Metaheuristics for Intelligent Electrical Networks

6Topological Study of Electrical Networks

6.1. Introduction

In the face of large numbers of interconnections, electric energy transmission networks are experiencing increasing levels of complexity. For economic reasons, they are often operated close to their operational limit conditions. Most faults, such as cascade tripping or electrical faults, in these systems have serious consequences [TEA 06]. Although any power failure can be attributed to a particular cause (equipment failure, human error, etc.), the electric network should be considered as a complex system and special attention should be paid to its overall behavior, both static and dynamic. This is the main objective of the theory of complex networks [BOC 06]. In this sense, the study of electrical networks has had and is gaining considerable momentum [ALB 04, CAR 02, CRU 05, KIN 05].

Similarly to many systems, an electrical network must face faults which, given its great connectivity, can extend to entire regions: this is known as a blackout (a snow ball effect), that is to say one which has large-scale consequences. The size of electrical networks and their complexity can make it difficult to understand these phenomena which also can emerge locally. With regard to issues such as voltage collapse, network congestion or the blackout phenomenon, the topological complexity of the electrical network is one of the reasons why electrical networks operate within limiting operational conditions. There is a certain number ...