The application of a locally parameterized continuation technique to the study of steady state voltage stability

In the design and operation of heavily loaded power systems, a power-versus-voltage (P-V) profile is useful for evaluating the steady-state voltage stability limits of a system under both normal and postcontingency operating conditions. A load flow program is commonly used to calculate the points that compose the P -V curve. The authors show how the capabilities of a load flow program can be surpassed by solving the power flow equation using a locally parameterized continuation algorithm. Such an algorithm maintains its numerical integrity in and around the critical state where the load flow Jacobian becomes singular. Also, results of the algorithm give the locations of the buses most vulnerable to voltage instability. Preliminary results using a 16-bus test system are presented along with a description of the needs for future work in this area