applied

sciences
Article
Decision Optimization for Power Grid Operating
Conditions with High- and Low-Voltage
Parallel Loops
Dong Yang 1 , Kang Zhao 1 , Hao Tian 2 and Yutian Liu 2, *
1 State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, Jinan 250003, China;
[email protected] (D.Y.); [email protected] (K.Z.)
2 Key Laboratory of Power System Intelligent Dispatch and Control of Ministry of Education,
Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-531-8169-6103

Academic Editor: Eric Ka-wai Cheng

Received: 15 March 2017; Accepted: 5 May 2017; Published: 9 May 2017

Abstract: With the development of higher-voltage power grids, the high- and low-voltage parallel
loops are emerging, which lead to energy losses and even threaten the security and stability of power
systems. The multi-infeed high-voltage direct current (HVDC) configurations widely appearing in
AC/DC interconnected power systems make this situation even worse. Aimed at energy saving and
system security, a decision optimization method for power grid operating conditions with high- and
low-voltage parallel loops is proposed in this paper. Firstly, considering hub substation distribution
and power grid structure, parallel loop opening schemes are generated with GN (Girvan-Newman)
algorithms. Then, candidate opening schemes are preliminarily selected from all these generated
schemes based on a filtering index. Finally, with the influence on power system security, stability and
operation economy in consideration, an evaluation model for candidate opening schemes is founded
based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP). And a fuzzy evaluation algorithm is used to find the
optimal scheme. Simulation results of a New England 39-bus system and an actual power system
validate the effectiveness and superiority of this proposed method.

Keywords: parallel loop; line switching; complex network theory; GN algorithm; comprehensive
evaluation model

1. Introduction
The high and low-voltage parallel loop is a kind of power grid structure, in which transmission
lines of different voltage levels are looped by transformers at the sending and receiving ends. With
the rapid development of higher-voltage power grids, parallel loops [1] have become more and more
common. Parallel flow in a parallel loop would make unbalanced power flow in a power system,
which leads to higher power losses. In some cases, parallel loop would even threaten the security
and stability of a power system [2]. On the one hand, low-voltage transmission lines of parallel
loops would bear a quite heavy load after faults on high-voltage transmission lines, which may cause
cascading trips of low-voltage transmission lines [3]. On the other hand, parallel operation of high-
and low-voltage transmission lines also leads to a high level of short circuit current, which may exceed
the interrupting capacity of circuit breakers. Therefore, considering energy saving and system security
and stability, some methods must be presented to solve these problems.
There are many studies that have tried to apply Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS)
technologies to eliminate parallel flow or control power flow in parallel loops [1–4]. These studies only
improve the operational characteristics of power systems, however, they cannot solve the problems

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487; doi:10.3390/app7050487 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 2 of 18

caused by parallel loops radically from the aspect of power grid structure. Especially for higher-voltage
power grids, the use of FACTS is quite limited. Fortunately, it has been proved that switching
specific transmission lines could make power flow more balanced [5], reduce power loss [6] and
decrease short circuit current [7]. And some studies have been carried out to find the optimal line
switching scheme [8,9]. Accordingly, the parallel loop problem mentioned above can be solved by
switching specific low-voltage transmission lines at appropriate location and time. However, it is
difficult to describe this problem as an accurate mathematical model [10]. It is actually a complicated
mixed-integer programming problem, which is multi-objective, non-linear and discrete. In order to
simplify the calculation complexity, the decision process of opening parallel loops is usually divided
into two stages: scheme generation and scheme evaluation.
The generation of opening schemes used to only depend on engineering experiences. But things
are changing gradually. There are studies employing linear programming algorithms to find the
optimal line switching scheme with minimum power loss [11,12]. These studies only consider the
branch active power flow constraint, and the bus voltage constraint is neglected. Simulation results
in [13] show that the neglect of bus voltage constraint may cause the failure of optimization. A line
switching optimization method considering bus voltage constraint is proposed in [14], which could
effectively eliminate over-limited power flows. In [15], the Benders decomposition technology is
applied to network reconfiguration, which could deal with the constraints of static security and
transient stability simultaneously. But this method is barely able to be used in actual large-scale power
systems, due to its high complexity.
The evaluation of opening schemes should consider static security, transient stability, short
circuit current and operation economy of power systems. A comprehensive evaluation method
for opening schemes is proposed in [16], which combines AHP (analytic hierarchy process) with
fuzzy evaluation algorithms. The AHP is used to establish the hierarchical model to describe
the operational characteristics of power systems. In this model, five performance indices and
corresponding membership functions are presented. After detailed analysis and calculations for
each opening scheme, the optimal one is obtained by two-level fuzzy evaluation.
All of the previous studies only discuss parallel loop opening issues in pure AC power grids.
But things in AC/DC interconnected power grids would be quite different, usually more complicated
indeed. The significant contributions of this paper are just at this area. Due to intensive loads in a
relatively narrow region, several HVDC (high-voltage direct current) inverter stations would emerge
in adjacent areas of the same AC power grid, called the multi-infeed HVDC configuration. In this
situation, switching transmission lines, on the one hand, would decrease short circuit current, and,
on the other hand, would stretch the electrical distance between different HVDC inverter stations.
As a result, the multi-infeed short-circuit ratio (MISCR) may be increased or decreased under different
conditions, which means the stability of power systems would be influenced [17]. Therefore, the
decision for the optimal parallel loop opening scheme must consider the support ability for HVDCs,
which is evaluated by MISCR. In this paper, a decision optimization method is proposed, which
coordinates the relationship between parallel loop opening effect and support ability for multiple
HVDC links. Thus, this method can be used to solve the parallel loop problem not only in pure AC
power grids but also in AC/DC interconnected power grids, which distinguishes the proposed method
from previous research.
The decision optimization method is expounded in this paper. In Section 2 the complex network
theory used for opening parallel loops is discussed in detail. GN algorithm and modularity indicators
are introduced. In Section 3 the generation process of candidate opening schemes is proposed.
The weighted modularity indicator and weighted MISCR are defined respectively, and combined to
filter generated opening schemes. In Section 4 an evaluation model for candidate schemes is founded
based on AHP, which considers the relationship between stability and short circuit current level of a
power system. A fuzzy evaluation algorithm is used to find the optimal opening scheme. In Section 5
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 3 of 18

a New England 39-bus system and an actual power system are analyzed. Simulation results validate
the effectiveness and superiority of this proposed method.

2. Complex Network Theory Used for Opening Parallel Loops

2.1. Complex Network Complexity

A power grid is a typical kind of complex network. High complexity is the significant characteristic
shared by all kinds of complex networks, which mainly lies on three aspects:

(a) Structural complexity

The amount of nodes in a complex network is quite large, which leads to complex connection
relationships between nodes. Furthermore, the network structure may keep changing, and the
connections between nodes may even have different weights or directions.

(b) Node complexity

There may be many different types of nodes in a complex network. Moreover, the nodes in a
complex network may be dynamical systems which have complex nonlinear behaviors like bifurcation,
chaos, etc.

(c) Interaction among various complexity factors

The characteristics of an actual complex network can be influenced by various factors. For example,
the long-term planning of power system networks should take many factors including generation
capacity, electricity demand, network evolution, etc., into consideration.

2.2. Complex Network Indices

The high complexity of a complex network can be described by a group of basic statistical indices.
Some typical indices are listed below:

(a) Node degree

Node degree of a node is defined as the number of other nodes connected to it, which has different
practical meanings in different complex networks. In general, node degree indicates the importance of
a node in a complex network.

(b) Shortest path

The shortest path is defined as the path from the specified beginning node to the specified end
node with shortest length. The distance between two nodes in a complex network is defined as the
length of the shortest path between them. The average shortest path length is defined as the average
distance between any two nodes in complex network.

(c) Edge betweenness

Edge is the line connecting two nodes in a complex network. Edge betweenness of an edge is
defined as the number of shortest paths passing it in a complex network. Edge betweenness is usually
used to reflect the importance of an edge.

2.3. Floyd-Warshall Algorithm

As shown above, shortest path is the key index to describe a complex network. In general,
the calculation for shortest path should search the whole network. It would consume a lot of time
if an inappropriate algorithm is employed. Considering the loop structure of power grid networks,
the Floyd-Warshall algorithm is employed. The Floyd-Warshall algorithm is a dynamic programming
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 4 of 18

algorithm, the key idea of which is to calculate the shortest path matrix between any two nodes by the
correlation matrix of network. The details of Floyd-Warshall algorithm can be found in [18].

2.4. GN Algorithm
GN (Girvan-Newman) algorithm [19], which was proposed by Girvan and Newman, has been a
standard algorithm to analyze community structure of complex networks. A community is a set of
nodes and edges, which is the subset of a complex network. If a network contains several communities,
these communities must be connected by a small number of interconnected edges, and the shortest
paths between these communities are bound through these interconnected edges. As a result, these
interconnected edges have high edge betweenness. Then, communities contained in the network can
be distinguished and separated by removing these edges. The basic steps of GN algorithm are as
shown below:

(a) Calculate the betweenness of all edges in the complex network;

(b) Find the edge with the largest betweenness and remove it from the current network; and
(c) Return to step (a) until every node degenerates into a community.

2.5. Modularity Indicator

The GN algorithm can effectively find the communities contained in complex networks, however,
it cannot estimate the practical significance of the communities obtained from the original network.
To solve this problem, Newman introduced an index, called modularity indicator, to evaluate the
community separating result [20]. And Fortunato proved that reasonable results can be obtained using
this indicator when the scales of obtained communities differ in a relatively small range [21].
Assuming the complex network can be divided into l communities, a symmetric matrix E = (eij )l ×l
with l × l order can be defined, and eij represents the proportion of edges connecting community i
and community j. The summation of elements on the diagonal is taken as T, which represents the
proportion of edges connecting internal nodes of communities. The summation of elements in each
row (column) is defined as ai , representing the proportion of edges connecting nodes of community i.
Then, the modularity indicator can be defined as:

l l
Q= ∑ (eii − a2i ) = T − ∑ a2i . (1)
i =1 i =1

The definition of (1) is the expectation value of the proportion of the edges connecting community
internal nodes in original network minus its corresponding proportion in another random network.
The random network can be constructed by connecting different nodes randomly with the community
property and node degree of each node unchanged. It indicates that the community separating result
of original network is better if Q is closer to 1, which is the upper limit. If the proportion of the edges
connecting community internal nodes in original network is smaller than its corresponding value of
random network, Q = 0. In an actual network, the value of Q is usually between 0.3 and 0.7.
In order to simplify the calculation, the equivalent equation of Equation (1) is derived as
below [22]:
1 n n kv kw
2m v∑ ∑ ( Avw − 2m )δ(cv , cw ),
Q= (2)
=1 w =1
(
1, node v is connected with node w
Avw = (3)
0, node v is not connected with node w
(
1, node v and w are in the same community
δ(cv , cw ) = (4)
0, node v and w are in different communities
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 5 of 18

where n is number of nodes, m is number of edges, and kv and kw are the node degrees of node v and
w, respectively.

3. Generation of Parallel Loop Opening Schemes

3.1. Weighted Network and Weighted Modularity Indicator

The original GN algorithm can only be applied in unweighted networks. In an unweighted
network, the existence of an edge only means that the nodes on the two ends of the edge are connected.
No more information is contained in the edge. However, most of actual networks, especially power
grids, are weighted networks, where weights of network edges have practical significance. The edges
in weighted networks can contain information about how the nodes on the two ends of the edge are
connected or how closely they are connected. This information is represented by edge weights. If a
weighted network is analyzed as an unweighted network, the information contained in weights will
be lost, which will influence the reasonableness of analysis results. To solve this problem, Newman
found a way to convert the weighted network to multigraph, which makes GN algorithms applicable
in weighted networks [23].
For a power grid network, better community separating results can be derived if the edge
weights are considered in the separating process. Considering the length and physical parameters of
transmission lines in power grid networks, the modulus value of branch admittance is defined as the
edge weight. The weight of an edge in a complex network usually represents the connection tightness
of the two nodes connected by this edge. Thus, the larger the admittance modulus value of a branch,
the shorter the electrical distance between two substations connected by this branch.
In a weighted complex network, the weighted edge betweenness can be defined as the ratio of the
edge betweenness obtained from the corresponding unweighted network and the weight of this edge.
Thus, a larger edge betweenness and a smaller weight value would jointly make a larger weighted
edge betweenness of this edge, whose possibility of being removed from the network in community
separating process would be larger.
Based on the edge weight defined above, the weighted modularity indicator can be derived
from (2) as:
1 n n sv sw
2s v∑ ∑ ( Avw Svw − 2s )δ(c v , cw ),
Q0 = (5)
=1 w =1

1 n n
2 v∑ ∑ Avw Svw ,
s= (6)
=1 w =1
n
sv = ∑ Avw Svw , (7)
w =1

where Svw is the weight of the edge connecting node v and w.

3.2. Weighted Multi-Infeed Short Circuit Ratio

With the development of HVDC transmission systems, parallel loops might emerge in typical
multi-infeed HVDC configurations. MISCR can represent the interactions between AC and DC systems
and among different DC links in AC/DC interconnected power systems [24]. A practical definition of
MISCR based on impedance matrix can be derived as [25]:

2 / Z
 
Uaci eqii

MISCRi = n   , (8)
Pdi + ∑  Zeqij /Zeqii  Pdj
j=1,j6=i
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 6 of 18

where Uaci is the inverter bus voltage of the i-th DC; and Zeqij is the element of the equivalent impedance
matrix Zeq , which can be obtained by multi-port Thevenin equivalent method. It should be noted that
the value of Zeqij is equal to the voltage of node i when unit current is only being injected to node j.
It is obvious that opening parallel loops would change the elements of the equivalent impedance
matrix Zeq . Thus, it can be deduced from (8) that opening parallel loops would influence the MISCR
of each DC link, which indicates system stability would be influenced by any parallel loops opening
scheme. In general, system stability should not descend a lot after opening parallel loops. In order to
evaluate the influence of opening schemes on system stability in multi-infeed HVDC configurations,
the evaluation index must be defined based on MISCR.
Although the stability of multi-infeed HVDC systems is determined by all of the infeed DC links,
the contribution of each DC link is different. Based on this evidence, the system stability evaluation
index can be defined as the weighted MISCR, which is derived as:
n
M0 = ∑ ωi MISCRi , (9)
i =1

where n is the number of DCs; MISCRi is the multi-infeed short-circuit ratio of the i-th DC; and ω i is
the weighted factor of the i-th DC, which represents the importance of the i-th DC. A larger value of ω i
indicates greater importance of i-th DC and greater influence on other DCs.
Obviously, the weighted factor ω i is quite essential to define the weighted MISCR, which must
meet three requirements:

(a) The weighted factor should not be assigned a value manually;

(b) The weighted factor should represent the interaction between different DC links; and
(c) The weighted factor should represent the contribution to system stability of the specific DC link.

To define the weighted factor ω i , the definition of MISCR should be analyzed firstly. Equation (8)
can be transformed as:
2 / Z
 
Uaci eqii
 Saci S
MISCRi = n = n = µi · aci , (10)
Z P Pdi
 
Pdi (1 + ∑  Zeqij  Pdj )
 
Pdi + ∑  Zeqij /Zeqii  Pdj
 
eqii di
j=1,j6=i j=1,j6=i

where µi is a penalty factor. It should be noted that Saci /Pdi is the definition of single-infeed short circuit
ratio (SISCR) without considering the interaction between different DC links. Based on the physical
meaning of SISCR, a small µi indicates the i-th DC can be influenced by other DCs easily, which means
a smaller contribution to system stability. Thus, this penalty factor can represent the importance of the
i-th DC in multi-infeed DC systems.
Thus, the weighted factor of the i-th DC can be defined as:
 
n Z P
1  eqij  dj
ωi = = 1+ ∑  , (11)
 Zeqii  Pdi

µi j=1,j6=i

where Zeqij is the equivalent mutual-impedance between the i-th DC and the j-th DC; Zeqii is the
equivalent self-impedance of the i-th DC; and Pdi and Pdj are the rated transmission powers of the
i-th DC and the j-th DC, respectively. The definition of (11) considers not only the electrical distance,
but also the transmission capacity of a DC link, which fulfills the three requirements above.

3.3. Generation Process

For parallel loop opening issues, the situation that a lower-voltage isolated power grid partition
is separated from the main grid should be avoided. Thus, power substations in higher-voltage power
grids are usually selected as hub substations. And each power grid partition consists of at least one
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 7 of 18

hub substation. The maximum possible number of partitions is determined by the number of hub
substations. The parallel loop opening process should be stopped when all hub substations are divided
into different partitions by GN algorithm.
The generated partitions, each of which contains one hub substation, can be defined as basic partitions.
Neighboring basic
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487    partitions can be combined in different ways to generate different parallel7 of 18  loop
opening schemes. An actual AC/DC interconnected power grid contains many higher voltage
voltage 
substations,substations,  which  usually 
which usually leads toleads 
a huge to number
a  huge  number  of  candidate 
of candidate opening opening 
schemes.schemes.  It  is 
It is usually
usually not necessary to evaluate each of these generated schemes using comprehensive evaluation 
not necessary to evaluate each of these generated schemes using comprehensive evaluation models
models because of huge computation times. Thus, a filtering strategy is needed. 
because of huge computation times. Thus, a filtering strategy is needed.
According 
According to  to the 
the analysis 
analysis above, 
above, the 
the weighted 
weighted modularity 
modularity indicator 
indicator can 
can be 
be used 
used to 
to filter 
filter the 
the
generated 
generated opening 
opening schemes 
schemes preliminarily 
preliminarily in  pure AC
in pure AC power
power grids.
grids. But
But in
in AC/DC
AC/DC  interconnected
interconnected 
power grids, where the influence on MISCR of generated opening schemes must be considered, it is 
power grids, where the influence on MISCR of generated opening schemes must be considered, it is
obviously not appropriate to filter opening schemes only based on weighted modularity indicator. 
obviously not appropriate to filter opening schemes only based on weighted modularity indicator.
Thus, a new filtering index is defined as: 
Thus, a new filtering index is defined as:
  1Q   2 M ,   (12)
ξ = λ1 Q 0 + λ2 M 0 , (12)
where λ1 and λ2 are the weighted coefficients, respectively. There exists the relationship λ1 + λ2 = 1.   
where λ1 and λ2 are the1weighted
It should be noted that λ coefficients, respectively. There exists the relationship λ1 + λ2 = 1.
 and λ2 are normalized values, not the real algebraic values. The new filtering 
It should be noted that λ1 and λ2 are normalized values, not the real algebraic values. The new filtering
index is applicable to not only AC/DC interconnected power grids, but also pure AC power grids 
index is
with λ applicable
1 = 1, λ2 = 0.  to not only AC/DC interconnected power grids, but also pure AC power grids
with All of the generated opening schemes are sorted in descending order according to the filtering 
λ1 = 1, λ2 = 0.
index All of the generated
defined  opening
in  (12)  and  schemes
the  first  are sorted
M  schemes  are inselected 
descending order according
as  candidate  schemes to the filtering
to  find  the   
index defined in (12) and the first M schemes are selected as candidate schemes to
optimal one. The generation process of parallel loop opening schemes is shown in Figure 1, where  find the optimal one.
The generation
the  shortest‐path process of parallel
matrix  can  be loop opening
used  schemes
to  judge  is shown
whether  each inhub 
Figure 1, where the
substation  shortest-path
is  divided  into   
matrix can be used
different partitions.  to judge whether each hub substation is divided into different partitions.

 
Figure 1. Generation process of parallel loop opening schemes. 
Figure 1. Generation process of parallel loop opening schemes.

4. Evaluation for Parallel Loop Opening Schemes 

4.1. Comprehensive Evaluation Model 
There  are  many  factors  that  should  be  considered  to  evaluate  the  candidate  parallel  loop 
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 8 of 18

4. Evaluation for Parallel Loop Opening Schemes

4.1. Comprehensive Evaluation Model

There are many factors that should be considered to evaluate the candidate parallel loop opening
schemes. The most principal one is the contradictory relationship between system stability and
short-circuit current. In this paper, a comprehensive evaluation model is established based on AHP,
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487    8 of 18 
which can reflect all of the principal factors. The model is shown in Figure 2.

Target  Rule Indicator 

Hierarchy Hierarchy Hierarchy

Over  load of line or tr ansformer         C11

Static secur ity             B1
 Bus voltage limit violation                 C12

Transient voltage safety margin         C21
Transient stability      B2
Candidate parallel  Transient angle deviation                    C22
loop opening schemes 
evaluation  A
Short‐circuit cur rent  B3  Short circuit current limit violation    C31

Operation economy   B4 Power loss                                              C41
 
Figure 2. Comprehensive evaluation model for candidate opening schemes. 
Figure 2. Comprehensive evaluation model for candidate opening schemes.

The details of this evaluation model are discussed below: 
The details of this evaluation model are discussed below:
(a) Static security 
(a) Static security
Static security should be analyzed with the premise that the system is transferred from a steady 
Static security should be analyzed with the premise that the system is transferred from a steady
state before the fault to another steady state after the fault immediately. The transient process during 
state before the fault to another steady state after the fault immediately. The transient process during
the fault is not considered. Static security is used to examine whether the operation constraints are 
the fault is not considered. Static security is used to examine whether the operation constraints
satisfied  after  faults.  Operation  statuses  of  key  components  after  specified  faults,  including  line 
are satisfied after faults. Operation statuses of key components after specified faults, including line
overload,  transformer  overload  and  bus  voltage  limit  violation,  can  be  used  to  evaluate  the  static 
overload, transformer overload and bus voltage limit violation, can be used to evaluate the static
security. Thus, two indicators are defined, which are shown below: 
security. Thus, two indicators are defined, which are shown below:
Indicator C11: over load indicator of line or transformer. 
Indicator C11 : over load indicator of line or transformer.
 ( 
Sl 2n
C11  P,l ( max ) )m ,   (13)
S Sl 2n
C11 = ∑m ( ∑ l ωP,l l
Sl max( ) )m, (13)
m∈γ l ∈α
where γ is the set of specified faults; α is the set of key transmission lines and transformers; ωP,l is the 
where γ is the set of
weighted factor; S specified faults; α is the set of key
l is the power flow of branch l; S lmaxtransmission lines and transformers; ω P,l is the
 is the upper limit of power flow of branch l; 
weighted factor; Sl is the power flow of branch l; Sl max is the upper limit of power flow of branch l;
and n is a positive integer. 
and nIndicator C
is a positive integer.
12: bus voltage limit violation indicator. 

Indicator C12 : bus voltage limit violation indicator. sp

U U
C12   ( U,i ( i limi )2 n )m ,  
UU− sp (14)
m i i i Ui
C12 = ∑ ( ∑ ωU,i ( 2n
) )m , (14)
m∈γ i ∈ β max ∆U
lim
mini
U  U
U isp  i i
,  (15)
2
sp Uimax + Uimin
Ui = U max  U min , (15)
lim
U i  i 2 i ,  (16)
2
U max − Uimin
∆Uilim = i
where γ is the set of specified faults; β is the set of buses; ω , (16)
U,i is the weighted factor; Ui is voltage of 
2
bus i; Uimax and Uimin are the upper and lower limits of voltage of bus i; and n is a positive integer. 
(b) Transient stability 
Transient stability considers the ability of a system to remain stable during the transient process 
from a steady state before the fault to another steady state after the fault. The transient stability of   
a power system is composed of voltage stability and power angle stability. Voltage stability is mainly 
determined  by  load  distribution  and  load  characteristics,  which  can  be  measured  by  transient 
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 9 of 18

where γ is the set of specified faults; β is the set of buses; ω U,i is the weighted factor; Ui is voltage of
bus i; Ui max and Ui min are the upper and lower limits of voltage of bus i; and n is a positive integer.

(b) Transient stability

Transient stability considers the ability of a system to remain stable during the transient process
from a steady state before the fault to another steady state after the fault. The transient stability of a
power system is composed of voltage stability and power angle stability. Voltage stability is mainly
determined by load distribution and load characteristics, which can be measured by transient voltage
safety margin. Power angle stability is used to evaluate the interaction between generators with long
electrical distance, which can be represented by transient angle deviation. These two indicators are
defined as below:
Indicator C21 : transient voltage safety margin indicator.

C21 = ∑ ( ∑ ωTV,k ε k )m , (17)

m∈γ k∈η

where γ is the set of specified faults; η is the set of voltage curves of monitored buses; ω TV,k is the
weighted factor; and εk is the transient voltage dip acceptable margin of bus voltage curve k.
Indicator C22 : transient angle deviation indicator.

∑
 
C22 = ωθ,m (maxθi − θ j )m , (18)
m∈γ

where γ is the set of specified faults; ω θ,m is the weighted factor; θ i and θ j are the power angles of
two generators in the transient process of a specified fault, respectively.

(c) Short circuit current

Short circuit current should be limited to not exceed the interrupting capacity of electrical
equipment, such as circuit breakers. It can be represented by short circuit current limit violation.
Indicator C31 : short circuit current limit violation indicator.

I
C31 = ∑ ωI,i ( I max
i
)2n , (19)
i∈ β i

where β is the set of buses; ω I,i is the weighted factor; Ii is actual short circuit current of bus i; Ii max is
the maximum interrupting current of circuit breaker of bus i; and n is a positive integer.

(d) Operation economy

In this paper, power loss is used to represent the operation economy.
Indicator C41 : power loss indicator.

C41 = ∑ PGen − ∑ PLoad . (20)

It should be noted that the values of weighted factors used in these indicators above depend on
the importance of the corresponding indicators. The weighted factor is defined based on the principle
that tries to highlight limit violations and avoid overshadowing them. It should also be noted that the
value of positive integer n is usually defined as 1. With n = 1, not only the computation speed for these
indicators can meet requirements, but also the indicator values can vary in a large enough range to
reflect the difference of limit violation clearly.
 Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 10 of 18

4.2. Fuzzy Evaluation Algorithm

The comprehensive evaluation model founded above considers almost all of the important factors
to evaluate candidate opening schemes. A powerful evaluation algorithm, however, is still needed to
find the optimal opening scheme based on the founded model.
Fuzzy evaluation algorithm is based on AHP and fuzzy mathematics [26], which not only includes
engineering experience from experts, but also combines the advantages of qualitative analysis and
quantitative calculation. Thus, use of fuzzy evaluation algorithms could avoid the disadvantages of
expert systems, including uneasy knowledge representation and long computation time [27], which
guarantees an effective and fast way to find the optimal opening scheme.
The priority index P of any parallel loop opening scheme can be obtained by fuzzy evaluation
algorithm, and the scheme with the largest priority index in the M-dimensional candidate opening
scheme set is selected as the optimal one.

5. Case Study
In this section, a New England 39-bus system and an actual AC/DC interconnected power system
are used as examples
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487    to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. 10 of 18 

5.1. New England 39-Bus System

5.1. New England 39‐Bus System 
The
The  NewEngland 
New  England39‐bus 
39-bus system 
system is
is aa pure
pure AC system,
AC  which
system,  is shown
which  in Figure
is  shown  3. Many
in  Figure  parallel
3.  Many 
loops would emerge if a higher-voltage power grid is connected to this system via node 5, 16 and 26.
parallel loops would emerge if a higher‐voltage power grid is connected to this system via node 5,   
With node 5, 16 and 26 as hub substations, this power grid can be divided into three basic partitions
16 and 26. With node 5, 16 and 26 as hub substations, this power grid can be divided into three basic  at
most after switching off several specific lines.
partitions at most after switching off several specific lines. 

G8
37
G10
30 25 26 28 29
38
2 27
24 G9
18 17
1

3 16 G6
35
15
G1
39 4 14 21 22

5
12
6
19
11 13
7 20 23
10
8 31 34 33 36
32
9
G2 G3 G5 G4 G7
 
Figure 3. New England 39‐bus system. 
Figure 3. New England 39-bus system.

According to the complex network theory in Section 2, edge betweenness of each branch should 
According to the complex network theory in Section 2, edge betweenness of each branch should
be calculated before switching off any line. The calculation results are shown in Table 1. 
be calculated before switching off any line. The calculation results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Edge Betweenness of Each Branch. 

Edge Betweenness 
Branch 
First Partition  Second Partition Third Partition Forth Partition 
bus1–bus2  1.2581  1.6293  4.0836  0.3300 
bus1–bus39  1.1759  1.9265  4.9039  switched off 
bus2–bus3  1.4398  0.7426  2.0915  0.3789 
bus2–bus25  0.6875  0.4990  0.7762  0.1663 
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 11 of 18

Table 1. Edge Betweenness of Each Branch.

Edge Betweenness
Branch
First Partition Second Partition Third Partition Forth Partition
bus1–bus2 1.2581 1.6293 4.0836 0.3300
bus1–bus39 1.1759 1.9265 4.9039 switched off
bus2–bus3 1.4398 0.7426 2.0915 0.3789
bus2–bus25 0.6875 0.4990 0.7762 0.1663
bus3–bus4 2.0273 switched off switched off switched off
bus3–bus18 0.7607 0.6539 1.7082 0.3870
bus4–bus5 1.3723 0.9619 0.8849 0.2309
bus4–bus14 1.1245 1.0598 0.6075 0.1680
bus5–bus6 0.1591 0.1382 0.1799 0.0469
bus5–bus8 0.7860 0.8421 1.6057 0.2695
bus6–bus7 0.3135 0.3503 0.6177 0.1475
bus6–bus11 0.2222 0.1975 0.6502 0.1399
bus7–bus8 0.1755 0.2124 0.3832 0.0693
bus8–bus9 0.8730 1.4367 3.3099 0.3637
bus9–bus39 0.9508 1.8014 4.7288 0.2502
bus10–bus11 0.0907 0.1209 0.1857 0.0518
bus10–bus13 0.1555 0.1598 0.0302 0.0302
bus13–bus14 0.5983 0.5678 0.2636 0.0913
bus14–bus15 2.0250 2.8089 switched off switched off
bus15–bus16 0.8499 1.2654 0.2550 0.1511
bus16–bus17 1.6069 2.3926 2.6247 1.2498
bus16–bus19 0.5283 0.5283 0.5283 0.3131
bus16–bus21 0.6627 0.6627 0.6627 0.3651
bus16–bus24 0.2895 0.2895 0.2895 0.1595
bus17–bus18 0.4444 0.4938 1.0287 0.3045
bus17–bus27 1.0930 1.3706 0.7807 0.7807
bus21–bus22 0.3646 0.3646 0.3646 0.2103
bus22–bus23 0.0289 0.0289 0.0289 0.0289
bus23–bus24 0.9118 0.9118 0.9118 0.5260
bus25–bus26 1.8826 1.5904 2.1747 0.7465
bus26–bus27 0.7679 1.0337 0.7679 0.6054
bus26–bus28 1.2375 1.2375 1.2375 0.7139
bus26–bus29 1.6317 1.6317 1.6317 0.9414
bus28–bus29 0.0152 0.0152 0.0152 0.0152

In the original power grid network, the maximum edge betweenness is 2.0273 of line 3–4, which is
between bus 3 and bus 4. According to GN algorithm, line 3–4 should be switched off firstly. No new
partition emerges after line 3–4 is switched off. Then, the edge betweenness of the modified network
without the line 3–4 is calculated. The calculation results are shown in Table 1 as well. In this round,
the maximum edge betweenness is 2.8089 of line 14–15. No new partition emerges after line 14–15
is switched off. During the third round, line 1–39 has the largest edge betweenness, with a value of
4.9039. After line 1–39 is switched off, the original network would be divided into two partitions. Since
there are still two hub substations in the same partition, the line switching process should be continued
until all of the hub substations are divided into different partitions. It should be noted that the edge
betweenness of some specific branches in a subsequent line switching process might be larger than
their corresponding values in the previous process, which is due to the change of network connectivity
and the branch number along with the line switching process.
The basic partitions of the New England 39-bus system is shown in Figure 4 After three branches
are switched off, the network is divided into two partitions. And three partitions would emerge with
four branches switched off.
There are three basic partitions illustrated in Figure 4, which can be combined to generate four
different opening schemes in total according to Combinatorics and actual neighboring relationships.
 Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 12 of 18

Because the number of generated opening schemes is quite small, it is not necessary to filter them
using the filtering index. The filtering index (only weighted modularity indicator is considered in this
example with λ2 = 0) and priority index of these four generated opening schemes (No. 1–4) as well as
two experiential  schemes (No. 5–6), are shown in Table 2.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487  12 of 18 

G8
37
G10
30 25 26 28 29
38
2 27
Partition 3 24 G9
18 17
1 ④
3 16 G6
③ 35
① 15
G1
39 4 14 ② 21 22

5
Partition 1
12
6 Partition 2
19
11 13
7 20 23
10
8 31 34 33 36
32
9
G2 G3 G5 G4 G7
 
Figure 4. Basic partitions of New England 39‐bus system. 
Figure 4. Basic partitions of New England 39-bus system.

Table 2. Filtering Index and Priority Index of Candidate Schemes. 
Table 2. Filtering Index and Priority Index of Candidate Schemes.

No.  Candidate Opening Scheme ξ  P 
No. Candidate Opening Scheme ξ P
1  Partition 1, Partition 2, Partition 3  0.5775  0.5304 
1 Partition 1, Partition 2, Partition 3 0.5775 0.5304
2  Partition 1, Partition 2 + Partition 3  0.5327  0.5102 
2 Partition 1, Partition 2 + Partition 3 0.5327 0.5102
3  3 Partition 1 + Partition 2, Partition 3 
Partition 1 + Partition 2, Partition 3 0.5101 
0.5101 0.4854 
0.4854
4  4 Partition 1 + Partition 3, Partition 2 
Partition 1 + Partition 3, Partition 2 0.5091 
0.5091 0.4603 
0.4603
5  5 Open line 2–25, line 14–15 and line 3–18
Open line 2–25, line 14–15 and line 3–18  0.4566
0.4566  0.4517
0.4517 
6 Open line 1–2, line 3–4, line 14–15 and line 16–17 0.4891 0.4633
6  Open line 1–2, line 3–4, line 14–15 and line 16–17  0.4891  0.4633 

It is obvious in Table 2 that the filtering index and priority index of the first four opening schemes
5.2. Actual AC/DC Interconnected Power System 
generated by proposed method are overall larger than two experiential schemes. For New England
In many modern power systems with intensive load, the AC power system and DC transmission 
39-bus system, which is a pure AC power system, a larger filtering index indicates a better network
systems 
structureare after
usually  operating 
specific together 
lines are switchedand 
off.interacting  in  a 
And a larger complicated 
priority way.  An better
index indicates actual  AC/DC 
operational
interconnected power system is shown in Figure 5. With the development of 1000 kV transmission 
characteristics if the opening scheme is employed. By comprehensively considering the filtering index
systems, 1000 kV/500 kV parallel loops would emerge, which can be recognized in Figure 5. 
and priority index, scheme 1 should be selected as the optimal opening scheme. Based on the analysis
Substation 
above, it is easyQCT,  CLT,  LYT, 
to recognize ZZT  and  HZT 
the effectiveness of theare  1000  kV 
proposed substations, 
method which opening
to find optimal are  also  hub 
schemes,
substations in this power grid network. The number of hub substations decides the number of basic 
as well as its superiority over experiential method. The simulation results show that the proposed
partitions. Thus, the power grid network can be divided into five basic partitions at most. During the 
opening method can successfully be applied in a pure AC power system.
line switching process, the edge betweenness of each branch is dynamically calculated until all of the 
five basic partitions are separated. Because of the huge amount of branches, it is not appropriate to 
5.2. Actual AC/DC Interconnected Power System
list  the  edge  betweenness  of  all  of  the  branches  at  each  line  switching  round.  The  switched‐off 
In many modern power systems with intensive load, the AC power system and DC transmission
branches and their edge betweenness are shown in Table 3. 
systems are usually operating together and interacting in a complicated way. An actual AC/DC
interconnected power system is shown in Figure 5. With the development of 1000 kV transmission
systems, 1000 kV/500 kV parallel loops would emerge, which can be recognized in Figure 5.
 Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 13 of 18
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487    13 of 18 

BZ

GQ YC

QCT SG
TY ZB

JN
QDC
CLT
ZC GZ
TS NDC
LQ MZ

LY
LDC

ZXP LZ
XT YN RZ 1000kV substation
YM 500kV substation
LYT ±800kV Converter station
ZZ ±660kV Converter station
Thermal plant
JX ZZT
HZT Nuclear plant
1000kV transmission line
YH LL
500kV transmission line
 
Figure 5. Actual AC/DC interconnected power system. 
Figure 5. Actual AC/DC interconnected power system.

Table 3. Computation Results of Edge Betweenness. 
Substation QCT, CLT, LYT, ZZT and HZT are 1000 kV substations, which are also hub substations
in this power gridPartition Times 
network. The number of hub substations
Switched‐Off Line decides the number of basic partitions.
Edge Betweenness 
Thus, the power grid network 1  can be divided
BZ‐ZC  into five basic partitions
5.6125  at most. During the line
switching process, the edge 2  betweenness of TY‐TS 
each branch is dynamically
6.3311 calculated until all of the five
basic partitions are separated.
3  Because of the huge
LZ‐LQ  amount of branches,
9.2143 it is not appropriate to list the
edge betweenness of all of4 the branches at eachYN‐MZ line switching round. The switched-off branches and
7.4017 
their edge betweenness are 5  shown in Table ZC‐GZ 
3. 8.1541 
6  RZ‐LY  10.3012 
7 Table 3. Computation Results of Edge Betweenness.
SG‐GQ  4.2884 
8  SG‐YC  3.1251 
Partition Times Switched-Off Line Edge Betweenness
9  JN‐ZB  5.3021 
1
10  BZ-ZC
ZXP‐YM  1.2185 5.6125
2 TY-TS 6.3311
11  ZXP‐XT  1.8547 
3 LZ-LQ 9.2143
12 
4 JX‐ZZ 
YN-MZ 2.5622 7.4017
13 
5 ZZ‐YM 
ZC-GZ 1.0221 8.1541
6
14  RZ-LY
LZ‐YN  10.3012
0.9836 
7
15  SG-GQ
YH‐LL  1.3647 4.2884
8 SG-YC 3.1251
9 JN-ZB 5.3021
In this AC/DC interconnected power system, there are three inverter stations: QDC, NDC and 
10 ZXP-YM 1.2185
LDC. It should be noted that the inverter stations QDC and LDC are hierarchically interconnected to 
11 ZXP-XT 1.8547
12 [28,29].  Thus,  each 
the  receiving‐end  power  grid  JX-ZZ 2.5622
of  them  is  equivalent  to  two  inverter  stations   
13 ZZ-YM 1.0221
(One  is  in  1000  kV  power  grid  and  another  is  in  500  kV  power  grid),  respectively.  The  MISCR 
14 LZ-YN 0.9836
calculation results are shown in Table 4. QDC‐L and LDC‐L are equivalent inverter stations in a 500 kV 
15 YH-LL 1.3647
power grid. QDC‐H and LDC‐H are equivalent inverter stations in a 1000 kV power grid. 

In this AC/DC interconnected power system, there are three inverter stations: QDC, NDC and
Table 4. MISCR of Each Inverter Station before Optimization 
LDC. It should be noted that the inverter stations QDC and LDC are hierarchically interconnected to
the receiving-end power gridInverter Station MISCR
[28,29]. Thus, each of them is equivalent to two inverter stations (One is
QDC‐L  3.39 
in 1000 kV power grid and another is in 500 kV power grid), respectively. The MISCR calculation
QDC‐H 
results are shown in Table 4. QDC-L 3.88  stations in a 500 kV power
and LDC-L are equivalent inverter
LDC‐L  inverter stations in a 10003.40 
grid. QDC-H and LDC-H are equivalent kV power grid.
LDC‐H  3.84 
NDC  4.32 
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 14 of 18

Table 4. MISCR of Each Inverter Station before Optimization.

Inverter Station MISCR

QDC-L 3.39
QDC-H 3.88
LDC-L 3.40
LDC-H 3.84
NDC 4.32
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487    14 of 18 

The basic partitions of this actual power system are shown in Figure 6. After six branches are
The basic partitions of this actual power system are shown in Figure 6. After six branches are 
switched off, the power system is divided into two partitions. And three partitions would emerge
switched off, the power system is divided into two partitions. And three partitions would emerge 
with nine branches switched off. Then, there are four partitions with twelve switched-off branches and
with nine branches switched off. Then, there are four partitions with twelve switched‐off branches 
five partitions with fifteen switched-off branches. These five partitions are basic partitions and can be
and five partitions with fifteen switched‐off branches. These five partitions are basic partitions and 
combined to generate different opening schemes.
can be combined to generate different opening schemes. 

BZ

GQ YC

QCT SG
TY ZB

JN
QDC
ZC CLT
GZ
TS NDC
LQ MZ

LDC LY

ZXP LZ
XT YN RZ
YM
LYT
ZZ
ZZT
HZT JX
YH LL
 
Figure 6. Basic partitions of actual power system 
Figure 6. Basic partitions of actual power system.

According to Combinatorics and the neighboring relationships among basic partitions, 46 different 
According to Combinatorics and the neighboring relationships among basic partitions, 46 different
opening schemes can be generated. It is not necessary to have all of these opening schemes evaluated 
opening schemes can be generated. It is not necessary to have all of these opening schemes evaluated
by the comprehensive evaluation model and fuzzy evaluation algorithm, which usually costs a lot of 
by the comprehensive evaluation model and fuzzy evaluation algorithm, which usually costs a lot
computation time. Thus, the generated opening schemes should be filtered first using the filtering 
of computation
index  time.
defined  in  (11) Thus, the generated
in  Section  openingfactors 
3  The  weighted  schemes of should beindex 
filtering  filtered first
are  using the
assigned  as  filtering
λ1  =  0.5,   
λ2 = 0.5.  Four  generated  opening schemes  (No.  1–4)  with  the largest filtering index as  well  1as =two 
index defined in (11) in Section 3 The weighted factors of filtering index are assigned as λ 0.5,
λ = 0.5. Four
experiential 
2 generated opening schemes (No. 1–4) with the largest filtering index as
opening  schemes  (No.  5–6)  are  selected  as  the  candidate  opening  schemes,  whose well as two
experiential opening schemes (No. 5–6) are selected as the candidate opening schemes, whose filtering
filtering indices and priority indices are shown in Table 5. In addition, the original network with no 
indices and priority indices are shown in Table 5. In addition, the original network with no branch
branch being switched off acts as the control group (No. 7) to highlight the effect of optimal opening 
being switched off acts as the control group (No. 7) to highlight the effect of optimal opening scheme.
scheme. 
In Table 5 the filtering index and priority index of the first four opening schemes generated by
proposed method are overall larger than two experiential schemes and original network. Based on
Table 5. Filtering Index and Priority Index of Candidate Schemes. 
the analysis above and results in Table 5, it can be concluded that the proposed parallel loop opening
No.  Candidate Opening Scheme 
method can effectively find optimal opening schemes in AC/DC Q’  M’ 
interconnected ξ  P 
power systems,
which
1  is usually more effective than the method based on engineering
QCT+CLT, LYT+ZZT+HZT  0.6306  experience.
0.7681  Additionally,
0.69935  the
0.5698 
comparison
2  between scheme 6 and scheme 7 indicates that0.6507 
QCT, CLT, LYT+ZZT+HZT  the experiential
0.6528 method cannot 0.5417 
0.65175  always
guarantee a better opening scheme. According to the priority index in Table 5, scheme 1 should be the
3  QCT+HZT+ZZT, CLT+ LYT  0.5291  0.6823  0.6057  0.5206 
optimal opening scheme, with the original network divided into two partitions.
4  QCT+HZT, CLT+ LYT +ZZT  0.5213  0.7214  0.62135  0.5257 
Open lines of YC‐SG, GQ‐SG, JN‐ZB, ZC‐GZ, 
5  0.5118  0.6924  0.6021  0.4798 
XT‐LZ, ZXP‐YM, ZZ‐YM, YH‐LL 
Open lines of TY‐TS, TS‐ZC, ZC‐ZXP, LZ‐LQ, 
6  0.4987  0.7422  0.62045  0.5175 
YN‐MZ, RZ‐LY 
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 15 of 18

Table 5. Filtering Index and Priority Index of Candidate Schemes.

No.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487   
Candidate Opening Scheme Q0 M0 ξ P 15 of 18 
1 QCT+CLT, LYT+ZZT+HZT 0.6306 0.7681 0.69935 0.5698
2 can  effectively 
method  QCT, CLT,
find  LYT+ZZT+HZT
optimal  0.6507
opening  schemes  in  0.6528 0.65175
AC/DC  interconnected  power 0.5417
systems, 
3 QCT+HZT+ZZT, CLT+ LYT 0.5291 0.6823 0.6057 0.5206
which is usually more effective than the method based on engineering experience. Additionally, the 
4 QCT+HZT, CLT+ LYT +ZZT 0.5213 0.7214 0.62135 0.5257
comparison between scheme 6 and scheme 7 indicates that the experiential method cannot always 
Open lines of YC-SG, GQ-SG, JN-ZB,
5 0.5118 0.6924 0.6021 0.4798
guarantee a better opening scheme. According to the priority index in Table 5, scheme 1 should be 
ZC-GZ, XT-LZ, ZXP-YM, ZZ-YM, YH-LL
the optimal opening scheme, with the original network divided into two partitions. 
Open lines of TY-TS, TS-ZC, ZC-ZXP,
6 0.4987 0.7422 0.62045 0.5175
As an AC/DC interconnected power system, the system stability (evaluated by MISCR) should 
LZ-LQ, YN-MZ, RZ-LY
7 Original Network 0.4533 0.7825 0.6179 0.5023
be checked after any opening scheme is employed. The MISCR calculation results after scheme 1 is 
employed, are shown in Table 6. 
As an AC/DC interconnected power system, the system stability (evaluated by MISCR) should
Table 6. MISCR (Multi‐Infeed Short Circuit Ratio) of Each Inverter Station with the Optimal Scheme. 
be checked after any opening scheme is employed. The MISCR calculation results after scheme 1 is
employed, are shown in Table 6. Inverter Station MISCR
QDC‐L  3.50 
QDC‐H 
Table 6. MISCR (Multi-Infeed Short Circuit Ratio) of Each Inverter Station3.90 
with the Optimal Scheme.
LDC‐L  3.61 
Inverter
LDC‐H Station MISCR 3.88 
NDC 
QDC-L 3.50 4.30 
QDC-H 3.90
Compared  with  the  MISCR  results  LDC-L 3.61
in  Table  4,  it  can  be  concluded  from  Table  6  that  system 
LDC-H 3.88
stability is high enough after scheme 1 is employed. From the perspective of time‐domain simulation, 
NDC 4.30
transient  voltage  curves  of  inverter  buses  of  QDC  and  LDC  inverter  stations  also  validate  this 
conclusion,  which  are  shown  in  Figure  7.  The  assumed  fault  is  that  QCT‐CLT  double  lines  are 
disconnected 
Compared with abruptly.  After  the 
the MISCR optimal 
results scheme 
in Table is  employed, 
4, it can be concluded the from
voltage 
Tablecurves 
6 that of  all  of stability
system four 
inverter buses are able to recover to stable state faster, which indicates a more stable power system. 
is high enough after scheme 1 is employed. From the perspective of time-domain simulation, transient
voltageAll  of  the 
curves above  simulation 
of inverter results 
buses of QDC and in this actual 
LDC inverter power  system 
stations also case  show 
validate that 
this the  proposed 
conclusion, which
method can effectively be applied in AC/DC interconnected power systems and successfully finds 
are shown in Figure 7. The assumed fault is that QCT-CLT double lines are disconnected abruptly.
the optimal opening scheme. The derived optimal scheme has good parallel loop opening effects and 
After the optimal scheme is employed, the voltage curves of all of four inverter buses are able to
strong support ability for multiple HVDC links. 
recover to stable state faster, which indicates a more stable power system.

 
(a) 

Figure 7. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 16 of 18
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487    16 of 18 

 
(b) 

 
(c) 

 
(d) 
Figure 7. Transient voltage curves of inverter buses: (a) QDC‐L; (b) QDC‐H; (c) LDC‐L; (d) LDC‐H.   
Figure 7. Transient voltage curves of inverter buses: (a) QDC-L; (b) QDC-H; (c) LDC-L; (d) LDC-H.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 487 17 of 18

All of the above simulation results in this actual power system case show that the proposed
method can effectively be applied in AC/DC interconnected power systems and successfully finds
the optimal opening scheme. The derived optimal scheme has good parallel loop opening effects and
strong support ability for multiple HVDC links.

6. Conclusions
With the development of higher-voltage power grids, the high- and low-voltage parallel loops are
emerging, which lead to energy losses and even threaten the security and stability of power systems.
To solve this problem not only in pure AC power grids but also in AC/DC interconnected power grids,
a decision optimization method is proposed. With this method, parallel loop opening schemes are
generated firstly and evaluated secondly. According to simulation results, this proposed method can
be used to find the optimal opening scheme in pure AC power systems, which is based on complex
network theory and has obvious superiority over experiential methods. In addition, this method can
be employed in AC/DC interconnected power systems successfully. The derived optimal scheme can
effectively coordinate the relationship between parallel loop opening effect and support ability for
multiple HVDC links.

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by State Grid Corporation of China, Major Projects under Grant
SGCC-MPLG020-2012 and SGSDDK00KJJS1600149.
Author Contributions: Dong Yang conceived and proposed the method; Kang Zhao and Hao Tian performed the
simulations and analyzed the data; Yutian Liu contributed academic ideas and paper framework; Dong Yang and
Kang Zhao wrote the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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