Simultaneous generation and network expansion planning in large‐scale power systems under exact AC power flow equations

Abstract

This article presents a novel three-step structure for simultaneous generation and network expansion planning under the exact AC power flow equations. This tractable structure allows for detailed investment decisions on new generation and network facilities. In the first step of the proposed coordinated planning framework, a power system is partitioned into regions based on electrical and geographical distances. Network aggregation in the first step is achieved by a new linear clustering model ameliorating both computational efficiency and accuracy. In the second step, the aggregated power system with a specific number of regions is cost-effectively expanded on a regional basis considering inter-regional power flows. In the third step, new generation and network facilities imposed by the second step of the proposed coordinated planning framework are allocated in each region. Moreover, intra-regional systems are cost-effectively expanded by new transmission lines and transformers. The proposed approach is implemented on IEEE 30-bus, 39-bus, 300-bus, and 1,354-bus test systems. The simulation results illustrate its high advantages from accuracy, practicality, and tractability points of view.