A Comprehensive Review on Stochastic Optimal Power Flow Problems and Solution Methodologies

Abstract

The deregulation of the electricity market has been accompanied by the growing utilization of unpredictable renewable energy sources (RESs) such as solar, wind, and hydropower plants. Additionally, advancements in energy storage technologies and new energy demands have further contributed to this trend. As a result, the planning and operation of power systems are now surrounded by a higher level of uncertainty. In order to ensure the proper operation of power systems integrated with RESs, modern power systems are equipped with specific vital tools such as optimal power flow (OPF), which regulates generation and demand to achieve specific objectives. Hence, this paper conducts a comprehensive review of recently published research articles focusing on various solution strategies to address OPF problems in the presence of stochastic RESs and power demand. The review encompasses diverse solution methodologies, objective functions, constraints, and distinct techniques to simulate the stochastic behavior of RESs and dynamic loads. Additionally, the paper explores fundamental challenges, identifies critical research gaps, and highlights unexplored areas pertaining to optimal power system operation in the future. This review is essential for system operators who need to assess and pre-plan flexibility competency for their power systems to ensure practical and cost-effective operation under high RESs penetration.

Keywords:

• Metaheuristic optimization algorithms
• Optimal power flow
• Probability density functions
• Renewable energy sources
• Renewable uncertainty

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ankur Maheshwari

Ankur Maheshwari received his Bachelor of Technology in electrical engineering from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University (Lucknow) in 2010, Master of Technology in Electrical Engineering from NIT Hamirpur (HP) in 2017. Presently, he is pursuing his PhD in electrical engineering, NIT Hamirpur (HP). His research area is optimal power flow incorporating renewable energy sources. Email: [email protected]

Yog Raj Sood

Yog Raj Sood received the Bachelor of Science degree from Punjab University Chandigarh in 1980 and Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical in 1984, and Master of Engineering in power systems in 1987 from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. He received his doctoral degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, in 2003. Presently, he is working as vice-chancellor in Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. He worked as a Professor (HAG) in the Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Hamirpur (HP), India. He has published more than 340 research papers and guided many research scholars. He is an expert in computer applications of power systems, microgrid in distributed generation, deregulation, wheeling, and renewable energy system in distributed power systems. Email: [email protected]

Supriya Jaiswal

Supriya Jaiswal received the Bachelor of Technology (Electrical) from National Institute of Technology, Raipur (CG), in 2009, Master of Engineering in control systems from Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi in 2013; and PhD from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur in 2019. She is currently working as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Hamirpur (HP). Her research interests are power quality, smart energy metering, and demand-side management.