An Explicit Dynamic Model for Direct

Reforming Carbonate Fuel Cell Stack

Lukas, M.D.; Lee, K.Y.; Ghezel-Ayagh, H.
Author Affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University, University
Park, PA; FuelCell Energy, Inc., Danbury, CT
Abstract: A nonlinear, lumped-parameter mathematical model of
direct reforming carbonate fuel cell stack is extended by deriving an explicit set of differential equations for computer simulation. The equilibrium assumption used for the water-gas shift reaction results in an
implicit equation set, previously solved using numerical techniques.
An explicit equation set is derived by eliminating a key variable associated with the water-gas shift reaction. In addition, results are improved
by incorporating a fuel cell performance model to account for reversible cell potential and polarization losses. This requires determination
of intermediate gas composition at the cell anode inlet, resulting in additional computations. All results and physical data used are specific to
a lumped 16-stack 2-MW system design, a precursor to a demonstration plant that had been operated at Santa Clara, CA. Steady state results are validated for several load points over the upper region of
operation and transient results are provided for sudden load change.
Preprint Order Number: PE-170EC (06-2001)
Discussion Deadline: November 2001

Power Engineering Education Committee

Application of the Optimal Power Flow

Model in Power System Education
Levi, V.; Nedie, D.
Author Affiliation: University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Yugoslavia;
Power Distribution Company
Abstract: The application of the optimal power flow-based software package to aid classroom instruction is given in this paper. The
package is used in courses such as "Computer Methods in Power Engineering and Planning" and "Operation and Control of Power Systems."
The essential idea is to utilize all calculation modules from the previously developed optimal power flow model. The software is applied in
four projects, that is, constrained optimization, transmission expansion
planning, active and reactive dispatching for operations planning, and
corrective rescheduling within real time control.
Keywords: Education, student projects, software package, optimal
power flow, power systems, optimization.
Preprint Order Number: PE-008PRS (06-2001)
Discussion Deadline: November 2001

Power System Demos: A Graphical Aid

for Lecturing and Training Purposes
Schavemaker, P.H.; Reijntjes, R.; van der Sluis, L.
Author Affiliation: Delft University of Technology, Delft, The
Netherlands
Abstract: A software program is described for demonstration purposes during the lectures in the undergraduate course "Power System
Analysis I" at Delft University of Technology. The software visualizes
certain modeling and computational aspects of the power system analysis and gives the student insight into the effects of certain actions without making elaborate computations. The students can make copies of
the software to study and practice with it.
Keywords: Power systems, education, courseware.
Preprint Order Number: PE-468PRS (06-2001)
Discussion Deadline: November 2001
IEEE Power Engineering Review, September 2001

Power System Operation

Experiences with Mixed Integer Linear
Programming-Based Approaches in

Short-Term Hydro Scheduling

Chang, G.; Aganagic M.; Waight, J.; Medina, J.; Burton, T.;
Reeves, S.; Christoforidis, M.
Author Affiliation: National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan;
Oracle Utility Verticle; Siemens Power Systems Control; ECNZ
Southern Generation Group; Power Plant Department, Swiss Rail
(SBB)
Abstract: This paper describes experiences with mixed integer linear programming (MILP)-based approaches on the short-term hydro
scheduling (STHS) function. The STHS is used to determine the optimal or near-optimal schedules for the dispatchable hydro units in a hydro-dominant system for a user-definable study period at each time step
while respecting all system and hydraulic constraints. The problem can
be modeled in detail for a hydro system that contains both conventional
and pumped-storage units. Discrete and dynamic constraints such as
unit startup/shutdown and minimum-up/minimum-down time limits
are also included in the model for hydro unit commitment (HUC). The
STHS problem is solved with a state-of-the-art package that includes
an algebraic modeling language and an MILP solver. The usefulness of
the proposed solution algorithm is illustrated by testing the problem
with actual hydraulic system data. Numerical experiences show that the
solution technique is computationally efficient, simple, and suitable for
decision support of short-term hydro operations planning. In addition,
the proposed approaches can be easily extended for scheduling applications in deregulated environments.
Keywords: Algebraic modeling language, hydro unit commitment,
interior point method, mixed integer linear programming, short-term
hydro scheduling.
Preprint Order Number: PE-072PRS (06-2001)
Discussion Deadline: November 2001

Direct Search Method for Solving the

Economic Dispatch Problem Considering
Transmission Capacity Constraints
Chen, C.; Chen, N.
Author Affiliation: National Taiwan University of Science and
Technology, Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract: This paper develops an efficient and practical approach

for solving the economic dispatch (ED) problem considering transmission capacity constraints. The direct search method (DSM) is chosen to
handle a number of inequality and equality constraints and units with
any kind of fuel cost functions. For improving the performance of the
direct search procedure, a novel strategy with multilevel convergence
is incorporated in the DSM to minimize the number of total iterations in
the searching process. The validity, robustness, and effectiveness of the
proposed approach is verified through numerical experiments for extended economic dispatch application.
Keywords: Economic dispatch, transmission capacity constraints,
direct search method, multilevel convergence strategy.
Preprint Order Number: PE-103PRS (06-2001)
Discussion Deadline: November 2001

Real Time Intelligent Sensor Validation

Ibarguengoytia, P.H.; Sucar, L.E.; Vadera, S.
Author Affiliation: Instituto do Investigaciones Electricas,
Morelos, Mexico; ITESM, Campus Morelos, Morelos, Mexico; University of Salford, School of Sciences, Salford, U.K.

Abstract: The validation of data from sensors has become an important issue in the operation and control of modern power plants. One approach is to use knowledge-based techniques to detect inconsistencies in
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