The Adaptive Robust Multi-Period Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow Problem

Abstract

This paper jointly addresses two major challenges in power system operations: i) dealing with non-convexity in the power flow equations, and ii) systematically capturing uncertainty in renewable power availability and in active and reactive power consumption at load buses. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a two-stage adaptive robust optimization model for the multi-period AC optimal power flow problem (AC-OPF) with detailed modeling considerations such as reactive capability curves of conventional and renewable generators and transmission constraints. This paper then applies strong SOCP-based convex relaxations of AC-OPF combined with the use of an alternating direction method to identify worst-case uncertainty realizations, and also presents a speed-up technique based on screening transmission line constraints. Extensive computational experiments show that the solution method is efficient and that the robust AC OPF model has significant advantages both from the economic and reliability standpoints as compared to a deterministic AC-OPF model.