Electric energy storage units for distributed energy systems

Introduction: there is much concern about power supply to small and remote villages and industrial facilities, such as crude oil and gas fields, in the present-day power industry. Systems using renewable energy sources are the most innovative solutions to this problem. The need for electric energy storage units complicates the use of renewable energy sources. Versatile types of storage units, working on different principles, are in use now. Flywheels, working on the principle of mechanical accumulation of energy, are of particular interest.Methods: both traditional and advanced designs of electric energy accumulation systems are analyzed in the article. Recent advancements in machine building, power engineering and structural materials are contributed into structural elements of an electric energy accumulation system.Results and discussion: basic strengths and weaknesses of electric energy storage units were identified in the course of the analysis. The author substantiated the need for new effective electric energy storage units working on the principle of mechanical accumulation of potential and kinetic energy. The conclusion is that advanced engineering solutions, such as flywheels and energy efficient reversible electric machines, can boost the efficiency of electric power storage systems. The solution underlying the design of an energy efficient storage unit is offered to electric power industry players.Conclusion: the storage unit under development has flywheels and energy efficient reversible electric machines. It improves the energy efficiency of both classical power generation systems and those using renewable energy sources.

A research into the operation of a system of electric energy accumulation as part of a cyber-physical real time simulation facility

Introduction: the frequency and capacity control, as well as the maintenance of electric energy systems rely on the choice of the items of equipment that comprise a particular electric energy system. Generators are the core items of equipment comprising traditional electricity systems, while in off-grid electricity systems this function is assumed by the power-driven converter equipment coupled with energy accumulation systems. The main problem of these systems consists in a fast response generated by the power-driven converter equipment to the changing environment. Excessively fast responses, given by the controllers, make the whole off-grid electricity system unstable.Methods: the resolution of the problem of an unstable off-grid electricity system requires the use of algorithms for the control over inverters and frequency converters, designed according to the principle of a virtual synchronous machine that applies voltage and frequency droops. The model of an electricity system has been produced. It has six key elements: a basic balancing inverter, two generators, lithium-oil battery simulation, an interface converter and a real time digital simulator (RTDS). The model was used to perform an experiment to implement two-way data transmission from RTDS to converting facilities and to verify the performance capability of the algorithm and the electricity system as a whole.Results and discussion: as a result of this experiment, the contact was made between RTDS, Generator 1, Generator 2 and the basic balancing inverter through interface converters. This electricity system is resilient and failure-free.Conclusion: data communication was organized between the real time module of digital simulation and Generator 2. Control commands were delivered from the digital simulation module through interface converters, and their execution monitoring was used as a feedback. The operation of grid-forming and grid-filling converters of a self-contained electricity system was stand tested at the MIPT Centre for Engineering, and optimization algorithm performance results were obtained in respect of a battery used in the course of the application of virtual synchronous machines.

An autonomous micro-generation site using alternative/autonomous sources of electric energy

Introduction: the article deals with development and implementation of an autonomous, scalable and flexible-capacity micro-generation site representing a combination of various alternative sources of electric energy (up to 30 kW). The co-authors offer a solution for an autonomous micro-generation site: a prototype of a modular platform for a hybrid power plant (MPHP), which enables the use of solar and wind energies, capacitors, as well as an autonomous standby power supply unit having an internal combustion engine. The basic idea underlying the concept of a modular platform and the module combination method are substantiated. Power supply patterns that comprise MPHP are provided. Testing results, as well as the economic efficiency of a system operating in a decentralized energy supply environment are presented in the article.Methods: the study is based on the analysis of strengths, weaknesses and features of existing energy systems using alternative/autonomous sources of electric energy with a view to the extension of capabilities and capacity by means of connecting new generating sources.Findings and discussion: the results of development of an autonomous micro-generation site are presented; a prototype of a modular platform for a hybrid power plant (MPHP) is manufactured.Conclusion: the modular platform of a hybrid power plant enables to combine different types of electric energy sources and retain effective control over operating modes, thus improving the energy supply reliability and saving organic fuel consumed for the generation of 1 kWh of electricity.

High efficiency gas-turbine power generator GTU-2U

Introduction: the analysis of the main areas of energy transition (energie wende) from fossil fuels and nuclear power generation to renewable sources of energy has identified the following four key problems: electric power shortage; ageing of power generation facilities; insufficient infrastructure; growing demand for gas fuel. In Russia, distributed small-scale power generation facilities serve those consumers who have no access to centralized power supply or network channels of regular power generation. A combination of versatile approaches to electric power generation should be applied in the course of designing a specific energy generation facility in this context.Methods: the research project represents an analysis of the works written by the leading Russian and foreign researchers specializing on power engineering, namely, energy supply to consumers. The expert assessment method has identified the niches which are best fitted by gas turbine facilities. Computerized and simulation modeling techniques were used to perform the analytical and statistical processing of the project findings.Results and discussion: the trend for the structural improvement of small-scale liquefied natural gas facilities has been identified in the course of the research. The author has substantiated development of systems for power supply to smallcapacity liquefied natural gas production facilities. The proposed gas turbine GTU-2U is designated for generation of electric energy, if in operation as a standalone facility as part of a centralized heating and power plant in the standalone mode of operation, or in case of concurrent operation along with an energy generation system within the framework of distributed small capacity networks. The co-authors have substantiated the unit’s practical application and identified the GTU-2U distribution market both in Russia and abroad: small capacity distributed power generation industry and power supply to small-capacity liquefied natural gas production facilities. The latter is a relatively new market which is in the process of proactive development both in mature and developing economies. This power supply pattern will enable to monetize gas deposits, located far from pipelines and to supply gas to hard-to-access regions.Conclusion: the key trends in the development of the contemporary power generation industry are considered in the article. Gas turbine unit GTU-2U has been designed. This unit is capable of generating power both as a standalone facility, as a component of a centralized heating and power plant in the standalone mode of operation, or in case of concurrent operation along with an energy generation system. Its strengths substantiate its practical application both in the Russian and international power generation markets.

Thermal/electric energy generation and CO2 production for greenhouse facilities

Introduction: greenhouses need microclimate control systems to grow agricultural crops. The method of carbon dioxide injection, which is currently used by agricultural companies, causes particular problems. Co-generation power plants may boost the greenhouse efficiency, as they are capable of producing electric energy, heat and cold, as well as carbon dioxide designated for greenhouse plants.Methods: the co-authors provide their estimates of the future gas/electricity rates growth in the short term; they have made a breakdown of the costs of greenhouse products, and they have also compiled the diagrams describing electricity consumption in case of traditional and non-traditional patterns of power supply; they also provide a power distribution pattern typical for greenhouse businesses, as well as the structure and the principle of operation of a co-generation unit used by a greenhouse facility.Results and discussion: the co-authors highlight the strengths of co-generation units used by greenhouse facilities. They have also identified the biological features of carbon dioxide generation and consumption, and they have listed the consequences of using carbon dioxide to enrich vegetable crops.Conclusion: the co-authors have formulated the expediency of using co-generation power plants as part of power generation facilities that serve greenhouses.

An algorithm for selection of a wind-driven power plant for a standalone power facility

Introduction: the article reviews the main types of wind turbines and electric power generators designated for wind-driven power plants, as well as new technological solutions. The co-authors have identified the main strengths and weaknesses of wind-driven power plants used as a source of alternative energy. The co-authors have developed an algorithm for selection of a standalone power supply system using a wind-driven power plant.Subject of research: using a comprehensive approach to efficiently design and develop wind-driven power plants with account for climatic and geographic conditions, specifications of wind-driven power plants to be installed.Objective: identification of requirements and specifications needed to develop an algorithm for selection of a standalone power supply system using a wind power plant.Methods: the co-authors have analyzed different types of wind turbines and power generators which are currently in use.Results and discussion: the co-authors present the algorithm for selection of a standalone power supply system using a wind-driven power plant.Conclusion: the algorithm, which is being developed by the co-authors, helps to design an efficient standalone power supply system having a wind-driven power plant.

Research of influence of thermal loadings on reliability of gas-diesel engines of transport and technological machines

Introduction: the factors determining the development trends of the machine-building industry on the example of modernization of the internal combustion engine are considered. The evaluation of the effectiveness of cooperation between manufacturers and the scientific potential of leading scientists in the development of designs of gas-diesel engines. The requirement of time of increase of ecology of internal combustion engines is proved, the reasons braking mass introduction of gas-diesel engines for transport and technological cars are revealed. The parameter of influence on the thermal load of the piston group in gaseous fuel is allocated. The estimation of constructive perfection of development of system of cooling of the piston of the engine is given. The effects of increased temperature on individual parts of the piston in the form of scrapes, chips, causing failure of the internal combustion engine as a whole are shown. The influence of engine oil quality on the engine operation is revealed. It is proposed to Supplement the design of the internal combustion engine with an oil level control device, developed an algorite and a software product for calculating the residual life of the engine oil on key parameters, with the establishment of the term of their replacement.Methods: the study is based on the analysis of the works of leading domestic and foreign scientists in the field of improving the design of power equipment. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study was the system approach, methods of mathematical analysis, reliability theory, analytical and statistical processing of results.Results and discussion: the theoretical justification for the increased thermal load of piston in a gas-diesel engine, justifies the addition of the construction device control engine oil level and consideration of the resource and replacement intervals for the parameters of the actual physical and chemical condition, using the database presented in the software product.Conclusion: operation of gas-diesel engines requires from the operator more strict control over the temperature regime of the engine, the condition of the engine oil and the efficiency of the engine oil, the proposed solutions will allow to assess the quality of the engine oil in real time and to carry out its replacement according to the actual condition, which will ensure.

Comparative analysis of stand-alone co-generation and tri-generation energy centres

Introduction: presently, versatile stand-alone sources of electric energy serve as vehicles used to solve the problem of electric energy delivery to remote customers and to reduce substantial energy losses in the process of its delivery. The main principles underlying energy centres encompass generation, co-generation, and tri-generation.Methods: the author has performed a comparative analysis of the energy centres in operation on different principles. As for electric energy generation, the author has analyzed gas-reciprocating units consuming natural gas as the most economical fuel. The process of electric energy and heat co-generation is exemplified by four types of co-generators. The analysis of energy centres that comprise tri-generators consuming thermal energy, generated by the co-generator to produce cooled water (cold), is based on research into vapour compression refrigerating machines, consuming electric energy, and absorption refrigerating machines, consuming thermal energy. The comparative analysis of performance efficiency demonstrated by versatile energy centres (a co-generation gasreciprocating unit and a tri-generation energy centre, having an absorption refrigerating machine) is based on an annual energy consumption chart of a shopping centre located in central Russia.Results and discussion: the author has identified the strengths and weaknesses of energy generators, using different principles of energy generation; the author has analyzed their process charts and identified their application areas.Conclusion: the author stresses the importance of analytics and comparisons to be applied as part of the energy equipment selection procedure to assure high-quality operation of energy consumers.

Development of a technology for the manufacturing of parts/components of an internal combustion engine involving additive manufacturing methods

Introduction: the article considers a strategic objective consisting in reduction of the Russian companies’ dependence on highly sought-after imported power engineering equipment, including internal combustion engines used as part of auxiliary power units. In the article, the co-authors propose to integrate additive manufacturing methods into technologies used to produce internal combustion engines, their parts and components, which are temporarily or permanently impossible to import. The co-authors have proven the feasibility of advanced additive technologies in respect of casting molds and castings designated for internal combustion engines. An alloy of cast iron featuring an advanced chemical composition was developed. It enables the use of complex shape castings free from any non-metallic inclusions to produce engine parts and components; these castings demonstrate higher values of strength and wear resistance, they are a must for an internal combustion engine operating in severe conditions. The co-authors demonstrate the casting mold production process using ExOne’s S-MAX 3D printer.Methods: the study is based on the analysis of strengths, weaknesses and peculiarities of established casting methods, with account for faster production cycles and a higher quality of final products.Results and discussion: in the article, the co-authors analyze the proposed technology used to manufacture castings for “a block of cylindersˮ and “a head of the block of cylindersˮ.Conclusion: the newly developed technology for production of parts/assemblies of an internal combustion engine, including an advanced alloy having a new chemical composition, enables manufacturers to make high quality parts/ assemblies for an internal combustion engine in the most economical and productive way.

Relevance of power saving at mining farms

Introduction: mining has recently aroused substantial interest inRussia due to the rise in crypto-currency rates. Therefore, new coins are harder to obtain, and mining equipment turns more expensive. Computation capacities are provided by mining farms, and the number of their computation modules reaches 20 units, if operated by natural persons, and 300 – 5,000 units, if operated by major computation centres. One of the factors restraining the development of industrialscale mining, consists in high power consumption rates demonstrated by major computation centres. Therefore, the problem of high-quality power supply to mining farms gains relevance both in terms of the efficient use of electric power sources and in terms of the protection of expensive machines.Methods: the co-authors have analyzed power saving problems that accompany the incorporation of industrial mining farms, substantiated the need to design and develop the unique equipment, connectable to mining farms because the circulation of the reactive component of electric power between the source of alternate current and the accumulator causes losses of energy in the wires of the electric circuit. The overloading of the circuit by the reactive current causes the need to improve the capacity of the energy source, reduces the circuit voltage and makes it fluctuate. The co-authors have performed an overview of air and liquid-based cooling systems applied to mining farms. They also describe the principle of the cooling system involving submersion, which has a strong potential as a constituent component of major mining farms.Findings and discussion: the co-authors have formulated their idea aimed at the improvement of the performance of mining farms. They present a power saving system centered around the reactive capacity compensation, filtration of upper harmonics and compensation of voltage tilts.Conclusion: the co-authors have formulated the objectives of research in the area of power efficiency and capacity improvement at mining farms.