An introduction to optimal power flow: Theory, formulation, and examples. Issue 12 (1st December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frank, Stephen; Rebennack, Steffen
• Is Part Of: IIE transactions. Volume 48:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1172
• Page End: 1197
• Publication Date: 2016-12-01
• Subjects: Power flow -- optimal power flow -- electric power systems analysis -- electrical engineering -- nonlinear programming -- optimization -- operations research; Industrial engineering -- Periodicals; Génie industriel; 620
• DOI: 10.1080/0740817X.2016.1189626
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-817X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The set of optimization problems in electric power systems engineering known collectively as Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is one of the most practically important and well-researched subfields of constrained nonlinear optimization. OPF has enjoyed a rich history of research, innovation, and publication since its debut five decades ago. Nevertheless, entry into OPF research is a daunting task for the uninitiated—both due to the sheer volume of literature and because OPF's ubiquity within the electric power systems community has led authors to assume a great deal of prior knowledge that readers unfamiliar with electric power systems may not possess. This article provides an introduction to OPF from an operations research perspective; it describes a complete and concise basis of knowledge for beginning OPF research. The discussion is tailored for the operations researcher who has experience with nonlinear optimization but little knowledge of electrical engineering. Topics covered include power systems modeling, the power flow equations, typical OPF formulations, and common OPF extensions.