A unique mathematical optimization approach for examination of failure effects on electric power transmission grids by combined environmental and economic indicators

Abstract

Purpose To achieve the optimum performance of electric transmission power system performance, the possibility of generators’ failure and the consequences are amongst the most important and real assumptions which should be taken into consideration. This paper aims to recognize the most influential factors on generators’ failures that can have a deep effect on the total cost and environmental issues. The integrated proposed approach is useful for investigating the generators’ failure effects on the performance of electric power transmission grids from the economic and environmental perspectives. In other words, the cost and pollution minimization policies are considered to decrease the unfavorable generators’ failure effects on electric power flow. Design/methodology/approach The data used in this study are gathered from a real case in USA in first step, the influential generator points that their failure has a significant effect on the objective function, have been recognized. Then, different failure scenarios are defined, and the optimum values in each of these scenarios through the GAMS modeling software are found. Consequently, by using a two-level factorial design approach, the critical generators across the power grid are determined. Findings The results show that by using such information, it is possible to detect the significant nodes in the power system grid and have a better maintenance plan. In addition, by means of this analysis and changing the capacity of main generators, it is possible to significantly reduce the operation costs. By comparing the indexes in case of the generator’s location, it seems that some of them are critical because of their capacity and position in the network (as their failure causes infeasibility in the model). Also, some of these deficiencies caused considerable index changes and critical consequences. Practical implications The integrated proposed approach is useful for investigating the generators’ failure effects on the performance of electric power transmission grids from the economic and environmental perspectives. In other words, the cost and pollution minimization policies are considered to decrease the unfavorable generators’ failure effects on electric power flow. Social implications This paper endeavors to recognize the most influential factors on generators’ failures that can have a deep effect on the total cost and environmental issues. Originality/value The integrated proposed approach is useful for investigating the generators’ failure effects on the performance of electric power transmission grids from the economic and environmental perspectives. In other words, the cost and pollution minimization policies are considered to decrease the unfavorable generators’ failure effects on electric power flow.