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With the development of natural gas pipelines, the proportion of aged pipelines in service has been increasing, and corrosion remains a primary cause of pipeline failure. Regular inspections and reliability assessments are crucial to ensure the safe operation of pipelines. This study investigated an efficient reliability assessment method for corroded pipelines that considers in-line inspection intervals. First, this study compared the commonly used limit state equations for corrosion defects to select one suitable for X80-grade steel pipelines. Additionally, a Tail-Fit Monte Carlo Simulation (TF-MCS) algorithm was proposed to improve the computational speed by 30 times compared to traditional Monte Carlo simulations. Then, this study explored the inspection intervals used for reliability assessments of corroded pipelines. Finally, the parameter sensitivity was analyzed considering the yield strength, maximum operating pressure, and pipe diameter. This study ensures the reliable operation of corroded gas pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continual expansion of urban road networks and global commitments to net zero, electric vehicles (EVs) have been considered to be the most viable solution to decarbonize the transportation sector. In recent years, the electric road system (ERS) has been introduced and piloted in a few countries and regions to decarbonize heavy-duty vehicles. However, little research has been carried out on its reliability. This paper fills the gap and investigates the reliability of electric truck power supply systems for electric road (ETPSS–ER), which considers both the power system and truck traffic networks. First, a brief introduction of electric roads illustrates the working principle of EV charging on roads. Then, an optimized electric truck (ET) travel pattern model is built, based on which the corresponding ET charging load demand, including both static charging and dynamic charging, is conducted. Then, based on the new ET travel pattern model, a daily travel-pattern-driven Monte Carlo simulation-based reliability assessment method for ETPSS–ER system is presented. Case studies based on the IEEE RBTS system shows that ETs driving on ERS systems can meet the daily travel demands. The case studies also examine the impacts of increasing number of ETs, extra wind power, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) on the reliability of ERS power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unloading arms (ULAs) among seaport infrastructures are susceptible to deterioration posed by the effects of harsh marine environmental conditions. During infrastructure's service life, the deterioration of structural integrity may increase the risk of failure of infrastructure, and should be taken into account during structural reliability assessment. In this study, a simple non-destructive test (NDT) was employed to examine the structural deterioration of ULAs which were installed over 30 years ago. Then, these aging ULAs were modeled by the finite-element program, using non-destructive test data to update the thickness dimensions of structural members. Next, a reliability assessment was conducted based on the stress distribution of the main structural components under external loads, which are calculated by their relation to wind speed. Moreover, the time-dependent reliability index curve was also built by considering the deterioration function to predict the failure probability of the particular components during the remaining lifetime. The study revealed that the present condition of the ULA system was satisfactory for current loading conditions. A reliability index predicted with deteriorations factors may be a rational and appropriate approach for the assessment of aging structures needed for efficient infrastructure management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a framework that uses analytical assessment of reliability to guide the expansion planning of power distribution systems (PDS) considering reliability criteria. The framework allows the estimation of reliability indices with and without the execution of expansion projects, thus supporting the decision-making process on investments in expansion projects. In the analytical assessment of reliability, failure rates of zones and restoration times are calculated from past data of interruptions in the primary distribution network. In addition, the estimated reliability indices are adjusted to historical values through failure rates proportionate to the length of each zone. To test and validate the proposed framework, it was applied to the distribution network at bus 5 of the Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS) and also to a real distribution feeder located in Brazil. The results indicated that the proposed framework can help define the most attractive investments leading to improvements in reliability indices and reduction in unsupplied energy. The estimation of reliability indices and energy not supplied, considered the following expansion alternatives: (i) the installation of normally-closed sectionalizing switches, (ii) the installation of normally-open switches with interconnection to adjacent feeders, (iii) the automation of switches, and (iv) the reconductoring of zones of the primary distribution network. Nevertheless, the proposed framework allows the inclusion of other expansion alternatives. Finally, the proposed framework proved to be handy and useful for real-life applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of a global and integrated sizing approach under different performance indexes applied to fuel cell/battery hybrid power systems. The strong coupling between the hardware sizing process and the system supervision (energy management strategy EMS) makes it hard for the design to consider all the possibilities, and today's methodologies are mostly experience-based approaches that are impervious to technological disruption. With a smart design approach, new technologies are easier to consider, and this approach facilitates the use of new technologies for transport applications with a decision help tool. An automotive application with a hybrid fuel cell (PEMFC)/battery (Li-Ion) is considered to develop this approach. The proposed approach is based on imbricated optimization loops and considers multiple criteria such as the fuel consumption, reliability, and volume of the architecture, in keeping with industry expectations to allow a good trade-off between different performance indexes and explore their design options. This constitutes a low computational time and a very effective support tool that allows limited overconsumption and lifetime reduction for designed architecture in extreme and non-optimal use. We obtain, thanks to this work, a pre-design tool that helps to realize the first conception choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The condition of electromagnetic relays is crucial to the safe and normal operation of the high-speed train (HST). At present, there are no proper testing and assessment methods for the condition of electromagnetic relays. Electromagnetic relays experience aging and failure over their service time, which causes many potential security problems. To solve these problems, the failure mechanisms of electromagnetic relays are analyzed. The Fick diffusion theory and the Larson--Miller method are used to deduce the degradation models for contact resistance and closing time. Based on these models, an approach to calculate relay life is proposed. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a test platform was designed and built. The accelerated life test was carried out by using Siemens 3TH electromagnetic relays (3TH4244-OLF4, Siemens, Suzhou, China). Contact resistance and closing time were measured using a test platform. The least squares fitting was used to calculate the residual sum of squares and the unknown parameters in the degradation models with the test data. The optimal degradation model was chosen according to the fitting results. Relay life at four temperature stress levels was predicted by the optimal degradation model and failure threshold of the relays. The result indicates that the life of the electromagnetic relays at ambient temperature is 11,874 days and prediction error is about 5%, which provides important guidance for the maintenance of electromagnetic relays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of cyber-security and therefore cyber-attacks on smart grid (SG) has become subject of many publications in the last years, emphasizing its importance in research, as well as in practice. One especially vulnerable part of SG are smart meters (SMs). The major contribution of simulating a variety of cyber-attacks on SMs that have not been done in previous studies is the identification and quantification of the possible impacts on the security of SG. In this study, a simulation model of a nanogrid, including a complete household with an SM, was developed. Different cyber-attacks were injected into the SM to simulate their effects on household nanogrid. The analysis of the impacts of different cyber-attacks showed that the effects of cyber-attacks can be sorted into various categories. Integrity and confidentiality attacks cause monetary effects on the grid. While, availability attacks have monetary effects on the grid as well, they are mainly aimed at compromising the SM communication by either delaying or stopping it completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of the generating system adequacy is evaluated based on the ability of the system to satisfy the load demand. In this paper, a novel optimization technique named the disparity evolution genetic algorithm (DEGA) is proposed for reliability assessment of power generation. Disparity evolution is used to enhance the performance of the probability of mutation in a genetic algorithm (GA) by incorporating features from the paradigm into the disparity theory. The DEGA is based on metaheuristic searching for the truncated sampling of state-space for the reliability assessment of power generation system adequacy. Two reliability test systems (IEEE-RTS-79 and (IEEE-RTS-96) are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The simulation result shows the DEGA can generate a larger variety of the individuals in an early stage of the next population generation. It is also able to estimate the reliability indices accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive systems are fundamental for the safe development of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) technology. The accurate assessment of their reliability is crucial for their use in the nuclear industry. In this paper, we present a review of the approaches and procedures for the reliability assessment of passive systems. We complete the work by discussing the pending open issues, in particular with respect to the need of novel sensitivity analysis methods, the role of empirical modelling and the integration of passive safety systems assessment in the (static/dynamic) Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smart grid is an unprecedented opportunity to shift the current energy industry into a new era of a modernized network where the power generation, transmission, and distribution are intelligently, responsively, and cooperatively managed through a bi-directional automation system. Although the domains of smart grid applications and technologies vary in functions and forms, they generally share common potentials such as intelligent energy curtailment, efficient integration of Demand Response, Distributed Renewable Generation, and Energy Storage. This paper presents a comprehensive review categorically on the recent advances and previous research developments of the smart grid paradigm over the last two decades. The main intent of the study is to provide an application-focused survey where every category and sub-category herein are thoroughly and independently investigated. The preamble of the paper highlights the concept and the structure of the smart grids. The work presented intensively and extensively reviews the recent advances on the energy data management in smart grids, pricing modalities in a modernized power grid, and the predominant components of the smart grid. The paper thoroughly enumerates the recent advances in the area of network reliability. On the other hand, the reliance on smart cities on advanced communication infrastructure promotes more concerns regarding data integrity. Therefore, the paper dedicates a sub-section to highlight the challenges and the state-of-the-art of cybersecurity. Furthermore, highlighting the emerging developments in the pricing mechanisms concludes the review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern power systems must provide efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy. Recently, the inclusion of Microgrids (MGs) has allowed us to overcome some difficulties and face important challenges in this direction, especially related to the use of alternative energy sources. Increased and probabilistic demand, as well as limited energy supply, pose the need to evaluate the reliability of any distribution system (DS) when MGs are introduced. Here we reviewed and classified the state-of-the-art of reliability assessment (RA) in MGs. Initially, we contextualize RA in distribution systems. Next, each of the MGs subsystems components are introduced and the questions (1) why is it important to evaluate the reliability in Microgrids? (2) how do Microgrids influence the reliability of distribution systems? and (3) how does each of its subsystems influence the reliability of the Microgrids? are addressed. A total of 1395 research studies were published between 2002 and 2020. Using the PRISMA model, 147 met the inclusion criteria (71% correspond to research papers and 29% to reviews; 62% were published in journals, 34% were conference papers and 4% were books). The first study dates from 1971. Despite immense advances in MGs, we identified that (1) real test systems constitute an emerging trend; (2) although new MG configurations sound promising, the development and application of new RA techniques are a necessary step towards the identification of potential pitfalls of such architectures; (3) new RA methods or variations of the existing ones, whether analytical or simulation-based, are constantly being proposed, but their comparison for a particular DS, including MGs, are yet to be performed; and (4) more research studies are needed to assess how new control strategies and information and communications technology impact MGs reliability. Future lines of research could build upon these gaps to enhance reliability, especially when alternative energy resources are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increasing load and characteristic stagnation and fluctuations of existing generation systems capacity, the reliability assessment of generation systems is crucial to system adequacy. Furthermore, a rapid load increase could amount to a consequent sudden deficit in the generation supply before the next scheduled assessment. Hence, a reliability assessment is conducted at regular and close intervals to ensure adequacy. This study simulates and establishes the relationship between the load growth and generation capacity using the generation and load data of the IEEE reliability test system (IEEE RTS '96 standard). The generation capacity states and the risk model were obtained using the sequential Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The load was gradually increased stepwise and is simulated against the constant generation capacity. In each case, the reliability index was recorded in terms of loss-of-load evaluation (LOLE). The recorded reliability index was thereafter fitted with the load-growth trend by the linear regression approach. A predictive assessment approach is thereafter proffered through the obtained fitting equation. In addition, a reliability threshold is effectively determined at a yield point for a reliability benchmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the issue of optimal sizing reliability applied to a fuel cell/battery hybrid system. This specific problem raises the global problem of strong coupling between hardware and control parameters. To tackle this matter, the proposed methodology uses nested optimization loops. Furthermore, to increase the optimal design relevance, a reliability assessment of the optimal sizing set is introduced. This new paradigm enables showing the early impact of the reliability criteria on design choices regarding energetic performance index. It leads to a smart design methodology permitting to avoid complexity and save computing time. It considerably helps design engineers set up the best hybridization rate and enables practicing tradeoffs, including reliability aspects in the early design stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability assessment in traditional power distribution systems has played a key role in power system planning, design, and operation. Recently, new information and communication technologies have been introduced in power systems automation and asset management, making the distribution network even more complex. In order to achieve efficient energy management, the distribution grid has to adopt a new configuration and operational conditions that are changing the paradigm of the actual electrical system. Therefore, the emergence of the cyber-physical systems concept to face future energetic needs requires alternative approaches for evaluating the reliability of modern distribution systems, especially in the smart grids environment. In this paper, a reliability approach that makes use of failure modes of power and cyber network main components is proposed to evaluate risk analysis in smart electrical distribution systems. We introduce the application of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method in future smart grid systems in order to establish the impact of different failure modes on their performance. A smart grid test system is defined and failure modes and their effects for both power and the cyber components are presented. Preventive maintenance tasks are proposed and systematized to minimize the impact of high-risk failures and increase reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern power distribution networks assume the connection of Distributed Generators (DGs) and energy storage systems as well as the application of advanced demand management techniques. After a network fault these technologies and techniques can contribute individually to the supply restoration of the interrupted areas and help improve the network reliability. However, the optimal coordination of control actions between these resources will lead to their most efficient use, maximizing the network reliability improvement. Until now, the effect of such networks with optimal coordination has not been considered in reliability studies. In this paper, DGs, energy storage and demand management techniques are jointly modelled and evaluated for reliability assessment. A novel methodology is proposed for the calculation of the reliability indices. It evaluates the optimal coordination of energy storage and demand management in order to reduce the energy-not-supplied during outages. The formulation proposed for the calculation of the reliability indices (including the modelling of optimal coordination) is described in detail. The methodology is applied to two distribution systems combining DGs, energy storage and demand management. Results demonstrate the capability of the proposed method to assess the reliability of such type of networks and emphasise the impact of the optimal coordination on reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of 0.8 design factor in Chinese pipeline industry is a breakthrough with the success of the test pipe section in the west–east China gas pipeline III. For such a design factor, the traditional P-V (Pressure-Volume) curve based pressure test control cannot describe the details of the process, and the 0/1 type failure is not an efficient index to show the safety level of the pipeline. In this paper, a reliability based assessment method is proposed to monitor the real-time failure probability of the pipeline during the hydrostatic test process. The reliability index can be used as the degree of risk. Following the actual hydrostatic testing of a test pipe section with 0.8 design factor in the west–east China gas pipeline III, reliability analysis was performed using Monte Carlo technique. The basic values of input parameters of the limit state equations are based on the data collected from either the tested section or the recommended value in the codes. The analysis of limit states, i.e., the yielding deformation and the excessive plastic deformation of pipeline, proceeded based on these distributions. Finally, it is found that the gradually increased water pressure makes the failure probability increase accordingly. A reliability assessment method was proposed and illustrated with the practical pressure test process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with conventional methods of fault diagnosis for power transformers, which have defects such as imperfect encoding and too absolute encoding boundaries, this paper systematically discusses various intelligent approaches applied in fault diagnosis and decision making for large oil-immersed power transformers based on dissolved gas analysis (DGA), including expert system (EPS), artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy theory, rough sets theory (RST), grey system theory (GST), swarm intelligence (SI) algorithms, data mining technology, machine learning (ML), and other intelligent diagnosis tools, and summarizes existing problems and solutions. From this survey, it is found that a single intelligent approach for fault diagnosis can only reflect operation status of the transformer in one particular aspect, causing various degrees of shortcomings that cannot be resolved effectively. Combined with the current research status in this field, the problems that must be addressed in DGA-based transformer fault diagnosis are identified, and the prospects for future development trends and research directions are outlined. This contribution presents a detailed and systematic survey on various intelligent approaches to faults diagnosing and decisions making of the power transformer, in which their merits and demerits are thoroughly investigated, as well as their improvement schemes and future development trends are proposed. Moreover, this paper concludes that a variety of intelligent algorithms should be combined for mutual complementation to form a hybrid fault diagnosis network, such that avoiding these algorithms falling into a local optimum. Moreover, it is necessary to improve the detection instruments so as to acquire reasonable characteristic gas data samples. The research summary, empirical generalization and analysis of predicament in this paper provide some thoughts and suggestions for the research of complex power grid in the new environment, as well as references and guidance for researchers to choose optimal approach to achieve DGA-based fault diagnosis and decision of the large oil-immersed power transformers in preventive electrical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical system of a wind farm has a significant influence on the wind farm reliability and electrical energy yield. The disconnect switch installed in an electrical system cannot only improve the operating flexibility, but also enhance the reliability for a wind farm. Therefore, this paper develops a probabilistic transfer technique for integrating the electrical topology structure, the isolation operation of disconnect switch, and stochastic failure of electrical equipment into the reliability assessment of wind farm electrical system. Firstly, as the traditional two-state reliability model of electrical equipment cannot consider the isolation operation, so the paper develops a three-state reliability model to replace the two-state model for incorporating the isolation operation. In addition, a proportion apportion technique is presented to evaluate the state probability. Secondly, this paper develops a probabilistic transfer technique based on the thoughts that through transfer the unreliability of electrical system to the energy transmission interruption of wind turbine generators (WTGs). Finally, some novel indices for describing the reliability of wind farm electrical system are designed, and the variance coefficient of the designed indices is used as a convergence criterion to determine the termination of the assessment process. The proposed technique is applied to the reliability assessment of a wind farm with the different topologies. The simulation results show that the proposed techniques are effective in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]