Dynamic Vulnerability Assessment and Intelligent Control

Chapter 7Challenges Ahead Risk-Based AC Optimal Power Flow Under Uncertainty for Smart Sustainable Power Systems

Florin Capitanescu

Researcher, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Belvaux, Luxembourg

7.1 Chapter Overview

In order to meet the ambitious long-term sustainability objectives set by governments, most electric power systems worldwide are undergoing significant structural and operational changes due to mainly the large-scale integration of intermittent renewable generation (wind, solar, etc.) and the increasing adoption of emerging flexibility-enabling technologies (storage batteries, HVDC links, etc.). This challenging energy transition toward smarter sustainable power systems requires in turn adapting decision making tools (e.g., for planning, operational planning, and real-time control) to cope with the prevailing operational environment.

This chapter focuses on optimal power flow (OPF) which, together with unit commitment and dynamic simulation-based stability control, are the main decision making problems to be solved in day-ahead operational planning. The chapter discusses the challenges and proposes solutions to leverage OPF computations for future smart sustainable power systems, fostering the development of the first generation of tools balancing risk-based security criteria and renewable generation forecast uncertainty. It describes the stages needed to reach this goal and details ...