Complex Network Approach for Power Grids Vulnerability and Large Area Blackout

Abstract

In a power grid, a device protection trip could cause a number of consequent or cascading trips. These consequent trips could be transferred and redistributed and cause a large area blackout. The development of complex network theory provides a new approach for power system study especially on vulnerability and large blackout prevention. By mapping the power grid to a graph, analyze the degree and link properties, and utilizing the small-world power grid to study the behavior of blackout.