Computation of the maximum loadability of a power system using nonlinear optimization

Abstract

In recent years, power systems have undergone radical changes by becoming deregulated. Many electric companies have met new requirements and found ways to keep up with the changes in power systems. Issues of transfer capability and maximum loadability of a power system in the new deregulated operational environment become of great importance. Thus, computation of loadability for a given power system is to be addressed. This thesis presents a review of the loadability problem, both for uniform loading and for power transfer between a power producer and a load. The thesis develops a solution to the problem based on the optimal power flow and implements the solution using the Optimization Toolbox of Matlab. The developed program is then used to analyze sample power systems both for uniform loading as well as bilateral transactions.