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Short circuit levels adequation by network topology modifications using genetic

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Conference Paper · June 2002

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.2856.0646

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 SHORT CIRCUIT LEVELS ADEQUATION BY NETWORK TOPOLOGY
MODIFICATIONS USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS
César M. Dacchille, Juan F. Dupouy, Ramón Villasana, and A. J. Urdaneta
Abstract-- A new methodology is proposed to adequate the
short-circuit levels on the buses of an electrical power system
as well as to control the fault current contributions through
the bus ties, using a genetic algorithm to optimize the
network topology by positioning and controlling the
operation of the bus-tie breakers. The problem is stated as an
optimization problem, formulated as to maximize the number
of closed bus-tie breakers, subject to the short-circuit
capabilities of the equipment and the normal operation
constraints. The problem is of combinatorial nature for which
the genetic algorithm constitutes a powerful tool for its
solution. The methodology was successfully applied to the
electrical power system of AES Venezuela - C.A. La
Electricidad de Caracas consisting of eight (8) 230 kV
substations and seventeen (17) 69 kV substations connected
to 30 kV and 12.47 kV. networks.
Key Words -- Genetic algorithms, network topology,
optimization, power systems, short-circuit level adequation,
switching.
I. INTRODUCTION
The short-circuit levels in busbars of an electrical power
system can be changed by modifying the state of operation
(switching) of the bus-tie breakers. By this means, the
possibility of adapting the short-circuit levels of a power
system as well as the maximum fault current contributions
from busbar ties appears, by changing the network topology
through operations of the existing bus-tie breakers,
maintaining the system operative limits and appropriate
reliability indices.
The high short-circuit levels not only affect the substations
breakers but other substation equipment. The replacement of
any of these devices of the system due to the increase of the
short-circuit levels, could lead to the need of high
investments. The costs of greater capacity equipment, mainly
breakers, could be deferred in the time if the short-circuit
levels could be adjusted through changes in the network
topology. This could represent important savings if it is
achieved without reducing the reliability level required in the
network. 4
C. M. Dacchille and J. Dupouy are with AES Venezuela-Electricidad de
Caracas, Venezuela (e-mail: cesar.dacchille@grupoedc.com) .
A. J. Urdaneta and R. Villasana Soto are with Universidad Simón Bolívar,
Aptdo. 89000, Caracas, Venezuela (e-mail: alberto@usb.ve).
369-124
In this work an automatic methodology is proposed that
allows to adapt the short-circuit levels in busbars and the
maximum fault current contributions by their ties, through
the optimized modification of the system topology using a
genetic algorithm [1], [2], [3].
The problem is stated as an optimization problem, with the
objective function defined to maximize the reliability of the
system. The problem restrictions are given mainly by the
maximum short-circuit levels in busbars and the maximum
contributions of fault currents, as well as those limits on the
operation variables associated to permissible system
operation conditions in steady state. The operation states of
the bus-tie breakers are chosen as control variables for the
definition of new topologies. Based on the evaluation of the
previous operating conditions of the breakers, the genetic
algorithm promotes changes on their state and determines the
"fitness" of each resultant topology as a solution, and direct
the search towards the best network configuration, if it does
exists.
The main difficulty of the problem lies in its combinatorial
nature and its increasing dimensionality with the size of the
system under study. The search of an adequate solution is not
trivial and to the authors knowledge no mathematical
methodology has been proposed so far to approach this
problem, except for the "trial and error" option.
II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As previously mentioned, the problem of adequating the
power system buses short-circuit levels by network topology
changes reached through operations on the existing bus-tie
breakers, can be outlined as an optimization problem.
From the theoretical point of view, the objective function
is defined as the maximization of the reliability of the
electrical network, which is a function of the network
topology.
The problem can be outlined as:
Maximize F(I) , (1)
Subject to: g(I )≤ 0
where
F(I): is the “System Reliability Level”, and
g(I): represents the problem constraints. They depend
basically on the system short-circuit levels and system
operating conditions (equipment loading, voltage levels, etc.),
which at the same time are function of the bus-tie breakers
state, that is, the system topology.
I: binary array with the states of the candidate bus-tie
breakers. (1 = closed, 0 = open)
From an engineering point of view, the term reliability is
used to indicate the quality and continuity of the electrical
service. In general, the calculation methods and the selection
of an adequate reliability index depend upon several factors.
The reliability indices of the power system can be evaluated
using different techniques proposed in the literature [4], [5],
[6], [7], [8]; however they require the use of time consuming
digital programs that manage relatively complex algorithms.
In this work, to simplify the statement of the problem as
well as the solution process, without loss of generality, the
number of closed bus-tie breakers for a given network
topology was chosen as the index to be maximized instead.
Although it is not a reliability index itself, there is a close
relationship between the number of closed bus-tie breakers of
the system for a given network topology and its reliability.
Under this premises, the problem to be solved can be
written as:
Maximize F(I) = Σ i∈ B Ii (2)
where
i represents the index of each candidate bus-tie
breaker
B is the set of candidate bus-tie breakers
Using a relaxed approach, the constraints g(I) are stated
only for those devices or equipment were the allowable limits
are being violated as well as for those elements in the
proximity of the violation of such limits. They include
restrictions of the type:
• Short-circuit Levels:
Ncc1ϕ≤ Ncc1ϕmax (3)
Ncc13ϕ≤ Ncc13ϕmax (4)
where
Ncc short-circuit level
max maximum allowed value
i buses with short-circuit level exceeded or near
to be exceeded.
1φ, 3φ Upper index of “Single Phase” and “Three Phase”
. devised to calculate the load flow solution, the short-circuit
• Fault Current Contributions:
Ii,j1ϕ≤ Ii,j1ϕmax (5)
Ii,j3ϕ≤ Ii,j3ϕmax (6)
where
i Terminal where the fault occurs.
j Terminal from where the fault current
contribution flows.
Ii,j Fault current contribution through the switch located
in substation i that flows from the extreme j
• Power flow by transmission lines or transformers.
Maximum and minimum voltages allowance:
Sbranch k ≤ 100 % (7)
Vmin≤V≤Vmax (8)
where
S Apparent power.
min minimum allowed value.
max maximum allowed value.
V Vector of bus voltage
The voltage restriction can also be relaxed including only
those buses with critical voltage problems.
III. SOLUTION METHODOLOGY
The proposed methodology is based upon the application
of a genetic algorithm as optimization technique, interacting
with a load flow and a short-circuit calculation modules. The
calculations are performed for a set of relevant scenarios,
considered as representative of the system, and selected
under certain previously established rules and criteria with
the advise of system experts.
Fig.1 illustrates general solution procedure. It consists of
three layers:
- a top level where the system experts have the task of
selecting the relevant scenarios,
- an intermediate or optimization level, which solves the
problem of finding the bus-tie breaker positions by a
genetic algorithm for the selected scenarios, and
- a bottom layer or simulation level where the behavior
indices and optimization constraints are evaluated [9],
[12].
The optimization block selects the network topology; that
is, the position of the bus-tie breakers, considering that the
number of bus-tie breakers that remain closed will be
maximized.
The combinatorial nature of the problem is handled by
means of the genetic algorithm with the advice of system
experts. It searches the solution between multiple network
topologies which are evaluated by the simulation block as a
calculation subprocess based upon computational programs
levels of the system and the fault current contributions [15],
[16].
A. The Genetic Algorithm
The genetic algorithms technique, have been widely used
in engineering and in particular in the power systems area
[9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]. They represent relatively a
simple alternative to deal effectively with problems of a
combinatorial nature, like the one outlined in this paper.
By means of a direct analogy with natural evolution
processes, each potential problem solution is represented as
an individual with its particular characteristics, which are
strictly determined by a set of chromosome genes. The
individuals are subject to the natural selection process, where
EXP ERTS
SYSTEM
STUDY CASE DEFINITION
OPTIMIZATION
GENETIC
ALGORITHM
SHORT SIM ULATI ON
LOAD CIRCUIT
FLOW CALCULATION
Fig. 1. General Block Diagram of the Proposed Methodology
the “best ones” are more likely to reproduce and interchange
genetical information with other individuals. Chromosomes
may be structured as a binary string and are subject to a
mutation process. The reproduction leads to the creation of
new generations of individuals. References [1], [2] and [3]
present a good treatment to this topic.
In order to apply the genetic algorithm to the network
topology selection to adapt the short-circuit levels, the
following definitions were made:
1) Gen (or alelle): binary variable associated to a bus-tie
breaker of the set that will be used for the network
topology modification. This binary variable defines
the bus-tie breaker state as 1=closed or 0=open for the
purpose of evaluating the objective or adaptability
function.
2) Chromosome: array containing the genes. Its
dimension is given by the set of bus-tie breakers with
which the genetic algorithm will manage to produce
changes in the network topology. The chromosome
carries the information that the genetic algorithm
sends to the simulation block.
3) Individual: topology option or network alternative,
defined by the subset of bus-tie breakers selected by
the genetic algorithm, to have open states.
4) Adaptability or Fitness Function: is the function that
expresses the adaptability level of each individual. It is
defined here as the network reliability level; to be
maximized by the genetic algorithm and was
expressed in general form as the amount of bus-tie
breakers in closed state.
Fig. 2 illustrates the general structure of a chromosome,
where "i" represents the index of each candidate bus-tie
breaker, and "n" represents the total number of candidate
bus-tie breakers. With the advancement of the search process,
the genetic algorithm will adapt the short-circuit levels of the
system and the maximum fault current contributions, while
enforcing the operation constraints.
In this application, the constraints associated with the
power flow limits through transmission lines and
i: 1 2 3 4 5 6 . . . . . . . . n
1 0 1 1 0 1 . . . . . 0
Fig. 2. General structure of a chromosome
transformers, in addition to voltage limits, maximum short-
circuit levels at busbars and maximum fault current
contributions are treated as "hard" feasibility constraints.
They were managed by punishing the unfeasible
"individuals", with very large penalty factors.
IV. RESULTS
The proposed methodology was applied to a portion of the
electrical transmission system of the AES Venezuela - C.A.
La Electricidad de Caracas. Fig.3 depicts a simplified one-
line diagram of the system. This network delivers
approximately 15% of the total electric energy consumption
of Venezuela. It is mainly composed by two interconnected
networks at the 230 kV and 69 kV voltage levels. The bus-tie
breakers of the transformation buses of the 30 kV distribution
network were also included in the problem formulation. This
system is interconnected with the rest of the Venezuelan
national electrical grid through two 765/230 kV
autotransformers and two 230 kV transmission lines.
The power system under study consists of 91 busbars. It
includes 8 230 kV substations of the one and a half breaker
type and 17 69 kV substations. Fig.3 shows mainly those
busbars included in the study containing 33 bus-tie breakers
identified by sequential numbers located on top of each one
of them. The 30 kV distribution network, with 10 bus-tie
breakers, is modeled as concentrated loads in the
transformation buses.
With this information, the chromosome was integrated by
33 genes or bits, each one of them representing a bus-tie
breaker. The bus-tie breakers are represented in the
chromosome as follows: from bit 01 to bit 10, the bus-tie
breakers 1 to the 10 (30 kV); and from bit 11 to bit 33, the
bus-tie breakers 11 to the 33 (69 kV).
To depict difficulty of the search, if we were to analyze
exhaustively the whole family of individuals for this case,
there will be a total of 8.589.934.592 individuals to be
evaluated. Considering that the evaluation of the objective
function in our computer, for each individual, takes about 5
seconds, the systematic analysis of all the individuals would
require approximately 1.362 consecutive years to guarantee
the optimum solution. Therefore, the trial and error
alternative may be very time consuming, even with the
intervention of the system experts at the beginning of the
study to discard a high number of individuals. The average
solution time using the proposed methodology was never
higher than 80 minutes.
 In order to present the statistical behavior of the proposed number of 50 individuals each. Uniform crossing type was
methodology, a total of 150 simulations were made, initiating used for the interchange of the genetic information and the
every time, randomly, with different populations. Fifty (50) mutation probability was fixed in 0,02.
generations were simulated in each trial integrated by a
C.R.Z. Plant 230 kV

Tacoa 230 kV Boyacá 230 kV Convento 230 kV

C.R.Z. Plant
69 kV 33 Boyacá 69 kV Convento 69 kV 11 12 13

15 Arrecifes Guaira 69 kV
17 16
69 kV
24
4 5 6

Chacao 69 kV Convento 30 kV

32 19
20 21 22 Magallanes
69 kV Tarzilandia 69 kV
2 3 Curupao 69 kV

Catia 30 kV
25

Cota Mil
69 kV
LEYENDA:
Prado de María 30 kV
Equivalent
7 Generator
Bambues 30 kV
230/69 kV
31 1 Transformer
Prado de María
8 9 10
69 kV 69/30 kV
Barbecho 69 kV Santa Rosa 30 kV Transformer
28

27 Boulevard 69 kV 765/230 kV
Panamericana Auto-
69 kV
Transformer
Antimano 69 kV Pedrera 69 kV
30
Bus-Tie
26 23 Breaker
30 kV Network
Pedrera
230 kV
14 18 Papelón 69 kV
Junquito 69 kV 29
OAM 69 kV
OAM Plant
69 kV Papelón 230 kV
Junquito 230 kV

O.M.Z. 230 kV National Interconnected System Sta. Teresa 230 kV

Fig. 3. Transmission system of the C.A La Electricidad de Caracas Used as Test Case

For the test case, the obtained solutions correspond to six stage, the production of new qualified individuals decreases
(6) topologies (individuals) which satisfy all the constraints since the population is limited.
with a maximum historical value for the adaptability function In average, the historical maximum was reached after 24
of thirty (30), i.e., with the 3 bus-tie breakers open. generations.
Analyzing the results, the best solutions are based on the
opening of the combinations of three bus-tie breakers in the 35
whole system. These are: bus-tie breakers No. 2 or No. 3 in 30
the substation Catia 30 kV; bus-tie breakers No. 8, No. 9 or
Fitness Function

25
Average of the

No. 10 in the substation Santa Rosa 30 kV; and bus-tie

breakers No. 12 in the substation Convento 69 kV. 20

Fig. 4 depicts the average values of the maximum and 15

Minimal
minimum adaptability function values versus the generation 10
Maximum
number. A rising behavior of the curve can be observed, which 5
verifies the improvement or evolution of the individuals as the
0
algorithm proceeds. The maximum adaptability function 1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29 33 37 41 45 49
increases the most during the first 20 generations, to be Generation Num ber
attenuated afterwards but still increasing as a consequence of
the increasing amount of feasible individuals in the successive Fig. 4. Average Fitness Function Value vs. Generation Number
populations .
Since there is a reduced number of feasible individuals in 91.3% of the individuals of the last generation present a fitness
the first generations, the genetic exchange between them does function value of thirty (30). Solutions with adaptability
not improve substantially the general performance of the function value of "29", that is, topologies structured with the
population. It improves considerably as new individuals with opening of 4 busbars union breakers, (one more than the
greater adaptability function are generated. In the last historical maximum), represented 4% of the total. Topologies
generations, many of the individuals have an average with smaller values for the adaptability function represent less
adaptability function value close to the maximum. At this last than 1%. The number of unfeasible individuals represented
less than 4% of the total.
 To avoid time consuming simulation repetitions, the results
of previously performed simulations were stored and verified
before making a new simulation, improving the efficiency of
the algorithm and reducing the simulation time in
approximately 50%.
V. CONCLUSIONS
A methodology is presented to adequate the short-circuit
levels on the buses of an electrical power system as well as to
control the fault current contributions through the bus ties,
using a genetic algorithm to optimize the network topology by
positioning and controlling the operation of the bus-tie
breakers.
A methodology is presented to determine the network
topologies that adequate the short-circuit levels as well as the
current contributions through the elements of the electrical
power system by performing state changes in the system bus-
tie breakers. It is based on the application of a genetic
algorithm in combination with load flow simulations and
short-circuit calculations.
The methodology was successfully applied to an important
portion of the Venezuelan electric national grid that serves a
relevant load of the country. That regional system is actually
working under the changes suggested by the study, with the
consequent postponement of investments.
The versatility shown by this methodology makes it a
powerful tool to solve that kind of problems with several
additions such as short-circuit current flow control, voltage
restrictions, etc.
Additional factors could be included in the formulation,
such as complex reliability, safety analysis or cost
considerations without too much difficulties. The
methodology proposed in this work, is potentially attractive
for electrical power systems operating and planning.
The relatively high capital costs of equipment for
substations, such as breakers, and especially for countries like
Venezuela, which have a sustained electrical growth within an
economic trend that do not allows great purchasing capability,
justify the development and use of this kind of methodology.
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