Research on large-scale cascading failure of power systems using synergistic effect

This paper discusses the primary causes from the point of synergistic effects to improve power system vulnerability in the power system planning and safety operation. Based on the vulnerability conception in the complex network theory the vulnerability of the power system can be evaluated by the minimum load loss rate when considering power supply ability.Consequently according to the synergistic effect theory the critical line of the power system is defined by its influence on failure set vulnerability in N-k contingencies.The cascading failure modes are proposed based on the criterion whether the acceptable load curtailment level is below a preset value.Significant conclusions are revealed by results of IEEE 39 case analysis weak points of power networks and heavy load condition are the main causes of large-scale cascading failures damaging synergistic effects can result in partial failure developed into large-scale cascading failures vulnerable lines of power systems can directly lead the partial failure to deteriorate into a large blackout while less vulnerable lines can cause a large-scale cascading failure.