New branch overload elimination method using nonlinear programming

In this paper a simple and efficient method for eliminating branch overloads in power systems is presented. Generation rescheduling (GR) and load shedding (LS) are used as controls. Control actions are defined through the use of nonlinear programming. The idea of adaptative local optimization is used for the definition of GR. LS is used as a last resort, that is, when further GR is no longer possible. Heuristics are added in order to speed up the computation process and to include practical aspects of power systems operation into it. A special procedure is carried out in case of critical situations, where emergency control actions are defined. The idea is to keep the new operating point as close as possible to the original one. The method can be a helpful tool for operation planning studies, security analysis and reliability evaluation of power systems. Simulations have been carried out for small test to large real life systems in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed method