The health of the hydroelectric generator determines the safe, stable, and reliable operation of the hydropower station. In order to keep the hydroelectric generator in a better state of health and avoid accidents, it is crucial to detect its faults. In recent years, fault detection methods based on sound and vibration signals have gradually become research hotspots due to their high sensitivity, achievable continuous dynamic monitoring, and easy adaptation to complex environments. Therefore, this paper is a supplement to the existing state monitoring and fault diagnosis system of the hydroelectric generator; it divides the hydroelectric generator into two significant parts: hydro-generator and hydro-turbine, and summarizes the research and application of fault detect technology based on sound signal vibration in hydroelectric generator and introduces some new technology developments in recent years, and puts forward the existing problems in the current research and future development... [more]

Deeply buried sandstones in the Jurassic, Toutunhe Formation, are a crucial exploration target in the Junggar Basin, NW China, whereas, reservoir-forming process of sandstones in the Toutunhe Formation remain unknown. Focused on the tight sandstone of the Toutunhe Formation, the impacts of diagenesis and hydrocarbon charging on sandstone reservoir-forming process were clarified based on the comprehensive analysis of sedimentary characteristics, petrography, petrophysical characteristics, and fluid inclusion analysis. Three diagenetic facies developed in the Toutunhe sandstone reservoirs, including carbonate cemented facies (CCF), matrix-caused tightly compacted facies (MTCF), and weakly diagenetic reformed facies (WDF). Except the WDF, the CCF and the MTCF entered the tight state in 18 Ma and 9 Ma, respectively. There was only one hydrocarbon emplacing event in sandstone reservoir of the Toutunhe Formation, charging in 13 Ma to 8 Ma. Meanwhile, the source rock started to expel hydrocar... [more]

The application of secondary NOx control methods in medium to low-capacity furnaces is a relatively new topic on the energy market and thus requires further research. In this paper, the results of full-scale research of SNCR and hybrid SNCR + SCR methods applied into a 29 MWth solid fuel fired stoker boiler is presented. The tests were performed for a full range of boiler loads, from 33% (12 MWth) to 103% (30 MWth) of nominal load. A novel SNCR + SCR hybrid process was demonstrated based on an enhanced in-furnace SNCR installation coupled with TiO2-WO3-V2O5 catalyst, which provides extra NOx reduction and works as an excess NH3 “catcher” as well. The performance of a brand-new catalyst was evaluated in comparison to a recovered one. The emission of NOx was reduced below 180 mg NOx/Nm3 at 6% O2, with ammonia slip in flue gas below 10 mg/Nm3. Special attention was paid to the analysis of ammonia slip in combustion products: flue gas and fly ash. An innovative and cost-effective method of... [more]

This paper presents a new method of inter-turn short-circuit detection in cage induction motors. The method is based on experimental data recorded during load changes. Measured signals were analyzed using a genetic algorithm. This algorithm was next used in the diagnostics procedure. The correctness of fault detection was verified during experimental tests for various configurations of inter-turn short-circuits. The tests were run for several relevant diagnostic signals that contain symptoms of faults in an examined cage induction motor. The proposed algorithm of inter-turn short-circuit detection for various levels of winding damage and for various loads of the examined motor allows one to state the usefulness of this diagnostic method in normal industry conditions of motor exploitation.

The three-area power system is widely considered a suitable example to test load frequency control of the distributed generation system. In this article, for such a system, for the power stabilization task, we introduce two controllers: Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), which is model-based, and Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC), which is data-based. The purpose is to compare the two approaches from the point of view of (i) ease of implementation and tuning, and (ii) robustness to changes in the model. The model, together with controls strategies, has been implemented in the MATLAB software. Then, it has been tested for different simulation scenarios, taking into account the disturbances and faulty tie-lines between areas. Various quality measures allow to compare the performance of each control strategy. The comparison in terms of parameter change and load disturbances prompt us to propose suitable metrics and advice notes on the application of each controller.

It is imperative to find new places other than Earth for the survival of human beings. Mars could be the alternative to Earth in the future for us to live. In this context, many missions have been performed to examine the planet Mars. For such missions, planetary precision landing is a major challenge for the precise landing on Mars. Mars landing consists of different phases (hypersonic entry, parachute descent, terminal descent comprising gravity turn, and powered descent). However, the focus of this work is the powered descent phase of landing. Firstly, the main objective of this study is to minimize the landing error during the powered descend landing phase. The second objective involves constrained optimization in a predictive control framework for landing at non-cooperative sites. Different control algorithms like PID and LQR have been developed for the stated problem; however, the predictive control algorithm with constraint handling’s ability has not been explored much. This res... [more]

The publication presents the results of a field test of 2−4 min releases of 96% LNG from a road tanker designed to carry the gas. The release was performed at a pressure of 5.9−6.1 atm at a discharge rate of 1.67−1.78 kg/s from a height of 0.75 m under class B conditions of atmospheric stability. Comparison of the obtained experimental results of the maximum concentrations and the simulation carried out with the EFFECS (11.2.0) software showed that the Gaussian gas model better describes the gas cloud propagation at most control points at this release intensity than the dense gas model. The dense gas model gave only slightly better results along the cloud propagation axis at close distances, not exceeding 25/30 m at ground level. It is shown that concentrations between 71% and 110% LEL are observed at the cloud visibility limit. The maximum value of the temperature drop, in the release axis, at a distance of 4 m amounts to ∆Tmax = 93.3 °C. This indicates that the cloud of the released... [more]

This paper proposes a new estimation algorithm based on the Luenberger observer methodology and multilayer concept. The proposed multi-layer Luenberger observer (MLO) is implemented in the control structure designated for a two-mass system. Two types of aggregation mechanism are evaluated in the paper. The MLO ensures better estimation quality of the mechanical state variables: motor speed, shaft torque, load speed and load torque, as compared to the classical single observer. The more accurate estimated states, the more precise closed-loop control is guaranteed. MLO is designated for the system where initial conditions of the plant are not known or the state variables can change rapidly (load torque in the considered case). The estimation algorithm and control strategy is evaluated through simulation and experimental tests. The obtained results confirm efficiency of the proposed MLO.

Condition monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics are key factors in today’s competitive industrial sector. Equipment digitalisation has increased the amount of available data throughout the industrial process, and the development of new and more advanced techniques has significantly improved the performance of industrial machines. This publication focuses on surveying the last decade of evolution of condition monitoring, diagnostic, and prognostic techniques using machine-learning (ML)-based models for the improvement of the operational performance of gas turbines. A comprehensive review of the literature led to a performance assessment of ML models and their applications to gas turbines, as well as a discussion of the major challenges and opportunities for the research on these kind of engines. This paper further concludes that the combination of the available information captured through the collectors and the ML techniques shows promising results in increasing the accuracy, robust... [more]

This paper proposes an enhanced control strategy for mitigating state-transition oscillations in active and reactive power responses of self-synchronized converter system to secure the islanded power system stability. The self-synchronized converter is well known for “grid-forming” that is able to operate to stand-alone mode (SAM) providing grid voltage and frequency without phase synchronization units. Although the grid-forming (GFM) is self-synchronized, the inherent synchronization principle causes system degradation in which should maintain a point of common coupling (PCC) voltage for critical loads as well as transitions from grid-connected mode (GCM) to SAM and vice versa. Therefore, this paper focuses on resolving the inherent oscillatory issues in GFM self-synchronized converter system (especially adopted ‘synchronverter’ principle), and proposes a control strategy for controllability improvement based on stability analysis for smooth state-transition under islanded power syste... [more]

This paper is a research article for finding the optimal control of smart power substations for improving the network parameters and reliability. The included papers are the most essential and main studies in the field, which propose a different approach to reach the best performance in electrical power systems. The parameters for improvement are the ability for tracking of the reference signal, stabilizing the system, reducing the error in steady state and controlling the behavior in transient state. The research focuses with the reaching a better transient stability considering voltage and frequency dynamic parameters. The optimal model for the control is focused on minimizing energy consumption but maintaining the controllable parameters, exploring some optimization techniques to find the optimal control, with of aim of minimizing the response time, the energy consumption, and maximizing the reliability by means of improving the controller to be more robust.

An active power filter based on a three-level neutral point clamped T-type converter with LCL input filter is presented in the paper. The main goal of the paper is the analysis of a control system that ensures independent control of a current in each phase. The presented control method of the filter allows reactive power compensation and/or a higher harmonics reduction to be achieved in each phase independently, with the possibility of control tan (φ) coefficient. This allows the power flow between the phases to be minimalized and reduces the RMS values of filter currents without the need to balance grid currents. The analysis presents the possibility of an operation in different modes, which was verified by experimental results. The results have been obtained in a 20 ARMS laboratory system described in the paper. The results reveal relatively low power losses, which are a feature of the selected three-level T-type topology. Additionally, that topology, when compared to a two-level one... [more]

This article focuses on the possibility of using an innovative drilling method for the implementation of underground works, especially where there is no physical possibility of using large working machines. Work on a model carried out under the INDIRES project is discussed. A design of a drilling tool equipped with the proposed technology is presented. The solution in question makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the drilling process, which is confirmed by computer simulations. Also, introductory tests of a drilling process supported by torsional vibration generated by an electromagnetic torque generator provided in the KOMAG laboratory facility show the reduction of the drilling time by almost two-fold. In our opinion, adding torsional vibration acting on the plane of a drilled wall that equals natural frequencies of the drilled material represents a promising new technology for drilling. The presented work constitutes the basis for the development of the proposed technolog... [more]

With the increasing use of renewable energy, the energy flexibility of buildings becomes increasingly important regarding grid support. Therefore, there is a need to describe this flexibility in a concise manner. For the characterization of building energy flexibility, flexibility factors can be used. The comparison of a selection of existing flexibility factors shows that they are not easy to use or understand for designers and users. A simplification is necessary. The aim of this study is to introduce a flexibility classification that is easy to understand and shows in an easy way if a building already uses the lowest energy cost level or if further improvement is possible. The classification expresses the annual energy costs in colored classes: green (class A) for lowest up to red (class D) for highest level. Basically, the flexibility classes can be derived for any metric of interest, in this paper examples are shown for energy costs and CO2eq emissions. The results given are based... [more]

This article presents studies related to the driving and control of the switched reluctance generator in order to enhance its efficiency. This type of electrical machine is an option for wind energy conversion systems, favoring the generation of electricity in distributed generation systems and contributing positively to loads without access to the main grid. The studies developed in this paper verify the possibility of controlling the output voltage of the switched reluctance generator in parallel with an efficiency tracking technique acting on the switching angles of the power converter. Simulation and experimental results are presented in order to verify the feasibility of implementing this technique to enhance the efficiency of the generator.

The main objective of this article is to test the relationship between the intensity of CO2 emissions and company’s cost of debt capital. This study fills a gap in the financial literature on this compound by examining a sample of 225 large nonfinancial enterprises operating in 15 EU countries in the years 2018−2021. The fractional logit regression controlling for company’s characteristics (assets, profitability, liquidity and leverage) was used. The results show that by reducing the intensity of CO2 emissions, a company can reduce the cost of debt. This relationship was confirmed for three measures of intensity, i.e., CO2 emissions in relation to revenues, assets and number of employees. Markets and financial institutions impose an additional risk premium in relation to companies operating in an industry considered to be comprised of strong CO2 emitters. The use of the latest data for a wide sample of European enterprises provides an up-to-date assessment of the analyzed issues and th... [more]

Continuous work on a new generation of actuators, referred to as artificial muscles, resulted in the initiation of work on electrostatic zipping actuators, the concept of which is derived from micro electro-mechanical devices. Despite partial knowledge of their basic operating parameters, a question remains whether electrostatic zipping actuators are able to meet the expectations in the context of generated forces and control possibilities. In order to get closer to the answer to this question, the authors of this work created a solution method using FEM, which allowed them to conduct a series of concentric contraction tests of the desired solution. In addition to the basic features of the actuators tested, such as their length, thickness and width, for the first time the size of the weld surface, to which the loading force was applied, was taken into account. The results of the investigations show the possibility of adjusting the supply voltage range to the application requirements, b... [more]

The current state of the art shows that unbalance and distortion on the voltage waveforms at the terminals of a grid-connected inverter disturb its output currents. This paper compares AC linear current regulators for three-phase three-wire voltage source converters with three different reference frames, namely: (1) natural (abc), (2) orthogonal stationary (αβ), and (3) orthogonal synchronous (dq). The quantitative comparison analysis is based on mathematical models of grid disturbances using the impedance-based analysis, the computational effort assessment, as well as the steady-state and transient performance evaluation based on experimental results. The control scheme devised in the dq-frame has the highest computational effort and inferior performance under negative-sequence voltage disturbances, whereas it shows superior performance under positive-sequence voltages among the reference frames evaluated. In contrast, the stationary natural frame abc has the lowest computational effo... [more]

An airborne wind energy system (AWES) can harvest stronger wind streams at higher altitudes which are not accessible to conventional wind turbines. The operation of AWES requires a controller for the tethered aircraft/kite module (KM), as well as a controller for the ground station module (GSM). The literature regarding the control of AWES mostly focuses on the trajectory tracking of the KM. However, an advanced control of the GSM is also key to the successful operation of an AWES. In this paper we propose a cascaded control strategy for the GSM of an AWES during the traction or power generation phase. The GSM comprises a winch and a three-phase induction machine (IM), which acts as a generator. In the outer control-loop, an integral sliding mode control (SMC) algorithm is designed to keep the winch velocity at the prescribed level. A detailed stability analysis is also presented for the existence of the SMC for the perturbed winch system. The rotor flux-based field oriented control (R... [more]

Our research aims to achieve dual-positive effects in the presented study by raising photovoltaic (PV) panels over the water surface. With this, target experiments were primarily conducted to evaluate the efficiency increments of the PV panel while reducing its operating temperature through passive convective cooling obtained by raising it over water. The following objective was to estimate the reduction in water evaporation due to the shading effect induced by the panel placed inside the same basin. The performance of two PV panels was analyzed, one used for tests, the other as a reference. The characteristic curves were determined under the local environmental conditions of Cagliari, Italy. The true temperature reduction and efficiency gain calculations of panel P1 due to water cooling was achieved via the measured temperatures and calculated efficiencies of panel P2 at environmental conditions. The water height inside the basin was constantly monitored and maintained at approximatel... [more]

Natural gas hydrate is one of the most important clean energies and part of carbon cycle, due to the least carbon content. Natural gas hydrates depend on high pressure and low temperatures, located under seabed or permafrost. Small changes in temperature and pressure may lead gas hydrates to separate into water and gas, commonly as methane. As a powerful greenhouse gas, methane is much stronger than carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the gas hydrates stable zone (GHSZ) before the methane gas escapes from GHSZ. Marine controlled source electromagnetic method (CSEM) is a useful tool to detect gas hydrate in offshore. The results from 3D CSEM method are a resistivity cube to describe the distribution of gas hydrates. In order to study the detectability of CSEM method, we simulate the sensitivity and resolution of marine CSEM synthetic data. By using the sensitivity and resolution, a simple statement may be quickly judged on the existence and occurrence range of the natur... [more]

This work aims to explore and evaluate the nonreversible AC/DC five-level structure from the point of view of its operational safety: high electrical security on internal destruction and continuity in operation. It only has low-voltage monotransistor cells (Si and SiC 600 V max) and is intrinsically tolerant to imperfection control and parasites, therefore naturally secure. The design and lab-test of fault monitoring and fault diagnosis with just one voltage sensor of a single-phase five-level VIENNA rectifier were proposed. This real-time diagnostic method allows for a safe stop or corrective control strategy based on the reconfiguration of the modulation. The reconstruction strategy allows for optimization of the current and voltage signals as well as power factor. A continuous post-fault operation can be achieved for critical applications. An experimental prototype 3 kW/230 VAC/800 VDC/32 kHz was created to validate the proposed fault diagnosis method and reconfiguration control met... [more]

The true bipolar modular multilevel converter-based multi-terminal direct current (MMC-MTDC) DC transmission line is prone to single-pole grounding fault, which may cause overload and overcurrent of the non-fault DC line with fault poles, resulting in system protection misoperation and system collapse. Therefore, the power transfer control strategy should be adopted to improve system stability. In addition, considering that the commutator stations of true bipolar MMC-MTDC system may have unipolar faults, it is necessary to adopt the control strategy of inter-pole power transfer or inter-station power transfer to improve the transmission capacity of the system under fault conditions. In this paper, a power transfer control strategy is proposed, which is widely applicable to MMC-MTDC system. In the case of line fault, the power transfer takes into account the line power margin and the power margin of converter station. The inter-pole power transfer is better than the inter-station power... [more]

More degrees of freedom not only enable multiphase drives to be fault-tolerant but also allow non-sinusoidal electromotive forces (NS-EMFs) in high-quality vector control. NS-EMFs lead to lower costs of design and manufacturing of electrical machines. However, the presence of multi-harmonics in NS-EMFs possibly generates pulsating torque in both healthy and faulty conditions of multiphase drives. To facilitate the use of NS-EMFs, this two-part study proposes control schemes to adaptively improve torque quality of multiphase drives in dealing with multi-harmonics of NS-EMFs. The proposed schemes are based on a simple but effective type of artificial intelligence, Adaptive Linear Neuron (Adaline). The knowledge of multiphase drives including the harmonic ranks of NS-EMFs and the rotor position is exploited to design the online-trained optimal Adalines. The first part of this study is to propose a control scheme using an Adaline for healthy mode with high-quality torque regardless of nume... [more]

As a rotational speed controller, a hydro-viscous clutch (HVC) is usually used in the constant pressure water supply system to maintain the needed water pressure constant. However, when the hydro-viscous clutch is working, it often suffers from the problem of output rotational speed fluctuation since the spool of proportional relief valve can easily get stuck. Consequently, water pressure will fluctuate too. A special pump control system of HVC was proposed based on the Fuzzy-PID controller for the purpose of reducing the fluctuation rate. The MATLAB simulation was carried out according to the mathematical model and the results show that the Fuzzy-PID control strategy is superior to traditional PID control. The corresponding experiment was performed and the result indicate that through applying the Fuzzy-PID controller based pump control system, the rotational output speed fluctuation of HVC can be inhibited from ±60π to ±6π rad/min, and the water pressure fluctuation is dropped from ±... [more]