is carried out employing the IEEE 118-bus test system. The system resiliency is assessed for pre-flooding, historic flooding, and projected future flooding scenarios using two representative climate pathways (RCP). Finally, an optimal adaptation strategy using the placement of distributed energy resources (DERs) is delineated using a modified IEEE 30-bus test system to reduce flooding-induced power outages, prioritizing disadvantaged communities by minimizing energy inequity among the communities. Results of this study reveal that the adaptation plan can reduce the risk of power outages, improve environmental justice and the resilience of power networks. The findings of this study can contribute towards more resilient EPS under a changing climate.

The world has an imperative need to switch to clean and renewable energy sources. Effectively harnessing the vast energy that radiates on the earth's surface from the sun is a long standing goal of clean energy proponents. This work introduces the novel concept of a solar energy belt stretched across America. The thesis provides the first steps towards showing that not only can such a belt be built, but it can effectively yield a substantial quantity of America's energy in a cost effective fashion. In order to maximize impact of the work, a general mathematical model is first derived that may be extended by any interested party. The model is then viewed from the perspective of mathematical combinatorics and is thus made subject to combinatorial optimization. Genetic Algorithms are used for this optimization scheme. A GUI and simulation is provided that demonstrates the evolution of the solar belt solution in real-time. Results are demonstrated.

This work discusses the implementation of a Unique Ships Grid design that utilizes Energy Storage. This Unique Ships Grid is used to enhance the efficiency of a Construction Single-Hull River Tender previously discussed and assessed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This Grid Design is shown to be both in compliance with applicable regulations and reliable due to built-in redundancy. Compliance with regulations and redundancy are both prized by the Maritime Community and the USCG. An applicable Heuristic Design Methodology is provided in conjunction with the Unique Ships Grid. This Design Methodology can be used with a simple load analysis and results in a Load Center breakdown and the sizing of Cables, Generators, Inverter, and required Energy Storage. This design process is shown to provide an inherent margin for growth and safety. This design process is quick and results in values necessary to do a cost analysis, environmental impact survey, and stability analysis (Ship Stability not Electrical Stability). / Master of Science / This work discusses a unique way to power the electric equipment onboard a small ship by using lithium-ion batteries or another safe form of energy storage. The goal of this shipboard power system is to reduce emissions and wear and tear on a small ship. This work demonstrates that the shipboard power system adheres to U.S. Code and is reliable due to inherent redundancy. Reliability and adherence to U.S. Code are necessary for a system to be adopted for maritime applications. The power system is implemented at the level of the controls system and partially relies on conventional methods, such as diesel generators, for powering shipboard electric equipment. This partial reliance on conventional methods for ships power provides for an easy way for industry to transition to more renewable sources of energy. Additionally, this power system is provided with guidance on how to design and customize the system for many applications. The guidance provided on the design methodology is simple, can be easily implemented, and is shown to provide estimates for the power system that provide for reliability and redundancy. The design methodology can be implemented very early in the construction of a ship and provides valuable information needed when building this unique power system.

This work describes an actual condition of a specific part of a distribution power grid. It is a research of problems based on the computer model in case some power line is in failure or shut down. Simulations are calculated for both currently used load and load expected in future usage. There are partial solutions depicted for each issue found during the simulation. Some of those are used for a final design of a distribution power grid. In the last section, there is a comparison of different types of power lines and their possible usage in the design.

As the world is increasingly dependent on energy for the economic and social development and China’s Total Net Electricity Generation （TNEG） has remained the highest since 1996 due to its rapid economic growth, it is important to closely examine the operations of China’s electric power market, particularly the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) since it is the largest Electric Power Grid Operator (EPGO) in both China and the world. This research has addressed the problem and the urgent needs for the development of a sound framework and methodology for the effective regulation and optimization of the operations and quality management of the SGCC. Based on the critical literature review, the aspects and steps of the solution to the problem have been progressively presented. Firstly, a Country Wealth (CW) curve has been developed to characterize electricity generation in terms of TNEG, with China’s unique position identified. Further, the data has clearly indicated that China’s TNEG has also been closely correlated with the economic growth and the carbon emissions during the 30 years period of 1980-2010. Secondly, compared with the Equilibrium Energy Regulation Model, there are clear deficiencies and problems with the current regulation of China’s electric power market. The improvements in the integration of regulation strategies and the formation of one single effective regulator have been identified and proposed. Thirdly, a uniform regulation structure and framework based on fractal theory and QFD (quality function deployment) has been developed to integrate the existing and future electric power strategies, including smart grid strategy and sustainable development strategy(etc.). Through the use of QFD, the EPGO (SGCC) functions and operations can be prioritized and appropriately designed. Finally, the QFD methodology has been extended to achieve the optimization of quality and service operations given the target cost of the business processes. The methodology can be applied to both business and technical processes of the EPGOs since quality may be interpreted as a total quality involving the needs and expectations of various customers or stakeholders.