Prediction of voltage collapse through voltage collapse proximity index and inherent structural characteristics of power system

The frequent incident of voltage collapse in the modern power system due to incessant increase in load demand has posed a great challenge to power system utilities. This paper demonstrates the concept of inherent structural characteristics and the traditional approach of voltage collapse proximity index (VCPI) in predicting the collapse point in the power system network. The conventional technique for collapse point detection through the use of the voltage collapse proximity index is achieved by running a repetitive load flow solution while increasing the reactive power load of a particular load bus. On the other hand, the approach due to inherent structural characteristics of power system is formulated based on the fundamental circuit theory laws and it employs the use of eigenvalue decomposition method in predicting the bus liable to instability. The results of the simulations show that voltage collapse point is easier and quicker to predict with the technique based on the inherent structural characteristics without necessarily going through the rigor of a time consuming and repetitive load flow based voltage collapse point proximity index (VCPI).