arXiv · 1701.01469
Optimal Transmission Line Switching under Geomagnetic Disturbances
Abstract
In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about how geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) impact electrical power systems. Geomagnetically-induced currents (GICs) can saturate transformers, induce hot spot heating and increase reactive power losses. These effects can potentially cause catastrophic damage to transformers and severely impact the ability of a power system to deliver power. To address this problem, we develop a model of GIC impacts to power systems that includes 1) GIC thermal capacity of transformers as a function of normal Alternating Current (AC) and 2) reactive power losses as a function of GIC. We use this model to derive an optimization problem that protects power systems from GIC impacts through line switching, generator redispatch, and load shedding. We employ state-of-the-art convex relaxations of AC power flow equations to lower bound the objective. We demonstrate the approach on a modified RTS96 system and the UIUC 150-bus system and show that line switching is an effective means to mitigate GIC impacts. We also provide a sensitivity analysis of optimal switching decisions with respect to GMD direction.
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Mowen Lu, Harsha Nagarajan, Emre Yamangil, Russell Bent, Scott Backhaus, Arthur Barnes. 2017-01-05. Optimal Transmission Line Switching under Geomagnetic Disturbances. https://arxiv.org/abs/1701.01469
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