The N-K Problem in Power Grids: New Models, Formulations and Numerical Experiments (extended version)

TL;DR

This paper investigates the N-k problem in power grids, presenting new models and computational experiments to understand how the removal of a small set of network components can cause system failure.

Contribution

It introduces novel mixed-integer and nonlinear models for analyzing the N-k problem in power grids, advancing both theoretical understanding and computational methods.

Findings

New mixed-integer model for N-k problem

Continuous nonlinear model related to power grid failures

Computational experiments demonstrating model effectiveness

Abstract

Given a power grid modeled by a network together with equations describing the power flows, power generation and consumption, and the laws of physics, the so-called N-k problem asks whether there exists a set of k or fewer arcs whose removal will cause the system to fail. The case where k is small is of practical interest. We present theoretical and computational results involving a mixed-integer model and a continuous nonlinear model related to this question.