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Volume 3, Issue 3, 2024

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Electricity remains one of the most vital resources for industrial, domestic, and agricultural applications. However, electricity theft has emerged as a significant challenge, contributing to substantial power losses and severe economic repercussions for utility companies. This study examines the role of smart meters (SMs) in minimizing electricity theft and reducing energy losses by transitioning from traditional analogue meters to advanced SMs equipped with automated billing and metering systems. Data collected from the SM system in the Akre energy distribution network reveal that, following the implementation of SMs, overall electrical power losses were reduced by 17.1%, while theft incidents decreased by 96.4%. These results demonstrate that the deployment of SMs significantly contributes to lowering total power losses and yields considerable financial benefits for both utility providers (UPs) and consumers. Moreover, the system enhances the ability to remotely monitor and control customer meters, allowing continuous oversight of meter readings without requiring physical visits. This remote functionality strengthens theft prevention measures, improves grid reliability, and reduces operational costs. The findings highlight the potential of the SM system in advancing power efficiency and promoting a more secure and cost-effective energy distribution network.

Abstract

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Underwater gliders have become a focal point in marine research due to advancements in maritime technologies and the increasing demand for versatile autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in applications such as oceanography, environmental monitoring, and marine surveillance. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical parameters influencing the gliding behavior of a newly designed AUV model, simulated using ANSYS Fluent. In this study, two essential gliding parameters were investigated: the critical angle of attack and the optimum wingspan. The model was fully submerged, and a three-dimensional representation of the AUV was employed to replicate realistic underwater dynamics. Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with continuity equations, were numerically solved to ensure mass and momentum conservation across the simulated environment. The model was rigorously validated against published experimental data, thereby establishing reliability in the simulated outcomes. The results reveal an optimum angle of attack that significantly enhances the glider’s maneuverability, facilitating efficient ascent and descent adjustments by the automated control system to navigate precise underwater positions. These findings contribute valuable insights for designing AUVs with enhanced autonomous control and efficient gliding capabilities, aiding in the effective application of AUVs across a range of marine environments.
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