A vulnerability-constrained quad-level model for coordination of generation and transmission expansion planning under seismic- and terrorist-induced events

Abstract In this paper, the authors present a new vulnerability-constrained model for coordination of generation and transmission expansion planning (CGTEP) under seismic- and terrorist-induced events. The proposed planning model is outlined by a quad-level optimization problem with the aim of heightening the resilience of the power grid in reaction to these catastrophic failures. The first level represents remedial corrective actions, as short-term independent system operator (ISO)’s reaction after the seismic- and terrorist-induced events, to apply generation re-dispatch and grid re-configuration. The second level rigorously models and assesses the seismic- and terrorist-induced events, as non-random uncertain events, and their subsequent devastating effects through a modified scenario generation procedure (MSGP). In the third and fourth levels, however, the resilient optimal generation and transmission expansion plans, as the long-term ISO’s reaction after the seismic- and terrorist-induced events, are characterized by using a hybrid of the CGTEP and transmission switching devices allocation (TSDA). To solve the proposed large-scale mixed-integer nonlinear quad-level model, a potent symphony orchestra search algorithm (SOSA) was widely employed. The SOSA is an optimization technique recently developed by the authors, which inspires the organization and interactive relationship among members of a symphony orchestra. The proposed planning model was implemented on the modified 400-kV 52-bus Iranian power grid to represent the feasibility and effectiveness of the newly developed model.