Optimizing Switching Actions for Reducing Operational Switching Effort in Transmission System Operations Using a Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Grid congestion management in modern transmission grids increasingly utilizes switching actions to reduce costly remedial actions (RA). We present an optimization framework that, starting from an existing topology optimization result based on robust topologies, uses a rolling genetic algorithm to systematically select and schedule switching operations. By penalizing complex switching actions such as feeder changeovers, the method reduces operational effort while still providing effective congestion relief. Simulation results on an adapted IEEE 118-bus test network demonstrate notable reductions in complex switching actions and maintain similar overall RA costs. Raising the maximum allowed switching effort shows comparable RA cost while increasing switching effort notably. These outcomes suggest practical benefits of the proposed method for transmission system operators facing personnel resource constraints when including topology optimization based on robust topologies in remedial action optimization (RAO).

Authors 4

1. Felix Preuschoff Aachen Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Power Economics (IAEW), RWTH Aachen University,Aachen,Germany

2. Mengyuan Zhang Aachen Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Power Economics (IAEW), RWTH Aachen University,Aachen,Germany

3. Christian Fester Aachen Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Power Economics (IAEW), RWTH Aachen University,Aachen,Germany

4. Albert Moser Aachen Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Power Economics (IAEW), RWTH Aachen University,Aachen,Germany