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Title: An introduction to optimal power flow: Theory, formulation, and examples

Journal Article · · IIE Transactions

The set of optimization problems in electric power systems engineering known collectively as Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is one of the most practically important and well-researched subfields of constrained nonlinear optimization. OPF has enjoyed a rich history of research, innovation, and publication since its debut five decades ago. Nevertheless, entry into OPF research is a daunting task for the uninitiated--both due to the sheer volume of literature and because OPF's ubiquity within the electric power systems community has led authors to assume a great deal of prior knowledge that readers unfamiliar with electric power systems may not possess. This article provides an introduction to OPF from an operations research perspective; it describes a complete and concise basis of knowledge for beginning OPF research. The discussion is tailored for the operations researcher who has experience with nonlinear optimization but little knowledge of electrical engineering. Topics covered include power systems modeling, the power flow equations, typical OPF formulations, and common OPF extensions.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1328996
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5500-67031
Journal Information:
IIE Transactions, Vol. 48, Issue 12; ISSN 0740-817X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English