Hierarchical and Distributed Monitoring of Voltage Stability in Distribution Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a scalable, distributed method for assessing steady-state voltage stability in radial distribution networks using a local Jacobian determinant approximation, validated on IEEE test feeders.

Contribution

It proposes a novel local approximation of the Jacobian determinant enabling distributed and hierarchical voltage stability assessment in distribution networks.

Findings

The approximation is highly accurate and robust.

The method is scalable for large networks.

Validation on IEEE 123-bus test feeder confirms effectiveness.

Abstract

We consider the problem of quantifying and assessing the steady-state voltage stability in radial distribution networks. Our approach to the voltage stability problem is based on a local, approximate, and yet highly accurate characterization of the determinant of the Jacobian of the power flow equations parameterized according to the branch-flow model. The proposed determinant approximation allows us to construct a voltage stability index that can be computed in a fully distributed or in a hierarchical fashion, resulting in a scalable approach to the assessment of steady-state voltage stability. Finally, we provide upper bounds for the approximation error and we numerically validate the quality and the robustness of the proposed approximation with the IEEE 123-bus test feeder.