S.S. Venkata

Bio: S.S. Venkata is an academic researcher from University of Washington. The author has contributed to research in topics: AC power & Power-system protection. The author has an hindex of 27, co-authored 63 publications receiving 3295 citations.

Coordinated Charging of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles to Minimize Distribution System Losses

Abstract: As the number of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) increases, so might the impacts on the power system performance, such as overloading, reduced efficiency, power quality, and voltage regulation particularly at the distribution level. Coordinated charging of PHEVs is a possible solution to these problems. In this work, the relationship between feeder losses, load factor, and load variance is explored in the context of coordinated PHEV charging. From these relationships, three optimal charging algorithms are developed which minimize the impacts of PHEV charging on the connected distribution system. The application of the algorithms to two test systems verifies these relationships approximately hold independent of system topology. They also show the additional benefits of reduced computation time and problem convexity when using load factor or load variance as the objective function rather than system losses. This is important for real-time dispatching of PHEVs.

Microgrid Protection Using Communication-Assisted Digital Relays

Abstract: Microgrids have been proposed as a way of integrating large numbers of distributed renewable energy sources with distribution systems. One problem with microgrid implementation is designing a proper protection scheme. It has been shown that traditional protection schemes will not work successfully. In this paper a protection scheme using digital relays with a communication network is proposed for the protection of the microgrid system. The increased reliability of adding an additional line to form a loop structure is explored. Also a novel method for modeling high impedance faults is demonstrated to show how the protection scheme can protect against them. This protection scheme is simulated on a realistic distribution system containing a high penetration of inverter connected Distributed Generation (DG) sources operating as a microgrid. In all possible cases of operation the primary and secondary relays performed their intended functions including the detection of high impedance faults. This system is simulated using Matlab Simulink's SimPowerSystems toolbox to establish the claims made in this paper.

Computer Aided Transmission Protection System Design Part I: Alcorithms

Abstract: The role of a computer-aided-design tool in assisting protection engineers is defined. In the process, we identify three computational problems for which algorithms are not readily available: network analysis to find primary/backup relay pairs, setting directional overcurrent relays and setting distance relays. Suitable algorithms for each of these tasks are presented.

Distribution System Reliability Assessment Using Hierarchical Markov Modeling

Abstract: Distribution system reliability assessment is concerned with power availability and power quality at each customer's service entrance. This paper presents a new method, termed hierarchical Markov modeling (HMM), which can perform predictive distribution system reliability assessment. HMM is unique in that it decomposes the reliability model based on power system topology, integrated protection systems and individual protection devices. This structure, which easily accommodates the effects of backup protection, fault isolation and load restoration, is compared to simpler reliability models. HMM is then used to assess the reliability of an existing utility distribution system and to explore the reliability impact of several design improvement options.

Distribution system reliability assessment: momentary interruptions and storms

Abstract: The goal of distribution system reliability assessment is to predict the availability of power at each customer's service entrance. Existing methods predict the interruption frequency and duration each customer can expect, but omit two major contributing factors: momentary interruptions and storms. This paper presents methods to determine the impact of each phenomena. These methods are then used to assess the reliability of an existing utility distribution system and to explore the reliability impact of distribution automation.

Smart Grid — The New and Improved Power Grid: A Survey

Abstract: The Smart Grid, regarded as the next generation power grid, uses two-way flows of electricity and information to create a widely distributed automated energy delivery network. In this article, we survey the literature till 2011 on the enabling technologies for the Smart Grid. We explore three major systems, namely the smart infrastructure system, the smart management system, and the smart protection system. We also propose possible future directions in each system. colorred{Specifically, for the smart infrastructure system, we explore the smart energy subsystem, the smart information subsystem, and the smart communication subsystem.} For the smart management system, we explore various management objectives, such as improving energy efficiency, profiling demand, maximizing utility, reducing cost, and controlling emission. We also explore various management methods to achieve these objectives. For the smart protection system, we explore various failure protection mechanisms which improve the reliability of the Smart Grid, and explore the security and privacy issues in the Smart Grid.

A review of active filters for power quality improvement

Abstract: Active filtering of electric power has now become a mature technology for harmonic and reactive power compensation in two-wire (single phase), three-wire (three phase without neutral), and four-wire (three phase with neutral) AC power networks with nonlinear loads. This paper presents a comprehensive review of active filter (AF) configurations, control strategies, selection of components, other related economic and technical considerations, and their selection for specific applications. It is aimed at providing a broad perspective on the status of AF technology to researchers and application engineers dealing with power quality issues. A list of more than 200 research publications on the subject is also appended for a quick reference.

A review of induction motors signature analysis as a medium for faults detection

Abstract: This paper is intended as a tutorial overview of induction motors signature analysis as a medium for fault detection. The purpose is to introduce in a concise manner the fundamental theory, main results, and practical applications of motor signature analysis for the detection and the localization of abnormal electrical and mechanical conditions that indicate, or may lead to, a failure of induction motors. The paper is focused on the so-called motor current signature analysis which utilizes the results of spectral analysis of the stator current. The paper is purposefully written without "state-of-the-art" terminology for the benefit of practising engineers in facilities today who may not be familiar with signal processing.

Reliability Engineering and System Safety

Abstract: This paper presents a polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD) method for global sensitivity analysis of stochastic systems subject to independent random input following arbitrary probability distributions. The method involves Fourier-polynomial expansions of lower-variate component functions of a stochastic response by measure-consistent orthonormal polynomial bases, analytical formulae for calculating the global sensitivity indices in terms of the expansion coefficients, and dimension-reduction integration for estimating the expansion coefficients. Due to identical dimensional structures of PDD and analysis-of-variance decomposition, the proposed method facilitates simple and direct calculation of the global sensitivity indices. Numerical results of the global sensitivity indices computed for smooth systems reveal significantly higher convergence rates of the PDD approximation than those from existing methods, including polynomial chaos expansion, random balance design, state-dependent parameter, improved Sobol’s method, and sampling-based methods. However, for non-smooth functions, the convergence properties of the PDD solution deteriorate to a great extent, warranting further improvements. The computational complexity of the PDD method is polynomial, as opposed to exponential, thereby alleviating the curse of dimensionality to some extent. Mathematical modeling of complex systems often requires sensitivity analysis to determine how an output variable of interest is influenced by individual or subsets of input variables. A traditional local sensitivity analysis entails gradients or derivatives, often invoked in design optimization, describing changes in the model response due to the local variation of input. Depending on the model output, obtaining gradients or derivatives, if they exist, can be simple or difficult. In contrast, a global sensitivity analysis (GSA), increasingly becoming mainstream, characterizes how the global variation of input, due to its uncertainty, impacts the overall uncertain behavior of the model. In other words, GSA constitutes the study of how the output uncertainty from a mathematical model is divvied up, qualitatively or quantitatively, to distinct sources of input variation in the model [1].