Graph theory based online optimal power flow control of Power Grid with distributed Flexible AC Transmission Systems (D-FACTS) Devices

This paper presents a graph theory based network flow method that can be used to determine the best possible power flow in strategic power lines with optimal losses and transfer capacity. The proposed method can be applied to control line flows, especially in congested lines and at the point of interconnection of renewable energy resources for optimal power transfer. The main advantages of the proposed technique are that the architecture minimizes power flow losses while maintaining the voltage margin and the power line capacity at optimum levels. Thus it can be used to compare performance of other network flow algorithms. The proposed methodology is tested on a single source to sink path and further tested on IEEE 3 machine 9 bus power grid. The results indicate that the proposed method provides optimal power flow control in the presence of changing generation and load.