Need help with a thesis topic withing electric power distribution. Please help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding a suitable thesis topic in electric power distribution for a master's student. The student initially considers the impacts of plug-in hybrid cars on distribution systems but is concerned about the lack of data. Suggestions include exploring the Smart Grid and using specific vehicles like the Chevy Volt to analyze their energy requirements and potential impacts on power rates and utility loading. The importance of consulting with a thesis advisor is emphasized, along with the idea of using IEEE test feeders for research. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a data-driven approach to address the chosen topic effectively.
milesba44
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Hello guys,
Please I need help in getting ideas for my masters thesis, I am a electrical (electric power distribution) engineering student and I have been searching for a long time with no good results, if anyone has links or good ideas please help me. My latest idea was the impacts of plug-in hybrid cars on the distribution system, but there aren't many cars out there, so how would I do a thesis topic on their impacts with no data? Maybe I should look into another area, eh? Any suggestions?
 
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milesba44 said:
Hello guys,
Please I need help in getting ideas for my masters thesis, I am a electrical (electric power distribution) engineering student and I have been searching for a long time with no good results, if anyone has links or good ideas please help me.
Thank you.

Well, the SmartGrid would be an obvious choice right about now. What can you tell us about the SmartGrid?
 
Hi milesba44, and welcome to PhysicsForums!

That's probably something you should bring up with your thesis advisor. However, I'd propose that the following may be a starting point:
  • Use the Chevy Volt, or other in-the-news vehicle with actual numbers associated with it--required energy per km, charge time, average utilization of average commuter--as an 'exemplar' vehicle, and figure out the impact of one of these
  • Estimate the impact a tiny amount of ownership (e.g. 0.001% household ownership)
  • Estimate the impact a large amount of ownership (e.g. 10% household ownership)
  • What might this happen to "off-peak" power rates, and how much additional capacity might be required for in-peak charging at various levels of utilization?
  • What ramifications might there be if "capacitive quick charging" schemes are employed in terms of power factor and utility loading?

Those were questions that popped in my head when I heard the Chevy Volt was going to be commercialized and start reflecting a new trend (maybe).
 
Those ideas are cool, but I'm afraid I may not have enough data to provide enough to convince someone examining me. My advisor has a laid back attitude and he thinks I should do something related to the smart grid of plug-in hybrids as well. I'm just not sure how to show the impacts with no data. I would be using the IEEE test feeders for my research as well.
 

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