Multi-Layer Spectral Clustering Approach to Intentional Islanding In Bulk Power Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-layer spectral clustering method for intentional islanding in power systems, optimizing for minimal disruption and generator coherency to prevent blackouts.

Contribution

It presents a novel multi-layer spectral clustering algorithm that improves islanding decisions by considering multiple criteria and bus coherency in power systems.

Findings

Effective in real-time islanding solution determination

Reduces active and reactive power flow disruption

Addresses generator coherency problem

Abstract

Intentional controlled islanding (ICI) is a final resort for preventing a cascading failure and catastrophic power system blackouts. This paper proposes a controlled islanding algorithm that uses spectral clustering over multi-layer graphs to find a suitable islanding solution. The multi-criteria objective function used in this controlled islanding algorithm involves the correlation coefficients between bus frequency components and minimal active and reactive power flow disruption. Similar to the previous studies, the algorithm is applied in two stages. In the first stage, groups of coherent buses are identified with the help of modularity clustering using correlation coefficients between bus frequency components. In the second stage, the ICI solution with minimum active and reactive power flow disruption and satisfying bus coherency is determined by grouping all nodes using spectral clustering on the multi-layer graph. Simulation studies on the IEEE 39-bus test system demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in determining an islanding solution in real time while addressing the generator coherency problem.