An Algorithm for the Automatic Detection of Islanded Areas Inside an Active Network

Active networks require modifications of control logic and fast load/generator shedding actions to preserve system stability in case of the creation of islands. Today, industrial networks are designed to run both in parallel with the grid (if is present) and in islanded mode. The transmission system operator in public networks, on the other hand, does not allow islands. This will change as the detection of separated areas with generation capacity and loads will become crucial for the activation of the required control actions in public networks. Here, we describe an algorithm that automatically selects the events that may cause the system islanding, recognizes the island configuration, and calculates the amount of power to shed (when required). This algorithm is the very core of a power management system both for industrial applications today and for future public networks. It can be used to start all the required reactions to islanding, e.g., frequency control and load-shedding. The algorithm is for general-purpose and it does not require any customization for a specific network. The algorithm is based only on the network topology and it does not require data on the network parameters.