On Accuracy of Conic Optimal Power Flow

Abstract: Nowadays, with the increasing need for security and economic operation of power systems, the optimal power flow (OPF) has been an essential and predominant tool for economic and operation planning of power systems. A developed conic formulation for OPF has been proposed [1]. This model is bases on the line based flow equations and can be transformed into the form of second order cone programming (SOCP). The SOCP formulation of OPF problem can be solved using interior point methods (IPMs) [2]. In this thesis, a study on the performance of this developed conic formulation for OPF is carried out. Firstly, the accuracy of SOCP formulation is studied. A more accurate model is developed. The model is obtained by modifying the phase angle constrains of SOCP formulation. The modified model can be solved using sequential conic programming method. A comparison of results from these two models is made on different test systems. Secondly, the SOCP formulation is applied to both small and large test systems. The results of SOCP formulation is compared with the results from PSS/EOPF. The performance of SOCP formulation has shown the accurate and effectiveness for solving OPF problems.