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By applying shortest path analysis in stochastic networks, we introduce a new approach to obtain the reliability function of time-dependent systems. We assume that not all elements of the system are set to function from the beginning. Upon the failure of each element of the active path in the reliability graph, the system switches to the next path. Then, the corresponding elements are activated, and consequently, the connection between the input and the output is established. It is also assumed that each element exhibits a constant hazard rate and its lifetime is a random variable with exponential distribution. To evaluate the system reliability, we construct a directed stochastic network... 

This paper is concerned with the reliability assessment of a fixed platform operating in intermediate water depth under extreme environmental conditions. The structure is modelled by two-dimensional frame structure and subjected to quasi-static loads. Extreme wave loads acting on the platform in the unidirectioal mode are estimated together with their probabilistic characteristics. Fully plastic capacities of the members are also treated as random variables. The structure is modelled as a plane truss by using beam-column models and the plastic collapse of the structure is evaluated by using a linearized plasticity condition of the section under effect of axial force to generate the safety... 

Recent investigations have revealed the significant role of reactive power in blackout events. The associated disturbances frequently emerge in the form of voltage instability and collapse. Due to the computational complexity of modeling and analysis of enormous contingencies, DC approximation of the power flow, without accounting the role of reactive power, is usually used to evaluate the contingencies and to mitigate the associated probable violations. This paper, at first, presents a linear power flow model based on an approximated version of AC power flow formulation. The proposed model is then used to develop an efficient reliability assessment approach which is capable of taking both... 

This paper develops a general framework for reliability assessment of multi-microgrid (MMG) distribution systems. It also investigates reliability impacts of coordinated outage man-agement strategies in a MMG distribution network. According to the proposed reliability evaluation framework, which is based on sequential Monte Carlo simulation method, distribution system is divided into smaller sections/microgrids based on protection sys-tem configuration and operating measures are efficiently simulat-ed considering different operation modes. In order to demonstrate the role of outage management strategy in reliability performance of MMG distribution systems, at first, the required features of... 

This paper evaluates the reliability impact of UPFC application in power system. The paper proposes a new reliability model for the UPFC which is capable of considering different operating states of UPFC. The model is then applied to a test system to study the reliability impacts of UPFC. The impacts of operating points of different states of the model on the system reliability are analyzed. The role of model parameters in reliability impacts of UPFC is analyzed through the sensitivity analysis. A comparative study is finally conducted to illustrate the applicability of the proposed model compare to that of existing UPFC reliability models. The abilities and deficiencies of the proposed... 

In spite of the widespread applications of probabilistic criteria in large systems there is considerable reluctance to apply probabilistic techniques in small isolated power systems. This reluctance dictates a need to create a bridge between the conventional deterministic methods and the prevalent probabilistic techniques. This paper presents a well-being approach to illustrate the adequacy assessment of small isolated power systems. A well-being index designated as LORE and the conventional LOLE index are utilized to determine the maximum load carrying capability in two isolated systems. Copyright ©2003 IFAC  

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) infrastructures have so far been brought into the huge amount of focus since the need for a more reliable power system accosting with the catastrophic events of interruptions has been raised. Hence, benefiting from an automation technology which can remotely monitor and coordinate commands to enable immediate response and switching are obviously inevitable. This paper outlines an implementable method in response to the goal of placement of remote terminal units (RTUs) which are in charge for data acquisition and control in a power distribution system. In this light, a new practical methodology based on the robust decision making (DM) method,... 

For real-time embedded systems, energy consumption and reliability are two major design concerns. We consider the problem of minimizing the energy consumption of a set of periodic real-time applications when running on a multi-core system while satisfying given reliability targets. Multi-core platforms provide a good capability for task replication in order to achieve given reliability targets. However, careless task replication may lead to significant energy overhead. Therefore, to provide a given reliability level with a reduced energy overhead, the level of replication and also the voltage and frequency assigned to each task should be determined cautiously. The goal of this paper is to... 

In this paper, a new method for designing procedure of Reward-Penalty Scheme (RPS) in distribution system is proposed. Being fair and adoptable in viewpoint of distribution companies (DisCos) are main superiorities of the proposed RPS. Established based on concept of the Yardstick theory, its application can ensure regulators that a perfect competition will be created between DisCos to improve the service reliability. Also, such a regulation scheme can be a key for power system decision makers in order to prevent the DisCos from decreasing service reliability. Aimed to reach a fair mechanism, the proposed RPS rewards/penalizes the DisCos only compared with the other ones owning similar... 

As the electricity market undergoes continuous evolutions, along with the outdated nature of the grid, system operators would have to be able to more effectively manage the operation costs since waves of maintenance costs and equipment investments would be anticipated in the years to come. Strategic implementation of cost-effective reliability centered maintenance (RCM) approaches seems to be a key solution. This paper proposes an efficient method to assess the component criticality for the system overall reliability and further maintenance focuses. A solution concept of game theory, called Shapely Value, that is able to fairly identify the contribution of each single equipment to the system... 

The paper deals with a new reliable data transport protocol for wireless sensor networks, referred as RDTP. One of the most prominent challenges in wireless sensor networks is reliable transport of data from sensor nodes to sink node. For designing protocols for such networks hardware, some constraining factors associated with energy and processing power must be taken into consideration. There are two generic methods, ARQ and FEC to achieve reliable data transport. Here, a reliable data transport protocol for wireless sensor networks is proposed, in which an efficient moduli set in redundant residue number system has been employed. The modulus set is exploited as a means for adding... 

Increasing redundant paths in transmission grids has always been thought to be a tool to enhance service reliability. However, network equations by intertwining power flows through redundant paths impose more limits on systems with more redundancy. Accordingly, autonomous removing of a few lines may relief capacity limit violations in some contingency events thereby enhancing service reliability. This paper aims to study impacts of manual removing of transmission lines on composite system reliability. For doing so, the existing model is extended to consider optimal transmission switching (OTS) as a remedial action. The model minimizes total damage cost imposed by load curtailments. The... 

Loop restoration scheme (LRS) is a special feeder automation (FA) scheme, which is used by utilities to improve distribution system reliability. The LRS is controlled and managed by its automatic control system (ACS). The impacts on distribution system reliability indices of implementing LRS mainly depend on the type of its ACS. Two common types of ACS of LRS are presented and used in this study. Successful operation of ACS is dependent on the protection and automatic control functions of switching devices of LRS. Different failure modes of these switching devices can therefore affect the procedure of ACS in fault detecting, isolating and service restoration. The impacts of failure of... 

In power distribution systems, sometimes, system reliability indices are available, where some components' reliability parameters are unknown. This letter presents the inverse reliability evaluation (IRE) problem in radial distribution systems to find unknown components' parameters from the known system reliability indices. To this end, a nonlinear system of equations is presented and solved. The solutions are analyzed in the RBTS bus 2 to verify the applicability of the proposed approach and to show the importance of the IRE problem. © 1969-2012 IEEE  

Standard mathematical-programming-based models have attracted considerable attention for optimizing distribution system planning and operation due to their salient advantages. More specifically, mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) has proven very effective in modeling such problems. The availability of optimization software for efficiently solving MILP problems with guaranteed convergence to optimality while providing a measure of the distance to the optimal solution has made MILP models more popular. Although a plethora of efficient MILP formulations have been proposed for planning and operating studies of distribution grids, incorporating reliability into such models is still... 

Protection system malfunction play a significant role in the sequence of events leading to power system blackouts. This paper describes power system reliability evaluation incorporating protection system failures. A reliability model is used in order to determine the impact of protection system failure on power system reliability. The mechanism and scheme of protection and their hidden failure are analyzed based on their contribution to the cascading outage after occurrence of a fault. A number of reliability indices such as LOLP, EENS and ECI are calculated to describe the impact of protection system failures on reliability of power system. © 2005 IEEE  

Monitoring/control infrastructures are often assumed to be fully reliable in power system reliability studies. However, recent investigations on blackouts have revealed the crucial impacts of monitoring/control system malfunctions. This paper addresses the impact of situational awareness and controllability on power system reliability assessment. A methodology is proposed to simulate a situation in which a limitation of either or both monitoring and control functions could spread the consequence of power system events throughout the grid. It is assumed that the monitoring/control infrastructure is based on a wide-area measurement system (WAMS). While the proposed methodology is applicable to... 

Monitoring/control infrastructures are often assumed to be fully reliable in power system reliability studies. However, recent investigations on blackouts have revealed the crucial impacts of monitoring/control system malfunctions. This paper addresses the impact of situational awareness and controllability on power system reliability assessment. A methodology is proposed to simulate a situation in which a limitation of either or both monitoring and control functions could spread the consequence of power system events throughout the grid. It is assumed that the monitoring/control infrastructure is based on a wide-area measurement system (WAMS). While the proposed methodology is applicable to... 

This paper develops a general framework for reliability assessment of multi-microgrid (MMG) distribution systems. It also investigates reliability impacts of coordinated outage management strategies in a MMG distribution network. According to the proposed reliability evaluation framework, which is based on sequential Monte Carlo simulation method, distribution system is divided into smaller sections/microgrids based on protection system configuration and operating measures are efficiently simulated considering different operation modes. In order to demonstrate the role of outage management strategy in reliability performance of MMG distribution systems, at first, the required features of an...