Impact of network topology on synchrony of oscillatory power grids

Abstract

Replacing conventional power sources by renewable sources in current power grids drastically alters their structure and functionality. The resulting grid will be far more decentralized with an distinctly different topology. Here we analyze the impact of grid topologies on spontaneous synchronization, considering regular, random and small-world topologies and focusing on the influence of decentralization. We employ the classic model of power grids modeling consumers and sources as second order oscillators. We first analyze the global dynamics of the simplest non-trivial (two-node) network that exhibit a synchronous (normal operation) state, a limit cycle (power outage) and coexistence of both. Second, we estimate stability thresholds for the collective dynamics of small network motifs, in particular star-like networks and regular grid motifs. For larger networks we numerically investigate decentralization scenarios finding that decentralization itself may support power grids in reaching stable synchrony for lower lines transmission capacities. Decentralization may thus be beneficial for power grids, regardless of their special resulting topology. Regular grids exhibit a specific transition behavior not found for random or small-world grids.