Stochastic Optimal Power Flow Under Forecast Errors and Failures in Communication

Communication networks play an important role in the operation and control of power grids. The integration of intermittent and stochastic renewable energy sources into the electricity system increases the criticality of these communications systems to maintain the reliability of the overall power network. Communication networks are employed to continually update system operators about the status of generators and loads in the system, as well as other key information. We present a stochastic optimal power flow formulation where we account for errors in forecasting future load and renewable generation while also considering random failures in the communication network employed to communicate the realized values of the quantities for which we have forecasts. The communication network is also assumed to be employed for the control of loads and generators in the power system. Thus, a failure to communicate between the grid operator and entities in the power grid can also result in the loss of controllability for any such entity. We illustrate the utility of our model by presenting results that identify the optimal topology for a communication network supporting the operation of an IEEE standard 9-bus system. We also discuss several properties regarding the identified optimal topologies.