Southern Company Services

About: Southern Company Services is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Flue gas & Electric power system. The organization has 217 authors who have published 190 publications receiving 3414 citations.

The Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study: Part 1—Overview

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of a major, long-term program for tropospheric gas and aerosol research in the southeastern United States. Building on three existing ozone (O3)-focused research sites begun in mid-1992, the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study (SEARCH) was initiated in mid-1998 as a 7-year observation and research program with a broader focus including aerosols and an expanded geographical coverage in the Southeast. The monitoring network comprises four urban-rural (or urban-suburban) site pairs at locations along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and inland, including two moderately sized and two major urban areas (Pensacola, FL; Gulfport, MS; Atlanta, GA; and Birmingham, AL). The sites are equipped with an extensive suite of instruments for measuring particulate matter (PM), gases relevant to secondary O3 and the production of secondary aerosol particles, and surface meteorology. The measurements taken to date have added substantially to the knowledge about the...

Economic dispatch in view of the Clean Air Act of 1990

Abstract: This paper discusses the impact of the enactment of the Clean Air Act of 1990 on the current industry practices as related to the economic dispatch problem. The problem was investigated in view of the new SO/sub 2/ emissions and underutilization constraints. Detailed problem formulations are presented and tools to evaluate different compliance plans and operation strategies are proposed. Test results on a large size power system are also included in the paper. >

Effect of Dissolved CO2 on a Shallow Groundwater System: A Controlled Release Field Experiment

Abstract: Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources and injecting the emissions deep underground in geologic formations is one method being considered to control CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Sequestering CO2 underground has its own set of environmental risks, including the potential migration of CO2 out of the storage reservoir and resulting acidification and release of trace constituents in shallow groundwater. A field study involving the controlled release of groundwater containing dissolved CO2 was initiated to investigate potential groundwater impacts. Dissolution of CO2 in the groundwater resulted in a sustained and easily detected decrease of ∼3 pH units. Several trace constituents, including As and Pb, remained below their respective detections limits and/or at background levels. Other constituents (Ba, Ca, Cr, Sr, Mg, Mn, and Fe) displayed a pulse response, consisting of an initial increase in concentration followed by either a return to background levels or slightly greater than background. This suggests a fast-release mechanism (desorption, exchange, and/or fast dissolution of small finite amounts of metals) concomitant in some cases with a slower release potentially involving different solid phases or mechanisms. Inorganic constituents regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency remained below their respective maximum contaminant levels throughout the experiment.

Determination of allowable penetration levels of distributed generation resources based on harmonic limit considerations

Abstract: Analytical methods are formulated in this paper to predict allowable distributed generation resources on a radial distribution feeder before voltage harmonic limits (as specified in IEEE 519-1992) are exceeded. The final result is a determination of allowable penetration levels of distributed generation resources for a range of distribution feeders. Closed-form equations are derived for typical feeder designs and different load allocation patterns. These equations are validated with conventional harmonic analysis simulations which show that the closed-form equation predictions are slightly conservative. These methods will serve as efficient tools for power system planning and design without requiring exhaustive studies to determine the impact of distributed generation resources.

State-of-the-art technologies for UAV inspections

Abstract: Visual condition inspections serve as the basis for determining the need and schedule for service tasks such as maintenance and remediation projects to preserve the proper functioning of power facilities and infrastructure. An increasing accumulation of service projects has recently surfaced due to the lengthy, labour-intensive and subjective qualities of the current method for inspection. These processes are also costly due to the temporary closure of the infrastructure as well as the requirement of special inspection equipment. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, offer potential as a useful tool for infrastructure inspections. UAVs provide visual assessments of structures while eliminating the need for manual inspections. Thus, aerial systems have the potential to reduce the cost of inspections as well as limit the disruption of the public while allowing engineers to have a better three-dimensional understanding of the system. However, the implementation of UAV inspection includes several difficulties such as flight stability, control accuracy, and safety. This study summarises the context for UAV inspection of power facilities and structures. Technologies to address the hindrances preventing UAV integration into the current practice are reviewed. Existing challenges and future work in research for UAV inspections are also presented.