Abstract: Nowadays, there are different techniques used to effectively optimize the power settings of electric generating machines so the system load can be met with the lowest possible operating cost. The main problem associated with these techniques is: they are optimization-dependents. This means slow processing speed, special software, and highly experienced crew. In many power plants, the set-points assigned by automation centers for generating machines are in discrete form. Thus, the current continuous optimization algorithms should be modified to be in a combinational mode. This invention is a new technique that can practically solve discrete economic load dispatch (ELD) problems without using any optimization algorithm. It has the ability to find all the possible ELD solutions and satisfy all the associated design constraints quickly and smoothly. Also, it can be used even with continuous ELD problems with a negligible error.

Abstract: Nowadays, there are different techniques used to effectively locate faults in electric power systems. These techniques are based on travelling wave, time-domain, phasor-domain, power quality data, superimposed components, and artificial intelligence (AI). Also, each one of these techniques has a specific application; such as locating faults in distribution, sub-transmission, transmission, or generation part. The grid itself could be a conventional or smart, large or micro-grid, AC or DC grid. Also, the lines themselves could be divided into three possible types: 1) overhead, 2) underground, and 3) joint-nodes. Directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) are preferred to protect distribution networks, because they can compromise between different design criteria. This invention utilizes the advanced features available in numerical DOCRs to locate faults in distribution networks.