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We investigate the generation of terahertz (THz) radiation from laser-wakefield acceleration (LWFA) in a helium gas jet. We consider a three-dimensional setup incorporating a realistic gas density distribution and use particle-in-cell simulations to study the interaction of a femtosecond intense laser pulse with the gas medium. Our results show that LWFA can efficiently produce THz radiation. In the simulations, we use multiple probes to record the electric and magnetic fields arising from the interaction. In addition, we compare the results of fixed and moving window simulation boxes used to capture electromagnetic fields in the THz range. We demonstrate that a moving window with a 600 μm width can be significantly useful for THz studies. We further analyze the spectrum of spatially and temporally resolved electromagnetic radiation and its emission angle. Our results are consistent with experimental data. Our findings provide valuable insights into the potential of LWFA as a strong source of THz radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petawatt-class lasers can produce multi-GeV electron beams through laser wakefield electron acceleration. As a by-product, the accelerated electron beams can generate synchrotron-like radiation known as betatron radiation. In the present work, we measure the properties of the radiation produced from 2 GeV, 215 pC electron beams, which shows a broad radiation spectrum with a critical energy of 515 keV, extending up to MeV photon energies and 10 mrad divergence. Due to its high energy and flux, such radiation is an ideal candidate for γ -ray radiography of dense objects. We employed a compact betatron radiation setup operated at relatively high-repetition rates (0.1 Hz) and used it to scan cm-sized objects: a DRAM circuit, BNC and SMA connectors, a padlock and a gas jet nozzle. GEANT4 simulations were carried out to reproduce the radiograph of the gas jet. The setup and the radiation source can reveal the interior structure of the objects at the sub-mm level, proving that it can further be applied to diagnose cracks or holes in various components. The radiation source presented here is a valuable tool for non-destructive inspection and for applications in high-energy-density physics such as nuclear fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposing a comprehensive study on the electro-thermal analysis and dynamic arc behavior of a single discharge chamber in an MCA. • Evaluating the proposed model by using the FEM method and magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) theory. • Investigating the arc behavior inside and outside the discharge chamber. • Analyzing dynamic arc parameters such as current density, arc velocity, temperature gradient and total heat flux by considering dimensional changes of MCA. • The results indicate that the changes in distance between electrodes have more effects than other structural characteristics of MCA on dynamic arc parameters and arc motion. In order to improve the ability to extinguish the arc caused by lightning surge overvoltage, a type of smart arrester, known as multi-chamber arrester (MCA), has been developed. These arresters are used as lightning protection devices to protect the transmission and distribution lines. In this paper, a two-dimensional mathematical transient model of the MCA is presented using the finite element method (FEM). This model serves as the foundation for investigating the arc motion characteristics of the arrester and analyzing its arc-extinguishing ability. To establish an accurate representation of the arc plasma, the Magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) theory is employed within a single discharge chamber. Subsequently, the arc motion, trajectory, and dynamic changes following an electrical breakdown event are evaluated. Additionally, the effects of discharge chamber dimensions and distance between electrodes on the arc behavior are explored. Finally, by considering the structural factors of the MCA, the dynamic arc parameters including current density, velocity, temperature gradient, and total heat flux are investigated. The simulation results reveal that the dynamic evolution of the arc in the discharge chamber is most affected by the change in distance between electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article presents an adaptive voltage sag compensation scheme by using interline bridge‐type fault current limiter (IBFCL) in radial distribution network to protect customers connected to the point of common coupling (PCC). Regarding voltage sag depth, the IBFCL provides a variable resistor in faulted feeder to compensate the PCC voltage at the acceptable level under whole voltage sag condition. To achieve this, a new control system based on the deviation of voltage sag at PCC bus is designed and implemented to the IBFCL. To check the effectiveness of the IBFCL for voltage sag compensation, extensive time domain simulations are performed under both symmetrical and asymmetrical fault conditions on the distribution system in professional's simulation tool for analyzing power systems transients (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transients including DC (EMTDC) environment. Also, its performance and control system are compared to the conventional BFCL and transformer‐type solid‐state fault current limiter (TSSFCL). The simulation results show that by using only one limiting resistor in the IBFCL used in distribution systems including multifeeders connected to the PCC, in addition to reducing the cost of limiting the fault current, the PCC bus voltage has effectively compensated the PCC bus. Also, comparison analysis with the conventional BFCL and TSSFCL shows that it outperforms them in terms of fault detection, voltage recovery time, and fault current limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the measurements and modeling of the DC flashover behaviors of silicone rubber (SiR) insulators under pollution and aging conditions in the presence of surface charges have been presented. For this purpose, four different types of standard HTV-SiR insulators were selected, and then, DC flashover performance was carried out on the studied insulators in the three states including non-aged, aged, and contaminated conditions in the presence surface charges. The surfaces of the insulators were charged by an external corona source in the experimental tests, and then, the surface electric charges were measured. The experimental results of DC flashover voltage showed that the positive and negative surface charges affected flashover performance in all the states. Based on obtained empirical models of the DC flashover performance, it can be concluded that the increased aging time, positive electric charges, pollution, and average diameter reduced DC flashover performance, while the ratio of shed spacing to shed depth and negative charges enhanced the flashover voltage level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to predict the flashover voltage (FOV) of silicone rubber (SiR) insulators. Accordingly, it benefits from two methods, including an artificial neural network (ANN) model and a FOV gradient fitting model. The FOV and leakage current (LC) tests are carried out on one un‐aged and three aged specimens under uniform and longitudinal non‐uniform pollution circumstances. The proposed ANN model is designed based on equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD), pollution non‐uniformity degree, aging time, LC first harmonic magnitude I1, and total harmonic distortion. Furthermore, a FOV gradient model is proposed based on ESDD, I1, and creepage distance. To validate the proposed models, the FOV and LC tests are conducted on two different types of SiR insulators. Then, the predicted FOV from the ANN model and calculated FOV from the voltage gradient model are obtained. The results indicate that the relative errors of the ANN model and FOV gradient fitting model are <6.4 and 7.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper proposes a new concept for limiting fault current in distribution systems with interline bridge‐type fault current limiter (IBFCL). It includes two or more BFCLs connected to only a common limiting resistor in DC link, which result in considerable cost saving. This configuration is inserted in series with feeders connected to a point common coupling (PCC). At first, the principle and characteristics of IBFCL are described. Then, a theoretical analysis of limiting performance and parameter design of the IBFCL is explained. Finally, the performance of the IBFCL for limiting fault current is validated on the distribution system comprising of parallel feeders connected to PCC through electromagnetic simulations by PSCAD/EMTDC under symmetrical and asymmetrical faults as well as different load current conditions. Simulation results show that the IBFCL provides a cost‐effective approach for limiting fault current in distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for AC flash-over voltage prediction of Silicone Rubber (SiR) insulators based on the experimental tests. In flash-over tests, the flash-over voltages of four different types of SiR insulators are measured under the uniform, longitudinal non-uniform, fan-shaped non-uniform and combined longitudinal, and fan-shaped non-uniform pollution conditions. The proposed ANN model is designed with six inputs data (insulator geometry and pollution parameters) and one output data (flash-over voltage). In order to validate the model, three different types of SiR insulators are tested under different pollution conditions. Then, their flash-over voltages are predicted using the proposed ANN model. The validation of the model shows that the absolute values of relative errors between flash-over voltages of test and prediction are less than 6%. This indicates a high efficiency of ANN technique in the flash-over voltage prediction of SiR insulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Using the experimental tests, the effects of longitudinal and fan-shaped non-uniform pollutions on the ac flashover voltage of SiR insulators are investigated and analyzed. • The experimental results indicate that the flashover voltage increases under longitudinal non-uniform pollution and decreases under fan-shaped non-uniform pollution, compared to uniform pollution. • A new flashover voltage correction factor under combined longitudinal and fan-shaped non-uniform pollutions is proposed based on the test results. Abstract The pollution non-uniformity in the axial and circumferential directions of insulator surface has a great impact on the ac flashover voltage. So far, few studies have been conducted about the flashover voltage performance of Silicone Rubber (SiR) insulators under fan-shaped and longitudinal non-uniform pollutions. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the effects of longitudinal non-uniform, fan-shaped non-uniform, and combined longitudinal and fan-shaped non-uniform pollutions on the ac flashover voltage of four different types of SiR insulators. The analysis of experimental results indicated that longitudinal and fan-shaped non-uniform pollutions compared to uniform pollution contributed to an increase and a decrease in the ac flashover voltage, respectively. The ac flashover voltage increases with the increment of longitudinal non-uniformity degree and decreases with the increment of fan-shaped non-uniformity degree. Furthermore, a new correction factor of flashover voltage under combined longitudinal and fan-shaped non-uniform pollutions has been proposed. For all types of insulators, the correction factor under different non-uniform pollution conditions ranges from 0.85 to 1.13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlight • Under DC voltage, surface charge indicates polarity effect. • Increasing the voltage amplitudes led to an increase of the surface charge density. • Corona voltage and the charging time for both polarities rise, the amount of charges increases linearly. • Relationship between amount of surface charges and number of photons have been carried out using corona camera. Abstract The objective of the present study is to investigate the surface charge measurement on the surface of polymeric insulator under AC and DC voltages experimentally. According to the test results, increasing the voltage amplitudes led to an increase of the surface charge density, the voltage application duration was also extended. During the tests, it was observed that as the corona voltage and the charging time for both polarities rise, the amount of charges increases linearly. The results show that more surface charge was deposited by negative corona charging when compared with positive corona charging. Also in this paper, the effect of the corona variations on the amount of surface charge have been investigated. For this purpose, relationship between amount of surface charges and number of photons have been carried out using corona camera. Moreover, attempt was made to investigate the effects of surface charges on potential and electric field distribution along polymeric insulator under AC and DC voltages using computer simulations based on finite element method (FEM). The present paper was conducted to study the effects of magnitude, polarity, and location of surface charges on surface potential distribution along the insulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the results of measurement for DC flashover characteristics of silicon rubber insulators in the presence of surface charges and in terms of geometric characteristics have been examined and analysed. In the carried out experimental tests, the surface of different insulators was charged by an external corona source and both the metal end fittings were kept grounded while the needles have been connected to a certain applied negative and positive DC voltages and then surface electric charge measured. A series of flashover tests have been carried out on the charged insulators under positive DC voltages to investigate the effects of surface charges. The experimental results revealed that positive electric charges reduced flashover performance while negative charges increased the flashover voltage level. Also, the experimental modelling of DC flashover of charged insulators regarding the ratio of shed spacing to shed depth and specific leakage distance in terms of surface electric charges, revealed that flashover voltage gradient of the charged insulator is most affected by specific leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental results of the surface charges and charge decay measurement on the surface of polymeric insulator. In this research, the effect of surface charges on electric field and potential distribution has been investigated. Therefore, using measured electric charge and charge decay, the electric field and surface potential on insulator are studied by computer simulations. The accumulation of electric charge under DC electric field makes a significant difference compared to AC electric field, and this increases the rate of electrical failure and corrosion in HVDC insulators. So, a thorough understanding of the surface charge effect on insulation performance is necessary under various stresses. The experimental results revealed that the amount of charges increases linearly with the rising corona voltage and the charging time for both polarities. It was also observed that the amount of surface charges deposited by positive corona charging is less than negative corona charging. The simulation results illustrate that surface charges are important in potential and electric field variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the results of measurement for DC flashover characteristics of silicon rubber insulators in the presence of surface charges and in terms of geometric characteristics have been examined and analysed. In the carried out experimental tests, the surface of different insulators was charged by an external corona source and both the metal end fittings were kept grounded while the needles have been connected to a certain applied negative and positive DC voltages and then surface electric charge measured. A series of flashover tests have been carried out on the charged insulators under positive DC voltages to investigate the effects of surface charges. The experimental results revealed that positive electric charges reduced flashover performance while negative charges increased the flashover voltage level. Also, the experimental modelling of DC flashover of charged insulators regarding the ratio of shed spacing to shed depth and specific leakage distance in terms of surface electric charges, revealed that flashover voltage gradient of the charged insulator is most affected by specific leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a new electro-thermal optimization algorithm is proposed to determine the parallel power cables arrangement to obtain the maximum ampacity. The optimization procedure is based on the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA). Electrical calculations are performed using the sub-conductors method and consideration of the skin and proximity effects. FEM thermal model and electrical calculations are coupled with optimization procedure to determine the ampacity in the optimization algorithm. Optimized arrangements are determined under sinusoidal and harmonic load currents conditions. Furthermore, the effects of different boundary conditions of the ground surface such as isothermal and convective heat flux are evaluated. The underground single conductor cables with solid bonded metallic sheaths and existing of circulating currents are considered. Cables are considered to be installed adjacent to each other in different rows above each other in flat formations. Also, the artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization algorithm is performed to validate the ICA procedure. Experimental measurement of a case study is carried out for simulation confirmation and the results show good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using 25–45 TW ultra-short (30 fs) laser pulses, we report on the effect of the injection gas concentration on the quality of electron beams generated by a laser-driven plasma wakefield acceleration employing the ionization-injection. For a plasma formed from helium-nitrogen gas mixture and depending on the concentration of the nitrogen gas, we could distinguish a clear trend for the quality of the generated electron beams in terms of their peak energy, energy-spread, divergence angle, and beam charge. The results clearly showed that the lower the nitrogen concentration, the better the quality (higher peak energy, smaller energy spread, and smaller emittance) of the generated electron beams. The results are in reasonable agreement with two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The V-I characteristic of ZnO varistor which has been obtained from experimental test, is an important parameter to model surge arrester electrical behavior. Generally, in grid voltage, this characteristic depends on temperature variations. In this paper, an improved metal oxide surge arrester electrical model has been proposed under grid voltage. Temperature effects on surge arrester performance have been considered in the proposed model. Artificial neural network has been used to determine V-I characteristic at temperature variations. Therefore, in proposed model, the V-I characteristic of each varistor has been estimated based on applied voltage and operating temperature. To validate proposed model, laboratory setup and infrared thermal camera have been arranged and experimental tests results have been compared with simulation ones. Results revealed that there has been a good agreement between simulation and experimental results. Moreover, electrical behavior of surge arrester is predictable with high precision through the proposed artificial model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current distribution, ampacity and magnetic field of parallel power cables are calculated. The calculations are performed in both sinusoidal and harmonic current profiles. The simulations are conducted on the underground medium voltage cables with metallic sheaths. The effects of single‐point bonding and solid bonding of sheaths grounding system are evaluated. In this study, cables are installed in flat formation with three cables in each phase and the effect of different distances between cables on the parallel cables parameters is studied. Computations are conducted for all possible arrangements of parallel cables and the worst and the best arrangements from the point of balancing current division, maximum ampacity and minimum magnetic field are presented. Furthermore, the effects of placing parallel cables in one row or two rows above each other are investigated. Calculations of current distribution and magnetic field are performed using the sub‐conductors method that considers the skin and proximity effects. Finite element method thermal simulations are excited to determine the power cable ampacity in different configurations. Experimental tests on parallel cables in both single‐point bonding and solid bonding systems are carried out and the results verify the accuracy of simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of metallic sheaths on alternating current (AC) losses and ampacity of power cables. The AC losses are expressed as AC/direct current (DC) resistance in power cables, which is the main factor in loss computations. With regard to the importance of harmonic contents of the currents, a comprehensive study is performed on AC/DC resistance of medium-voltage cables in the presence of harmonics. Different harmonic frequencies include triple and nontriple orders are considered. A derating factor is proposed on the basis of cable constructions. Two types of sheathed and unsheathed medium-voltage power cables are considered. Also for metallic sheathed cables, 2 types of sheath grounding are investigated. It is shown that single-point bonding and both-ends bonding of sheaths have different effects on cable ampacity in harmonic frequencies. Moreover, different conductor cross sections and distances between cables are considered, and their effects on AC/DC resistance and ampacity derating are assessed. It is shown that these factors have important effects on AC/DC resistance and thus power cable losses. Furthermore, all cases are investigated in both flat and trefoil formations that are the most popular formations in power cables. To achieve precise results, we performed this study on the basis of finite element simulation, which is an exact way to cable losses computations in each configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an online diagnostics method to predict critical conditions in ceramic insulators. For this purpose, a variety of experimental tests have been conducted on different kinds of ceramic insulators under different environmental conditions in order to analyze their leakage current. Fast Fourier transform analysis of leakage currents shows a strong correlation between the ratio of the third to fifth harmonic amplitude regarding occurrence of critical conditions and degree of insulator ageing. Therefore, the index of the third to fifth harmonic amplitude is utilized as the detection indicator of critical conditions in ceramic insulators. An increase in the index of the third to fifth harmonic amplitude to more than one represents a critical condition in the insulators and estimates a high probability of flashover occurrence. The obtained results have also shown the viability of the index in insulators monitoring procedures. Training the proposed index to a microprocessor powered device gives ability to the system for online diagnosis of ceramic insulator qualifications, detecting critical conditions, and predicting flashover occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a mathematical model of critical parameters on the polluted ceramic insulators based on experimental analysis has been presented. In these cases, the effect of pollution and humidity on the leakage current and applied voltage of the insulators has been investigated. Also, the effect of the insulator shed on the critical parameters has been considered as the factor M. The profile factor M is the ratio of top level leakage distance to bottom leakage distance of insulator. Indeed, the value of the factor M has been defined as a criterion in experimental tests to determine the insulators' electric strength. As well, to determine the constants of electric arc, the theoretical and experimental results have been compared, thus values of these constants have been determined. So, by presented mathematical model the critical parameters will be predicted. The closeness of results between proposed mathematical model and experiment confirms the veracity of the presented model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved method to diagnose the critical conditions in the porcelain and glass insulators has been proposed through investigating leakage current (LC) and applied voltage signals. Hence, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis has been used to calculate the phase angle values of the applied voltage and LC signals. Analyzing phase angle difference of LC and applied voltage waveforms demonstrate a strong correlation of the phase difference between the applied voltage and LC waveforms with the insulators conditions. So, the phase difference cosine (P.D%) has been offered as a diagnostic index of porcelain and glass insulators conditions. In this case, when the P.D% value is lower than 30%, the insulators are in clean and normal conditions. On the other hand, if the P.D% is more than 30%, the insulators are in extreme conditions. Moreover, by increasing %P.D value more than 85%, the probability of the flashover occurrence in porcelain and glass insulators will be very high. The obtained experimental results validate the veracity of considering P.D% as a criterion for prediction of flashover in porcelain and glass insulators. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes an adaptive model for electro-thermal analysis of metal oxide surge arresters based on finite element method. The input of the proposed model has been derived from power loss curve using adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Moreover, degradation factor has been introduced as a new index to represent operating history of metal oxide surge arrester. Therefore, applied voltage, temperature, and degradation factor have been considered as inputs in the ANFIS model to obtain accurate power loss which is of paramount importance in electro-thermal analysis. High voltage experimental setup and an oven have been prepared to acquire data for the proposed model. Degrading effect has been undertaken by measurement of the voltage-current characteristic of used and degraded varistors. The effect of assembling process, in addition, has been considered using different virgin (not degraded) varistors in experimental measurements. In addition, according to the IEC standard, the aging effect has been obtained experimentally by putting the varistor under 115 °C and continuous operating voltage for 1000 h. To validate the results of the electro-thermal model, thermal infrared camera has been used under different applied voltages. Obtained results show that the electro-thermal behavior of surge arrester is predictable with high precision through the proposed artificial model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new method for modelling of metal-oxide surge arresters (MOSAs) thermal balance diagram based on power loss and heat dispersion curve. Adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)- based method was offered to compute surge arrester power loss characteristic. Thermal stability (TS) of surge arrester, which is analysed by thermal balance diagram, has a great influence on their proper functions. MOSA material variation is an important factor that has an influence on its TS. Degradation factor (DF) was introduced as a new index in this study to represent material variations of MOSA. Therefore, applied voltage, temperature and DF were considered as inputs in ANFIS model to obtain accurate power loss which is a very important factor in TS characteristic. Heat dispersion curve was obtained as a main feature in the thermal balance diagram from surge arrester cooling curve. Degrading effect was considered using voltage and current measured from MOSA which are degraded by utilisation in the network. In addition, effect of assembling process has been considered by using new different varistors in experimental measurements. This study shows that the thermal balance diagram of surge arrester is predictable with a good accuracy by using artificial model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the increasing electricity load demand on one hand and in order to have a reliable electric network on the other hand, constructions of new transmission lines and generation sources are extremely essential. Such expansions, however, raise the fault current level which can even exceed the maximum short-circuit level rating of the circuit breakers (CBs). High fault current, in addition to the adverse effect on the CB function, can damage other substation equipment suddenly or over the time. To this end, severity of the fault current is a key factor in the substation reliability assessment. In this context, fault current limiters (FCLs) which are employed to decline the fault current level need to be precisely modelled and their impact should be extensively studied. In this study, the effect of FCL on the failure rate of substation equipment is first investigated. A computational technique for assessing the substation reliability is accordingly devised. As the location of FCL installation in a given substation or in substations with different arrangements would not be the same, various credible configurations are incorporated here. The results show that from the perspective of reliability indices, double-bus double-breaker and one breaker and a half configurations are more suitable for FCL installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new method for modelling of metal‐oxide surge arresters (MOSAs) thermal balance diagram based on power loss and heat dispersion curve. Adaptive network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)‐based method was offered to compute surge arrester power loss characteristic. Thermal stability (TS) of surge arrester, which is analysed by thermal balance diagram, has a great influence on their proper functions. MOSA material variation is an important factor that has an influence on its TS. Degradation factor (DF) was introduced as a new index in this study to represent material variations of MOSA. Therefore, applied voltage, temperature and DF were considered as inputs in ANFIS model to obtain accurate power loss which is a very important factor in TS characteristic. Heat dispersion curve was obtained as a main feature in the thermal balance diagram from surge arrester cooling curve. Degrading effect was considered using voltage and current measured from MOSA which are degraded by utilisation in the network. In addition, effect of assembling process has been considered by using new different varistors in experimental measurements. This study shows that the thermal balance diagram of surge arrester is predictable with a good accuracy by using artificial model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the increasing electricity load demand on one hand and in order to have a reliable electric network on the other hand, constructions of new transmission lines and generation sources are extremely essential. Such expansions, however, raise the fault current level which can even exceed the maximum short‐circuit level rating of the circuit breakers (CBs). High fault current, in addition to the adverse effect on the CB function, can damage other substation equipment suddenly or over the time. To this end, severity of the fault current is a key factor in the substation reliability assessment. In this context, fault current limiters (FCLs) which are employed to decline the fault current level need to be precisely modelled and their impact should be extensively studied. In this study, the effect of FCL on the failure rate of substation equipment is first investigated. A computational technique for assessing the substation reliability is accordingly devised. As the location of FCL installation in a given substation or in substations with different arrangements would not be the same, various credible configurations are incorporated here. The results show that from the perspective of reliability indices, double‐bus double‐breaker and one breaker and a half configurations are more suitable for FCL installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most monitoring techniques of metal oxide surge arresters are based on harmonics analysis of resistive leakage current. Therefore, the extraction of resistive component from total leakage current is required. Up to now, several methods have been proposed for resistive leakage current extraction such as time-delay addition method. This method is only able to separate accurate resistive component under pure sinusoidal applied voltage. An improved time-delay addition method is proposed in this paper which is able to extract surge arrester resistive component under applied harmonic voltage. To accomplish this purpose, experimental tests have been performed on 20 kV surge arrester and obtained voltage and leakage current signals have been applied to the proposed and previous algorithms for resistive component extraction. In addition to investigate the ability of proposed algorithm, a typical surge arrester has been simulated in ATP-EMTP software and total leakage currents have been applied to both algorithms for resistive leakage current extraction. Results show that the proposed method is able to extract resistive component under applied harmonic voltage more accurate than previous one. Therefore, it is an improvement with respect to previous one that only works for sinusoidal voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-oxide surge arresters (MOSAs) are essential equipments for power system protection and devices from lightning and switching transient overvoltages. Therefore, their operating condition and diagnosis are very important. In this study, a multi-layer support vector machine (SVM) classifier has been used for MOSA conditions monitoring based on experimental tests. Three features are extracted based on the test results for determining surge arresters operating conditions including clean virgin, ultraviolet (UV) aged clean surface, surface contaminations after and before UV housing ageing, and degraded varistors along active column. Then, the multi-layer SVM classifier is trained with the training samples, which are extracted by the above data processing. Finally, the five fault types of surge arresters are identified by this classifier. The test results show that the classifier has an excellent performance on training speed and reliability which confirm the high applicability of introduced features for correct diagnostic of surge arresters conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electro-thermal model of metal oxide surge arrester based on adaptive method has been proposed in this paper. Finite element method has been used to model surge arrester. Power loss, which is major parameter in electro-thermal analysis, has been estimated as a heat source in proposed model using artificial neural network and adaptive network based fuzzy inference system. In addition to voltage and temperature, operating history is also an important factor that must be considered in power loss estimation process. In order to formulize surge arrester performance history, degradation factor has been suggested as a new index in this paper. Therefore, voltage, temperature and degradation factor have been used as inputs in artificial models. So as to train the artificial neural network and adaptive network based fuzzy inference system, experimental results have been obtained by laboratory tests on new and utilized surge arresters varistors. In this regards, high voltage experimental setup, chamber and an oven have been prepared to acquire modeling data. Also, the results of infrared thermal camera have been used to validate the results of proposed adaptive electro-thermal model. Moreover, convection and radiation as effective factors in surface to ambient heat transfer have been studied and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–oxide surge arresters (MOSAs) are essential equipments for power system protection and devices from lightning and switching transient overvoltages. Therefore, their operating condition and diagnosis are very important. In this study, a multi‐layer support vector machine (SVM) classifier has been used for MOSA conditions monitoring based on experimental tests. Three features are extracted based on the test results for determining surge arresters operating conditions including clean virgin, ultraviolet (UV) aged clean surface, surface contaminations after and before UV housing ageing, and degraded varistors along active column. Then, the multi‐layer SVM classifier is trained with the training samples, which are extracted by the above data processing. Finally, the five fault types of surge arresters are identified by this classifier. The test results show that the classifier has an excellent performance on training speed and reliability which confirm the high applicability of introduced features for correct diagnostic of surge arresters conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new method to estimate power loss characteristics of metal oxide surge arresters. The method was used to compute surge arrester power loss curve based on adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN). Surge arrester operating history is an important factor that bears influence on its power loss. Degradation was, in this paper, introduced as a new index to represent operating history of metal oxide surge arrester. Therefore, applied voltage, temperature and degradation factor were considered as inputs in ANFIS system and ANN models to obtain accurate power loss which is a very important factor in surge arrester thermal stability. Degrading effect was undertaken by measurement voltage and current in varistors degraded by utilization in network. The results of the two artificial models were compared. Results show that ANFIS was more accurate than ANN. This study shows that the power loss characteristics of surge arrester are to a great extent accurately predictable using proposed artificial model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-oxide surge arresters are one of the most important equipments for power system protection against switching and lightning over-voltages. Surge arresters leakage currents increase by the operating time. In this study, the important factors on leakage current variations such as surface contamination, ultraviolet ageing and varistor degradation have been studied. To accomplish this purpose, experimental tests have been performed on various polymer housed surge arresters. Fast Fourier transform analysis has been performed on measured leakage currents. Results show that ultraviolet radiation and varistor degradation affect resistive harmonic components, especially the third and fifth harmonics. Moreover, it is observed that surface contamination has influence on fundamental harmonic variation more than ultraviolet ageing. In addition, combination of ultraviolet radiation and pollution had more effect on leakage currents. The investigation and the discussion of the results can be used to easily analyse arresters condition leading to effective schedule maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐oxide surge arresters are one of the most important equipments for power system protection against switching and lightning over‐voltages. Surge arresters leakage currents increase by the operating time. In this study, the important factors on leakage current variations such as surface contamination, ultraviolet ageing and varistor degradation have been studied. To accomplish this purpose, experimental tests have been performed on various polymer housed surge arresters. Fast Fourier transform analysis has been performed on measured leakage currents. Results show that ultraviolet radiation and varistor degradation affect resistive harmonic components, especially the third and fifth harmonics. Moreover, it is observed that surface contamination has influence on fundamental harmonic variation more than ultraviolet ageing. In addition, combination of ultraviolet radiation and pollution had more effect on leakage currents. The investigation and the discussion of the results can be used to easily analyse arresters condition leading to effective schedule maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of the electron beam yield (charge) form helium, nitrogen, and neon gas jet plasmas in a typical laser-plasma wakefield acceleration experiment is carried out. The charge measurement is made by imaging the electron beam intensity profile on a fluorescent screen into a charge coupled device which was cross-calibrated with an integrated current transformer. The dependence of electron beam charge on the laser and plasma conditions for the aforementioned gases are studied. We found that laser-driven wakefield acceleration in low Z-gas jet targets usually generates high-quality and well-collimated electron beams with modest yields at the level of 10-100 pC. On the other hand, filamentary electron beams which are observed from high-Z gases at higher densities reached much higher yields. Evidences for cluster formation were clearly observed in the nitrogen gas jet target, where we received the highest electron beam charge of ~1.7 nC. Those intense electron beams will be beneficial for the applications on the generation of bright X-rays, gamma rays radiations, and energetic positrons via the bremsstrahlung or inverse-scattering processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide surge arresters are important equipments that apply to power system for protection against switching and lightning over-voltages. Surge arrester monitoring technique based on leakage current analysis is a conventional monitoring method. Lack of proper features and thresholds is most important limitation of this method. In this paper, new monitoring indexes for surge arrester diagnostic are proposed to determine surge arrester condition under different situations including clean condition, surface contamination and ultraviolet aging. The experimental tests have been performed on polymer surge arresters to evaluate the ability of the proposed indexes for distinguishing the operating condition of surge arresters. Results have been shown the viability of the new indexes on surge arrester monitoring procedures. The investigation and the discussion of the produced results can give good ideas the electric engineers in order to easily analyze arresters’ condition leading to effective schedule maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents proper indicators for evaluation of the surge arrester condition based on the leakage current analysis. Maximum amplitude of fundamental harmonic of the resistive leakage current ( I mr1 ), maximum amplitude of third harmonic of the resistive leakage current ( I mr3 ) and maximum amplitude of fundamental harmonic of the capacitive leakage current have been used as indicators for surge arrester condition monitoring. The effects of operating voltage fluctuation, third order of voltage harmonic, over-voltage and varistor aging have been investigated to show the ability of introduced indicators for accurate diagnostic of arrester’s conditions. In order to have accurate values of stray capacitors, 3D-FEM has been used. Moreover, surge arrester model for calculating leakage current has been performed in ATP–EMTP. In addition, the signal processing has been done using MATLAB software. This study shows that the introduced indicators are proper criteria for surge arrester condition monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surge arresters are the most critical equipment for protecting high voltage substations. They play an important role in substations for limiting switching and lightning surges and diverting these surges to ground. On the other hand, surge arrester number and placement for high voltage substations can be determined based on some evaluations in the designing process of substations. Surge arresters can be placed on the both ends of substations, transformers, circuit breakers, reactors, capacitors and also high long bus-bars and etc. Therefore, failure of arresters during overvoltage can put substations in risk condition. Moreover, surge arresters may be inclined to be short circuit during normal operation condition due to ageing process and/or improper quality. This paper attempts to assess reliability of three common substation configurations namely: (1) one breaker and a half; (2) double-bus double-breaker; and (3) ring bus-bar in different placement of surge arresters. At first, maximum voltages on equipment are calculated in different lightning stroke locations through simulation in EMTP-RV. Studies without surge arrester and the presence of surge arrester in different locations are analyzed and compared. Then surge arrester’s placement impacts on the substations reliability indices are calculated in normal operating condition and overvoltage condition by minimal cut set method and simulation results. Analytical studies reveal that surge arrester can increase substations reliability. But for low annual number of lightning stroke, substation reliability may decrease. Also increasing surge arrester number more than substation need reduces reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction motors are widely used in industrial, commercial and residential applications. An induction motor may exposed to the unbalanced voltage in the various operating conditions. Therefore, it is vital to investigate influences of voltage unbalance on performance of induction motors. In this paper, the performance of a three-phase squirrel cage induction motor has been simulated using Finite Element Method(FEM) supplied by different unbalanced voltages with the same Voltage Unbalance Factor(VUF) as well as the same positive-sequence phase voltage components. In addition, input/output powers, losses and efficiency of the simulated motor under mentioned conditions have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transformers are basically designed to operate under nominal voltage, rated frequency and also, pure sinusoidal load current. In recent decade, change in the type of loads and increasing use of power electronic devices with their nonsinusoidal current waveform has distorted the system voltage waveform as well. The losses of transformers include load and no-load losses. No-load loss continuously led to loss of energy in transformers that are connected to the network in all 24 h. With respect to high significance of energy and undesirable impacts of losses on the aging of transformers, the no-load loss is considered as a critical factor. Nowadays, it is necessary to apply a suitable method for calculation of no-load loss in presence of the voltage harmonics and over-excite conditions, especially for distribution transformers, as a result of harmonic increase in the voltage and current in the network and particular applications. In this paper, Finite Element Method (FEM) has been used to simulate nonsinusoidal voltage effects on no-load loss of transformers. Such simulation enables the software to simulate and analyze different electromagnetic parameters such as flux lines, flux density, losses, and etc under different input sources and with high accuracy. In addition, effect of nonsinusoidal voltages on no-load loss has been investigated by a typical experimental transformer using several practical tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was designed to assess the epidemiological characteristics and molecular characterization of the disease in school children in the city of Dehloran, southwestern Iran. A total of 7,555 school children from the city of Dehloran were surveyed as a descriptive cross-sectional study during autumn 2009. A questionnaire was completed, recording demographic and disease characteristics. Microscopic examination and kinetoplast DNA-PCR assay were carried out for leishmaniasis detection and species identification. The overall prevalence of scars and active lesions were 9.7% and 0.4%, respectively. The prevalence rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) was significantly different between males and females ( P < 0.05). The highest rate of CL was detected in the age group of 10-14 years with significant differences ( P < 0.05). Most of the lesions were on face (42%). Clinically, 76.5% of the patients had single lesion. Also the prevalence rate in non-native residents was significantly higher than natives ( P < 0.05). PCR technique revealed all examined cases as Leishmania major. CL in Dehloran is mainly caused by L. major and measures should be planned for future control programs. In addition, further investigations are required to clarify the possible reservoirs and vectors in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In all-optical Compton scattering driven by a multi-petawatt laser, it is critical to have accurate spatiotemporal synchronization between the ultrarelativistic electron bunch and the ultrahigh-intensity laser beam. Such a synchronization was realized by using two complementary optical setups. The first setup, used for the initial synchronization, recorded the spatial interferogram between the two femtosecond lasers used for a GeV electron beam production and an ultrahigh scattering laser beam. The second one, consisting of spatial and spectral interferometers, measured the time delay between the two laser beams in the range of 0–200 fs in real time. These monitoring systems played an essential role in conducting Compton scattering experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper extracts a comprehensive reliability model for a transformer with oil natural air forced (ONAF) cooling system, which is the most common type of power transformers. The transformer is first classified into three subsystems and a reliability model is thereafter developed corresponding to each subsystem. Markov process and frequency/duration approaches are applied to analyze the extracted models and achieve their equalized representations. Merging subsystem models leads to the transformer entire reliability model consisting 17 states. The model is then reduced to an 11-state one which is more computationally manageable. Numerical analyses and sensitivity studies are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed model and the results are thoroughly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Porcelain string insulators are widely used in high-voltage transmission lines. Calculation of potential distribution is extensively performed in the design and development of high-voltage insulators. This article applies a three-dimensional electromagnetic analysis program to calculate the potential distribution of 230-kV porcelain suspension insulators under clean and dry conditions. The effects of cross-arm length, number of units, corona ring parameters, and also effects of wind force on the potential distribution along the porcelain suspension insulators are investigated and discussed. The results are useful for analyzing the potential distribution for porcelain suspension insulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal stress due to losses and environment temperature causes degradation to paper/oil insulation systems in transformers, even at operating temperature. Experience indicates that thermal ageing of oil and paper in power transformers leads to the change of some insulation characteristics. In this paper, insulating papers immersed in oil have been acceleratory aged at 140, 150, and 160°C under laboratory conditions. Some of the oil properties, such as water content, breakdown voltage, acidity, together with the aged insulating paper properties such as electric strength, dielectric dissipation factor and tensile strength were measured and analyzed. Also, insulation system conditions under thermal stress have been evaluated by electrical/distinctive techniques like recovery voltage, polarization and depolarization currents. Correlations between these parameters have been investigated. Finally, paper tensile strength has been used as a criterion to estimation of insulating paper life time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of demographic transition has become a principle preoccupation of demographers during the last few decades. As explained by some scholars, the omnipresent differentials in the trends and determinants of transition warrant separate and detailed study in various regions and countries to obtain a better understanding of the issue. In this article, an attempt is made to elaborate on the recent trend of fertility and its determinants in the Islamic Republic of Iran. After providing a brief introduction to the general demographic characteristics of the country, I discuss fertility limitation in the past and Islamic views about birth control. Subsequently, I elaborate on the swings in fertility limitation in the past three decades and the determinants of those swings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposing reliability models for four HVDC transmission network configurations. • Considering Lines Capacity Restrictions in all DC transmission lines and investigating several reliability indices. • Considering system states with the highest probability of failure. • Detailed investigation of each system state for all of the configurations by calculating probability, frequency, available capacity, P kj , L kj , and D kj for each system state. • Investigating the effect of load level on reliability indices and carrying out a numerical analysis on the obtained results. The ongoing increasing demand for electrical energy and the reliable access to remote renewable energy generation points such as off-shore wind power stations or solar power generation, have revived the interest in HVDC multi-terminal systems. With the expansion of HVDC systems, their reliability assessment has become continuously important. One of the most important aspects of the reliability assessment of electrical systems is to have an accurate understanding of the engineering implications of the system and its associated components. The next step is to appropriately model the system components to represent their characteristics and functions in the overall system. In order to deliver a specified amount of electrical power, different methods can be considered. There are two general methods: 1) using several electrical power sources with low capacity, or 2) using fewer electrical power sources with high capacity. The decision to choose a certain method for transmitting electrical power depends on various parameters, and one of the most important parameters is reliability studies. This paper presents reliability modeling and analysis of HVDC transmission systems incorporating hybrid HVDC breakers to interrupt HVDC line faults. In this paper, comprehensive detailed reliability models of point-to-point, three-terminal, and four-terminal configurations are developed. Using this equivalent reliability model, various reliability indices are calculated at the load point of the system. Also, the effects of line constraints and incorporating DC circuit breakers of the DC transmission lines on the load point reliability indices have been evaluated. In the end, the effect of the load level on the reliability indices of the load point of each configuration has been assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exergy analysis in combined heat and power systems is reviewed and discussed. • The focus is on exergetic and thermodynamic indices in combined heat and power. • CHP of gas turbine, reciprocating engine, Rankine, fuel cell and ORC is considered. • The highest exergy destruction occurs in boilers and combustion chambers. • CHP fed by gas turbine, fuel cell and combustion engine has high exergy efficiency. The increasing demand for energy around the world makes it vital to use more suitable and efficient power generation systems. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems can produce power and heating with high possible efficiency. Also, in recent years, there has been a particular emphasis on exergy analysis for enhancing the efficiency of CHPs. In this work, the exergy analyses for different CHP systems with varying sources of power are reviewed. This paper includes six sections as gas turbines, reciprocating engines, Rankine cycles, fuel cells, organic Rankine cycles (ORC), and hybrid energy systems. Also, it has been tried to cover the modeling, experimental, analytical, and simulation studies. The results show that the exergy analysis of high-performance small-scale CHPs, for residential areas, are not adequate still. More research works are also recommended on hybrid CHPs with renewable power sources like fuel cells, solar energy, ground-source heat pumps, and biomass fuels. Besides, conducting economic studies is recommended, along with exergy analyses. Based on the survey, the gaps have been identified. Some recommendations for future developments are proposed based on the application of renewable sources in CHPs and improving their exergy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The cable sheath induced voltage in combined overhead-cable lines using EMTP/RV software is calculated and the results are analyzed. • The effect of different parameters such as type of ground connection of cable sheath, cable length, lightning strike location, tower footing resistance and ... on cable sheath induced voltage under lightning surge is investigated. • Artificial neural network (ANN) model is designed for maximum induced voltage prediction of cable sheath under lightning surge and different condition. • The optimal response has been obtained at epoch 115 that the mean squared error is about 0.00019. • The absolute values of relative errors between induced voltages of simulation and prediction are less than 8%. This indicates a high efficiency of ANN technique in the cable sheath induced voltage prediction. This paper aims to propose an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for voltage prediction in cable sheath of combined overhead-cable line under lightning condition. To this end, the effect of different parameters, including tower footing resistance, sheath ground resistance, a kind of ground connection of sheath on the maximum induced voltage of cable sheath in 132 kV combined line are investigated using EMTP/RV software. It is assumed, in this study, that lightning strike to the Guard wire and back-flashover occurred and/or lightning strike to the overhead line. With these results in mind, the proposed model is designed with ten inputs data and four outputs data. The validation of the model indicates that the absolute values of relative errors between induced voltages of simulation and prediction are less than 8%. This indicates high efficiency of ANN technique in the maximum induced voltage prediction of cable sheath under lightning surge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Artificial pollution flashover tests have been utilized under ac voltage to investigate the impact of uniform and FSNU pollution on flashover voltage of composite insulators. • Morphological effects of multi-stress aging have been carried out by the SEM analysis. • The effects of contamination roughness and extension on flashover voltage of the polymeric insulators have been conducted. • Simultaneous presence effect of non-uniform pollution and multi-stress aging on the flashover voltage of polymeric insulators has been analyzed. Pollution deposition along with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and electro-thermal stress cause the composite insulators to face with critical conditions. The type of pollution which settles on insulators is not only uniform but also it can be non-uniform and uneven. In this study, the results of the uniform and fan-shaped non-uniform (FSNU) pollution tests on four various types of virgin and aged polymeric insulators under AC voltage are presented. To find the effects of accelerated aging on polymer chains of composite insulators, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is carried out. Based on IEC 60507, the solid layer method is applied to settle pollution on the insulator surface. The results demonstrate that the flashover voltage of virgin and also aged samples decreased when pollution non-uniformity degree (J) increases from 1 to 13. The flashover voltage of studied insulators is reduced by increasing the occupation ratio (K). However, the impact of K was lesser than J on flashover voltage of the polymeric insulators. Investigated polymeric insulators have been aged up to six weeks (1000 h). Although the influence of two weeks (333 h) accelerated aging on flashover voltage and morphology of the composite insulators was not tangible, therefore flashover strength of the samples is decreased while the aging period time increases. Statistical analysis has been done to estimate the flashover voltage of accelerated aged composite insulators under uniform and FSNU pollution based on virgin insulators. The research aimed to select insulators in windy and sunny areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluate the effect of different insulator profiles on Flashover Voltage (FOV). • Analyze the risk of the insulators utilization under different ambient conditions. • Effect of different pollutions and humidities variations on the reliability of the aged Silicone Rubber (SiR) insulators. • Reliability of the aged Silicone Rubber (SiR) insulators has been calculated. In this paper, the effect of different pollution and humidity variations on the reliability of aged Silicone Rubber (SiR) insulators are investigated. Firstly, four different types of 20 kV SiR insulators have been selected to evaluate the effect of different insulator profiles on Flashover Voltage (FOV). Then artificially accelerated aging tests with 1000 h duration have been conducted for the aging of insulators. Numerous FOV tests have been carried out on the aged SiR insulators under different humidity and pollutions. Next, the risk of insulators utilization under different ambient conditions have been calculated by using the experimental test's data. Finally, the reliability of insulators under different conditions have been calculated and a new mathematical model for the reliability in different humidity has been proposed. The effect of SiR insulator profiles on FOV has been studied and the results have been shown that lower FOV is related to insulators with thicker profiles as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]