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In this paper, we present a two-stage model of zonal electricity markets with day-ahead market clearing, and real-time re-dispatch and balancing that accounts for transmission line switching at both stages. We show how the day-ahead problem with switching can be formulated as an adaptive robust optimization problem with mixed integer recourse, and present a new algorithm for solving the adversarial max-min problem that obeys the structure of an interdiction game. We apply the model on a realistic instance of the Central Western European system, and comment on the impacts of both proactive, and reactive transmission switching on the operating costs of the system. Part I presents day-ahead models of a short-term zonal electricity market with switching, and describes our algorithmic approach for solving these models efficiently. Part II describes variants of the real-time model, and presents the results of our case study on the Central Western European market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nexans SuperConductors GmbH (NSC) has successfully designed, built and tested the first two HTS Fault Current Limiter (FCL) systems on a commercial basis for two different application cases in Europe. Both systems are live in the customer grids since last quarter of 2009: The first one is installed in UK where it acts as a bus bar coupler in a MV grid. The second one is protecting the auxiliary supply of a brown coal power station in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault detection and location estimation in a multi-terminal high voltage direct current (MTdc) transmission system based on voltage source converter (VSC) technology plays a vital role in enabling the interconnection of renewable energy systems in Europe. In this study, a comprehensive overview of the development of fault detection and location estimation techniques in the area of VSC-based MTdc network is given. The progress in various primary and secondary protection algorithms is introduced and compared in terms of high fault resistance, complexity, and communication. Besides, this study investigates the suitability of existing fault detection techniques, compares techniques, and highlights their shortcomings. Additionally, this study also suggests unconventional ways to improve backup protection techniques and discusses futuristic methods to improve the fault diagnosis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This focus section of Superconductor Science and Technology looks at the properties, technology and applications of (RE)BCO and MgB2 based superconductors for power engineering systems. Both bulk and conductor forms of material are addressed, including elements of materials fabrication and processing, and the measurement of their applied properties for various levels of system application. The areas of research include ac losses in type II materials in power devices, cables and coated conductors, the development of high current dc cables and the application of superconductors in levitation devices, motors and fault current limiters. This focus section presents a broad cross-section of contemporary issues, that represent state-of-the-art for power applications of superconductors, and highlights the areas that require further development if commercial applications of these rapidly emerging materials are to be realised. It contains papers from some of the major groups in the field, including contributions from Europe, the USA and Japan, and describes devices that are relatively close to market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]