skip to main content
US FlagAn official website of the United States government
dot gov icon
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
https lock icon
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Title: Enhancing ACPF Analysis: Integrating Newton-Raphson Method with Gradient Descent and Computational Graphs
This manuscript presents a novel approach utilizing computational graph strategies for solving the power flow equations through the synergistic use of Newton-Raphson (NR) and Gradient Descent (GD). As a foundational element for operational and strategic decision-making in electrical networks, the power flow analysis has been rigorously examined for decades. Conventional solution techniques typically depend on second-order processes, which may falter, especially when faced with subpar starting values or during heightened system demands. These issues are becoming more acute with the dynamic shifts in generation and consumption patterns within modern electrical systems. Our research introduces a dual-mode algorithm that amalgamates the principles of first-order operation. This inventive method is adept at circumventing potential local minima traps that hinder current methodologies, thereby reinforcing the dependability of power flow solutions. We substantiate the effectiveness of our advanced algorithm with comprehensive testing on established IEEE benchmark systems. Our findings reveal that our approach not only expedites the convergence process but also ensures consistent performance across diverse system states, signifying a meaningful progression in the realm of power flow computation.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1851602
PAR ID:
10515294
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Publisher / Repository:
IEEE
Date Published:
ISBN:
979-8-3503-3120-2
Page Range / eLocation ID:
01 to 05
Format(s):
Medium: X
Location:
College Station, TX, USA
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
More Like this
  1. Although electricity transmission systems are typically very robust, the impacts that arise when they are disrupted motivate methods for analyzing outage risk. For example, N-k interdiction models were developed to characterize disruptions by identifying the sets of k power system components whose failure results in “worst case” outages. While such models have advanced considerably, they generally neglect how failures outside the power system can cause large-scale outages. Specifically, failures in natural gas pipeline networks that provide fuel for gas-fired generators can affect the function of the power grid. In this study, we extend N-k interdiction modeling to gas pipeline networks. We use recently developed convex relaxations for natural gas flow equations to yield tractable formulations for identifying sets of k components whose failure can cause curtailment of natural gas delivery. We then present a novel cutting-plane algorithm to solve these problems. Finally, we use test instances to analyze the performance of the approach in conjunction with simulations of outage effects on electrical power grids. 
    more » « less
  2. This paper presents a new method for enhancing Alternating Current Power Flow (ACPF) analysis. The method integrates the Newton-Raphson (NR) method with Enhanced Gradient Descent (GD) and computational graphs. The integration of renewable energy sources in power systems introduces variability and unpredictability, and this method addresses these challenges. It leverages the robustness of NR for accurate approximations and the flexibility of GD for handling variable conditions, all without requiring Jacobian matrix inversion. Furthermore, computational graphs provide a structured and visual framework that simplifies and systematizes the application of these methods. The goal of this fusion is to overcome the limitations of traditional ACPF methods and improve the resilience, adaptability, and efficiency of modern power grid analyses. We validate the effectiveness of our advanced algorithm through comprehensive testing on established IEEE benchmark systems. Our findings demonstrate that our approach not only speeds up the convergence process but also ensures consistent performance across diverse system states, representing a significant advancement in power flow computation. 
    more » « less
  3. This paper examines the problem of real-time optimization of networked systems and develops online algorithms that steer the system towards the optimal trajectory without explicit knowledge of the system model. The problem is modeled as a dynamic optimization problem with time-varying performance objectives and engineering constraints. The design of the algorithms leverages the online zero-order primal-dual projected-gradient method. In particular, the primal step that involves the gradient of the objective function (and hence requires a networked systems model) is replaced by its zero-order approximation with two function evaluations using a deterministic perturbation signal. The evaluations are performed using the measurements of the system output, hence giving rise to a feedback interconnection, with the optimization algorithm serving as a feedback controller. The paper provides some insights on the stability and tracking properties of this interconnection. Finally, the paper applies this methodology to a real-time optimal power flow problem in power systems, and shows its efficacy on the IEEE 37-node distribution test feeder for reference power tracking and voltage regulation. 
    more » « less
  4. In this work, we consider two-stage quadratic optimization problems under ellipsoidal uncertainty. In the first stage, one needs to decide upon the values of a subset of optimization variables (control variables). In the second stage, the uncertainty is revealed, and the rest of the optimization variables (state variables) are set up as a solution to a known system of possibly nonlinear equations. This type of problem occurs, for instance, in optimization for dynamical systems, such as electric power systems as well as gas and water networks. We propose a convergent iterative algorithm to build a sequence of approximately robustly feasible solutions with an improving objective value. At each iteration, the algorithm optimizes over a subset of the feasible set and uses affine approximations of the second-stage equations while preserving the nonlinearity of other constraints. We implement our approach and demonstrate its performance on Matpower instances of AC optimal power flow. Although this paper focuses on quadratic problems, the approach is suitable for more general setups. 
    more » « less
  5. This paper presents an algorithm to optimize the parameters of power systems equivalents to enhance the accuracy of the DC power flow approximation in reduced networks. Based on a zonal division of the network, the algorithm produces a reduced power system equivalent that captures inter-zonal flows with aggregated buses and equivalent transmission lines. The algorithm refines coefficient and bias parameters for the DC power flow model of the reduced network, aiming to minimize discrepancies between inter-zonal flows in DC and AC power flow results. Using optimization methods like Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS), Limited-memory BFGS (L-BFGS), and Truncated Newton Conjugate-Gradient (TNC) in an offline training phase, these parameters boost the accuracy of online DC power flow computations. In contrast to existing network equivalencing methods, the proposed algorithm optimizes accuracy over a specified range of operation as opposed to only considering a single nominal point. Numerical tests demonstrate substantial accuracy improvements over traditional equivalencing and approximation methods. 
    more » « less