Distributed optimization to enable a flexible power grid with corrective power flow control

Power flow control is a means to optimize the usage of the existing transmission system and to allow for more flexibility in the power grid. This is especially of importance when introducing increased amounts of variable renewable generation as the grid needs to be able to handle varying power flow patterns. The optimal settings for such power flow control devices can be determined using a security constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF) which incorporates N-1 contingency cases. In this paper, we use a risk-based formulation of system security in combination with corrective power flow control resulting in a decoupling of the contingency cases. Furthermore, we decompose the individual contingency cases into subproblems to allow for optimal coordination across control areas and improved computational efficiency. Simulation results are provided for the IEEE Reliability Test System.