Automatic Power System Network Topology Determination

The determination of power system network topology for off-line studies is a relatively simple problem since one-line diagrams inherently describe system configuration. In real time environments, system configuration is dynamic. Breakers may operate at any time producing some of the following effects: 1) circuits may or may not be disconnected, 2) substations may or may not separate possibly forming new nodes, thus varying the total number of nodes in a system, and 3) an interconnected system may split into several separated areas. Unless provisions are made to automatically incorporate in real time the effects of breaker operations on system topology, any calculation and decision based on a wrong configuration would be dangerous, especially when most needed: immediately after the occurrence of the abnormality ity which lead to breaker operations.