A new approach to LP-based optimal power flow problem

Optimal Power Flow (OPF) analysis is one of the essential tools required for power system operation and control, The important objective of OPF is to achieve the maximum utilization of the resources subject to constraints that arise due to electrical, operational, environmental, economic, and other reasons. OPF research needs focus on three major aspects, i.e. system model enhancements, optimization technique improvements, and optimal power flow applications. The present research in this dissertation deals with all the three aspects of OPF problem.; A detailed new line-flow-based model (LFB) with line flows and bus voltage magnitudes as variables has been developed and compared with the conventional bus-oriented load flows. Linear models based on the new techniques were investigated for accuracy and practical application. The LFB permits greater flexibility in incorporating voltage and line flow constraints, and all the common FACTS device models were easily handled in the new framework. A linear programming approach that achieves computational advantages with greater accuracy improved the state of the art techniques used in OPF solution. The new formulation LP-OPF has made the application of OPF more flexible and physically meaningful. The system model enhancement of LFB model in LP-OPF enabled a linear model with greater potential in large-scale applications. A suitable algorithm for calculating the distribution factors on contingency analysis was developed for the LFB method, and applied in security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) analysis. The new model and the linear, programming approach permit easy handling of new paradigms of power system structure and help enhance power security.; The new model and the OPF and SCOPF algorithms developed were tested using IEEE standard systems, The results showed that the new approach can handle a combination of objectives used in practice and was adaptable to off-line and on-line implementation.