Optimal Power Distribution System Planning and Analysis Using Q-GIS and Soft Computing

The current review conducts a comprehensive comparison of Quantum GIS (QGIS) and ArcGIS in the context of healthcare applications, aiming to assist users in selecting the most appropriate GIS platform for their specific needs. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential tools in healthcare, providing capabilities for spatial analysis, disease mapping, and resource allocation. Driven by the need to improve healthcare delivery and public health strategies, this study compares the functionalities, costs, and support systems of QGIS and ArcGIS. The major objective is to determine which GIS platform offers the best balance of cost-efficiency and performance across various healthcare scenarios. The methodology encompasses a detailed comparative analysis, incorporating quantitative data from user satisfaction surveys, performance evaluations, and real-world case studies. Findings reveal that QGIS, as an open-source GIS software, is highly cost-effective and customizable, making it particularly advantageous for budget-limited projects and smaller organizations requiring flexibility. Its extensibility via plugins and robust user community fosters continuous innovation and improvement. QGIS proves exceptionally effective in healthcare applications such as disease mapping and accessibility analysis, where customization and cost-efficiency are critical. Conversely, ArcGIS is distinguished by its advanced analytical capabilities and strong performance in handling complex, large-scale studies. Its sophisticated tools and comprehensive spatial analysis functionalities are essential for thorough healthcare research and planning. Although ArcGIS incurs higher costs, its extensive feature set, professional support, and exhaustive documentation justify the investment for large organizations and research institutions engaged in detailed GIS projects. In conclusion, both QGIS and ArcGIS exhibit significant strengths in key healthcare applications. QGIS excels in affordability and flexibility, while ArcGIS provides superior analytical power and support for extensive projects. Future research should focus on integrating real-time data and enhancing user experience to further optimize GIS applications in healthcare.

<p>For precision agriculture (PA) applications that use aerial platforms, researchers are likely to be interested in extracting, study and understanding biophysical and structural properties in a spatio-temporal manner by using remotely sensed imagery to infer variations of vegetation biomass and/or plant vigor, irrigation strategies, nutrient use efficiency, stress, disease identification, among others. This requires measuring spectral responses of the crop at specific wavelengths by using, for instance, Vegetation Indices (VI). However, for the analysis of this spectral response and its heterogeneity and spatial variability, a large amount of aerial imagery (data) must be collected and processed using a photogrammetry software. Data extraction is often performed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) software and then analyzed using (in general) statistical software. On the one hand, a GIS is used for the collection of resources to manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information. In this regard, Quantum GIS (QGIS) is one of the most well-known open-source software used which provides an integration of geoprocessing tools from a variety of different software libraries. QGIS is widely used to obtain VI computations through the raster calculator, although, this computation is performed with band rasters manually provided by the user; one by one, which is time-consuming. On the other hand, QGIS provides a Python interface to efficiently exploit the capabilities of a GIS to create similar plugins, but this can be a non-trivial task. In this work, we developed a specific and QGIS independent semi-automatic tool called <strong>ViCTool (Vegetation index Computation Tool) </strong>as a free open-source software (FOSS) for large amount of data extraction to derive VIs from aerial raster images in a certain region of interest. This tool has the option of extracting several multispectral and RGB VIs employing Blue, Green, Red, NIR, LWIR, or Red edge bands. The user must provide the input folder path containing one or more raster band folders, the shapefile with the regions of Interests, an output path to store the output VI rasters, and the file containing the VI computations. ViCTool was developed using Python PyQT for designing the User Interface (UI) and Python GDAL for raster processing to simplify and speed up the process of calculating a large amount of data intuitively.</p>

Blockchain for decentralized transactive energy management system in networked microgrids

The reliability and efficiency of transformers are crucial for the stable operation of power distribution systems. This project focuses on the Condition Monitoring of Transformers Based on IoT Technology, enabling real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as temperature, oil level, voltage. By integrating sensors, Arduino Uno, and the NodeMCU ESP8266 WiFi module, the system continuously collects data and transmits it to a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring and analysis. The implementation of IoT technology enhances predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected failures and minimizing downtime. Additionally, data-driven insights help optimize transformer performance, extend its lifespan, and reduce maintenance costs. This approach ensures a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power distribution network.

Large-scale integration of rooftop solar power generation is transforming traditionally passive power distribution systems into active ones. High penetration of such devices creates new dynamics for which the current power distribution systems are inadequate. The changing paradigm of power distribution system requires it to be operated as cyber-physical system. A goal-based holonic multiagent system (HMAS) is presented in this paper to achieve this objective. This paper provides details on design of the HMAS for operation of power distribution systems. Various operating modes and associated goals are discussed. Finally, the role of HMAS is demonstrated for two applications in distribution systems. The first one is associated with control of reactive power at solar photovoltaic installations at individual homes for optimal operation of the system. The second deals with the state estimation of the system leveraging different measurements available from smart meters at homes.

In the present study, an automatic integrated tool has been developed for morphometric parameters using a proprietary software, Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographical Information System (ArcGIS) developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and an open-source software, Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS). Seven morphometric parameters have been evaluated that are drainage density (DD), Compound Topographic Index (CTI), stream order, form factor, elongation ratio, circulatory ratio and Lemniscate’s ratio. All parameters have been computed and compared between developed tool in ArcGIS, QGIS and a reference study. Fifteen randomly chosen points have been considered based on different elevation zones of watershed namely high elevation (HP) zone, moderate elevation (MP) zone and low elevation (LP) zone. Obtained results from both the tools show a variation in values of 2° in the slope. The average difference in slope obtained from ArcGIS tool and QGIS tool at high elevation zone is 5.32%, at moderate elevation zone is 2.72%, and at low elevation zone is 5.47%. The change in total stream length is found to be 2.56%. The average difference in drainage densities at high elevation zone is 33.79%, at moderate elevation zone is 25.86% and at low elevation zone is 16.69%. The average difference in CTI values obtained at high elevation zone is 11.61%, at moderate elevation zone is 14.75% and at low elevation zone is 13.87%. The percentage difference in elongation ratio is 14.80%, for circulatory ratio is 6.5%, for form factor is 17% and Lemniscate ratio is 0.74%, respectively. Results were compared with the reference study done on the same watershed, and it was found that for stream order, ArcGIS and QGIS tools match with the reference study. For drainage density, form factor and elongation ratio, ArcGIS tool produces better results and for circulatory ratio, QGIS tool is producing better results when compared with reference study. Although there are discrepancy in the obtained results, this method generates a reliable database of morphometric parameters and is very useful in the field of hydrology and watershed analysis.KeywordsMorphometric parametersArcGISQGISReliable database

The urban rail transit traction power supply cable bears the important tasks such as power connection and power transmission among the main substation, the traction and buck stations. Due to the greater length of the power supply cable, the series parallel resonance problem caused by the charging capacitor is a serious threat to the safe and stable operation of the rail transit system. In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of power supply and distribution system of urban rail transit system, this paper studies the design and selection of traction power supply cable for urban rail transit under the harmonic constraint. The method can effectively avoid the safety problem of the harmonic series-parallel resonance due to cable charging capacitance in the traction power supply system for urban rail transit users. At the same time, it also has guiding significance for the design of cable length and charging capacity of other power supply and distribution system.

The importance of Distributed Generators (DGs) in the operation of electric power distribution systems both technically and economically has grown significantly in recent times. This is primarily due to the continuous rise in electricity demand which is increasingly challenging to meet with the energy generation. As a result, DGs provide more efficient alternatives for delivering quality energy close to consumption sites. This study modelled a typified Nigerian power distribution network by integrating renewable DG units based on solar Photovoltaics (PV) capacity factors. The study aimed to determine the optimal DG sizing and location using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to enhance network performance. Three optimization scenarios were explored: minimizing total cost with loss, minimizing total cost with voltage stability index and minimizing total cost and loss with voltage stability index. These scenarios considered constraints such as voltage limits, DG power injection, power balance and power flow. The results obtained indicated that the third scenario which focused on minimizing total cost and loss while improving voltage stability yielded the best network performance. It resulted in significant loss reduction, voltage stability improvement and cost savings compared to the other two and the base scenarios.

Synthetically analyze the power distribution communication network technology in the smart power grid link. It mainly includes the summary of the smart distribution network, electric power communication backbone network and then layer communication requirements, the network mode and the application mode of WLAN technology in the distribution network, EPON network technology, micropower wireless technology, PTN technology and power broadband wireless systems. State the demand of the smart power distribution business and put forward technical guidance for the smart power distribution communication network scheme. In view of the complex distribution network architecture, more nodes and scattered, complex business types data business needs, put forward the integrated solutions of optical fiber communication as the backbone access, wireless bandwidth, passive optical communication as the coverage, the short distance wireless communication as the main terminal access. It provides a reference for the communication plan of distribution side.

Catchment delineation is an important characteristic in hydrology as it describes the hydrological parameter of river basins. While, the use of modeling tools has gained popularity as many water resource managers, scientists and engineers explored its capability to delineate catchment areas. This study applied the capability of Geographical Information System (GIS) and Digital Elevation Model in determining the geomorphological characteristics of Pandurucan River in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Catchment area was determined using the SAR-DTM Model in QGIS. Using the various tools of catchment delineation, geomorphological catchment characteristics such slope, flow direction, stream networks and catchment area were identified. Results of the simulation identified three sub basins and a total catchment area of 10,083,608sq.m. The thematic maps for stream, channels and river networks defined the direction of the flow of Pandurucan River; the drainage area that catches precipitation and the location where all water accumulated and drained off.

Amicrogrid is a combination of clusters of distributed generators connected to fulfill the requirement of dedicated load. A microgrid can be operated with standalone or grid connected mode. A microgrid when operated in standalone mode with a limited voltage and power rating is more likely prone to a serious damage due to its unpredictable faults. Load flow, voltage stability & short circuit analysis of a micro-grid is essential for both design and performance monitoring and to ensure reliable microgrid operations. The faults with a continuously varying in nature affects the normal operation of buses and so to the peripherals associated to the micro-grid. The cause and severity of such faults plays a vital role while designing protection scheme in standalone micro-grid as standalone mode has confined generation. In this paper, electrical model of a 52.3 kW Photo-voltaic based micro-grid is developed on Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP) and various transient conditions such as load flow, loss of DG & short circuit analyses are performed. A detailed short circuit analysis puts light on various short circuit conditions and provides useful analysis. ETAP is the most comprehensive analysis platform for the design, simulation, operation, and automation of generation, distribution, and industrial power systems. ETAP also provides the industry leading transient analysis of power system and micro-grid so chosen for this transient analysis study. A short circuit analysis is calculated based onIEC Std. 60909 using ETAP. This paper presents a simulated model of micro-grid with actual system oriented results and analyzes responses of system during fault conditions and various contingencies.

Soil erosion is a significant environmental problem that affects river basins globally, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil, degradation of agricultural lands, and water pollution. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model is commonly used to assess soil erosion by considering various factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, vegetation cover, and conservation practices. To obtain the necessary data for accurate predictions, remote sensing techniques and Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS), specifically QGIS software, are utilized. The objectives of this research are to determine to estimate soil loss using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model for the Sina River watershed using QGIS. This research paper focuses on assessing soil erosion in the Sina River Basin located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, using the RUSLE model and QGIS, having a drainage area of 12,372 km2 . The parameters of the RUSLE model were estimated using remote sensing data and the erosion was determined using QGIS. The estimated rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topographic and crop management factors range from 83 to 84 MJ/mm·ha−1hr−1/year, 0 to 0.25t ha−1·MJ−1·mm−and 0 to 957.083, 0 to 0.19 respectively. The results indicate that the estimated total annual potential soil loss of about 14.37 t/yr. The predicted soil erosion rate due to the increase in a barren area is about 9.76 t/yr. The results can certainly aid in the implementation of soil management and conservation practices to reduce soil erosion in the Sina River Basin.

The impedance characteristics of a power distribution system are analyzed in the previous chapter based on a one-dimensional circuit model. While useful for understanding the principles of the overall operation of a power distribution system, a one-dimensional model is not useful in describing the distribution of power and ground across a circuit die. The size of an integrated circuit is usually considerably greater than the wavelength of the signals in the power distribution network. Furthermore, the power consumption of on-chip circuitry (and, consequently, the current drawn from the power distribution network) varies across the die area. The voltage across the on-chip power and ground distribution networks is therefore non-uniform. It is therefore necessary to consider the two-dimensional structure of the on-chip power distribution network to ensure that target performance characteristics of a power distribution system are satisfied. The on-chip power distribution network should also be considered in the context of a die-package system as the properties of the die-package interface significantly affect the constraints imposed on the electrical characteristics of the on-chip power distribution network.


 This paper deals with a load flow simulation of existing Dhaka Grid Circle of Bangladesh National Grid by using Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) which is a free and open source software of MATLAB Simulink and Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP) software designed for simulation, operation, and automation of generation, distribution, and industrial power systems. All the data used to simulate were collected from Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) and Load flow analysis was carried out using Newton Raphson method and simulated results were compared with PGCB Base Case Data. The network we are considering to simulate has 71 buses (400, 230 and 132 kV), 135 interconnecting lines, 32 generators, 47 loads and only 4 shunt capacitors as per the Dhaka grid circle system. Regarding the maximum demand of the load centers, total 5,525 MW load is connected in this system and the average grid generation in September, 2018 was 10,919.57 MW, though only 5988 MW of the total generation is enlisted in the Dhaka grid circle.

Network reconfiguration is an alternative to reduce power losses and optimize the operation of power distribution systems. In this paper, an encoding scheme for evolutionary algorithms is proposed in order to search efficiently for the Pareto-optimal solutions during the reconfiguration of power distribution systems considering multiobjective optimization. The encoding scheme is based on the edge window decoder (EWD) technique, which was embedded in the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2) and the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The effectiveness of the encoding scheme was proved by solving a test problem for which the true Pareto-optimal solutions are known in advance. In order to prove the practicability of the encoding scheme, a real distribution system was used to find the near Pareto-optimal solutions for different objective functions to optimize.