Targeted Resilient Zoning for High Impact Events via Multi Circuit Polelines

TL;DR

This paper introduces a risk-based framework for enhancing the resilience of overhead electrical distribution systems against high-impact events like hurricanes, focusing on targeted zoning and infrastructure planning.

Contribution

It proposes a novel approach for long-term resilience planning that specifically addresses vulnerabilities to extreme wind and hurricane events in overhead power systems.

Findings

Framework effectively identifies critical zones for intervention

Reduces outage durations during hurricane scenarios

Improves system resilience through targeted infrastructure upgrades

Abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of High Impact and Low Probability events such as hurricanes and windstorms pose significant challenges to the resilience of electrical power distribution systems, particularly in regions of New England where there is a significant amount of overhead infrastructure in areas where vegetation is predominant. Traditional reliability-focused planning is insufficient to address the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by such extreme events. This paper presents a novel risk based framework for long term resilience planning of active overhead distribution systems, with a specific focus on mitigating the impacts of high wind and hurricane induced outages.