A new optimal routing algorithm for loss minimization and voltage stability improvement in radial power systems

This paper presents an optimal routing algorithm (ORA) for minimizing power loss and at the same time maximizing the voltage stability in radial power systems. In the proposed ORA, a voltage stability index (VSI) for real-time assessment is introduced based on the conventional critical transmission path framework. In addition, the algorithm can automatically detect the critical transmission paths that will result in voltage collapse when additional real or reactive loads are added. To implement effective ORA, an improved branch exchange (IBE) method has been developed based on a loss calculation index and tie-branch power flows that is suited for real-time applications. The proposed algorithm has been tested in the IEEE 32- and 69-bus systems as well as in a large-scale Korea Electric Power Company 148-bus system to show its effectiveness and efficiency.