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Solar photovoltaic (PV) characteristic curves (P‐V and I‐V) offer the information required to configure the PV system to operate as near to its optimal performance as possible. Measurement‐based modeling can provide an accurate description for this purpose. This work analyzes the PV module performance and develops a mathematical formula under particular weather conditions to accurately express these curves based on a custom neural network (CNN). The study initially presents several standard mathematical model equations, such as polynomial, exponential, and Gaussian models to fit the PV module measurements. The model selection is subjected to the minimum value of an evaluation parameter. To simplify the solution of the symbolic equations for the CNN network, two neurons in the hidden layer with nonlinear activation function and linear for the output layer were selected. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed CNN model equations over other standard fitting models according to the root mean squared error (RMSE) evaluation. This method promises further improved results with multi‐input parameter modeling. This work develops a mathematical formula for a PV module under particular weather conditions to accurately express P‐V and I‐V curves based on a custom neural network (CNN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Reducing the losses of 3‐phase transformers is still considered a significant target by many transformer designers and manufacturers. Core joint design is one of the factors related to the losses. In previous studies, core losses and flux density distribution motivated researchers to design appropriate T‐joints. However, the variation of load and thermal profiles are the most important factors related to the losses in transformers. This study proposed a new T‐joint configuration for the core of the 3‐phase transformer. The proposed model was built after considering the variation of load and thermal profiles. Results were compared with those of conventional T‐joint designs, such as butt‐lap and 45° mitered designs, that are currently used. The no‐load losses of the proposed model were reduced by more than 6.8% and 10% compared with those of the butt‐lap and mitered T‐joint designs, respectively. Furthermore, the total losses, the hot spot temperature of the core, and the oil temperature decreased significantly. The proposed model contributes to the literature on new T‐joint designs for improving transformer performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic (PV) farms currently play a vital role in the generation of electrical power in different countries, such as Malaysia, which is moving toward the use of renewable energy. Malaysia is one of the countries with abundant sunlight and thus can use solar PV farms as alternative sources for electricity generation. However, lightning strikes frequently occur in the country. Being installed in open and flat areas, solar PV farms, especially their electronic components, are at great risk of damage caused by lightning. In this paper, the effects of lightning currents with different peak currents and waveshapes on grid-connected solar PV farms were determined to approximate the level of transient effect that can damage solar PV modules, inverters and transformers. Depending on the location of the solar PV farm, engineer can obtain information on the peak current and median current of the site from the lightning location system (LLS) and utilise the results obtained in this study to appropriately assign an SPD to protect the solar panel, inverter and the main panel that connected to the grid. Therefore, the simulation results serve as the basis for controlling the effects of lightning strikes on electrical equipment and power grids where it provides proper justification on the 'where to be installed' and 'what is the rating' of the SPD. This judgment and decision will surely reduce the expensive cost of repair and replacement of electrical equipment damages due to the lightning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located near the equator, Malaysia is a country with one of the highest lightning densities in the world. Lightning contributes to 70% of the power outages in Malaysia and affects power equipment, automated network systems, causes data losses and monetary losses in the nation. Therefore, consideration of insulator evaluation under lightning impulses can be crucial to evaluate and attempt to overcome this issue. This paper presents a new approach to increase the electrical performance of polymer insulators using a Room Temperature Vulcanisation (RTV) coating. The evaluation involves three different settings of polymer insulator, namely uncoated, RTV type 1, and RTV type 2 upper surface coatings. All the insulators were tested under three different conditions as dry, clean wet and salty under different impulse polarities using the even-rising test method. The voltage breakdown for each test was recorded. From the experiment, it was found that the effectiveness of the RTV coating application became apparent when tested under salty or polluted conditions. It increased the voltage withstand capabilities of the polymer insulator up to 50% from the basic uncoated insulator. Under dry and clean conditions, the RTV coating provided just a slight increase of the breakdown voltage. The increase in voltage breakdown capability decreased the probability of surface discharge and dry band arcing that could cause degradation of the polymeric material housing. The RTV type 1 coating was found to be more effective when performing under a lightning impulse. The findings might help the utility companies improve the performance of their insulators in order to increase power system reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To the electric utility engineer, the parameters of the flash that are of primary interest are the crest current for the first and subsequent strokes, the waveshape of these currents, correlation between the parameters, the number of strokes per flash and flash incidence rates where the ground flash density, denoted as flashes per square km-year and symbolized by Ng. The first three parameters, as we know them today, are to a very large extent based on the measurements of Berger. Berger's masts, 70 and 80 meters high, were mounted atop Mt. San Salvatore (Switzerland), which is 650 meters above Lake Lugano, where it can be readily noted that these 125 records represent one of the best and most extensive set of data available to the industry to date. This paper focuses on the lightning severity scenario in Malaysia, which could also applicable to other tropic countries, and some of the useful parameters for lightning protection system design and forensic study. Some specific engineering applications have also been summarised, taking into account various lightning parameters, available from past and current measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of a lightning current traversing along a tall structure is influenced by the factor of the ground reflection coefficient parameter. This parameter is widely assumed to be constant in the analysis of lightning current along at all structure. However, in reality, the ground reflection depends on the relationship between the tower and ground impedances which results in multiple values for the ground reflection coefficient. These values are determined by the ground impedance, whereby the grounding electrode arrangement and soil resistivity play key roles. Hence, this study evaluates the effect of the grounding system on the lightning current profile along a tall structure. The lightning current along a tall structure is simulated by the implementation of a distributed source representation model. The results indicate that a multiple ground reflection coefficient is generated for different types of grounding electrode arrangements and soil resistivity values. The grounding electrode arrangement in horizontal, grid or circular forms provides at least a reduction of 30% reflected current along a tall structure for a high soil resistivity. Hence, this result may provide a general guide for telecommunication (TM) engineers to consider the condition of soil resistivity and the grounding system before installing a TM tower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical field expressions are proposed to estimate the electromagnetic fields associated with vertical lightning channel at an observation point directly in the time domain using current and geometrical parameters. The proposed expressions embrace a large number of channel base current functions and widely used engineering current models. Moreover, they can be joined with different coupling models for evaluation of lightning induced voltage when they provide different required field components directly in the time domain. The data from measured fields and simulated fields from previous works were employed to validate the proposed field expressions. The simulated results were compatible with both computed field values from previous studies and the measured fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a new approach for predicting the generator rotor angle using an adaptive artificial neural network (AANN) for power system stability. The aim of this work is to predict the stability status for each generator when the system is under a contingency. This is based on the initial condition of an operating point, which is represented by the generator rotor angle at a certain load level. An automatic data generation algorithm is developed for the training and testing process. The proposed method has been successfully tested on the IEEE 9-bus test system and the 87-bus system for Peninsular Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article presents a classification methodology based on probabilistic neural networks. To automatically select the training data and obtain the performance evaluation results, the “K-fold” cross-validation method is used. Then, the probabilistic neural network is compared with the feed-forward neural network and the radial basis function network. The goal is to propose a classifier that is capable of recognizing 11 classes of three-phase distribution system faults to solve the complex fault (three-phase short-circuit) classification problem for reducing the multiple-estimation problem to estimate the fault location in radial distribution systems. The data for the fault classifier is produced by DigSilent Power Factory, Integrated Power System Analysis Software on an IEEE 13-node test feeder. A selection of features or descriptors obtained from voltages and currents measured in the substation are analyzed and used as input of the probabilistic neural network classifier. It is shown that the probabilistic neural network approach can provide a fast and precise operation for various faults. The simulation results also show that the proposed model can successfully be used as an effective tool for solving complicated classification problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The limited availability of fossil energy carriers and environmental impact of energy consumption demand mid- and long-term strategies both for the rational use of energy and for increased renewable energy utilization. Despite the establishment of the National Energy Policy, there is still an obstacle in reaching those objectives and targets. In the 7th Malaysia Plan for instance, the government has highlighted that a third of the Government''s total allocation of RM469 million for rural electrification programmes under the has been allocated for the provision of solar powered installations for rural and remote communities. This paper outlines a detailed description of various existing solar technologies, the understanding of each technology and its associated challenges, which will provide a suitable basis to recognize advantages and drawbacks in its implementation in Malaysia. The paper finally justifies some of the barriers in promoting the full scale utilization for the solar energy in Malaysia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Insulation coordination models are an essential part of power system studies and are used to determine the performance of a transmission line or substation. This paper generalizes the guidelines and parameters to be used in modelling the substation and in performing the analysis on the prediction of the transformer damage. Modelling parameters and the substation layout design are based and adapted from 132/11 kV Simpang Renggam - Ayer Hitam substation in Johor Baharu, Malaysia, courtesy of the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). The model is based on the single phase line model, as was suggested by the IEEE, to be adequate to represent the substation in transient analysis simulation. Extensive analyses on the placement of the surge arresters at the substation and a prediction of the transformer damage are also presented. The results obtained from this analysis are then compared with the suggested Basic Lightning Insulation Level (BIL) by the TNB, according to the standards, for assessing the percentage of transformer damage and optimizing the substation performance in terms of its reliability and cost effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for composite materials in high-voltage electrical insulation is escalating over the last decades. In the power system, the composite glass-fiber-reinforced polymer has been used as an alternative to wood and steel crossarm structures due to its superior properties. As a composite, the material is susceptible to multi-aging factors, one of which is the electrical stress caused by continuous and temporary overvoltage. In order to achieve a better insulation performance and higher life expectancy, the distribution of the stresses should firstly be studied and understood. This paper focuses on the simulation work to better understand the stress distribution of the polyurethane foam-filled glass-fiber-reinforced polymer crossarm due to the lightning transient injection. A finite-element-based simulation was carried out to investigate the behavior of the electric field and voltage distribution across the sample using an Ansys Maxwell 3D. Electrical stresses at both outer and inner surfaces of the crossarm during the peak of lightning were analyzed. Analyses on the electric field and potential distribution were performed at different parts of the crossarm and correlated to the physical characteristics and common discharge location observed during the experiment. The results of the electric field on the crossarm indicate that both the outer and internal parts of the crossarm were prone to high field stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an optimum earthing system design for improving the lightning performance of a 500 kV transmission line for its sustainable operation. The study includes an interpretation of the soil profile and compares the results between default and new earthing arrangements for improving tower footing resistance and tower footing impedance. An evaluation of the tower footing resistance (TFR) and impedance (Ri) before and after earthing improvement was carried out. Moreover, the effects of TFR and Ri, also known as low and high-frequency earthing, respectively, based on a specification of TFR and soil resistivity (SR) ranges at various sites were also considered. The analysis was carried out using the SESCAD tool of Current Distribution Electromagnetic Field Grounding and Soil Structure Analysis software (CDEGS) and PSCAD/EMTDC software for low and high frequency earthing, respectively. From the analysis, the results showed that the new earthing arrangement reduced the TFR by 74.11% for Tower T40, 75.71% for Tower T41 and 80.83% for Tower T42. For Ri, the results also demonstrated that the values were significantly decreased below the TFR during a high frequency operation due to the soil ionisation phenomenon that took place during the lightning. All these improvements are now being investigated and studied in all 500 kV networks in Malaysia, where lightning is considered as a major threat in relation to power outages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of material technology has contributed to the variation of high-performance composites with good electrical insulation and mechanical properties. Their usage in electrical applications has grown since then. In Malaysia, the composite made of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) has been adopted for crossarm manufacturing and has successfully served 275 kV lines for a few decades. However, the combination of extreme conditions such as lightning transient and tropical climate can impose threats to the material. These issues have become major topics of discussion among the utilities in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, and also in previous research. In Malaysia, more than 50% of total interruptions were caused by lightning. Limited studies can be found on the composite crossarm, especially on the square tube GFRP filled crossarm used in Malaysia. Therefore, this paper proposes to study the behavior of the particular GFRP crossarm, by means of its insulation characteristics. Experimental and simulation approaches are used. Throughout the study, the GFRP specimen is known to have an average breakdown strength at 7.2 kV/mm. In addition, the CFO voltages of the crossarm at different lengths are presented, whereby the behavior under dry and wet conditions is comparably discussed. At the same time, the polarity effect on the CFO voltages is highlighted. The maximum E-fields at the immediate moment before breakdown are analyzed by adopting the finite element method (FEM). Non-uniform distribution of E-fields is witnessed at different parts of the crossarm structure. Simultaneously, the maximum field localized on the crossarm immediately before the breakdown is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fourth rail transit is an interesting topic to be shared and accessed by the community within that area of expertise. Several ongoing works are currently being conducted especially in the aspects of system technical performances including the rail bracket component and the sensitivity analyses on the various rail designs. Furthermore, the lightning surge study on railway electrification is significant due to the fact that only a handful of publications are available in this regard, especially on the fourth rail transit. For this reason, this paper presents a study on the electrical performance of a fourth rail Direct Current (DC) urban transit affected by an indirect lightning strike. The indirect lightning strike was modelled by means of the Rusck model and the sum of two Heidler functions. The simulations were carried out using the EMTP-RV software which included the performance comparison of polymer-insulated rail brackets, namely the Cast Epoxy (CE), the Cycloaliphatic Epoxy A (CEA), and the Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) together with the station arresters when subjected by 30 kA (5/80 µs) and 90 kA (9/200 µs) lightning currents. The results obtained demonstrated that the GRP material has been able to slightly lower its induced overvoltage as compared to other materials, especially for the case of 90 kA (9/200 µs), and thus serves better coordination with the station arresters. This improvement has also reflected on the recorded residual voltage and energy absorption capacity of the arrester, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crossarm is an important component of transmission towers, providing insulation for transmission lines at different voltage ratings. Recently, composite crossarms were widely used as a composite tower component and were found to be the most favorable choice for replacing old wooden crossarms. Owing to the satisfactory pilot operation and multiple sets of testing, fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite crossarms have been used in Malaysia in both 132 and 275 kV transmission lines since the late 1990′s. Since then, some modifications have been proposed to improve the mechanical performance of the crossarm, in order to ensure the reliability of its performance. In this investigation, the effect of a proposed improvement, achieved by installing a brace for the crossarm, was investigated numerically. A simulation study was conducted, with a consideration of the lightning impulse voltage (LIV) and swing angle exhibited by the crossarm. The potential and electric field (E-Field) distribution were analyzed and are presented in this paper. It was found that the potential distribution and E-Field strength for the crossarm and the surrounding air were greatly affected by the installation of the brace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiple sizing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the miscible compound of ethylene glycol (EG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) via the solvothermal method. During the synthesis, the PVP‐AgNO3 was contemplated as a paramount parameter. Using the simple method of solvothermal, the sizing of AgNPs was easily controlled in accord with the augmentation of PVP‐AgNO3 at secured and moderate temperature. In regards to the sizing of AgNPs, the presence of minimum agglomeration, the absorption capability and chemical structures were highlighted through a series of verification includes ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The effectiveness of the synthesized AgNPs was further investigated and compared with the commercial AgNPs by incorporating the AgNPs into titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor film‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Results signified that the spherical AgNPs with produced sizing within the range of 19.6 to 45.2 nm were greatly impacting by tunable quantities of PVP‐AgNO3, which was validated in the forms of linear equations. A larger size promotes a slower nucleation rate that conduces agglomeration. In opposition to this, the smallest size of AgNPs develops a faster formation rate of Ag ions into AgNPs, inducing the deterrent of agglomeration in light of notable particle dispersion. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) contributed by the incorporation of synthesized AgNPs into TiO2 is also 41.2% higher than that of the commercial AgNPs‐TiO2. This is because the synthesized AgNPs provides less agglomeration which led to a better surface plasmonic effect towards the nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Revealed the physical processes and characteristics of lightning attachment on UHV power lines. • Proposed a new expression for calculating the striking distance based on the LPM. • The model based on FEM avoids the complexities of charge simulation configuration and time consuming computation. • Analyzed the effects of operating voltage, phase angle, and terrain. A numerical model for lightning attachment on UHV-AC double-circuit transmission lines was developed using the leader propagation method (LPM) and the finite element method (FEM). The striking distance (SD) of the ground wire (GW) was calculated based on this model. The effects of operating voltage, phase angle, and terrain on the electric field of the wires were also analyzed. The simulation results revealed that when the phase conductors were energized, upward leaders (ULs) simultaneously occurred on both the GW and the upper-phase conductor. The velocity of the GW UL was faster than that of the upper-phase UL, allowing it to successfully intercept the downward leader (DL) in the air, while the upper-phase UL aborted after propagating 1.8 m under the shielding effect of the GW UL. A new expression of r s = 7.2 I p 0.87 for calculating the SD on the GW was proposed based on the simulation results. This expression provided reasonable results that fell between those obtained from the electro-geometric models and the analytical model. Additionally, the simulation results demonstrated that extremely high voltage, phase angle, and terrain slope increased the surface electric field of the upper-phase conductor, thereby increasing the risk of shielding failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a cost-effective and non-invasive detection strategy is proposed for three-phase line start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM) under mixed eccentricity fault using motor current signature analysis. In this respect, theory of air gap magnetic field in eccentric LSPMSM is presented. The detection strategy is examined through modeling and experimental studies. Two-dimensional time stepping finite element method is employed to calculate the motor parameters. Effects of mechanical load and fault severity on eccentric LSPMSM are also investigated. Different fault-related components are scrutinized and the most effective features are identified for this new type of electrical motor. The results indicate that amplitudes of fault-related components at rotor frequency are precise for early detection of mixed eccentricity in LSPMSM. Finally, an efficient frequency pattern as well as detection criterion is specified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most intricate optimisation problems in power systems is generation scheduling. It determines the schedule and dispatch of electrical power generation to meet the load demand under various technical and operating constraints. Generation scheduling is a vivid problem, particularly in recent years, due to the aggressive integration of renewable energy, with stochastic nature, into power grids. As the literature size has swollen substantially in the past several years, this study critically looks into uncertainty modelling and the formulation of various techniques that were implemented in stochastic optimisation-based generation scheduling. The strengths and weaknesses of existing methods are fully exposed. Market operation policies that significantly affect the scheduling of renewable energy generation in different timescales are elaborated. Potential applications and future trends in terms of modelling, computational performance, and incorporation of flexibility and resilience notions are thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most intricate optimisation problems in power systems is generation scheduling. It determines the schedule and dispatch of electrical power generation to meet the load demand under various technical and operating constraints. Generation scheduling is a vivid problem, particularly in recent years, due to the aggressive integration of renewable energy, with stochastic nature, into power grids. As the literature size has swollen substantially in the past several years, this study critically looks into uncertainty modelling and the formulation of various techniques that were implemented in stochastic optimisation‐based generation scheduling. The strengths and weaknesses of existing methods are fully exposed. Market operation policies that significantly affect the scheduling of renewable energy generation in different timescales are elaborated. Potential applications and future trends in terms of modelling, computational performance, and incorporation of flexibility and resilience notions are thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By year 2030, the world's energy demand is expected to increase by over 60% of current demand. Thus, the potential of renewable energy should be investigated. Renewable energy is the energy from natural and unnatural available forms including wind, biomass, solar, and waste heat energy generated through various human activities. Solar energy is an available and clean form of renewable energy used as an alternative to fossil fuel in generating energy. However, the maximum extraction of thermal energy from the sun is most challenging. This study focuses on energy generation using the parabolic trough collector (PTC). This review contains geometrical analysis including the thermal approach of the PTC model, heat transfer, and method of enhancing thermal efficiency on the PTC receiver. This paper also includes performance analysis, thermal efficiency, and applications of the solar-powered PTC and the history of PTC evolution. The PTC applications include desalination process, air heating system, power plants, refrigeration, and industrial heating purposes. This paper benefits researcher that focus on the solar-powered PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an alternative approach to determine the simplified top-oil temperature (TOT) based on the pathway of energy transfer and thermal-electrical analogy concepts. The main contribution of this study is the redefinition of the nonlinear thermal resistance based on these concepts. An alternative approximation of convection coefficient, h, based on heat transfer theory was proposed which eliminated the requirement of viscosity. In addition, the lumped capacitance method was applied to the thermal-electrical analogy to derive the TOT thermal equivalent equation in differential form. The TOT thermal model was evaluated based on the measured TOT of seven transformers with either oil natural air natural (ONAN) or oil natural air forced (ONAF) cooling modes obtained from temperature rise tests. In addition, the performance of the TOT thermal model was tested on step-loading of a transformer with an ONAF cooling mode obtained from previous studies. A comparison between the TOT thermal model and the existing TOT Thermal-Electrical, Exponential (IEC 60076-7), and Clause 7 (IEEE C57.91-1995) models was also carried out. It was found that the measured TOT of seven transformers are well represented by the TOT thermal model where the highest maximum and root mean square (RMS) errors are 6.66 °C and 2.76 °C, respectively. Based on the maximum and RMS errors, the TOT thermal model performs better than Exponential and Clause 7 models and it is comparable with the Thermal-Electrical 1 (TE1) and Thermal-Electrical 2 (TE2) models. The same pattern is found for the TOT thermal model under step-loading where the maximum and RMS errors are 5.77 °C and 2.02 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the application of the Markov Model (MM) to determine the transformer population states based on Health Index (HI). In total, 3195 oil samples from 373 transformers ranging in age from 1 to 25 years were analyzed. First, the HI of transformers was computed based on yearly individual oil condition monitoring data that consisted of oil quality, dissolved gases, and furanic compounds. Next, the average HI for each age was computed and the transition probabilities were obtained based on a nonlinear optimization technique. Finally, the future deterioration performance curve of the transformers was determined based on the MM chain algorithm. It was found that the MM can be used to predict the future transformers condition states. The chi-squared goodness-of-fit analysis revealed that the predicted HI for the transformer population obtained based on MM agrees with the average computed HI along the years, and the average error is 3.59%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of medium voltage (MV) overhead lines against the indirect effects of lightning is an important issue in Malaysia and other tropical countries. Protection of these lines against the indirect effects of lightning is a major concern and can be improved by several ways. The choice of insulator to be used for instance, between the glass, ceramic or polymer, can help to improve the line performance from the perspective of increasing the breakdown strength. In this paper, the electrical performance of a 10 kV polymer insulator under different conditions for impulse, weather and insulator angle with respect to a cross-arm were studied (both experimental and modelling) and the results were discussed accordingly. Results show that the weather and insulator angle (with respect to the cross-arm) are surprisingly influenced the values of breakdown voltage and leakage current for both negative and positive impulses. Therefore, in order to select a proper protection system for MV lines against lightning induced voltage, consideration of the local information concerning the weather and also the insulator angles with respect to the cross-arm are very useful for line stability and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides detailed information on the developed hardware and software for sun tracking mechanism and shows the effectiveness of utilizing time and date-based sun positioning solar collector system in tropical climate. The sun positioning system is based on the calculated azimuth and altitude at location E100°11′, N6°26′ in Northern Peninsular Malaysia where the climate is categorized as tropical climate. The system has two axes tracking with accuracy of 1° controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). The field test has been done during a sunny and clear day, cloudy day and, heavy overcast and rainy day in which the results show that the improvement in the generated power of 91.97%, 122.71% and 90.42%, respectively, as compared with the fixed horizontal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Practical challenges of electrical earthing in both steady and transient states have been revisited. By analyzing the cases based on theoretical and practical aspects, engineering guidelines are proposed to develop suitable solutions. Less complicated cases can be approached with various electrode configurations such as multiple ring, antenna, crow-foot and centipede arrangements. Distributed earthing arrangements treated with backfill materials are suitable for the sites with extremely high resistive soil. Clay based backfill materials such as bentonite-mix give corrosion and erosion protection for the electrodes in highly acidic, alkaline, saline and sulfur-rich environments apart from reducing the low frequency resistance. On-rock sites such as transmission and communication towers are better approached with concrete-based earthing systems in both cases of power and lightning protection earthing. Extreme cases of soil instability have been identified and discussed. The suitability of vertical and horizontal electrode components as well as copper and steel electrodes under various soil conditions is also discoursed. For most cases, we recommend all types of earthing systems to be integrated, however, properly coordinated system of Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) should be incorporated in such integrated earthing system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Grounding systems are critical in safeguarding people and equipment from power system failures. A grounding system's principal goal is to offer the lowest impedance path for undesired fault current. Optimization of the grounding grid designs is important in satisfying the minimum cost of the grounding system and safeguarding those people who work in the surrounding area of the grounded installations. Currently, there is no systematic guidance or standard for grounding grid designs that include two-layer soil and its effects on grounding grid systems, particularly vertically layered soil. Furthermore, while numerous studies have been conducted on optimization, relatively limited study has been done on the problem of optimizing the grounding grid in two-layer soil, particularly in vertical soil structures. This paper presents the results of optimization for substation grounding systems using the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm in different soil conditions which conforms to the safety requirements of the grounding system. Practical features of grounding grids in various soil conditions discussed in this paper (uniform soil, two-layer horizontal soil, and two-layer vertical soil) are considered during problem formulation and solution algorithm. The proposed algorithm's results show that the number of grid conductors in the X and Y directions (Nx and Ny), as well as vertical rods (Nr), can be optimized from initial numbers of 35% for uniform soil, 57% for horizontal two-layer soil for ρ1> ρ2, and 33% for horizontal two-layer soil for ρ1< ρ2, and 29% for vertical two-layer soil structure. In other words, the proposed technique would be able to utilize square and rectangle-shaped grounding grids with a number of grid conductors and vertical rods to be implemented in uniform, two-layer horizontal and vertical soil structure, depending on the resistivity of the soil layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malaysian Government has set an ambitious target to achieve a higher penetration of Renewable Energy (RE) in the Malaysian energy mix. To date, Malaysia has approximately 2% of its energy coming from RE generation sources compared to the total generation mix and targets achieving 20% penetration by 2025. The current energy mix for Malaysia power generation is mainly provided by natural gas and coal. The discussion will cover the traditional sources of generation including natural gas, coal and big hydro stations. In addition, the paper will cover in depth the potential of RE in the country, challenges, and opportunities in this sector. This study can give an initial evaluation of the Malaysian energy industry, especially for RE and can initiate further research and development in this area in order to support the Government target to achieve RE target of 20% by 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental work conducted on the impact of soil and bentonite on transient performance of grounding systems has been reported. Three soil samples were tested after classifying them under their texture and grain size. Resistivity and permittivity were found to decrease with frequency, in all samples. The resistivity of sand-bentonite mixed at 1:1 ratio by volume, was decreased by 86% compared to that of sand whereas the breakdown voltage was decreased by 20.5% for positive and 30% for negative impulses, compared with the same parameters of sand. Air-voids may be playing an important role in the breakdown process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined meat quality and carcase haemorrhage in goats subjected to different methods of pre-slaughter electrical stunning or slaughtered without stunning. Thirty-two Boer crossbred bucks were randomly assigned to low-frequency head-only (LFHO; 1 A for 3 s at a frequency of 50 Hz), low-frequency head-to-back (LFHB: 1 A for 3 s at a frequency of 50 Hz) or high-frequency head-to-back (HFHB; 1 A for 3 s at a frequency of 850 Hz) pre-slaughter electrical stunning or slaughter without stunning (SWS). All the 32 animals were bled to drain excess blood from the carcase. The slaughter was performed by a licenced slaughter man by severing carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea and oesophagus. At 12 h post-mortem, LFHO, LFHB and HFHB had lower (p < .05) glycogen and higher lactate and glycolytic potential values than SWS. A faster (p < .05) rate of pH decline was found in LFHO, LFHB and HFHB compared to SWS. No physicochemical parameters except cooking loss differed between treatments. Cooking loss was higher (p < .05) in LFHO, LFHB and HFHB compared to SWS at 7 and 14 d post-mortem. Incidences of carcase haemorrhages in electrically stunned goats were higher than SWS. Nonetheless, HFHB had lower (p < .05) haemorrhages than LFHB and LFHO. Electrical stunning prior slaughter increased carcase haemorrhages and cooking loss but did not affect other meat quality traits in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examined was the effect of post mortem refrigerated storage on microbial spoilage, lipid-protein oxidation and physicochemical traits of goat meat. Seven Boer bucks were slaughtered, eviscerated and aged for 24 h. The Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles were excised and subjected to 13 days post mortem refrigerated storage. The pH, lipid and protein oxidation, tenderness, color and drip loss were determined in LL while microbiological analysis was performed on ST. Bacterial counts generally increased with increasing aging time and the limit for fresh meat was reached at day 14 post mortem. Significant differences were observed in malondialdehyde (MDA) content at day 7 of storage. The thiol concentration significantly reduced as aging time increased. The band intensities of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and troponin-T significantly decreased as storage progressed, while actin remained relatively stable. After 14 days of aging, tenderness showed significant improvement while muscle pH and drip loss reduced with increase in storage time. Samples aged for 14 days had higher lightness ( P < 0.05) and lower ( P < 0.05) yellowness and redness. Post mortem refrigerated storage influenced oxidative and microbial stability and physico-chemical properties of goat meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of pre-slaughter electrical stunning techniques and slaughter without stunning on bleeding efficiency and shelf life of chevon during a 14 d postmortem aging were assessed. Thirty two Boer crossbred bucks were randomly assigned to four slaughtering techniques viz slaughter without stunning (SWS), low frequency head-only electrical stunning (LFHO; 1 A for 3 s at a frequency of 50 Hz), low frequency head-to-back electrical stunning (LFHB; 1 A for 3 s at a frequency of 50 Hz) and high frequency head-to-back electrical stunning (HFHB; 1 A for 3 s at a frequency of 850 Hz). The SWS, LFHO and HFHB goats had higher (p<0.05) blood loss and lower residual hemoglobin in muscle compared to LFHB. The LFHB meat had higher (p<0.05) TBARS value than other treatments on d 7 and 14 d postmortem. Slaughtering methods had no effect on protein oxidation. Higher bacterial counts were observed in LFHB meat compared to those from SWS, LFHO and HFHB after 3 d postmortem. Results indicate that the low bleed-out in LFHB lowered the lipid oxidative stability and microbiological quality of chevon during aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An auto-restoration tool to minimize the impact of faults is one of the critical requirements in a power distribution system. A fault-monitoring system is needed for practical remote supervision to identify faults and reduce their impacts, and thus reduce economic losses. An effective fault-monitoring system is beneficial to improve the reliability of a protection system when faults evolve. Therefore, fault monitoring could play an important role in enhancing the safety standards of systems. Among the various fault occurrences, the transient fault is a prominent cause in Malaysia power systems but gains less attention due to its ability of self-clearance, although sometimes it unnecessarily triggers the operation of protection systems. However, the transient fault is an issue that must be addressed based on its effect that can lead to outages and short-circuits if prolonged. In this study, the authors summarize the guidelines and related standards of fault interaction associated with a monitoring system. The necessity of transient fault detection and location techniques and their limitations, the need for signal processing, as well as recommended practices, are also discussed in this paper. Some of the practices from local power utility are also shared, indicating the current approaches, key challenges, and the opportunities for improvement of fault-monitoring systems due to transient fault, which can be correlated with the reviews provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental study on the AC breakdown voltages of Refined, Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein and Coconut Oil (CO) in the presence of conductive (Iron (II,III) Oxide, Fe3O4), semi-conductive (Copper (II) Oxide, CuO) and insulative (Aluminium Oxide, Al2O3) nanoparticles without and with surfactant. The type of surfactant used in this study was Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB). The volume concentrations range of Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 was varied from 0.001% to 0.05%. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) was used to characterize the nanoparticles in RBDPO and CO. AC breakdown voltage tests were carried out for RBDPO and CO of which the AC breakdown voltage at 1% probability was determined based on Weibull distribution. It is found that only Al2O3 can improve the average AC breakdown voltage of RBDPO and CO. The AC breakdown voltages at 1% probability for RBDPO and CO can be improved through introduction of Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 at certain volume concentrations. Al2O3 provides the highest enhancement of AC breakdown voltages at 1% probability for RBDPO and CO with the highest percentage of improvement can be up to 52%. CTAB has no clear effect on the improvement of AC breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO based Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 nanofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study to estimate individual condition parameters of the transformer population based on Markov Model (MM). The condition parameters under study were hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), acetylene (C2H2), ethylene (C2H4), ethane (C2H6), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), dielectric breakdown voltage, interfacial tension, colour, acidity, water content, and 2-furfuraldehyde (2-FAL). First, the individual condition parameter of the transformer population was ranked and sorted based on recommended limits as per IEEE Std. C57. 104-2008 and IEEE Std. C57.106-2015. Next, the mean for each of the condition parameters was computed and the transition probabilities for each condition parameters were obtained based on non-linear optimization technique. Next, the future states probability distribution was computed based on the MM prediction model. Chi-square test and percentage of absolute error analysis were carried out to find the goodness-of-fit between predicted and computed condition parameters. It is found that estimation for majority of the individual condition parameter of the transformer population can be carried out by MM. The Chi-square test reveals that apart from CH4 and C2H4, the condition parameters are outside the rejection region that indicates agreement between predicted and computed values. It is also observed that the lowest and highest percentages of differences between predicted and computed values of all the condition parameters are 81.46% and 98.52%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a maintenance cost study of transformers based on the Markov Model (MM) utilizing the Health Index (HI) is presented. In total, 120 distribution transformers of oil type (33/11 kV and 30 MVA) are examined. The HI is computed based on condition assessment data. Based on the HI, the transformers are arranged according to its corresponding states, and the transition probabilities are determined based on frequency of a transition approach utilizing the transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and 2012/2013. The future states of transformers are determined based on the MM chain algorithm. Finally, the maintenance costs are estimated based on future-state distribution probabilities according to the proposed maintenance policy model. The study shows that the deterioration states of the transformer population for the year 2015 can be predicted by MM based on the transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and 2012/2013. Analysis on the relationship between the predicted and actual computed numbers of transformers reveals that all transformer states are still within the 95% prediction interval. There is a 90% probability that the transformer population will reach State 1 after 76 years and 69 years based on the transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and 2012/2013. Based on the probability-state distributions, it is found that the total maintenance cost increases gradually from Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 5.94 million to RM 39.09 million based on transformer transition states for the year 2013/2014 and RM 37.56 million for the year 2012/2013 within the 20 years prediction interval, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a sealed ageing study of palm oil (PO) and coconut oil (CO) in the presence of insulation paper. The type of PO under study is refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil (RBDPO) olein. Three different variations of RBDPO and one sample of CO are aged at temperatures of 90 °C, 110 °C, and 130 °C. The properties of RBDPO and CO as well as paper under ageing are then analysed through dielectric and physicochemical measurements. It is found that the effect of ageing is not significant on the alternating current (AC) breakdown voltages and relative permittivities of RBDPO and CO. There is a slight increment trend of the resistivity for CO, while for all of the RBDPO, the resistivity slightly decreases as the ageing progresses. Only CO shows an apparent reduction of the dielectric dissipation factor. Throughout the ageing time, the acidities of all of the RBDPO and CO remain at low level, while the moisture in oils decreases. The tensile index (TI) of the papers for all of the RBDPO and CO retain more than 50% of the TI. A significant increment of the paper ageing rates of all of the RBDPO and CO is observed at an ageing temperature of 130 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]