This paper illustrates how virtual reality (VR) techniques can be used in electric power systems visualization and how this can increase effectiveness of vocational training in field of power industry. The content of this article is based on a project oriented to specialized staff members, dealing with maintenance, repairs and diagnostics of complex machines such transformers and generators. Introducing a scheme that integrates VR technologies to electrical machines and equipment provides an efficient tool for implementing operator training methods. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization brings a new ways of knowledge transfer and education regarding complex equipment.

The power system is changing towards a decarbonized one. The Kyoto protocol and the Paris climate agreement have prompted many nations to approve energy policies based on volatile renewable energy sources (RESs). However, the integration into the grid of the power generated by RESs as well as the electrification of the heating, gas and transportation sectors is becoming a huge challenge. Planning industrial and tertiary sites as net-zero energy systems (NZESs) might contribute to advance the solutions of fully integrating volatile RESs into the power system. This study aims to point out the importance of planning large energy consumer sites such as NZESs, and to depict a holistic modeling approach for this. The methodology is based on a multi-layer approach, which focuses on on-site power generation by RESs, on the improvement of energy efficiency, and on the increase of system flexibility. A qualitative case study has been conducted. It considers the planning of a Net-Zero Energy Data Center located in Germany. Results point out that new interdisciplinary and in particular social analysis methods are necessary. They might be used for accelerating the decision making process during the planning of RES-based on-site power generation systems. Besides, for computation and cooling systems, new technologies that are continuously emerging in the market should be taken into account. If well designed, they contribute to significantly decrease the whole energy demand of data center. Finally, optimal sizing of energy storage systems (electric and thermal) as well as an expedient choice of performance indicators to evaluate technology options are identified as the key factor for decreasing the external energy demand of tertiary sites, such as data center.

In this this paper, the optimal sizing of electric and thermal storage is applied to the novel definition of a net zero multi energy system (NZEMS). A NZMES is based on producing electricity exclusively from renewable energy sources (RES) and converting it into other energy forms to satisfy multiple energy needs of a community. Due to the intermittent nature of RES, storage resources are needed to increase the self-sufficiency of the system. Possible storage sizing choices are examined considering, on an annual basis, the solution of a predictive control problem aimed at optimizing daily operation. For each day of the year, a predictive control problem is formulated and solved, aimed at minimizing operating costs. Electric, thermal, and (electric) transportation daily curves and expected RES production are assessed by means of a model that includes environmental parameters. Test results, based on the energy model of a small rural village, show expected technical-economic performance of different planning solutions, highlighting how the renewable energy mix influences the choice of both thermal and electric storage, and how self-sufficiency can affect the overall cost of energy.

The number of large energy storage units installed in the power system has increased over the last few years. This fact remains closely linked to the increase in the share of renewable energy in electricity generation. This is necessary to maintain the stability of the grid, which is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain due to the growing number of renewable energy sources (RES). Energy production from these sources is difficult to estimate, and possible unplanned shortages and surpluses in production are the cause of voltage and frequency fluctuations, which is an undesirable state. Consequently, the use of energy storage not only contributes to the regulation of grid operation but can also, under appropriate conditions, constitute an additional load if too much energy is generated by RES, or the source when the generation from RES is insufficient. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: A presentation of practical results achieved by implementing two optimal control strategies for a 1 MW (0.5 MWh) battery energy storage (BES) cooperating with a large 144 MW photovoltaic farm. In the first case, the BES was used to generate curtailment at photovoltaic farm to avoid power grid overload. The second case focuses on maximizing profits from selling the energy produced in periods when the unit price for energy was the highest according to energy market forecasts. In both cases, the storage was used simultaneously to cover the producer’s own demand, which eliminated the costs associated with the purchase of energy from the operator, especially during the night supply. A technical and economic evaluation was prepared for both cases, considering the real profits from the investment. The potential of using the BES to increase the functionality of photovoltaic energy sources was determined and discussed in the paper.

In recent years, the increased distributed generation (DG) capacity in electric distribution systems has been observed. Therefore, it is necessary to research existing structures of distribution networks as well as to develop new (future) system structures. There are many works on the reliability of distribution systems with installed DG sources. This paper deals with a reliability analysis for both present and future medium voltage (MV) electric distribution system structures. The impact of DG technology used and energy source location on the power supply reliability has been analyzed. The reliability models of electrical power devices, conventional and renewable energy sources as well as information and communications technology (ICT) components have been proposed. Main contribution of this paper are the results of performed calculations, which have been analyzed for specific system structures (two typical present network structures and two future network structures), using detailed information on DG types, their locations and power capacities, as well as distribution system automation applied (automatic stand-by switching on—ASS and automatic power restoration—APR). The reliability of the smart grid consisting of the distribution network and the coupled communications network was simulated and assessed. The observations and conclusions based on calculation results have been made. More detailed modeling and consideration of system automation of distribution grids with DG units coupled with the communication systems allows the design and application of more reliable MV network structures.

Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT wydaje czasopisma fachowe informujące swoich czytelników o najnowszych osiągnięciach naukowych i nowoczesnych rozwiązaniach technicznych w Polsce i na świecie, popularyzuje problemy techniczne oraz poszerza wiedzę i kulturę techniczną.