A Mathematical Approach to Simultaneously Plan Generation and Transmission Expansion Based on Fault Current Limiters and Reliability Constraints

Abstract

Today, generation and transmission expansion planning (G&TEP) to meet potential load growth is restricted by reliability constraints and the presence of uncertainties. This study proposes the reliability constrained planning method for integrated renewable energy sources and transmission expansion considering fault current limiter (FCL) placement and sizing and N-1 security. Moreover, an approach for dealing with uncertain events is adopted. The proposed planning model translates into a mixed-integer non-linear programming model, which is complex and not easy to solve. The problem was formulated as a tri-level problem, and a hybridization framework between meta-heuristic and mathematical optimization algorithms was introduced to avoid linearization errors and simplify the solution. For this reason, three meta-heuristic techniques were tested. The proposed methodology was conducted on the Egyptian West Delta system. The numerical results demonstrated the efficiency of integrating G&TEP and FCL allocation issues in improving power system reliability. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the hybridization algorithm in solving the suggested problem was validated by comparison with other optimization algorithms.