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At least 19 records

MPC-Based Local Voltage Control Strategy of DGs in Active Distribution Networks

The increasing penetration of distributed generators (DGs) exacerbates the voltage violations in active distribution networks (ADNs). The commonly used centralized voltage control may aggravate the burden of computation and communication. Local voltage control can realize fast response to frequent voltage fluctuations. However, effective local control for DGs still needs to be further investigated. In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC)-based local voltage control strategy of DGs is proposed to cope with voltage violation problems and enhance the adaptation to the DG volatility. DGs are regulated with local Q-V control curves to respond to voltage fluctuations rapidly. Based on the dynamic network partition, a unified control curve for DGs is set in the same area to realize efficient operation. To further improve the performance of voltage control, the parameter tuning of control curves is regularly conducted based on decentralized inter-area coordination with the rolling of the control horizon. Finally, case study is verified on the modified IEEE 33-node distribution system. The proposed local control strategy of DGs can effectively improve the voltage profile and reduce power losses of the whole network without high computation and communication burden.

active distribution network (ADN)↗

On the phenomenon of curved microcracks in /(S)/90n/s laminates - Their shapes, initiation angles and locations

A variational analysis of the stress state in microcracked cross-ply laminates has been used to investigate the phenomenon of curved microcracking in /(S)/90n/s laminates. Previous investigators proposed that the initiation and orientation of curved microcracks are controlled by local maxima and stress trajectories of the principal stresses. We have implemented a principal stress model using a variational mechanics stress analysis and we were able to make predictions about curved microcracks. The predictions agree well with experimental observations and therefore support the assertion that the variational analysis gives an accurate stress state that is useful for modeling the microcracking properties of cross-ply laminates. An important prediction about curved microcracks is that they are a late stage of microcracking damage. They occur only when the crack density of straight microcracks exceeds the critical crack density for curved microcracking. The predicted critical crack density for curved microcracking agrees well with experimental observations.

Hu, Shoufeng↗

Lyapunov stability of smart inverters using linearized distflow approximation

Fast-acting smart inverters that utilize preset operating conditions to determine real and reactive power injection/consumption can create voltage instabilities (over-voltage, voltage oscillations and more) in an electrical distribution network if set-points are not properly configured. In this work, linear distribution power flow equations and droop-based Volt–Var and Volt–Watt control curves are used to analytically derive a stability criterion using Lyapunov analysis that includes the network operating condition. The methodology is generally applicable for control curves that can be represented as Lipschitz functions. The derived Lipschitz constants account for smart inverter hardware limitations for reactive power generation. A local policy is derived from the stability criterion that allows inverters to adapt their control curves by monitoring only local voltage, thus avoiding centralized control or information sharing with other inverters. The criterion is independent of the internal time-delays of smart inverters. Simulation results for inverters with and without the proposed stabilization technique demonstrate how smart inverters can mitigate voltage oscillations locally and mitigate real and reactive power flow disturbances at the substation under multiple scenarios. The study concludes with illustrations of how the control policy can dampen oscillations caused by solar intermittency and cyberattacks.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Active control of compressible flows on a curved surface

The effect of localized, time periodic surface heating and cooling over a curved surface is studied. This is a mechanism for the active control of unstable disturbances by phase cancellation and reinforcement. It is shown that the pressure gradient induced by the curvature significantly enhances the effectiveness of this form of active control. In particular, by appropriate choice of phase, active surface heating can completely stabilize and unstable wave.

Maestrello, L.↗

Active control of compressible flows on a curved surface

The effect of localized, time periodic surface heating and cooling over a curved surface is studied. This is a mechanism for the active control of unstable disturbances by phase cancellation and reinforcement. It is shown that the pressure gradient induced by the curvature significantly enhances the effectiveness of this form of active control. In particular, by appropriate choice of phase, active surface heating can completely stabilize an unstable wave.

Maestrello, L.↗

Enhancing Synchronous Condenser Operation of Hydrogenerators

Hydropower plants are sometimes dispatched below capacity or even shut down to meet water regulations. These can temporarily be repurposed to operate as synchronous condensers. To enable this capability, this paper proposes a design that allows hydrogenerators to safely operate as synchronous condensers, providing fast voltage and reactive power support under both normal and boost conditions. The proposed design integrates capability curves with hydrogenerators’ excitation systems through modifications using proposed MVA-field current curve, current controller, and limiter. The design is implemented locally at the machine for rapid response. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design and using hydrogenerators as synchronous condensers in power grids.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Localizing resonant magnetic perturbations for edge localized mode control in KSTAR

An external 3D magnetic perturbation typically drives a resonant response at the rational surfaces from the core to the edge of tokamak plasmas, due to strong mode coupling and amplification. In this paper, we present a method to isolate the edge from core resonant fields using the ideal perturbed equilibrium code and to design an edge-localized resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) for effective edge localized mode (ELM) control. A robust feature of the edge-localized RMP is the curtailed response to the field at the low-field-side (LFS) midplane, as opposed to typical RMPs which strongly resonate with the LFS fields. This emphasizes the importance of off-midplane coils to improve ELM control without provoking a large core response that could lead to devastating instabilities. The conceptual design of new ELM control coils based on the edge-localized RMP in KSTAR shows how this new insight can be utilized to enhance the efficiency of our ELM suppression capabilities. Simple window-pane coils matching the edge-localized resonant mode structure substantially expand in the ELM suppression window beyond the existing coil. Further optimization using the flexible optimized coils using space-curves code leads to additional enhancement in the edge-localized control.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Stability and control of compressible flows over a surface with concave-conves curvature

The active control of spatially unstable disturbances in a laminar, two-dimensional, compressible boundary layer over a curved surface is numerically simulated. The control is effected by localized time-periodic surface heating. We consider two similar surfaces of different heights with concave-convex curvature. In one, the height is sufficiently large so that the favorable pressure gradient is sufficient to stabilize a particular disturbance. In the other case the pressure gradient induced by the curvature is destabilizing. It is shown that by using active control that the disturbance can be stabilized. The results demonstrate that the curvature induced mean pressure gradient significantly enhances the receptivity of the flow localized time-periodic surface heating and that this is a potentially viable mechanism in air.

Maestrello, L.↗

Radarclinometry

A general theory based on the implicit mathematical determinacy, and a corresponding algorithm, are developed to derive topographic maps from radar images as photometric arrays. Starting from a control profile, the theory produces topography by an area integration of radar brightness, and the control profile is formed under the assumption that the terrain properties are locally cylindrical. The calibration curve for pixel brightness versus incidence-angle is also produced. In the operational algorithm, topography is produced as a set of independent line integrations down each of the parallel range lines of the image using the theory for control-profile formation. An adaptive technique was employed to process SEASAT images of sand dunes, and the present method is demonstrated with a Motorola image of Crazy Jug Point in the Grand Canyon.

Wildey, Robert L.↗

Design of an essentially non-oscillatory reconstruction procedure in finite-element type meshes

An essentially non oscillatory reconstruction for functions defined on finite element type meshes is designed. Two related problems are studied: the interpolation of possibly unsmooth multivariate functions on arbitary meshes and the reconstruction of a function from its averages in the control volumes surrounding the nodes of the mesh. Concerning the first problem, the behavior of the highest coefficients of two polynomial interpolations of a function that may admit discontinuities of locally regular curves is studied: the Lagrange interpolation and an approximation such that the mean of the polynomial on any control volume is equal to that of the function to be approximated. This enables the best stencil for the approximation to be chosen. The choice of the smallest possible number of stencils is addressed. Concerning the reconstruction problem, two methods were studied: one based on an adaptation of the so called reconstruction via deconvolution method to irregular meshes and one that lies on the approximation on the mean as defined above. The first method is conservative up to a quadrature formula and the second one is exactly conservative. The two methods have the expected order of accuracy, but the second one is much less expensive than the first one. Some numerical examples are given which demonstrate the efficiency of the reconstruction.

Abgrall, Remi↗

Localized Strain Analysis of Ce- and Mg-Treated Cast Iron under Uniaxial Compression

Cast iron exhibits a wide range of mechanical properties, depending on its microstructural features. The microstructure of cast iron consists of several microconstituents with different elastic-plastic behavior, making the strain non-uniform across the bulk material. To understand the individual effects of these microconstituents on the overall mechanical behavior, local strain analysis using digital image correlation analysis was carried out. Samples with two different compositions (varying cerium, magnesium and silicon) were processed at different solidification velocities in a Bridgman furnace. Sections of the directionally solidified samples were loaded under uniaxial compression to measure global and local strain behavior. Despite the variability of the microstructure, the stress–strain curves obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) were found to react in a well-controlled way to changes in solidification velocity. It was observed that high-strain failure (greater than 15%) was accompanied by local straining of the softer ferritic phase, but during low-strain failure, local straining was not prominent. Higher nodularities, due to higher solidification velocities, raised the compressive strength without affecting the toughness significantly. Higher percentages of carbides led to higher compressive strengths with corresponding losses in ductility. The continuity of the matrix was also found to play an important role in the behavior during compression.

ductile failure↗

IGES transformer and NURBS in grid generation

In the field of Grid Generation and the CAD/CAM, there are numerous geometry output formats which require the designer to spend a great deal of time manipulating geometrical entities in order to achieve a useful sculptured geometrical description for grid generation. Also in this process, there is a danger of losing fidelity of the geometry under consideration. This stresses the importance of a standard geometry definition for the communication link between varying CAD/CAM and grid system. The IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) file is a widely used communication between CAD/CAM and the analysis tools. The scientists at NASA Research Centers - including NASA Ames, NASA Langley, NASA Lewis, NASA Marshall - have recognized this importance and, therefore, in 1992 they formed the committee of the 'NASA-IGES' which is the subset of the standard IGES. This committee stresses the importance and encourages the CFD community to use the standard IGES file for the interface between the CAD/CAM and CFD analysis. Also, two of the IGES entities -- the NURBS Curve (Entity 126) and NURBS Surface (Entity 128) -- which have many useful geometric properties -- like the convex hull property, local control property and affine invariance, also widely utilized analytical geometries can be accurately represented using NURBS. This is important in today grid generation tools because of the emphasis of the interactive design. To satisfy the geometry transformation between the CAD/CAM system and Grid Generation field, the CAGI (Computer Aided Geometry Design) developed, which include the Geometry Transformation, Geometry Manipulation and Geometry Generation as well as the user interface. This paper will present the successful development IGES file transformer and application of NURBS definition in the grid generation.

Yu, Tzu-Yi↗

Fractional magnetic charges and channeling of Faraday lines by disclinations in artificial spin ice

We have studied the magnetic moments of artificial spin ice arrays of nanomagnets in both undistorted square arrays and in arrays with a topological defect induced by a single disclination. We confirm that the disclination induces global, macroscopic changes in the low-energy collective states of the nanomagnet moment configuration. Specifically, the disclination leads to Faraday lines of effective magnetic flux that run from the center all the way to the edge of the arrays. Moreover, the geometric deformation, induced by the topological defect, curves the geometry such that these Faraday lines are channeled preferentially by the arrays’ curved geometry. Our results demonstrate how the intentional combination of topology and geometry can be designed to control magnetic charges and the flow of local magnetization and thus manipulate associated collective excitations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Detecting isolated resonance curves using fixed frequency voltage control tests

Isolated resonance curves, or isolas, are resonance branches of the harmonically forced system that exist separately from the main nonlinear forced response curve, leading to excessive vibrations. Traditional stepped or swept sine simulations and tests rely on continuation along the frequency parameter, typically resulting in a jump phenomenon along the primary resonance branch, prior to the disconnected isola. The main objective of this research is to propose an approach to identify isolated resonance curves by performing continuation along the input amplitude that initializes the response from a low-amplitude solution in the linear regime. Furthermore, this is achieved with the open-loop fixed frequency voltage control method that continues along the shaker voltage parameter and measures the so-called S-curves, which are theoretically a continuous solution branch that connect to the isola. The methodology is demonstrated on a fixture-wing-pylon assembly with a vibro-impact nonlinearity localized in a pylon subcomponent attachment. Multi-harmonic balance simulations are deployed to compute both the nonlinear forced response curves and S-curves to demonstrate the isola detection strategy on a reduced-order finite element model of the nonlinear system. Swept sine and fixed frequency voltage control tests are then conducted on the physical structure to demonstrate the isola detection experimentally, revealing the existence of the large amplitude vibrations that are undetected in the forces levels and frequencies measured with traditional frequency sweeping.

Characterization and Analytical Technique↗

High level continuity for coordinate generation with precise controls

Coordinate generation techniques with precise local controls have been derived and analyzed for continuity requirements up to both the first and second derivatives, and have been projected to higher level continuity requirements from the established pattern. The desired local control precision was obtained when a family of coordinate surfaces could be uniformly distributed without a consequent creation of flat spots on the coordinate curves transverse to the family. Relative to the uniform distribution, the family could be redistributed from an a priori distribution function or from a solution adaptive approach, both without distortion from the underlying transformation which may be independently chosen to fit a nontrivial geometry and topology.

Eiseman, P. R.↗

Shock-induced melting and shear banding in single-crystal NaCl

Radiative color temperatures were measured in single-crystal sodium chloride under shock compression parallel to 100-line orientation over a pressure range from 20 to 35 GPa. Color temperatures from 2500 to 4500 K and emittances from 0.003 to 0.3 were determined by fitting observed spectra (450-850 nm) to the Planck greybody radiation law. These data support a heterogeneous shock deformation model of shocked halite in this pressure range. A 2500-K temperature rise, of unknown origin, is observed over the B1-B2 mixed phase region from 25 to 30 GPa. Assuming that shock deformation occurs via yielding in localized planar zones which become melt and the melting temperature at high pressure controls the temperature, it is inferred that the temperature of the B2 fusion curve from 30 to 35 GPa rises from 3200 to 3300 K. The B1-B2-liquid triple point is predicted to be at a temperature of 2250 K and 23.5 GPa.

Schmitt, Douglas R.↗

Ripple-Type Voltage Control for Extreme-Event Contingencies: Preprint

Frequent and intense extreme events make grid operation unprecedentedly challenging. Disruptive events could lead to dangerous voltage drops and even voltage collapse if corrective actions are not quickly taken. In this paper, we present a real-time algorithm for voltage control suitable for mitigating electric grid damage scenarios. In our strategy, when agents (generators, substations) experience a dangerous undervoltage, they first respond locally. When the local control resources are depleted, agents seek assistance from peer nodes over a communication network. The algorithm is simulated on a realistic test transmission system. Using fragility curve methodology, we simulate hurricane damages to the components of the synthetic 2000-bus grid representing the ERCOT system. Although being tested over a damaged grid after a hurricane event, our algorithm can be equally successfully applied to any other emergency low-voltage situation.

extreme weather events↗

Ground-based microwave remote sensing of water vapor in the mesosphere and stratosphere

A ground-based, portable microwave radiometer that will be used to measure water vapor in the 30-80-km altitude region, and is to operate 24 hr a day, is described. The thermally excited 22.235-GHz rotational-transition line of water vapor is employed. The emission from this region produces a signal with an apparent brightness temperature of the order 0.1 to 0.5 K. A steerable reflector is used to provide optimal viewing angles, depending on the geographic location and season. Periodic tipping curve scans by this reflector permit determination of the amount of tropospheric correction that is applied to the data. All local oscillators in the receiver are crystal-controlled so that narrow-band spectral analysis of the received line shape can be performed.

Croskey, Charles L.↗