Flexible Security-Constrained Optimal Power Flow

Power router technology is maturing to the point of becoming a cost-effective enabler of increased transmission asset utilization. Power routers can enable a desirable increase in control of power systems, especially as infrastructure ages and degrades. This paper presents a formal extension to the traditional security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) algorithm, named flexible security-constrained optimal power flow (FSCOPF), which utilizes power router control in the post-contingency timeframe. The operational improvement is enabled by the fast-response capability of FACTS-based power routers to change setpoints in response to power system contingencies. The FSCOPF algorithm, developed in this paper, allows for power routers to be used as a real-time dispatchable resource. We show that further power system savings are achieved when compared to the traditional SCOPF.