Australian Energy Market Operator National Electricity Market Network Optimal Power Flow Modelling

TL;DR

This paper applies the HELM algorithm to model optimal power flow in the Australian NEM network, revealing transmission losses and proposing renewable infrastructure to improve stability and efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces an optimal power flow model for the NEM network using HELM and suggests a distributed renewable infrastructure as a solution.

Findings

Transmission losses are higher near base-load power plants.

Renewable-rich areas show lower transmission losses.

Voltage levels at Hydro and Wind farms are stable.

Abstract

The HELM algorithm was used in this project to solve the optimal power flow problem introduced by a radial PandaPower network formulated from the data given by AEMO on the NEM network. Large losses were observed in the transmission infrastructure surrounding base-load power plants. These losses were not observed in areas that had a higher percentage of renewable power generation. Furthermore, the voltage levels present at the Hydro and Wind farms across Tasmania and South Australia were found to be stable in their steady state. A distributed network of renewable infrastructure is then proposed as a solution to the issues facing the NEM network.