Hydro-Québec

About: Hydro-Québec is a government organization based out in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Electric power system & Dielectric. The organization has 2596 authors who have published 4433 publications receiving 100878 citations.

Power quality indices and objectives. Ongoing activities in CIGRE WG 36-07

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of the ongoing activities in CIGRE WG36-07: "Power quality indices and objectives". It introduces the considerations supporting the need for power quality indices and objectives in the present context of deregulation of the electricity industry. Experts generally agree on the need for standardized quality indices allowing to monitor and to report power quality in a common format. However, concerning quality objectives the need is more likely for different levels of quality that can match customers expectations and the price they are wilting to pay for electricity. Some practical limitations to voltage quality monitoring are also discussed. The status of the work within the working group is described for harmonics, flicker, unbalance and voltage dips.

Model-based tuning approach for multi-band power system stabilisers PSS4B using an improved modal performance index

Abstract: Multi-band power system stabilisers (MB-PSSs) PSS4B (IEEE standard 421.5-2005) are advanced power system damping controllers that have evident advantages over conventional PSSs in damping low-frequency oscillatory modes. However, finding optimal settings for such controllers is challenging due to the increased complexity of the PSS4B structure. This study describes a methodology for MB-PSS parameter optimisation based on an improved modal performance index as a measure of the controller's stabilising effect. The tuning problem is formulated as a non-linear constrained optimisation search method: proposed modal performance index is chosen as an objective function to be minimised, while properly selected constraints ensure stability of the closed-loop system and robustness of the proposed design. The methodology is demonstrated on a benchmark system that is based on an existing network. Comparative analysis between the MB-PSSs with optimised settings and speed-based PSS1A-type stabilisers designed using the conventional methods show the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The implemented approach has an advantage of being scalable and suitable for the model-based tuning of feedback controller of general structure. Additionally, several performance metrics and non-linear simulations in the ElectroMagnetic Transient Program (EMTP) software confirm superior characteristics of PSS4B.

Testing and modelling of inductive superconducting fault current limiters

Abstract: Fault current limiters are expected to be amongst the first applications of high-temperature superconductors in power engineering. The use of the intrinsic property of a superconductor to transit from a zero (or near zero in the case of AC currents) resistance state to a highly resistive state when the critical current is exceeded is the basis for a fast acting fault current limiter. In this article, the authors report test results (43 kVA nominal power: 450 V RMS and 95 A RMS) and comparisons to theoretical simulations. Circuit analysis is used to study design issues and to extract the superconducting material's (BSCCO 2212) properties during the application of the short-circuit. EMTP simulation is employed to predict fault current limiter behaviour in the utility network in order to coordinate with other equipment.

Electrical heating reactor for gas phase reforming

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical reactor for reforming, in the presence of an oxidant gas, a gas comprising at least one hydrocarbon, and/or at least one organic compound, including carbon and hydrogen atoms as well as at least one heteroatom. Said reactor comprises: an enclosure, a reaction chamber provided with at least two electrodes comprising at least one conductive lining material electrically isolated from the metal wall of the enclosure, at least one supply of gas to be reformed, at least one oxidant gas supply, at least one outlet for the gases from the reforming and one electrical source for powering the electrodes and resulting in generation of an electronic flux in the conductive lining between the electrodes and in heating said lining.

Detection, localization and interpretation of partial discharge

Abstract: In order to detect, localize and interpret a partial discharge occurring in a partial discharge site along an electrical equipment, two measurement probes and a synchronization probe are installed along the electrical equipment. The measurement probes detect pulses travelling in the electrical equipment while the synchronization probe detects a phase angle in the electrical equipment and is usable for calibration purposes. A control unit receives the signals sensed by the probes and conditions them. Digital processings applied on the conditioned signals, involving their correlation, a time-frequency distribution and a form factor estimation, allows establishing a diagnosis indicating a detection of a partial discharge and its localization along the electrical equipment.