Whale Optimization Algorithm-Based DG Allotment for Loss Minimization of Distribution Networks

For optimum placement of distributed generation (DG) units in balanced radial distribution network for loss minimization, implementation of whale optimization algorithm (WOA), a state-of-the-art meta-heuristic optimization algorithm is proposed in this paper. Encouraged by bubble-net hunting strategy of whales, WOA mimes the collective practice of humpback whales. For validating performance in solving the mentioned problem, the suggested technique is implemented on IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus balanced radial distribution test networks. The obtained results demonstrate that feasible and effective solutions are obtained using the proposed approach and can be used as a propitious substitute in practical power systems to overcome the optimum DG siting and sizing issue. Also concerning the best knowledge of the authors, it is the first report on the application of WOA in solving optimum DG siting and sizing issue.

Breaking ERD Records with Optimized Engineering and Practices: Making the Impossible Possible

Long-extended reach drilling (ERD) well has become necessary to reach untapped resources. This paper will describe pre-planning, execution and post results of drilling ERD wells with large bore design of 12¼" as the main step out section and deploying 9⅝" casing on shallow TVD of 4,200’. Progressive increase of the ERD ratio and complexity from one well to the next was planned and executed till we reached the longest well deploying 8 KM of 9⅝" casing with 5.4 ERD ratio at 26,179' TD horizontally all the way. A learning curve was established on drilled wells while progressively increasing reach and complexity. Subject well was the longest of any well planned in the field by far. Success involved implementation of technically modeled engineered solutions and verified during execution. Operational procedures including but not limited to: proper planning and execution of well profile to ensure optimum placement in a specific formation and minimum side forces. Drilling and tripping procedures to ensure the lowest friction factor (FF) and allow drilling to target depth (TD) with optimum rig capability. Engineered solution for casing running technologies, which involved rotation and conventional running and floatation. The longest ERD well was drilled to 26,179' TD with field ROP record in 12¼" hole section, maintaining very good hole quality proved by smooth bit trips out of hole and the final trip at TD on elevators. Hole cleaning and fluids strategy was developed and executed efficiently to measure FFs as low as possible for successful 9⅝" deployment. Engineered solution was proposed for 9⅝" deployment and was successfully trial tested on a shorter well to validate simulations. Casing rotation FFs came close to the modeled FFs. The 9⅝" Casing was deployed to bottom as planned and the cement job was performed successfully. Various records were achieved: the subject well achieved the deepest 9⅝" horizontal casing, the deepest 12¼" horizontal at TVD shallower than 5,000'. The longest 12¼" horizontal open hole at TVD shallower than 5,000' with section footage of 16,164'. The 9⅝" casing was deployed as a long string, eliminating the cost and challenges of a liner hanger and the need for a future tieback and also keeping hole sizes available for main and contingency sections to drill the reservoirs ahead. In addition to existing developed procedures and practices for ERD wells, subject well was dealing with the challenge of drilling a long 12 ¼" hole with a torque limitation of 30K lbsf.ft on TDS, and 4200 psi on surface equipment, and running the longest casing horizontally at such a shallow TVD, which is being done the first time globally. The success proved that challenging ERD wells can be drilled with optimum investments on rig capabilities.

Performance of Gradient-Based Optimizer on Charging Station Placement Problem

The electrification of transportation is necessary due to the expanded fuel cost and change in climate. The management of charging stations and their easy accessibility are the main concerns for receipting and accepting Electric Vehicles (EVs). The distribution network reliability, voltage stability and power loss are the main factors in designing the optimum placement and management strategy of a charging station. The planning of a charging stations is a complicated problem involving roads and power grids. The Gradient-based optimizer (GBO) used for solving the charger placement problem is tested in this work. A good balance between exploitation and exploration is achieved by the GBO. Furthermore, the likelihood of becoming stuck in premature convergence and local optima is rare in a GBO. Simulation results establish the efficacy and robustness of the GBO in solving the charger placement problem as compared to other metaheuristics such as a genetic algorithm, differential evaluation and practical swarm optimizer.

Securing Zonal Isolation Across a Highly Depleted GoM Deep Water Reservoir

Effective zonal isolation within a layered reservoir in the Gulf of Mexico is a necessity to meet regulations for stacked reservoirs and to maximize total recoverables. Effective zonal isolation also ensures maximum production is achieved via a high-pressure proppant fracture treatment. A primary cement operation of a 10 1/8" production liner (within a 12 ¼" drilled hole section) was challenging due to a combination of high equivalent circulation density (ECD) and potential losses across a layered GOM reservoir. One layer had potential and significant depletion up to 8,000 psi. Critical well parameter considerations were: maintaining the liner burst of 18,200 psi, maximizing rotation and reciprocation capability of the liner, minimizing the impact on circulation and ECD, and ensuring compatibility with the mud systems. Following careful job planning, including the analysis of caliper data from logging while drilling (LWD) for the optimum placement, two metal expandable packers (MEPs) were installed on the 10 1/8" liner. The MEPs were positioned to straddle the highly depleted layer (one above and one below) in the 12 ¼" open hole section. The liner was deployed, and the cement operation was executed with minimal ECD impact from the inclusion of the MEPs. Surface pressure was applied to create sufficient differential pressure across the 10 1/8" liner wall to hydraulically expand the MEPs quickly under full surface control. This paper covers the qualification, planning, and deployment of MEPs to provide cement assurance (CA) for zonal isolation and improve the effectiveness of contingency cement squeezes. Though this technology has been used in other regions for several years, this was the first deployment in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The solution improved the probability of success of the primary cement job, negating the requirement for a remedial cement squeeze. The decision to run MEPs was based on the estimated cost savings of 3.5 million USD for remedial squeeze operations, a value proposition that did not account for the net present value (NPV) gain, due to improved fracture placement, compared to the case of poor cement isolation.

Techno-Economic Analysis of the placement of the Capacitor in the Integrated Nepal Power System

With the increasing load demand, Integrated Nepal Power System (INPS) is facing a stiff challenge to maintain voltage profile within the standards and reduce system loss. Among the loss reduction strategies, an immediate solution would be installation of reactive power compensators at the grid substations. The power flow study of existing system is performed and a genetic algorithm is used to find optimum placement of suitable size of the capacitor banks to be added in system. 6 substations with a total reactive power supply of 80 MVAR was determined as optimal size and location and the installation is also financially feasible. Moreover, the analysis of capacitors placed at the varying voltage levels implied that the most suitable voltage level for the capacitor installation is 11kV.

Optimum Placement of Distribution Generation Units in Power System with Fault Current Limiters Using Improved Coyote Optimization Algorithm

Electric power frameworks become intensely loaded because of the expanded power demand, and as a result, the power system faces great power losses and fault currents. The integration of Distribution Generation (DG) units plays a key role in minimizing the load pressure on a power system. DGs are transmitted with a high fault current, which surpasses the evaluations of circuit breakers. This paper presents various DG units’ optimal placement with Fault Current Limiters (FCLs) in different phases. The Improved Coyote Optimize Algorithm (ICOA) and Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) are assessed for the proposed technique in terms of normal and faulty working status. Similarly, to enhance the efficiency of a distribution system, a fuzzy-based multi-objective mechanism is applied. The proposed method is employed on an IEEE 21-bus and 28-bus distribution system. The simulation analysis proved that the power losses and fault levels are reduced at an acceptable level.