G. Artale, G. Caravello, A. Cataliotti, V. Cosentino, D. Di Cara, S. Guaiana, N. Panzavecchia, G. Tinè

Abstract — This article investigates the feasibility of using a simplified approach, based on the measurement of power ratio parameters, for harmonic emissions assessment at the point of common coupling (PCC). The proposed approach comes from the common concept of power factor correction and the definitions of the IEEE Std. 1459-2010, where line utilization and harmonic pollution levels are evaluated by means of ratios between the power quantities of the apparent power decomposi- tion. In addition to the IEEE Std. 1459-2010 indicators, in this article, the behavior is studied of additional parameters that are conceptually similar to those defined by the IEEE Std. 1459-2010. The suitability of such parameters is discussed, for both single- and three-phase balanced/unbalanced cases, taking into account both their behavior in different scenarios and their effectiveness when the measurement uncertainty is taken into account. The study is supported by some simulation results that have been obtained on an IEEE benchmark power system, which allows reproducing linear and nonlinear load conditions, balanced and unbalanced operating conditions, and the presence of capacitors for power factor correction.

Artale, G., Caravello, G., Cataliotti, A., Cosentino, V., Di Cara, D., Dipaola, N., Guaiana, S., Panzavecchia, N., Sambataro, M.G., Tinè, G.

Abstract: This paper presents a feasibility study on how to implement power quality (PQ) metrics in a low-cost smart metering platform. The study is aimed at verifying the possibility of implementing PQ monitoring in distribution networks without replacing existing smart metering devices or adding new modules for PQ measurements, thus zeroing the installation costs. To this aim, an electronic board, currently used for remote energy metering, was chosen as a case study, specifically the STCOMET platform. Starting from the specifications of this device, the possibility of implementing power quality metrics is investigated in order to verify if compliance with standard requirements for PQ instruments can be obtained. Issues related to device features constraints are discussed; possible solutions and correction algorithms are presented and experimentally verified for different PQ metrics with a particular focus on harmonic analysis. The feasibility study takes into account both the use of on-board voltage and current transducers for low voltage applications and also the impact of external instrument transformers on measurement results.

Artale, G., Brandauer, C., Caravello, G., Cataliotti, A., Cosentino, V., Di Cara, D., Guaiana, S., Panzavecchia, N., Salsano, S., Tinè, G.

Abstract – Since the production of energy from renewable energy sources is strongly increasing, the migration from the classical electric grid toward the smart grid is becoming a reality. Distribution System Operators, along with the control of the entire network and its stability, need to address the security and the reliability of the communication channels and the data itself. In this paper a solution is proposed to address these issues. It is based on a distributed measurement system that relies on a wireless network as well as a redundant Power Line communication system in order to transfer the electrical measures to a centralized SCADA server. The collected data are used to run a power flow algorithm in order to give the operator the whole picture of the network energy flow and to suggest specific actions aimed to keep the electricity network stable. An external computational layer has the role to check and validate the data collected using different approaches, in order to avoid that a malicious alteration of data tricks the operator into performing an incorrect action on the electrical network.

Artale, G., Caravello, G., Cataliotti, A., Cosentino, V., Cara, D.D., Guaiana, S., Panzavecchia, N., Tinè, G.

Abstract – This work is focused on the arc faults phenomenon in DC photovoltaic (PV) systems. The paper gives an overview of arc detection methods proposed in literature and presents a preliminary experimental characterization of the arcing current, focusing the attention on series arcs, whose detection is particularly challenging. Experimental tests are carried out, both in laboratory and on field, in order to investigate some relevant characteristics in the arcing current, which can be feasible for the arc detection purpose. Both arcing and non-arcing current signals are acquired and compared in both time and frequency domain. On-field measurements are carried out on a real photovoltaic system, in accordance with the tests requirements of UL 1699B Standard for protection devices against arc faults.