Multi-area optimal power flow with changeable transmission topology

This study presents a framework for coordinating multi-area optimal power flow with adjustable network topology in an electric power system. The modelling is accomplished in a coordinated but not a centralised fashion. Each regional operator dispatches its own generation and switches its own transmission network to reach its optimal benefits. The proposed model uses augmented Lagrangian relaxation to realise decomposition. No other information is exchanged between the regional operators except the Lagrangian multipliers. This study compares the centralised transmission switching model and the proposed decentralised method by using several numerical tests. The results verify the effectiveness of the solution methodology. The decomposition framework proposed in this study can serve as a foundation for implementing parallel computing.