Arvind Singh

Bio: Arvind Singh is an academic researcher from University of the West Indies. The author has contributed to research in topics: Transformer & Electric power system. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 35 publications receiving 263 citations. Previous affiliations of Arvind Singh include University of British Columbia & Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Apparatus for Online Power Transformer Winding Monitoring Using Bushing Tap Injection

Abstract: Online transformer condition monitoring techniques based on transfer function methods, such as transmission-line diagnostics and swept frequency-response analysis, require the injection of a known test signal into the transformer On larger power transformers, a practical method is to use the available bushing tap connection In this paper, we will discuss a custom high-power signal generator that injects high-frequency signals on the bushing tap of the transformer under investigation, as well as a circuit to replace the bushing tap short and allow online operation of the system Finally, the system is demonstrated on a 650 kV transformer

Decentralized Fuzzy $H_\infty$ -Iterative Learning LFC With Time-Varying Communication Delays and Parametric Uncertainties

Abstract: Load frequency control (LFC) continues to be a major problem in multi-area power systems, which is compounded by communication network issues and parametric uncertainties, that degrade controller performance. In this contribution, a fuzzy $H_\infty$ -iterative learning controller (FILC) is designed for decentralized LFC with little knowledge of the local power area's model and no knowledge of the external power areas’ models. Further to this, time-varying communication delays, parametric variations, large disturbances, and non-identical power system area parameters are considered. The FILC strategy comprises a fuzzy strategy that quickly rejects large disturbances and drives the error to a designed tolerable band where an iterative learning control technique that is proven to be asymptotically stable with a prescribed $H_\infty$ performance achieves zero-error convergence. The proposed FILC is compared with that of the well-known PI algorithm for a three-area power system. Results indicate that the FILC performs significantly better than the PI controller under practical combinations of network problems, overlapping large disturbances in multiple areas and parameter variations.

Improving Student Engagement in Teaching Electric Machines Through Blended Learning

Abstract: Contribution: This paper has demonstrated that the use of blended learning in an electrical machines course has increased student engagement, pass rate, and scores across the GPA spectrum. Background: Lack of engagement by students in electric machine courses have been reported across the world. Interventions however, usually take the form of laboratory and simulation assignments. There is little information on, however, the use of blended learning and flipped classroom techniques to combat these problems. Intended Outcomes: Increased engagement in the course evidenced by exam performance. In particular, for the transformer, dc motor, induction motor, and synchronous motor the students should be able to explain the construction and principle of operation, and compute voltages, currents and power for various operating conditions. Application Design: The approach involved online lectures, tutorial submissions, and peer feedback forums followed by face to face tutorial sessions. These were chosen because online activities would allow students to access material on devices with which they are accustomed to engaging deeply and because peer feedback has been shown to build community, and increase the quality of discourse for both students and lecturer. Findings: There was a significant improvement in exam performance when compared to previous years. The pass rate of the course moved from approximately 60% in previous years to 86%. The class average mark also increased from approximately 50% in previous years to 63%.

A Survey on Smart Grid CommunicationInfrastructures: Motivations, Requirements andChallenges

Abstract: A communication infrastructure is an essential part to the success of the emerging smart grid. A scalable and pervasive communication infrastructure is crucial in both construction and operation of a smart grid. In this paper, we present the background and motivation of communication infrastructures in smart grid systems. We also summarize major requirements that smart grid communications must meet. From the experience of several industrial trials on smart grid with communication infrastructures, we expect that the traditional carbon fuel based power plants can cooperate with emerging distributed renewable energy such as wind, solar, etc, to reduce the carbon fuel consumption and consequent green house gas such as carbon dioxide emission. The consumers can minimize their expense on energy by adjusting their intelligent home appliance operations to avoid the peak hours and utilize the renewable energy instead. We further explore the challenges for a communication infrastructure as the part of a complex smart grid system. Since a smart grid system might have over millions of consumers and devices, the demand of its reliability and security is extremely critical. Through a communication infrastructure, a smart grid can improve power reliability and quality to eliminate electricity blackout. Security is a challenging issue since the on-going smart grid systems facing increasing vulnerabilities as more and more automation, remote monitoring/controlling and supervision entities are interconnected.

Advanced transformer winding deformation diagnosis: moving from off-line to on-line

Abstract: On-line monitoring and diagnosis of transformers have been investigated and discussed significantly in last decade. This study has concentrated on issues arising while on-line transformer winding deformation diagnosis is going to be applied on transformers with various kinds of techniques. From technical perspective, before replacing off-line methods by on-line methods and eventually by intelligent approaches, practical challenges must be addressed and overcome. Hence, available off-line transformer winding deformation diagnosis methods are discussed precisely. Mathematical calculation in on-line short circuit impedance measurement is investigated. On-line transformer transfer function measurement setup is presented. A profound insight to the problems pertaining on-line transformer winding deformation recognition methods, characterizes existing online methods, explains the concepts behind online measurements and striving to open the discussion doors towards challenges are discussed. In the end a 400 MVA step up transformer has been taken as a case in order to clarify the capability of Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) method in fault detection while short circuit impedance could only demonstrate some rough understanding about transformer condition.

Delay-dependent robust load frequency control for time delay power systems

Abstract: Summary form only given. The usage of communication channels introduces time delays into load frequency control (LFC) schemes. Those delays may degrade dynamic performance, and even cause instability, of a closed-loop LFC scheme. In this paper, a delay-dependent robust method is proposed for analysis/synthesis of a PID-type LFC scheme considering time delays. The effect of the disturbance on the controlled output is defined as a robust performance index (RPI) of the closed-loop system. At first, for a preset delay upper bound, controller gains are determined by minimizing the RPI. Secondly, calculation of the RPIs of the closed-loop system under different delays provides a new way to assess robustness against delays and estimate delay margins. Case studies are based on three-area LFC schemes under traditional and deregulated environments, respectively. The results show that the PID-type controller obtained can guarantee the tolerance for delays less than the preset upper bound and provide a bigger delay margin than the existing controllers do. Moreover, its robustness against load variations and parameter uncertainties is verified via simulation studies.