Fast Voltage Stability Margin Computation via a Second-Order Power Flow Supported by a Linear Voltage Stability Index and Sensitivity Analysis

Wilmer E. Barreto and Carlos A. Castro ()
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Wilmer E. Barreto: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
Carlos A. Castro: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-24

Abstract: One of the crucial types of information needed to guarantee the secure operation of power systems is their voltage stability condition. This is particularly true for power systems operating at peak hours or under abnormal conditions, such as contingencies. The literature shows several methods for voltage stability assessment; however, they are either accurate and computationally burdensome or less accurate and computationally efficient. The main goal of this research work is to propose methods that are both accurate and fast, features that are especially important in strict real-time operating conditions. Two new methods for computing the maximum loadability and the voltage stability margin of power systems are proposed. Both methods use a powerful, second-order, and non-divergent power flow with an optimally computed step size; however, each of them is initialized differently. Very high-quality initializations are obtained by using a linear voltage stability index and sensitivity analysis factors. This combination leads to a fast, robust, and accurate method, suited for strict real-time power system operation. The proposed methods require 90% fewer power flow runs compared with conventional methods, such as the continuation method for small systems, and tend to require even fewer power flow runs for larger systems. Computer simulations of the proposed methods use small benchmarks to large realistic power systems, showing that the requirements for real-time use—namely accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency—are met.

Keywords: power systems; power system stability; operation; power flow; linear voltage stability index; sensitivity factor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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