Capacity Enhancement, Energy-Loss Reduction and Voltage Control for Remote Three-Phase Distribution Feeders Supplying Electrical Power to Single-Wire Earth-Return Systems. Long distribution feeders supplying electrical energy to Single-Wire Earth-Return (SWER) systems are unique sub-systems of the electric power network in Australia. The SWER systems are inherently unbalanced and use conductors with high resistance values resulting in high energy losses. The capital costs of these systems are hi ....Capacity Enhancement, Energy-Loss Reduction and Voltage Control for Remote Three-Phase Distribution Feeders Supplying Electrical Power to Single-Wire Earth-Return Systems. Long distribution feeders supplying electrical energy to Single-Wire Earth-Return (SWER) systems are unique sub-systems of the electric power network in Australia. The SWER systems are inherently unbalanced and use conductors with high resistance values resulting in high energy losses. The capital costs of these systems are high due to the low area density of loads and the systems are challenged by increasing loads. New methods will be developed for load balancing, controlling losses and improving the power quality. Comparisons will be made between the new technologies and the reconstruction or augmentation of the feeders. It is expected that substantial economic and greenhouse emission benefits will result.Read moreRead less
Power system composite load modeling. Load modelling remains an open problem (and probably the most important unsolved problem) for the power industry world wide and is a priority for the research community in Australia. Without reliable load models it is impossible to perform accurate power system security assessment, which may lead to power system blackouts causing billions of dollars and hinder national security. This project aims at developing a composite load model and tackles all the up-to ....Power system composite load modeling. Load modelling remains an open problem (and probably the most important unsolved problem) for the power industry world wide and is a priority for the research community in Australia. Without reliable load models it is impossible to perform accurate power system security assessment, which may lead to power system blackouts causing billions of dollars and hinder national security. This project aims at developing a composite load model and tackles all the up-to-date most challenging problems using existing resources and expertise. It will provide one of the most valuable tools for the Australian power industry.Read moreRead less
Optimal Control of Modular Multilevel Power Electronic Converter Systems for Electrical Distribution Networks. This project will improve the national capability to use multilevel power electronic converter systems to help operate and maintain more efficient electrical distribution networks. The outcomes of the project will also contribute to the implementation into electrical distribution systems of renewable and distributed energy generation systems, and hence will help to reduce greenhouse ga ....Optimal Control of Modular Multilevel Power Electronic Converter Systems for Electrical Distribution Networks. This project will improve the national capability to use multilevel power electronic converter systems to help operate and maintain more efficient electrical distribution networks. The outcomes of the project will also contribute to the implementation into electrical distribution systems of renewable and distributed energy generation systems, and hence will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it is anticipated that the control strategies to be investigated could lead to subsequent commercial developments with local industries. Finally, the project will foster and develop international links in power electronics between Monash University, and leading-edge international research groups in the area around the world.Read moreRead less
The development of new techniques for partial discharge monitoring and location in high voltage underground power cables. Increased utilization factors have caused a significant increase in the loading of high voltage distribution cables. This increased loading subjects cable insulation to increased stress which can degrade the insulation, cause cable failure and power loss to consumers. On-line cable insulation monitoring is required and partial discharge monitoring in cables provides a viable ....The development of new techniques for partial discharge monitoring and location in high voltage underground power cables. Increased utilization factors have caused a significant increase in the loading of high voltage distribution cables. This increased loading subjects cable insulation to increased stress which can degrade the insulation, cause cable failure and power loss to consumers. On-line cable insulation monitoring is required and partial discharge monitoring in cables provides a viable technique, but technical problems have prevented its application in on-line operation.
This project will develop techniques for such on-line monitoring. High frequency electrical sensors will be used to reduce interference and improve signal levels. Both a coarse alarm and a higher sensitivity monitor will be developed.
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Novel econometric techniques for modelling and forecasting electricity prices and price volatility in Australia. Price volatility, particularly price spikes, are of special importance to electricity retailers who, because of retail price regulation, cannot pass them onto final customers and end up bearing the price risk. While state governments may enter into compensation deals with retailers, it is of great interest to both parties to understand why and when these price surges occur and, once t ....Novel econometric techniques for modelling and forecasting electricity prices and price volatility in Australia. Price volatility, particularly price spikes, are of special importance to electricity retailers who, because of retail price regulation, cannot pass them onto final customers and end up bearing the price risk. While state governments may enter into compensation deals with retailers, it is of great interest to both parties to understand why and when these price surges occur and, once they have occurred, how long they will last. A better understanding of the electricity price process will enable more sophisticated plans and strategies to be put in place to hedge against unfavourable, unexpected or extreme price events.Read moreRead less
Frequency and Voltage Stabilisation in Grid-connected Wind Farms Using Pitch-controlled Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs). Australian power systems are well developed but currently stretched to their maximum capacity and often over loaded. Development of a pitch controlled doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind farm is a practical solution to extend the capacities of large interconnected power systems. This research ensures that Australian Power Systems are able to incorporate pitch-c ....Frequency and Voltage Stabilisation in Grid-connected Wind Farms Using Pitch-controlled Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs). Australian power systems are well developed but currently stretched to their maximum capacity and often over loaded. Development of a pitch controlled doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind farm is a practical solution to extend the capacities of large interconnected power systems. This research ensures that Australian Power Systems are able to incorporate pitch-controlled DFIG without sacrificing operational simplicity and flexibility. It allows large scale penetration of renewable wind power into the grid, thereby reducing huge amount of green house gas emissions and delay capital expenditure on critical national assets.Read moreRead less