Decision tree approach to power systems security assessment

Abstract An overview of the general decision tree approach to power system security assessment is presented. The general decision tree methodology is outlined, modifications proposed in the context of transient stability assessment are embedded, and further refinements are considered. The approach is then suitably tailored to handle other specifics of power systems security, relating to both preventive and emergency voltage control, in addition to transient stability. Trees are accordingly built in these various application domains, and their salient features are explored, assessed, compared. Among attractive aspects of the trees, we mention their ability to uncover the intrinsic mechanism governing physical processes, and to provide a clear description in terms of tractable system parameters. Further, their dual, ‘attribute space’ representation is shown to have complementary possibilities for more refined analysis and, in addition, for sensitivity assessment and control. Overall, the approach is characterized by its great flexibility with respect to tree structure, types of physical parameters driving the phenomena, and classes of potential applications. To illustrate and support the developments, real-world examples are reported, relating to transient and voltage stability issues simulated on several power systems.