Visual object tracking is still considered a challenging task in computer vision research society. The object of interest undergoes significant appearance changes because of illumination variation, deformation, motion blur, background clutter, and occlusion. Kernelized correlation filter- (KCF) based tracking schemes have shown good performance in recent years. The accuracy and robustness of these trackers can be further enhanced by incorporating multiple cues from the response map. Response map computation is the complementary step in KCF-based tracking schemes, and it contains a bundle of information. The majority of the tracking methods based on KCF estimate the target location by fetching a single cue-like peak correlation value from the response map. This paper proposes to mine the response map in-depth to fetch multiple cues about the target model. Furthermore, a new criterion based on the hybridization of multiple cues i.e., average peak correlation energy (APCE) and confidence of squared response map (CSRM), is presented to enhance the tracking efficiency. We update the following tracking modules based on hybridized criterion: (i) occlusion detection, (ii) adaptive learning rate adjustment, (iii) drift handling using adaptive learning rate, (iv) handling, and (v) scale estimation. We integrate all these modules to propose a new tracking scheme. The proposed tracker is evaluated on challenging videos selected from three standard datasets, i.e., OTB-50, OTB-100, and TC-128. A comparison of the proposed tracking scheme with other state-of-the-art methods is also presented in this paper. Our method improved considerably by achieving a center location error of 16.06, distance precision of 0.889, and overlap success rate of 0.824.

The use of residual current devices (RCDs) is obligatory in many types of low-voltage circuits. They are devices that ensure protection against electric shock in the case of indirect contact and may ensure additional protection in the case of direct contact. For the latter purpose of protection, only RCDs of a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA are suitable. Unfortunately, modem current-using equipment supplied via electronic converters with a pulse width modulation produces earth fault currents composed of high-frequency components. Frequency of these components may have even several dozen kHz. Such components negatively influence the RCDs’ tripping level and, hence, protection against electric shock may be ineffective. This paper presents the results of the RCDs’ tripping test for frequencies up to 50 kHz. The results of the test have shown that many RCDs offered on the market are not able to trip for such frequencies. Such behavior was also noted for F-type and B-type RCDs which are recommended for the circuits of high-frequency components. Results of the test have been related to the requirements of the standards concerning RCDs operation. The conclusion is that these requirements are not sufficient nowadays and should be modified. Proposals for their modification are presented.

A constant worldwide growing load stress over a power system compelled the practice of a reactive power injection to ensure an efficient power network. For this purpose, multiple technologies exist in the knowledge market out of which this paper emphasizes the usage of the flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) and presents a comparative study of the static var compensator (SVC) with the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), inducted in a real electric substation. The aim is to improve the power factor (PF) and power quality and to encounter reliably extreme conditions. A 220 kV electric substation was opted for the analysis, and both the static and dynamic conditions were observed with the help of a power system analysis tool termed PowerFactory-DIgSILENT. Multiple aspects were investigated via software simulations to assess the performance of the aforementioned FACTS devices, such as the voltage profile evaluation via the load flow analysis method (LFA), the harmonic response via the power quality and harmonic analysis tool, and the short-circuit response via the RMS simulation tool. The outcomes were verified and compared with permissible values included in the universal standards, such as IEC and IEEE. The superiority of the STATCOM over the SVC was proven in light of the simulative results.

Low-voltage electrical installations are increasingly saturated with power electronic converters. Due to very high popularity of photovoltaic (PV) installations and the spread of electric vehicles (EV) as well as their charging installations, DC–AC and AC–DC converters are often found in power systems. The transformerless coupling of AC and DC systems via power electronic converters means that an electrical installation containing both these systems should be recognized from the point of view of earth fault current waveform shapes. In such installations, various shapes of the earth fault current may occur—a DC component of a high value may especially flow. The DC component included in the earth fault current influences the tripping threshold of residual current devices (RCDs)—the devices which are mandatory in certain locations. This paper presents results of the AC-type, A-type, and F-type RCDs sensitivity testing under residual currents of various compositions of the DC component. This testing has shown that the DC component may both degrade and improve the sensitivity of RCDs. Moreover, unexpected positive behaviors of RCDs in some circumstances under DC residual current is discussed. Therefore, recognizing the real sensitivity and behavior of RCDs from the point of view of the DC component is important for effective protection against electric shock, in particular, in PV installations and EV charging systems. The research results provide a new insight into the real behavior of RCDs in modern power systems and, consequently, the safety of people.

Residual current devices (RCDs) are most popular devices used in low-voltage installations for protection against electric shock and fire. In cases of high risk of electric shock the application of RCDs is mandatory. Currently, the spread of local direct current (DC) microgrids is widely considered. This creates new challenges for protective systems, in particular those based on RCDs. The main purpose of the research is to test the operation of B-type RCDs by simulating the conditions that may occur in DC microgrids as well as assessment of the effectiveness of electrical safety with the use of such RCDs. The research has revealed that theoretically identical RCDs in terms of technical data can have different tripping properties, including no reaction to residual direct current, which poses a risk of electric shock. This signalizes the necessity of extension of the normative tests performed by manufacturers. The scope of these additional RCDs tests is indicated, from the point of view of the persons’ safety in DC microgrids.