Research Work/Projects

Performance Improvement of Modern Distribution System

Description : The distribution system consists of significant portion of total investments in the power system. Since, the distribution system operates at lower voltage; the losses are usually high in this part as compared to other parts of the power systems. Hence, the distribution system is an important part of power system and in order to provide better service to consumers, it requires careful control and planning. The control functions are related to transformer tap changes, switching capacitors, reconfiguration and distributed generators (DGs) placement. Whereas planning studies relates to distribution expansions, reactive resource installations etc. The robustness of distribution system operations can be achieved by the effective and efficient implementation of these functions. The focus of this thesis is to serve this need by developing some new algorithms, advancements and modifications.

Short Summary of the Work Done

  • Developed new voltage stability indices and their use in the look ahead approach for loadability enhancement of unbalanced distribution networks.
  • Developed an efficient algorithm to solve the reconfiguration problem for loadability enhancement in balanced and unbalanced distribution system without and with DG.
  • Developed an effective and efficient algorithm for distribution system reconfiguration for cost minimization, when the distribution system is fed from multiple feeders or various types of generating stations owned by various agencies; because in such case, the loss minimization type formulation of distribution system reconfiguration, will not be feasible.
  • Developed an optimal reconfiguration algorithm in an uncertain environment, considering the uncertainty associated with sudden change in renewable power generation and uncertainties in forecasted data for load and renewable generation. Moreover, the configured network should ensure that the configuration is valid for each instant in between a time interval.
  • Developed an efficient algorithm for optimal sizing and siting of distributed generators in distribution networks to enhance the voltage stability and minimization of losses; while, considering the seasonal load and PV generation patterns with uncertainties.

Risk and Resilience of Indian Power Grid under Changing Climate.

Description : Change in climate are expected to affect the power sector due to variations in water availability, fluctuations in water temperature and extremes in summer and winter temperatures. Adverse impacts on India, the 3rd largest producer and 4th largest consumer of electricity, are already visible. As, Indian power sector is heavily depended on thermal and hydro plants, therefore, the water and energy supply linkage in India, considering climate change/variability are need to be explored. This work integrates water, power generation and climate. A detailed thermal-electric/hydro power model with uncertainty quantification, is needed to translate the future climate/hydrologic change to power sector demands.

Distribution System Reconfiguration with Clustering Based Demand Response.

Description : The first objective is to identify the potential customers for Demand Response (DR). Than the effective reconfiguration of unbalanced distribution system will be done with clustering based DR.

Electric Vehicles in Smart Distribution Systems.

Description : Electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly help smart cities to become greener by reducing emissions of the transportation sector and play an important role in green smart cities. The data collected from EVs can be analysed and they can be used to evaluating the capacity of electric distribution systems to handle extra charging loads, develop policies for siting charging stations, developing smart charging algorithms, and finally, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) opportunities. In the proposed work, the objective is to minimize the total cost paid by the EVs. Moreover, the EVs are modelled in both, V2G and G2V (bidirectional interaction) to extract the maximum benefit.

Modeling and Simulation of Micro-turbine Generation System.

Description : A MATLAB/Simulink based model of Micro-Turbine Generation System has been developed in the field of Power System. The main contribution of this work is the development of a MTGs model and the use of the model as Distributed Generation in stand-alone and grid connected system.

Transmission Network Expansion Planning in a Deregulated Environment.

Description : A software-based model for Transmission Network Expansion Planning in a Deregulated Environment Using AC Model has been developed. The main contribution of this work is the development of a GA based procedure using AC model and the application of proposed method to TNEP problem.

Micro-controller Based Elevator System with Instant Battery Backup.

A working model of Over Current Relay: Use of the over current relay to avoid overloading at sub-stations.